Saigon Cafe — Restaurant in Bellingham

I lost hope in all the Bellingham restaurants due to poor quality in the food and poor quality service. I cant believe I found food I can trust in Bellingham! From a restaurant! And they were nice and friendly. They actually wanted and appreciated my business. I got the two spring rolls and they were freshly made and full of meat with real fresh good chunks of pork and full plump prawns and actual romaine lettuce and they were warm and the rice paper was soft and chewable. Other places in this city put iceberg lettuce or rotten lettuce in the rolls and they put little baby shrimp and old hard pork and the rice paper is crispy and tough and you csnt even eat it and its not even filled up so the roll is limp. I got the#3 vermicilli bowl with the shrimp, marinated pork and egg roll and there was plenty of meat and the sweet clear sauce to go over everything and mix it together. The meat was seasoned and flavorable and juicy. Other places in this town give you dried up shriveled up burnt meat and so little that all you have left is a bunch of noodles and vegetables. This place gives you enough so that each bite has meat, vegetables in it. The vegetables are actually julienned so you can mix them in and make bites of everything. Other places in this town give you random sized chunks of everything and not enough sauce and the different pieces of food and no seasoning and not enough flavor and juices ruin the experience of the meal. The care, the attention to detail, the seasoning, flavor, the portions, the actual taste of the food and presentation of the food being so pretty and appetizing and the look matching the taste of the food has me blown away. Most of the food in Bellingham is horrible. Even the fast food, these places cant do right. I'm so amazed that there is a place that actually cares about the food they put out and who are actually happy to see you come in and who actually greet and help you when you come into the restaurant, that I dont even know what to do. This is a great place- in quality, in taste, in service! It feels so good to...

You might not expect much from a little Vietnamese place in a big plaza, but Saigon Café is a fresh flavor oasis serving up good Vietnamese food.

Coming in early on a Sunday afternoon, the service was quick! I was initially told the wait for a Tofu Bánh mì would be ten minutes, but it ended up closer to more like five. For a total cost of $12.28 (vegetable sandwich with egg), the 8-inch sandwich is cheaper than some offering in Seattle, but far from the cheapest lunch sandwich you can get (or make).

Taste wise, the vegan Bánh mì (rendered vegetarian with the egg) is a hearty, savory, and vegetal delight. The “spice level” of the sandwich is about average for a Bánh mì and is delivered to you by a few crunchy Jalapenos in round cuts as opposed to long slivers. The sandwich itself didn’t have any mayo (vegan or otherwise) but the sandwich was still toasted and crunchy on the outside, while moist on the inside thanks to the vegetable filling. The vegetable medley included carrots, onions, cucumbers, mushrooms, the aforementioned jalapenos and a bit of cilantro.

In addition to the stewed vegetables, there was a good amount of tofu which made for very balanced bites. However, perhaps due to not enough cilantro, or just how much moisture was within the sandwich, I didn’t find the Bánh mì to be very herbaceous. Instead, the sandwich is a hearty and splendid duet between vegetable and tofu that makes for a good lunch. I would've preferred the choice of getting it with aioli, and more herbs, but perhaps that's a substitution the cafe is willing to make.

I’d recommend going to Saigon Café at Happy Hour (from 3-5) for a their special. That way, you can enjoy a Bánh mì, drink, and side at a...

Saigon Cafe truly embodies the essence of a family-run gem, offering an experience that goes beyond mere dining. From the moment you step inside, the warm and welcoming atmosphere is palpable, making you feel like an honored guest in their home rather than just another customer. This sense of belonging is a rare find in the bustling restaurant scene.

The highlight of their menu, the House Special Rice Plate, is a testament to their culinary prowess. Featuring two perfectly grilled pork chops accompanied by their house-made Vietnamese meatloaf, each bite is a symphony of flavors. The pork chops are expertly seasoned and cooked to a tender, juicy perfection, while the meatloaf offers a delightful contrast with its unique texture and rich flavor profile. The combination of these elements on a single plate not only satisfies your hunger but also takes you on a delightful culinary journey.

Saigon Cafe doesn't just serve food; they create an experience that resonates with your soul. It's no wonder that this delightful spot has quickly ascended to the status of my favorite Vietnamese restaurant in town. Their commitment to quality, coupled with their genuine warmth and hospitality, makes every visit a memorable one. Whether you're a long-time patron or a first-time visitor, Saigon Cafe is sure to leave a lasting impression with its exquisite cuisine and...