The Old Saigon Vietnamese Restaurant is at 5510 Highway 153.
photo by Janet Wilson
It had been quite a while since our last visit to Old Saigon Vietnamese Restaurant at 5510 Highway 153. One of our forum members mentioned going there recently, so Wayne and I decided to go back. In fact, this was the first time we had been since they moved into this particular location, which the owner told us was in 2005.
It’s always difficult to decide what we want here because we are simply not familiar with Vietnamese food. Everything we’ve ever ordered has been quite good, but it’s just trying to decide on the dish that’s going to “hit the spot”.
I knew I wanted to start off with a bowl of Asparagus & Crabmeat Soup ($4.25). I’ve enjoyed that many times and it’s always delicious; a nice broth with a rich blend of asparagus and crabmeat. In fact, I could probably make a meal of nothing more than that soup. Wayne ordered a Spring Roll (boiled shrimp, sliced pork, fresh vegetables wrapped in rice paper and served with a bean sauce - $3.75). I believe it was the largest Spring Roll we have ever been served. Wayne said it was very fresh and the filling was certainly not skimpy.
Wayne ordered the Bun tom thit ($12.95); fresh vegetables on top of rice noodles and topped with sautéed beef, shrimp, pork and chicken, served with a homemade sauce. It really resembled a large bowl of soup with a wonderful aroma.
I ordered the Mi Xai ($12.25), which is shrimp, chicken, beef and stir-fried vegetables in a sauce served on a bed of crispy fried egg noodles. I really like this dish, as it is one I have eaten in the past. The noodles remind me of uncooked spaghetti (although I know it isn’t). The food here always smells so wonderful and inviting and the people are so very nice. It makes your visit enjoyable.
Old Saigon has many chicken, beef, seafood, and pork items, along with a vegetarian menu. There is a variety of combination meals (both our orders were from this menu). Interesting items include Diem sam (pot sticker – 6 for $4.25), traditional Bun Nem ($9.75), and Bun bo Hue ($10.25). I was intrigued by a special of the day; the Fish Ball, and the Banh Xeo – Saigon Pancake ($12) - but didn’t order either. I really wish I had opted to check one of them out – maybe next time. The crispy pancake filled with chicken, shrimp and stir-fried vegetables sounded tempting.
A luncheon menu is offered with prices from $8.75 to $9.75. Old Saigon offers some tasty desserts such as sweet rice pudding, almond butter pie and mango sticky rice dessert (prices range from $4.25 to $6.50).
I think you’ll really enjoy a visit to Old Saigon. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 12:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. They are closed on Monday and Tuesday.
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