It’s loud and colourful, diverse and delicious, and not far from the city

When it gets warm in Bankstown, there’s nothing like the sound of a Home Ice Cream truck.

Bar that, it’s time to head to an air-conditioned venue.

Shoppers walk along Chapel Road in Saigon Place, Bankstown.Credit: Kate Geraghty

I remember when Bankstown Central was called Centro Bankstown, and then Bankstown Square before that. It’s where I had my first jobs. If you can survive Christmas retail there you can achieve anything. I love how the shopping centre has had a few new additions, but the layout and dull lighting remain the same. I love how when you cross the street between the two buildings, you’re greeted by a smorgasbord of faces.

I remember recognising Bankstown Library in season two of Janet King and getting excited. Like the kind of excitement you get when you spot a Sydney landmark in Hollywood films.

I remember going for walks with my mum and brother to the plaza now known as Saigon Place. I knew which place sold the best banh mi, and for the best price, before I could speak English. Visiting grocers to stock up on ingredients like bean sprouts, or okra, or pork belly before doing the rest of the shop over at the Square.

Bankstown is loud and colourful and it’s diverse and delicious. It’s also actually not that far from the city, so worth the trip if you’re after a roll for less than $10.

A woman organising traditional Vietnamese decorations on sale in preparation for New Year’s Eve on Chapel Road.Credit: Kate Geraghty

Best cafe?

Slightly outside Bankstown but adjacent to the airport, so I think it counts: Wild Child in Georges Hall got me caffeinated all through lockdown. Friendly service and an array of delicious dishes to choose from (and Instagram-friendly if that’s a criteria).

Best restaurant?

It would be a family betrayal if I didn’t say An Restaurant. My go-to is a large (because why not, the broth is liquid gold) beef combination and an iced coffee. Don’t forget to dip the beef into the supplied sate sauce. Besides An, Mam Mam, My Canh and Thang Long also do great traditional Vietnamese food. Or Watsup Brothers for a HSP with the holy trinity.

A queue for Banh Mih in Saigon Place.Credit: Kate Geraghty

Best beach, park or pool?

Bankstown Square food court is my third place.

First place you take visitors?

Exit Bankstown Station via Saigon Place for a feed and sugar cane juice.

Produce sellers in Saigon Place.Credit: Kate Geraghty

Perfect night out in Bankstown?

A long drive that ends with a kebab with the lot.

What would make your suburb better?

A working public transport system and/or people who drive to the speed limit.

Best secret spot in your suburb?

La Piazza, a strip of amazing Italian restaurants inside Bankstown Sports Club. It’s almost like being in Italy (not really).

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