Saiguette — Restaurant in New York

Saiguette is one of those hidden gems in NYC that consistently delivers when it comes to Vietnamese comfort food, especially for takeout. I’ve tried a good amount of Vietnamese spots in the city, and while Saiguette doesn’t offer a dine in experience (it’s strictly takeout), they make up for it with flavor, portion size, and speed.

The banh mi here is definitely the standout. Unlike some places that skimp on the fillings, Saiguette really loads it up. The bread is fresh with the perfect balance of crunch on the outside and softness inside, and the fillings are generous you don’t feel like you’re paying just for bread. I also appreciated that the balance of meat, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs is done right, giving it that satisfying bite every time. Portion wise, it’s more than fair for the price, especially considering NYC standards where you often pay more for less.

Pho and other noodle dishes also come packed with flavor. The broth is rich, and the portions again don’t leave you hungry. For a takeout-only spot, the packaging is practical and sturdy it travels well, and you can enjoy it at home without everything spilling or getting soggy.

The one downside for me was more about the ownership and authenticity. When I asked if the restaurant was Vietnamese owned, one of the workers told me yes. Later on, I found out that the owner is not Vietnamese, which was a bit disappointing, especially after I tried speaking Vietnamese to him and realized it wasn’t the case. It doesn’t take away from the taste of the food, but as someone who values authenticity and cultural roots, it felt misleading.

Overall, though, Saiguette is worth trying if you’re in NYC and craving Vietnamese food. The quality, portion size, and fair pricing make it a solid choice, especially for banh mi lovers. While I wish the ownership had been upfront about the background, I can’t deny that the food itself is good...

I will preface this by saying that I don't usually write reviews, but this needed to be done.

Without realizing they closed at 8:30, ordered take out at 8:25.

Order: Lemongrass Pork Sandwich & Hot and Spicy BBQ Spare Ribs

After ordering I checked to see what time they closed because there weren't many people there and the counters were spotless. I found out they were about to close and tried to cancel my order (because I know they had just cleaned everything), and was promptly shut down by a very kind lady who reassured me it was no worry.

Review: Lemongrass Pork Sandwich - This is 1.5 meals and comes with additional sauce on the side. The pork marinade is out of this world and perfectly supported by the chopped carrots, cucumbers, jalapeños and spicy mayo that all lie together on the loveliest of breads.

Review: Spicy BBQ Spare Ribs - If I could eat one kind of ribs for the rest of my life, it would be these. They are slightly charred, they separate from the bone easily, the meat is perfectly cooked, and they are both spicy and wonderfully zesty at the same time.

In a neighborhood full of incredible food, Saiguette is an absolute standout in both the food they make and the phenomenal service they provide.

I hope this review helps you choose between them, and...

Get ready for a Vietnamese culinary adventure that'll have your taste buds doing a happy dance! This cosy spot isn't just any Vietnamese eatery; it's a gem where authentic flavours and fresh ingredients take centre stage.

Steaming bowls of pho that warm your soul, banh mi sandwiches packed with a flavour explosion, and vermicelli bowls that are a refreshing delight on a hot day.

It's not just about the delicious dishes; it's the care and attention to detail in every bite. Fresh herbs, zesty sauces, and perfectly balanced flavours make each dish a symphony of taste.

And let's talk about their banh mi – those crispy baguettes filled with savoury goodness. They're like handheld masterpieces that blend flavors so harmoniously that you'll be craving them day and night.

This spot may be small, but it's big on taste and authenticity. Whether you're a Vietnamese food aficionado or someone looking to explore new flavours, Saiguette is a must-visit spot to embark on a flavorful journey through...