Saigon Cuisine (Vietnamese)

Mmmm, mmmm good.  Wait, "good" doesn't even come close to describing my last food experience at Saigon Cuisine.  It was down-right sensational.  Don’t let its exterior dissuade you from walking through its doors – you will be pleasantly surprised once inside this Vietnamese gem.  An elegant and tastefully decorated place, Saigon Cuisine is definitely a place you could take a business meeting or a night out (in fact, they have live music from 6-10pm every Saturday).

Regardless of what you might be thinking you want to order, take my word for it; when you walk in, sit down, and the server comes over to take your drinks, order a (actually, make that two) #17(s) which is marinated grilled pork and mint wrapped in rice noodles served with peanut dipping sauce - probably one of the best things I've ever eaten (there's literally a party in your mouth).  You can also order Vietnamese spring rolls; though they are similar to other types of spring rolls, these ones are particularly thick and crunchy (usually served mint and other herbs which you wrap around the rolls and dip in their special serving sauce). Iced Vietnamese coffee is also a nice treat, especially if you are dining mid-day!

a half-eaten #17 (sorry about the blur; this just does not give it justice)

I’m particularly fond of “bun,” vermicelli rice noodle dishes that you dress with various sauces according to your own palate.  Saigon’s menu has an expanse of bun options, along with traditional Vietnamese “pho” (soup with your choice of meats and herbs) and rice dishes.  My advice is to take several friends, order separate dishes, and eat family style (all dishes in the center of the table and shared).  I followed my own advice and took a couple of people with me for lunch; after the appetizer, we shared #79 (bun with egg rolls, grilled shrimp, and pork), #95 (rice with stir fried beef and sate), and #124 (egg or rice noodles served with stir fried vegetables and seafood).  The portion sizes were a bit intimidating when they came out, but somehow, we managed to triumph!  Or did we (there was total silence with the occasional groan stemming from sheer delight)?

#79

#124

#95

One final word, tame your Vietnamese cravings for any day but Thursday because Saigon Cuisine is closed that day. How do I know this?  Just trust me... 

Check it out:
1394 N. State Rd 7
Margate, FL  33063
Tel. (954) 975-2426