Pho Saigon

Let me start by saying that this restaurant is a hole in the wall type of place, so I am reviewing it based on what it is, not through the lens of the next big restaurant on the Seattle scene. The food was delicious, hot, fast, and fresh. I was craving pho on a cooler day and stopped in. I couldn’t choose, so I went with the Saigon special pho, which was just all the types of beef - tendon, brisket, steak, meatball, and tripe. I don’t prefer tripe so I asked them to hold it and it came out perfectly. Occasionally in the past I’ve asked for the same and other restaurants have just given me steak and brisket and left out the other meats. I was pleased they left in the meatball and tendon (my favorite treat in pho). I also ordered the tapioca shrimp cake per another review’s suggestion. I’d never had them before but really like it. When I ordered they asked if it was okay that it would take extra time, I didn’t mind because that means it’s fresh. However, it did come after my pho, in case you’re looking for a pre-meal snack. I wasn’t really sure what to expect so I will leave a detailed description in case you’d like to try as well. The tapioca shrimp cakes are very chewy, almost like a long stuffed boba. The filling is a mix of shrimp, pork, and some seasonings, and it’s served with a side of that light colored thin sauce often served at Vietnamese restaurants (sorry, I don’t know the name). It’s also garnished with scallion and fried shallot (yum). My initial bite i didn’t like because I felt it was too fishy and the textures were a bit new but by the time I got to the second cake, I was loving it. I did add a little soy sauce which I think balanced it for my palette. I do encourage you to try if you haven’t before, I found it delightful. I also love chewy textures like boba and tendon, so do keep that in mind if you don’t. Pho broth was delicious and hot. Brisket and tendon was cooked well, meatball tasted good and standard compared to others I’ve had. The steak was slightly thicker than I prefer and it was well done, so I think they might cook it separately instead of pouring the broth over raw. In any case it was still a delicious bowl. Medium was a good amount for dinner and with the shrimp cakes it was more than enough. I also LOVED that they served with plenty of basil. I’m often served pho with decent broth, a lot of noodles, and minimal basil but this place had a very tasty rich broth, a good amount of meat, and enough basil for my taste (which I’d hard to do). I would come again and i probably will. Delicious! P.S. good chili oil at the table.

Stopped by for lunch and ordered the Tapioca Shrimp Cake and Saigon Special Pho (aka Beef Combination with all the meats including tripe and tendon). The shrimp cake was sticky and chewy (in a good way) the way it should be. If you want something new to try, I'd suggest that as an appetizer. The Saigon Special Pho broth was very flavorful. Full of aromatics. The staff were welcoming and friendly. I'd be back to try other dishes.

Really really delicious Pho. I ordered the medium portion and that was more than enough for me. The broth was full of flavor and meat was good quality. I love the fact that they have all the different accompaniments available on the table, for me it’s important and shows the authenticity of the place. I really enjoy eating here every time and will definitely eat there again next time I’m in Seattle.