Saigon Bistro — Restaurant in Seguin

Saigon Bistro opened this past May, but I had not had the chance to sample it until today. I am a fan of good pho, having a couple of amazing places I used to frequent back in north Texas, so I was happy to learn that Seguin would be getting a Vietnamese-themed restaurant. After hearing multiple glowing reviews from co-workers, I decided today would be the day.

My first impressions were good. I was quickly greeted and given a table. The restaurant is open and casual but looks plenty cool and contemporary. My server delivered my sweet tea (Just because you go to an ethnic restaurant doesn't take the Texan out of you!) promptly, and I decided to order some Vietnamese-style egg rolls as an appetizer. Being lunch, and being that I was only moderately hungry, I chose the P1, a 5-meat pho in the smaller size (around $4, I think). The egg rolls arrived first, and they were piping hot and absolutely jammed with fresh, flavorful fillings. The duck sauce was a bit runny, and not very flavorful, but the egg rolls themselves were good enough so that it really didn't matter. The pho arrived about 5 minutes later, and I promise I'm not exaggerating when I say, "Dannnnng!!!!" Seriously, this was the best-tasting pho I have ever eaten. Disclaimer here--my sample size is probably only about 5 restaurants. Regardless, this was noodle soup the way the good Lord intended. The thinly-sliced beef, the green onions, fresh sprouts, jalapeno slices (on the side, but I had to put them in--another Texas thing), the noodles--all of it was fresh and flavorful. I only wished I had the time/appetite today for the full bowl, which is so big you could probably swim laps in it. And it's just like $8.50, to boot!

This INSTANTLY moved to the top of my Asian restaurants in the Seguin/New Braunfels area. I make no claim to have tried them all, but this one is just so much better than the others I have visited. In the words of MacArthur, "I will return...but I will skip...

WALKED OUT late noon today. Have been coming here for years and its amazing when the owner is there. It was the best. But the past 2 years the employees act mad at us for having the audacity to spend money there. Tried to order a soda and she got annoyed and said they don't have it. Then asked about tea and said they prolly don't have it either but she'll see. Mind you there was no drink menus up today. Then we could hear her begging the cook in back to make the drink and and he came out and looked at us, then laughed and went back in. Server was throwing her hands up in the air and throwing her head back whenever customers would come in or try to order or check out and there was only a few customers so it looked super dramatic. Told us the restuarant was out of everything. Keep in mind shes not trying to help us by telling us what they do have in stock. She is just standing there annoyed at us for trying to order basic stuff that we dont know they are out of. After about 10 min of her scoffing at us everytime we tried to pick something we told her we give up and will just pay for the drink we were waiting on and leave. She laughed and goes oh we never even started on it so whatever. I would just think oh man they are having a tough day but its been like this for a long time now. I havent been able to get a boba in long time from here. Everytime they throw a fit. it's just too difficult and demeaning to come back. The food is really good but the employees DO NOT WANT...

Food and service was excellent! We had the appetizer platter ( spring roll, clear roll, and beef skewer) to start. The beef was so flavorful, and melt in your mouth tender! The rolls were awesome, as well. My dining partner and I split the Saigon Fried Rice ( pork,beef, chicken, shrimp, egg and vegetables) next. OMG! Awesomeness in every mouthful! The smoky flavor just intensified the flavor profile. We finished of with child sized bowls of Pho ( which are not small at all!). My partner choosing the all meats version, while I had a simple,original eye roast version. The broth was so very well flavored. The veggies fresh, and crisp. Our server was amazing, fast, friendly, and always topping off our tea. The owner, was so friendly and welcoming, and was genuinely grateful for our patronage. I wish I had taken pictures! Oh well, next time. If you are in Seguin, or anywhere nearby, please stop in. You will...