A Vietnamese beer cafe (bia hoi) named for former communist leader Ho Chi Minh opens in New Farm today. Uncle Ho's owner, Anna Demirbek moved to Australia nine years ago and has worked at St Ali coffee roasters and Botanical in Melbourne. Originally from Sweden, she's also lived in Singapore, which ignited her love affair with south east Asia she says.

"We were very lucky that everything was so close in Singapore. We could go to other countries for the weekend. My partner and I just fell in love with Vietnam - it's such a special place with the loveliest people. Every time we go, I can't get enough of the culture or the food."

Demirbek decided that Brisbane, rather than Melbourne, was the place for her solo venture. "All paths seemed to lead to Brisbane for me. Melbourne is already crowded with good Vietnamese places, but Brisbane still needed something like this. I lived here nine years ago for six months and loved it but when I came back, boy had it changed! It's really an exciting time for Brisbane hospitality."

Food is casual street-food style; dumplings, Hanoi-style rice paper rolls, pho, banh mi and grilled meats. Chef Tuan Ngo was the former sous chef at Melbourne's Chin Chin. There are six beers on tap, including a traditional light 'bia hoi' style brewed especially for Uncle Ho's, as well as Tiger and Cricketer's Arms.There's also a small, carefully chosen wine list with a focus on Asian food-friendly aromatics.

Open Mon-Fri 11am-late; Sat-Sun 10am to late.

7/826 Ann Street, New Farm 07 3161 4688, uncleho.com.au