A Brothy Baptism of the Soul (With a Ukrainian Side Quest)
If I could give Nellie’s Kitchen 87 stars and a standing ovation mid-meal, I would. This isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a divine portal to Flavortown with a stopover in Saigon and a warm hug from your long-lost Vietnamese auntie who insists you’re too skinny and won’t let you leave without three more scoops of noodles.
I came in hungry. I left reborn. The Vietnamese noodle bowl didn’t just slap—it gently cradled my taste buds, whispered affirmations, then powerbombed them into a pool of perfectly seasoned broth. The noodles? Silky strands of joy. The meat? Tender like a love song. The herbs? Fresher than my haircut before a wedding. And the sauce? I wanted to bottle it up and sell it under the label “Liquid Gold: For Internal Use Only.”
But wait—plot twist! Just when I thought I had tasted peak perfection, in rides the Ukrainian Beet Borscht like a Slavic superhero in a soup bowl. Vibrant, earthy, sweet, and tangy all at once, it made me want to write poetry in Cyrillic. And don’t even get me started on the Ukrainian platter. Perogies like soft edible pillows. Cabbage rolls with grandma-level care. Sausage so good it should come with a warning label.
Nellie’s isn’t just serving food—it’s orchestrating an international flavor summit. Vietnamese comfort meets Ukrainian soul food, and my mouth got a front-row seat.
The service? Friendlier than a golden retriever on a sugar high. The vibe? Cozy, unpretentious, and filled with the kind of smells that could make a grown man weep.
The service? Friendlier than a golden retriever on a sugar high. The vibe? Cozy, unpretentious, and filled with the kind of smells that could make a grown man weep.
10/10. Would fake my own disappearance just to move in and live under the table. Go to Nellie’s. Order the noodle bowl. Tell them your...
Read moreNellie’s Kitchen in Saskatoon is an absolute delight for anyone who loves hearty, flavorful meals with a personal touch. From the moment you step inside, the warm, homey atmosphere makes you feel like you’ve walked into someone’s kitchen — only better, because the food is incredible!
The menu is a unique blend of Vietnamese and Ukrainian flavors, and every dish I tried was executed perfectly. The Vietnamese noodle bowls are fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor, while the borscht is rich, comforting, and perfectly seasoned. I also couldn’t get enough of the homemade perogies — golden, soft, and bursting with flavor, served with just the right amount of sautéed onions and bacon. For a classic comfort option, the roast turkey dinner is hearty and satisfying, with all the sides done just right.
The staff here are genuinely friendly and attentive, making sure you feel welcome and cared for throughout your meal. Portions are generous, and the flavors are consistently spot-on, showing the pride and care the kitchen puts into every dish.
Whether you’re in the mood for a satisfying lunch, a comforting dinner, or just want to explore a unique fusion of Vietnamese and Ukrainian cuisine, Nellie’s Kitchen is a must-visit. It’s cozy, welcoming, and the food is unforgettable — I can’t recommend it highly enough and can’t...
Read moreI ordered the Nellie's breakfast for lunch with a side of spring rolls. Spring rolls were passable on their own but really were quite good with the fish sauce. The breakfast came with a hamburger steak, three eggs, potato "fritter" hash browns and two pieces of toast.
The hamburger was very good and looked to be eight ounces in size, came with a dainty and flavourful onion slice. The eggs, ordered over easy were a little dark but were large and had the generous runny yolk I was hoping for. The hash browns were crispy and golden in colour, their flavour was mild. The toast was lightly toasted and melted the margarine quite thoroughly by the time I had bitten into it.
All in all, a good meal, large portion and fair prices. I will be...
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