Imagine if the value of Victoria Street manifested in a modern, well-designed eatery in the city. You would probably stop ingesting soggy sandwiches at your desk and visit every day around noon. We’re here to tell you that as of a few of weeks ago, you no longer need to imagine — Roll’d has answered your rice paper prayers.

This brand new, Vietnamese fast food outlet already has queues snaking out the door, thanks to their focus on freshness. The limited seating inside, and the colourful red and blue stools that spill out onto Goldsbrough Lane, have been occupied since day dot. Even so, the Roll’d team manages to keep their customers happy courtesy of their quality fare and practical ordering system.

Place a tick on the menu next to the items you plan to munch for lunch, order at the counter, and then collect your food when you hear them yell your name above the collective chomping.

Choose from a selection of rice paper rolls, including lemongrass pork and prawn, soft shell crab and avocado, tofu and pickled carrots or BBQ chicken and sesame. Try Mama Hoang’s sloppy roll (bánh mì, a Saigon-style baguette) with pork meatballs in a tomato-based sauce, or order a gỏi salad if you’re on a health kick (the lotus stem and duck is a treat). There’s also the option of thin rice vermicelli noodles with a variety of toppings, and pho of course.

Like the food, the interior at Roll’d is fresh and simple. Wooden detailing sits beneath the glass lining the counter, showing off the staff’s preparation skills and flaunting trays of produce. A mural by street artist Drewfunk depicts a Vietnamese beach scene, complete with a replica of one of the Roll’d tables stretching towards the water.

With the hustle and bustle of this busy joint, the authentic Vietnamese fare on offer, and a mural of where you’d rather be, Roll’d is perfect for that lunchtime daydream.

Location: Goldsbrough Lane, Shop TG10, 181 William Street, Melbourne
Open: Mon-Fri 11am-3pm
Phone: (03) 9600 1088
Details: rolld.com.au/