Little Saigon holds a special place in my heart, woven into the fabric of my childhood memories like a comforting blanket. As a child, newly transplanted from Texas to Dayton, my family and I found solace in the warm embrace of this restaurant. It wasn't just about the food; it was about the love and kindness that enveloped us from the moment we walked through the door.
I remember those early visits vividly, the owner greeting us with a smile that reached their eyes, the endless chatter between my Vietnamese grandmother and the owner, like old friends catching up after years apart. For me, Little Saigon wasn't just a restaurant; it was a sanctuary of connection and belonging.
Years passed, and life took us elsewhere, but the memories of those moments lingered. So, when I found myself back in Dayton recently, the decision to revisit Little Saigon was inevitable. Walking through those doors again was like stepping back in time, a flood of nostalgia washing over me.
This time, it was the daughter of the owner who greeted us, her warmth and professionalism mirroring that of her parents. From the moment we entered, we were enveloped in a sense of belonging, as if we were returning home after a long journey.
And oh, the food! The Pho Bo was not just delicious; it was a symphony of flavors, each spoonful a testament to the care and dedication put into every dish. And the portions? Generous beyond measure, ensuring that every penny spent was worth it a hundred times over.
But beyond the food, it was the intangible qualities of Little Saigon that left the deepest impression—the sense of community, the genuine warmth, the feeling of being welcomed with open arms. This isn't just a restaurant; it's a haven of love and respect.
To the staff of Little Saigon, I extend my heartfelt gratitude. Thank you for preserving the essence of what makes this place so special. Thank you for treating me and my loved ones with such kindness and generosity. And thank you for the memories that will linger in my heart for years to come.
In a world where restaurants come and go, Little Saigon stands as a beacon of consistency and excellence. If you find yourself in Dayton, do yourself a favor and pay them a visit. Trust me; you...
Read moreWas super excited to try this place out because the reviews seemed great. What a disappointment. Upon entering, I noticed that the floor was dirty and the bathroom was filthy. Looked like they hadn't cleaned the toilet in a very long time. We ordered a veggie pho and a beef pho. It came out and looked really good but the pho broth tasted old, maybe it had been in the fridge for a while. They also did not serve it with basil or jalapeno. I asked for jalapeno and they said they did not have any. I then asked for basil and they said they don't have it during the winter. Every other pho place in the area has basil year-round. The beef tasted sour and we could not eat it. Neither one of us finished our pho. Went to pay and they charged us $25 when the menu said $8.95 for the beef and $7.95 for the vegetarian. Instead of charging me for the vegetarian noodle bowl, she charged me a base price for the vegetarian pho and then extra for limes(even though we didnt receive basil or jalapeno) along with an extra charge for the vegetables. I'm really confused why there is a set price for vegetarian pho and then they charge separately for the vegetables. Will not be returning. I'm not sure how this place has such great reviews. The people running it were very nice but the quality...
Read moreThis is one of those places that doesn’t look like much from the outside, and that’s putting it lightly. The inside is very different, being nicely decorated and having several tables to eat at. Seemed quite clean as well, so don’t let the outside if the building worry you.
Food is about what you’d expect from a Vietnamese restaurant, with a rather large menu that has all the soups people love as well as banh mi, noodle dishes, stir fries and the like. Went for the soft rolls, which were about the same as everywhere else I’ve had them at but since I liked all of them that’s a good thing. The spicy beef meatball soup does not play around with the heat. Ordered a 4 on a 1-10 scale and it was more like I’d have expected for a 7 or 8. The heat levels are Vietnamese spicy, not Ohio spicy. The other flavors still were very notable under all the heat, which is impressive. A very good soup but I’ll have to get a 3 next time.
With service being pretty good and the options available here I’d like to get back here sometime soon. It’s the best Vietnamese restaurant I’ve tried around...
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