Kind reader Jason sent in a hot tip about the new title holder of Darwin's best laksa and a notable bánh mì from the lunch menu at The Deck Bar, the latter of which immediately peaked my interest. The only time I ever went to The Deck Bar previously was for the occasional drink with the Captovate crew and to appear as an extra in a TV commercial. In other words, the food there never registered on my radar – until today that is. Turns out, the new proprietor has worked his magic on the lunch menu with a combination of Asian and Australian dishes (Australasian?). Also turns out that Jason the tipster happens to be the new owner as I later discovered.

There's Vietnamese food on the menu

None the less, the Vietnamese dishes on the lunch menu was called to me like a moth to flame. Plus I was without lunch today as somebody threw out my stash of food from the work fridge this morning (still not happy about that). So come 11.45am and needing to eat, I announced I was headed to The Deck bar. Emma didn't even blink before tagging along, then Richard hopped on board with Michael completing the group of tag-alongs. All keen to check out the new-ish menu no doubt. Half way there Karen comes whistling along not wanting to be left behind either (we tried our best... jks!)

Fresh coriander in a sanga. For those who've never had it, you're missing out big time.

With the dry season in full swing, sitting on the deck with a cool breeze and a few mates was an awesome way to spend a lunch break. We were early so lunch arrived quickly. My Vietnamese sub had all the makings of a Saigon street corner hawker classic, minus the proper bread which I've previously mentioned as being impossible to find here in Darwin. But that's ok because it tasted supreme and had the fundamentals down pat with the use of bright red roast pork, pâté and a lightly toasted baguette (extra points for the detail).

Darwin's best laksa?

As for the laksa, I think every establishment in Darwin who serves one claims theirs is the best, so any self proclamation is to be taken with a grain of salt. Emma commented on the large amount of oil on top and that she had to dig deep into the bowl to get the spicy kick that she was after. In her books, the best laksa gong still remains at Rendevouz.

Whilst it seems people still prefer to get sloshed at The Deck Bar after hours, lunch seems to be quite popular judging by how quickly it filled up while we were there. The menu certainly seems very aligned with my food preferences, so I'll definitely be headed their for the occasional lunch in future. I've no doubt I'll be followed by my colleagues too.