Jerry Mai, the mohawked Vietnamese Australian chef and owner of Annam and Pho Nom restaurants, is opening a beer hall in Glen Waverley.
Bia Hoi, which means "beer hall" and "draft beer" in Vietnamese, joins The Glen's new dining precinct alongside Betty's Burgers, Shujinko Ramen and Gami Chicken. It'll be a neighbourhood-focused restaurant, slinging Vietnamese and locally brewed beers alongside Mai's modern Vietnamese food.
Modelled on the neighbourhood beer halls of Vietnam, Bia Hoi will seat 50 inside and 30 outside, with a huge U-shaped bar, red brick, rattan and terracotta details, and lanterns and wooden window shutters sourced from Vietnam.
Hitting the tables will be snacks such as crispy pork skin, salted peanuts and dried squid, rice-paper rolls, skewers, and larger share plates. Diners will also be able to grill their own meats at the table, or share a Vietnamese hot pot.
Local breweries including Dandenong's Kaiju and Frankston's Mr Banks are represented on the beer list, beside Vietnamese favourites such as 333, Bia Hanoi and Saigon Special. There will also be a short list of wines and cocktails.
"We want it to be a place where people can feel at home, eat some great food and have heaps of fun," Mai says.
Bia Hoi will open on August 1, 11am-late daily.
The Glen, 235 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley, biahoibar.com.au.
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