SAIGON RESTAURANT & LOUNGE — Restaurant in Cairo

Dear Reader,

Yesterday, we visited Saigon Fairmont, and I must say, nearly everything was excellent. The background music, the view, the food, and the overall ambiance were all top-notch. However, the service from the staff, with the notable exception of Rey, was disappointingly passive-aggressive.

Here are a few instances that marred our experience. We were looking forward to a pleasant evening with some sushi bites, which was almost perfect until we interacted with the service staff, Mahmoud and Maged. When I requested a lime juice with mint, my partner inquired if the mint was fresh. Mahmoud’s response, “akid tab3an,” was delivered in a very derogatory tone, implying ‘of course’ in a reproachful manner. Additionally, when we asked about the closing time, Mahmoud answered “1:00 AM sharp,” which came across as unwelcoming, as if suggesting they would rush us out at that time.

Moreover, when I inquired about writing a review on their personal website, Mahmoud redirected me to Google, TripAdvisor, etc. Even after reiterating my question about a personal site for feedback, his response was surprisingly baffled, followed by a condescending explanation of what Google and TripAdvisor are, as if we were unaware of these platforms.

In summary, if you’re looking to be entertained, to unwind casually, and to enjoy delicious sushi, this place is certainly recommendable. However, do not expect warm smiles or friendly service from the staff, except from Rey. He stood out as the only one who was genuinely friendly, smiling, and taking the time to engage in conversation.

Additionally, I have visited Fairmont on several occasions and must commend their swimming pool area, where the service staff are indeed friendly and accommodating. Comparatively, I have also been a regular at Kempinski. While the sushi may be slightly inferior to that of Saigon Fairmont and the hotel smaller, the service staff at Kempinski are far more amiable. The service there is impeccable, with nothing to fault. Overall, I highly recommend Kempinski for an evening of relaxation, enjoying sushi with chic service and pleasant...

Extremely Disappointing Experience – Poor Service but better Food

As someone who appreciates quality dining, I was deeply let down by my visit to this restaurant. I had to send back the duck à l’orange not once, but three times—each time met with the same dismissive response: “This is how it’s supposed to be.” Unfortunately, what they claim is “how it is” was frankly inedible. Dry, flavorless, and poorly executed, it was one of the worst renditions of a classic dish I’ve ever encountered.

To make matters worse, on a separate visit, we ordered a salad that never arrived. When we politely mentioned it, the waiter argued with us repeatedly, insisting we never ordered it—rather than simply apologizing and fixing the mistake. It’s baffling how a place can deliver such subpar food and insist on making the customer feel at fault for their errors.

There’s a clear lack of accountability here, both in the kitchen and on the floor. Between the defensive staff and disappointing cuisine, this was a restaurant experience I wouldn’t...

Saigon is an exceptional Asian restaurant that truly specializes in sushi, and our experience there was nothing short of outstanding. From start to finish, everything exceeded our expectations.

The sushi was absolutely wonderful—fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Every bite was a delight, reflecting the chef’s mastery and the restaurant’s commitment to quality.

Dessert was another highlight, offering a perfect end to the meal. But what really stood out was the coffee—it was one of the best we’ve ever had, rich and aromatic, leaving a lasting impression.

The service was impeccable. Samuel, the manager, along with the staff—Mahmoud, Mamdouh, and Melvy—made us feel truly welcome. They were attentive, friendly, and ensured every detail was taken care of.

We left Saigon thoroughly impressed and grateful for such a fantastic dining experience. This is a place we would highly recommend to anyone who loves sushi and appreciates excellent service. We look forward to...