The Mekong Delta is the bottom half of Vietnam's two rice baskets, the other being the Red River Delta in the North . This vast delta is formed by the deposition of the multiple tentacles and tributaries of the mighty Mekong River which has its origin in the Tibetan highland plateau 2,800 miles away. From its source, the river makes its way through China, Myanmar (Burma), Laos, Cambodia and South Vietnam before flowing out into the South China Sea. The Mekong's Vietnamese name, Cuu Long, means Nine Dragons for the nine mouths that terminate the flow of this great river as it is absorbed by the sea.

The people of south Vietnam are often very proud of the richness and vastness of this land. When referring to the rice fields in this area, they often say "co bay thang canh", meaning the land is so large that the cranes can stretch their wings as they fly. Today, the region is one of Vietnam's highest producer of rice crops, vegetables and fruits.

Vietnamese cuisine is a highly specialised craft. Dishes are based on the fresh ingredients grown in the region, with some French influence in the South. Traditionally recipes are passed down only to daughters, making sure that family secrets survive through the generations.

Currently most Vietnamese restaurants in Melbourne are a blend of Chinese, Thai and Malaysian dishes. The Mekong Delta Restaurant takes pride in its authentic menu, comprising of dishes specific to the three regions of Vietnam: Hanoi, Hue and Saigon. Its name, the Mekong Delta, stems from the great river that runs through the south of Vietnam. Rice fields and fishermen are found along the river, which originates in Tibet, and the Vietnamese people have named it Cuu Long (Nine Dragons).

Head chef, Agnes Giang Bach Thüy, was born in the south of Vietnam. Her mother trained at the renowned Bach Khoa Phu Tho institution in Saigon. Agnes, whose name means clear water in a river, has pursued her passion for cooking since leaving Vietnam in 1980. She has taught at various schools in Melbourne and was involved with a documentary for Video Cooking Australasia.

Special dishes include the Hanoi Grilled Fish, the famous Saigon Seven Beef Dishes, Hue Prawn Dumpling in Banana Leaves, rice dainties, 'vermicelli burritos' and the affectionately named Rocket Prawns.

The Mekong Delta Restaurant can also provide catering for private functions and corporate lunches.