Historical November–December 2004 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
While one of the newest restaurants on the ever-expanding loop, Miss Saigon is not new to aficionados of Vietnamese cuisine. Having formerly called Shrewsbury home, Miss Saigon had already acquired a bit of a following before opening its doors on Delmar in May. Being somewhat new to Vietnamese cuisine myself, I studied up a bit before dining at Miss Saigon – motivated in part by having already agreed to write this very lay review.
I learned that a newbie needs little more than fish sauce, rice, a Chinese steamer, and sharp knives to start their own Vietnamese kitchen. Although I have no desire to start my own Vietnamese kitchen, it was comforting to think that Vietnamese cuisine could be so simple.
From one look at Miss Saigon’s menu, however, it was obvious that the restaurant was far from a humble start-up Vietnamese kitchen. Miss Saigon offers the usual appetizers, including different types of meats and veggies rolled in rice paper or rolled and fried in egg roll skin.
The entrees vary from less expensive noodle bowls to house specialties such as stirfried shrimp, calamari, and crabstick. Miss Saigon also offers vegetarian dishes and rice plates.
The prices are very reasonable, with dinners ranging from $6.95 for a basic noodle bowl to $13.95 for more involved dishes such as hot and sour soup with catfish fillet.
There are several specialty coffee drinks to choose from, wine, and beer.
The wine is surprisingly affordable, especially because the glasses seemed to be either filled to the brim or spilling over.
I ordered the Cari Ga which was a chicken stir-fry dish with curry, lemon grass, coconut milk, and white and green onions. Admittedly, not a terribly adventurous dish, but as a lay restaurant reviewer, I didn’t feel an obligation to go crazy and order the crabstick or catfish fillet.
The Cari Ga was exactly as advertised, and very good.
I liken it to Thai curry, which I suppose it is, but with a sprig of lemon grass on the top.
The service was very speedy, and the portions were positively huge. Although it wasn’t on the menu, we also ordered tiramisu, which was heavenly. Miss Saigon is separated into two rooms, with a total of approximately twenty tables. Both rooms were impressively decorated, with the decor being somewhat modern, but not stark.
The walls were painted beautiful colors. Had I had a knife on me, I might have taken a chip of paint off the wall to duplicate the color in my home. Miss Saigon also has sidewalk seating, which was full while we were there.
The clientele varies depending on what is playing at the Pageant on any particular night.
On our night, we saw a wide range of folks, from couples on first dates to families with children.
With prices so inexpensive and entrees so good, Miss Saigon should be on your list of places to frequent. Even a newbie to Vietnamese cuisine cannot go wrong. Miss Saigon is located at 6101 Delmar, and is open Sundays through Thursdays 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; and is closed Tuesdays. Miss Saigon also offers carry-out at 863-4949.
Original photograph caption
Miss Saigon storefront on Delmar.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, November–December 2004.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2004_11.pdf, printed page(s) 4; PDF page(s) 4.
