In just over a year since graduating from The Kitchen Project, Julie Vu has taken a giant leap forward in her food journey with the opening of her very own Vietnamese restaurant, Phở Yen, in Mt Eden. Located at 617 Dominion Road, this cosy spot is already making waves, with queues out the door on opening night and glowing word of mouth buzz.
Julie’s story is one of heart, heritage and hard work. After moving to New Zealand, she found herself missing the comforting flavours of home, especially her mother’s beef phở, simmered for 18 hours with care and tradition. That longing turned into purpose, and Julie began recreating her family’s recipe as a way to feel closer to home.
In 2023, she joined The Kitchen Project to take that passion further. From day one, Julie’s ambition was crystal clear. She wanted to open her own restaurant and share the flavours of home. Through the programme, she gained the business skills, food safety certification and mentorship needed to turn her dream into a viable venture. With support from TKP and encouragement from a community that believed in her, Julie transformed her kitchen knowhow into a brand with real potential.
Soon after, she became a hit at food markets across Auckland. You may have spotted her serving steaming bowls of phở at Silo Park, Botany Night Market or the Lantern Festival, winning loyal fans with every spoonful and refining her offering along the way.
Now, together with her partner Bodi, Julie has brought her beloved phở recipe to a bricks and mortar location where the broth is still made with the same patience and pride.
Phở Yen is more than a restaurant. It is the realisation of a ten year dream.
“This little restaurant has been a dream in the making for 10 years,” says Julie. “Built on 35 years of our mum’s delicious phở and the love she poured into every bowl. Now, we’re bringing those same family recipes to life right here in Auckland.”
Expect cosy vibes, a warm welcome and phở that tastes like home, whether you’re a longtime lover of Vietnamese food or discovering it for the first time.
Phở Yen is open Thursday to Sunday:
Lunch from 11am to 2pm
Dinner from 5pm to 9pm.
Trust us, you need to try Julie’s phở. It’s a true taste sensation, served with pride and a happy heart.
Visit Phở Yen at 617 Dominion Road, Mt Eden.
