Discover this new subterranean Vietnamese bar and restaurant in the heart of the CBD

What comes to mind when you think of Vietnamese food? You might be imagining aromatic pho, rice paper rolls and vermicelli noodles. Forget that, Forty Licks is out to flip Vietnamese cuisine on its head. Bringing central Vietnamese street food to life, Forty Licks is Sydney’s newest subterranean restaurant and bar. The restaurant, named aptly after a Rolling Stones compilation album, opened its doors to the public just 6 months ago. 

Located underneath York St in the Sydney CBD, you will be met by a black and gold tiered dining space. This layering was designed intentionally, drawing inspiration from the rice paddies in Vietnam. Long bamboo structures hang from the ceiling at Forty Licks, alongside exposed sandstone bricks and timber. 

Forty Licks is Vietnamese like you’ve never had before, serving modern flavours with refined French style cooking techniques. You have plenty of choices with a selection of share plates and mains. Don’t expect your Banh Xeo to come in a giant pancake. Instead, Forty Licks serves their Banh Xeo Tom as mini crispy pancakes, with king prawns, bean sprouts, and nuoc cham sauce. Make sure you order the Ga Nuong – half BBQ Bannockburn chicken aged in Vietnamese miso and lime leaf paste, with salt and pepper lime juice. 

For those looking for a healthier option, try Forty Licks’ Nom Ga Xe Phay (shredded chicken salad) with hot mint, red onion, green papaya and sour herbs. Or perhaps the Salat Ca Hoi (roast ocean trout salad) is more up your alley, mixed in with miso and black pepper dressing, snow pea tendril and cabbage. The restaurant also has plenty of vegetarian salad options. 

Make sure you try the cocktails at Forty Licks. Get into party mode with the TEQ-TING cocktail made with El Jimador Blanco Tequila, lime, green tea, pink grapefruit and fresh raspberries. The LICK ME FORTY is another popular choice with Tanqueray Gin, St Germain Elderflower Liqueur, grapefruit and hibicus. They also have plenty of colourful mocktails and a nice wine list.

For more information, check out their website here.

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