PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIARestaurants such as the Saigon used to be a dime a dozen in the Darwin and Palmerston area – lively Asian suburban family venues serving up great authentic food at bargain prices. In recent years these have all but disappeared, so it’s heartening to walk into this little gem of a restaurant and be able to experience exotic Asian flavours for as little as $10.
As one would expect, Saigon specialises in Vietnamese cooking so make sure you head straight to the house specials on the menu. Don’t miss the vermicelli with spring rolls and grilled pork, or crispy skin chicken and rice. The delicious pan-fried pork and king prawn hot pot is the standout dish among the authentic Vietnamese fare, and a favourite with the locals as well. The rest of the menu is extensive, and will spoil even the broadest of palates for choice, offering vegetarian, chicken, meat, pork and seafood dishes in an array of cooking styles. Looking past the 80s cigarette billboard-inspired feature wall, Saigon’s decor is otherwise sophisticated and refined, with mood lighting creating a happy and comfortable ambience. Family-friendly and open for dinner seven days a week, you and your family or friends will have a great, inexpensive night out at the Saigon Vietnamese Restaurant.
Liam Phillips