While I didn't come across a McDonalds in Vietnam, there were plenty of other franchises. KFC, Lotteria (the McDonalds alternative) and Pho 24.

You can normally buy a bowl of beef noodle soup for $5000 - $15000 VND, so it's slightly more expensive here, but you'll see why.

They focus on ultra-cleanliness and quality. You would never get a plate of condiments this clean in Australia. The mints were washed and all of the same size... the lime was lively and the bean sprouts even had their roots trimmed!

The verdict? Although the pho stock was splendid, the beef didn't really do it for me. I suppose there wasn't all that much grass or land for cattle to graze on, but the quality of the meat cried out a huge difference to what's offered in Sydney.

Pho 24 is in the big game. Not only are they all over Vietnam, but they manufacture drinks too. This sugarcane drink wasn't too different to the fresh variety you can get on the streets.

On the menu were also traditional Vietnamese spring rolls, my favourite soursop shake and taro sago pudding.

Pho 24
http://www.pho24.com.vn