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VDR stands for VERY DELICIOUS ROLLS. The name pretty much defines the brand. Run together by three friends, VDR is the perfect place to find comforting food and chill with friends. We had the pleasure of talking to one of the founders, Ralph and uncovering their journey from friends to business partners.
The story of this food hub began over a simple meal. These three friends were seated together enjoying their meal and chatting, when one of them casually mentioned that they should open a Vietnamese place in Adelaide. At the time, it seemed like just another passing thought. But after returning from a trip to the Philippines, Ralph discovered that his two friends had already laid the groundwork. Without hesitation, they decided to take the plunge and open their own Vietnamese eatery.
Like many small businesses, the first day at VDR was a mix of excitement and uncertainty. "We had no idea what we were doing," he admits with a laugh. "I think we barely made any sales."
But rather than feeling discouraged, the team embraced the challenge, determined to refine their craft and build something meaningful.
We just kinda winged it – Ralph says.
None of the co-founders had a professional background in cooking. They had experience in retail and other fields, but running a restaurant was entirely new territory.
Despite their lack of formal culinary training, the team knew one thing for sure: the menu had to feature a roast pork roll. "One of my best friend's moms used to own a Vietnamese restaurant, and she shared her recipe with us," Ralph explains. With some tweaking and fine-tuning, they crafted a dish that has since become a signature item at VDR.
When asked to describe Vietnamese cuisine, he highlights its comforting yet healthy nature. "It's homely, it's fresh, and it's balanced." This philosophy extends to every dish they serve.
Growing up in Cebu, Philippines, one of the co-founders saw the natural overlap between Filipino and Vietnamese flavors. “The ingredient profile is actually quite similar,” he notes. “Even our roast pork has a bit of a Filipino twist, but we still use Vietnamese staples like lemongrass.” The fusion results in a unique flavor that resonates with customers from both cultures and beyond.
If you ever find yourself at VDR, one dish you absolutely must try is the roast pork noodle bowl—with extra sauce.
What truly sets VDR apart is its deep connection to its customers. “We know almost everyone who comes in. It’s a real community here,” he shares. More than 90% of their patrons are regulars, turning VDR into more than just a restaurant—it’s a neighborhood gathering spot.
VDR takes pride in making almost everything in-house. "We even make our own soy sauce," Ralph says. "It’s a blend of dark and light soy with star anise, onions, and other ingredients—it’s something you have to taste." From their homemade fish sauce to freshly pickled carrots, every element of their dishes is carefully prepared to enhance the overall experience.
One of the biggest misconceptions about Vietnamese food, he points out, is that it’s "cheap and easy." In reality, Vietnamese cuisine requires meticulous preparation and an emphasis on fresh ingredients. "People assume it’s unhealthy because of things like noodle bowls or bread rolls, but the truth is, everything is made with care and fresh produce."
From a casual conversation among friends to a thriving business, VDR’s journey is one of passion, adaptation, and community. With a commitment to fresh ingredients, traditional flavors, and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s no wonder that this small Vietnamese eatery has become a staple. If you visit the town, do visit this place for VERY DELICIOUS ROLLS!
Updated on 10 Dec 2025
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