Saigon Chill — Restaurant in Waitematā

This isn't just a bad restaurant; it's a culinary insult, a cynical exercise in extracting money for consistently botched orders. My recent Uber Eats delivery was less a meal and more a frustrating scavenger hunt. The so-called "spicy beef noodle soup" arrived with the promised kick buried beneath the noodles, only to be unearthed after I'd already committed the cardinal sin of decanting the entire tepid mess into a bowl. It's an amateurish oversight that speaks volumes about their supposed kitchen standards. And don't even get me started on their blatant penny-pinching with extras. Ordering additional spring rolls with a main dish is apparently an abstract concept, as you're just as likely to receive one, or simply none at all. Their "spring roll salad with extra deep-fried spring rolls" is a particularly galling deception; they'll serve you the standard salad and then, with a straight face, imply the "extra" rolls have magically integrated themselves into the existing paltry serving. It's not just cheap; it's an outright lie. Frankly, this establishment deserves to be given a wide berth. For anyone seeking authentic Vietnamese cuisine and actual value for their hard-earned dollar, the Hanoi eatery in the Queen Street food court offers a far superior alternative. This place, on the other hand, is a regrettable waste of time and money. See my $6 single fried...

So glad we finally have a Vietnamese place that serves more than just your usual go-to's.

We went straight to a seafood feast of garlic butter whelks and tamarind whelks (which were all surprisingly meaty and of decent sizes). Also tried the salmon, raw prawns and baby octopus with special homemade sauce. I was pretty hesitant to get the octopus cuz I'm not a fan when they're chewy and tough. But hey maybe it was my lucky day but they were all pretty bomb. The sauce was amazing, we kept it afterwards as dipping sauce for other dishes. Gotta say though, the salmon dish looks quite different to the photo that they put in the menu.

After the seafood, we ordered both of the chicken knees dishes (chilli salt was our fav) and roasted quails with garlic butter. Perfectly cooked.

We thought the service was great. You can tell they're a very young group of staff, one girl was quite timid but very polite.

Price wise, yes definitely pricier than your average Vietnamese restaurants but the dishes we ordered were meant to be shared (we skipped right over all the noodles and rice dishes) and maybe Vietnamese food doesn't have to be seen as cheap food anymore. My Vietnamese soul is happy and satisfied, been back twice now with different...

Saigon Chill, located in the heart of Auckland CBD, offers an authentic Vietnamese dining experience with generous portions and delightful flavors. During my visit, I ordered the Pho and Pork Rice, and for dessert, we enjoyed the coconut ice cream.

The Pho was a standout with a large portion, perfect for those who enjoy a hearty meal. The broth was rich and aromatic, with a perfect balance of spices, and the fresh herbs elevated the dish further. The beef was tender, and the noodles were cooked just right, making it a comforting and satisfying bowl of Pho.

The Pork Rice was equally impressive. The pork was well-seasoned and flavorful, paired with fluffy rice and fresh vegetables. It was a simple yet well-executed dish that delivered on taste.

For dessert, the coconut ice cream was a delightful finish to the meal. Creamy and rich with a strong coconut flavor, it was refreshing without being overly sweet—a perfect way to end the meal.

Overall, Saigon Chill impressed with its large portions, flavorful dishes, and delicious dessert. If you're looking for authentic Vietnamese food in Auckland CBD, this place is definitely...