Most of Blacktown’s personality lies outside the monstrous mall, so this spot across from it is worth knowing about. With a smart fit-out, roomy tables and a likeable menu, it serves workers and locals from this multicultural community. A respectable ban xeo - crisp pancake - was a little light on the salad greens for wrapping segments but is generously filled with pork, prawns and beansprouts. Delicately creamy rice cakes with nicely charred bottoms are among the best in town. Then take a trip to ginger town with pork-stuffed calamari with oyster sauce, bok choy and drinkable brothy goodness.