Noshwellmenu

[rating:3]

A Saigon Cafe is located in the Wailuku area of Maui on Main Street. It’s a Vietnamese restaurant situated next to a seedy looking motel of the same name.

A Saigon Cafe is in the middle of no where. The closest things nearby are a prison and a cemetery. Not so nice thoughts are running through my head. This isn’t quite the area I want us to hang out in. Perhaps one too many episodes of Criminal Minds, Case?

(Clockwise: 1. Dry Vermicelli Noodles with Spring Rolls and Grilled Pork. 2. Fish Sauce. 3. Vietnamese Coffee.)

A Saigon looks similar to other Vietnamese Restaurants but is relatively clean. Booths consume most of the space and a bar is stationed near the front. A friendly staff member seats us and hands us the menus.

The host attempts to entertain us with his jokes while taking our order, but the jokes falls flat. He recommends the Vietnamese Burrito, which is a do it yourself salad roll with veggies and grilled pork served on a platter. To go with our so called Vietnamese Burrito, we ordered Vermicelli noodles with spring rolls and grilled pork. Plus one Vietnamese coffee.

(Clockwise: 1. Take rice paper and dunk in scalding hot water for a few seconds. 2. Select from a fresh platter of grilled meats, pickled vegetables and fresh garnish. 3. Roll into an impressive looking Vietnamese Burrito aka Salad Roll.)

A bowl of boiling hot water and eight pieces of paper thin rice paper land on our table. Next, an assortment of bean sprouts, pickled radishes, carrots, vermicelli noodles, fresh mint leaves, lettuce and grilled pork. To dip: fish sauce mixed with bits of garlic and lime. I have to admit, it was fun making the Vietnamese Burritos, even though it was pricey and we were doing all the work.

The fried spring rolls with vermicelli noodles and grilled pork arrived shortly after. The mini spring rolls were tasty and were fried nice and crispy. The noodles were good, and were thinner compared to the ones back at home. The coffee was refreshing, but they were a little too generous with the condensed milk, which made it sweeter than we’re used to.

Our bill including taxes and tips came to just under $32. It’s more pricey compared to what we get a home, but pretty good considering the portions. I’m glad we found A Saigon Cafe. The staff were friendly and attentive, and the food was solid.

Perfect for: playing with your food.

The Details

1792 Main Street, Wailuku
808.243.9560

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