Valentin Serrano
Saigon Cafe: Best Pho in Town, Plus Bahn Mi That Kicks!
Saigon Cafe is more than just a restaurant; it’s a warm, welcoming experience. From the moment you step through the door, you’re greeted with genuinely friendly service. The staff here are simply wonderful—you can constantly hear cheerful laughing and see smiles, creating an atmosphere that makes you feel like a valued guest. This level of hospitality truly sets the tone for a fantastic meal.
Let’s talk about the food, starting with the Pho. I can confidently say this is likely the best bowl of Pho in the entire town. The broth is rich, deeply flavored, and perfectly balanced, making every spoonful pure comfort. It’s the standard by which all other Pho should be measured.
If you’re looking for something quick and flavorful, you absolutely must try their Bahn Mi sandwiches. They are incredibly delicious and pack a satisfying kick of spice. While all their sandwiches are great, my personal recommendation is the Grilled Pork Bahn Mi. The tender, marinated pork combined with the crisp vegetables and spicy sauce makes for an unforgettable lunch.
If you appreciate truly authentic Vietnamese cuisine served with genuine heart, Saigon Cafe is the place to go. Don’t miss out on this local gem!
… moreJessica O’Dowd
They have the best pho in town, not to mention their fried chicken wings are so crispy and delicious! I always get the shrimp pho. So delicious. The staff are always so kind and love to joke with you a little.
… moreKai Dwd
I discovered this place through a recommendation from someone who works at a Chinese restaurant, and I must say, the broth of the pho was incredibly rich and savory. The fresh rolls were tightly wrapped and paired beautifully with the peanut sauce, while the egg rolls were crispy on the outside and moist on the inside—absolutely delicious. It’s a spot where you can casually enjoy authentic cuisine, and I wholeheartedly recommend it.
… moreJoseph Ryan
I knew when I stepped through the door that I was in for a treat. The tantalizing smell was the first impression I had, and the elation I felt immediately at the rich scent told me I was about to do my stomach a favor. It wasn’t too busy when I went, I placed my order and the staff made very helpful suggestions, I had looked over the menu beforehand so I knew what I wanted and I got the Saigon House special, combination pho, eye of round steak, rare flank, flank steak that comes with bean sprouts, cilantro and lime. My wife got the combination chow mein that comes with shrimp, beef, pork, and chicken. These were very healthy portions, all of the greens and seasonings were fresh, could have been picked that day. We ate at home, so even with the drive the pho was still piping hot for my rare steak, as soon as I opened the container my mouth watered smelling that star anise, it’s so good I’m still thinking about the next time we go and what I want to try. I don’t like to say perfect when talking about food, but this is pretty darn close to the mark. I am well satisfied and want this flavor to stay in my mouth for a long time.
We also got 2 orders of pork egg rolls that were divinely flakey and crisp. The sweet and sour sauce is probably the best I’ve had.
I tried the Thai tea, and that was also a good mix of bittersweet, I don’t often try new things like that and I would say I personally prefer a milk tea with boba over it, but for people who like bitter drinks I imagine it would be really good.
… moreV
I have lived in Eugene/Springfield for over five years and had no idea this place existed. So good! Even their vegetarian pho and spring rolls are excellent!
… moremikayla
First time coming here and it genuinely exceeded my expectations. From the staff, to the authentic decorations, to the bomb food, everything was amazing! I ordered it to go, and while waiting, I saw people slurping their food up!! And I was no different when I got home
Ordered the raw beef pho with chicken potstickers, threw the beef in the broth before I left the parking lot, and an hour later, the meat was cooked & tender! Pot stickers were so crunchy! Only thing stopping me from finishing it all was my stomach fr. 12/10, recommend to everyone
… moreMarsh Jones (MNSwamp)
I’ve been looking for a good banh mi place in Eugene, and I think I found it. The Saigon Cafe is a small ‘strip mall’ Vietnamese spot with great staff and great food. I’m not a pho fan, so I can’t really comment there, but every banh mi I’ve had has been really, really tasty – good French/Vietnamese style bread (NOT as some reviewer mentioned, a ‘hoagie roll’), the meat tender and well prepared, and the vegetables are crisp – and packaged to be added later instead of guaranteeing a soggy sandwich when you get home/work/wherever. Prices are very reasonable, and the kitchen is efficiently quick. Highly recommended!
… moreJulie Vivek
This is the best Vietnamese place in town. Pho is tasty and the vermicelli noodles are delish. We always get B1 and P3. Fried rice is also good and not too oily or salty; the veggie one is not as good so I would get it with chicken for beef. If you get the fresh spring rolls, get it with the fish sauce (not peanut). They have veggie pho too that is also good. We don’t eat out a lot but when we do, this is one of our top two places. Just know it is a bit of a hole in the wall in terms of ambience but in a good way. Friendly service and delicious food. Would call on Saturdays since sometimes they are closed randomly.
… moreChristine Lin
I’ve had pho at all the Viet places in town: this place, Vietnam Restaurant, Bon Mi, and Pho the Good Times. Saigon is the best, no question. The broth is better, the meat is better, and the bowl is bigger. I’ve eaten at probably no less than 20 pho restaurants in the SF Bay Area, and Saigon Cafe compares the most favorably to there. Other pho places here are just not good. I’ve also had their Bun Bo Hue which tastes great, but doesn’t use the traditional fixings that I’m used to (shredded banana blossom, blood cubes, round noodles, pork patty) but they probably aren’t able to source those materials here. They made up for that by loading it with a bunch of slices of meat.
… moreEliman Gibba
I frequently go to the UPS store next two doors from Saigon Cafe. Several months ago I asked the employee if they tried the food at Saigon Cafe & the feedback was positive. My wife & went yesterday , she had a combination Cho Pon & I had Korean Short ribs . The food was delicious & the service as well. We recommend Saigon Cafe .
… more