These days, almost every Budapest district has at least one decent Asian eatery, probably two or three. Saigon Bisztró is a Vietnamese-style outlet providing District VI residents with fine-quality authentic cuisine. But it isn’t only people from the neighbourhood who come here to enjoy Saigon’s wok-fried noodles and rice dishes – its tasty phô soup and crispy spring rolls attract diners from across the city.
Good Morning Vietnam, Hanoi Xua, Hai Nam, Vietnami Speciális Melegkonyha and Sáó have all earned much acclaim when it comes to irresistible phô soup. This top list can also welcome Saigon Bistro, an unpretentious and long-established buffet on Szondi utca, between Oktogon and Nyugati station.
The restaurant’s interior is nothing more complicated than its outer shell suggests. Decorative elements include artificial lotus flowers and food photos mounted on the wall in plastic covering. On each table you’ll find a bottle of Sriracha sauce, essential to any Thai or Vietnamese eateries in Budapest.
Saigon’s popularity doesn’t lie in the decoration. Its menu is something similar to what you would expect from equally plain-looking street-food spots found in narrow Vietnamese alleyways.
You order over the counter from a menu that features a whopping selection of 14 different soups, with beef, chicken, meatballs, even just vegetables. Prices are structured into size categories, small, medium and large.
A medium-sized basic phô with beef (1,250 forints) is served with a clear broth and just a pinch of coriander. Namesake Saigon soup (1,350 forints) is the most popular among guests for its characteristic spices, and richer content with meat, shrimps and quail eggs. A dab of lemon juice makes this warming treat even more delightful.
You still should have some space left for the summer or spring rolls. Wrapped in Vietnamese bánh tráng, the summer version (1,250 forints for two pieces) comes with chunky shrimps and with peanut sauce for dipping. Spring rolls (750 forints for two pieces) are spicier, with crispy outer layers. Wok dishes also feature, including fried noodles with duck and rice with seafood. Platters are also available.
