Saigon Social — Restaurant in Waitematā

Saigon Social: A Taste of Authentic Vietnam in the Heart of Auckland

Tucked away in Auckland’s vibrant dining scene, Saigon Social is a culinary gem that transports diners straight to the bustling streets of Vietnam. Helmed by a young, talented chef from Bình Định province, this restaurant is a testament to passion, tradition, and exceptional flavor. The owner, whose journey began in central Vietnam’s kitchens before bringing his skills to New Zealand, has crafted a menu that celebrates the soul of Vietnamese cuisine—earning its place among Auckland’s best Vietnamese eateries.

A Menu That Honors Tradition Saigon Social’s menu reads like a love letter to Vietnam’s culinary heritage. From the crisp, airy Bánh mì stuffed with savory fillings to the soul-warming phở gà (chicken phở) and phở bò (beef phở) simmered to perfection, every dish is a masterclass in balance and authenticity. The bún chả Hà Nội—grilled pork with vermicelli and herbs—is a standout, capturing the essence of Hanoi with its smoky char and tangy dipping sauce. Meanwhile, the bún thịt nướng (grilled pork noodles) dazzles with its vibrant herbs and caramelized meat. Having sampled Vietnamese fare across Auckland, I can confidently say Saigon Social’s offerings rival the best, delivering bold flavors that feel both nostalgic and exciting.

Warmth in Every Detail Beyond the food, the restaurant’s charm lies in its hospitality. The owner, as charismatic as he is skilled, often greets guests personally, sharing stories of his roots in Bình Định and his culinary journey. His warmth is mirrored by a team of young, attentive waitstaff who elevate the dining experience with prompt, friendly service. Whether you’re a phở novice or a seasoned bún enthusiast, they’re happy to guide you through the menu with genuine enthusiasm.

Why Visit? Saigon Social isn’t just a meal—it’s an immersion into Vietnam’s rich food culture. The cozy, unpretentious ambiance, combined with dishes crafted from generations-old recipes, makes it a must-visit for anyone craving authenticity. For those tired of watered-down interpretations, this spot is a revelation.

Final Verdict If you’re in Auckland and yearning for Vietnamese cuisine that’s as close to the source as possible, Saigon Social is your destination. With its passionate owner, flawless execution of classics, and inviting atmosphere, it’s a restaurant that deserves every bit of praise—and repeat visits. Don’t leave without trying the bún chả Hà Nội; it’s a...

I visited this place after reading some great reviews, and it turned out to be located inside a food court-style space. The building felt a bit older, but it was well maintained, with a cozy and relaxed atmosphere.

I ordered from the kiosk, and when the food arrived, it already looked like it had been prepared with care — fresh and appetizing. The pho had a clean and delicate flavor, and although the noodles were different from the kind I'm used to, they were delicious. It tasted even better with the chili oil — but be warned, it’s quite spicy!

The fresh spring rolls were also excellent, even in winter. They had cucumber inside, which gave them a refreshing crunch, and paired really well with the dipping sauce.

But my favorite was definitely the bánh mì. Among all the bánh mì I've had in New Zealand, this one was the closest to what I had in Vietnam. The baguette could have been a bit crispier, but the grilled pork was tender with no unpleasant smell, and the pickled veggies — cucumber, carrot, daikon — along with the pâté and hot sauce, were just so good.

The prices were reasonable, and I loved both the food and the overall vibe of the place. It was a great choice...

This is a Vietnamese food stall in the Elliot Stables food court. I ordered a lemongrass chicken Bánh Mì ($12.9) for lunch.

Ordering Well it’s a fancy food court, most stalls have kiosks. You order at the kiosk and get a buzzer. When buzzer buzzing, your food is ready.

Picking your autistic seat Well it’s a big food court. I took a video of my surroundings, it doesn’t cover the whole layout, at least you have an idea of the vibe of this place.

Water & Napkins Unlike Commercial Bay, this place doesn’t have water dispenser and drinks are all overpriced here. Well if you are as broke as me, there’s an underground Asian grocery store nearby next to AVACHI Chicken. Napkins come with your meal.

Food - 9.5/10 I don’t feel like it’s 100% authentic cuz it got a lot mayo and a little pate. But it’s definitely delicious and ingredients are so fresh, everything perfectly balanced. The portion is great for my lunch too.

Overall I will give this food stall 5...