Old Saigon in Makati: A Taste of True Vietnamese Cuisine
If you ever find yourself wandering around Makati with a craving for true Vietnamese flavors, you should go to Old Saigon, where the portions are generous, the flavors are authentic, and every meal is made with love and attention.
IMAGE from Old Saigon
A self-proclaimed foodie, chef-owner Kelly’s quest for authentic Vietnamese cuisine in Manila led her to a surprising conclusion: many local versions of her homeland’s dishes tasted “weird” and far from the real deal.
After returning to Manila post-COVID, Kelly decided to take matters into her own hands. She started small: a catering gig for the Vietnamese community in the Metro. Two years of online business later, armed with confidence, and a network of suppliers importing directly from Vietnam, she opened Old Saigon at Linear Tower 2 to Filipino diners in February 2024.
Filled with rustic wooden furniture, vintage shutter panels, retro posters, and old-school tiled floors, Old Saigon is a 28-seater restaurant that exude the vibe of a rustic Saigon eatery. Enamel bowls stacked on tables and vintage Vietnamese prints on the walls make the dining space feel curated and full of character.
IMAGES from Old Saigon
Now, on to the food…
Old Saigon’s menu is a celebrates authentic Vietnamese flavors, curated by chef-owner Kelly to recreate the flavors of her beloved country.
Its Vietnamese Broken Rice (Php 315) is a hearty plate akin to our silog meals, consisting of grilled pork chop, steamed egg loaf, pickled vegetables, fresh cucumber slices, and a sunny-side-up egg over broken rice with a splash of fish sauce).
Vietnamese Broken Rice / IMAGE from Old Saigon
Crusty on the outside, pillowy soft on the inside, Chef Kelly’s banh mi (starts at Php 145) options are packed with cilantro, cucumber, pickled veggies, chilies, and your choice of protein. This Vietnamese sandwich is the perfect balance of protein, fiber, and carbs, which make for a guilt-free snack or even a light meal.
Ban Mhi / IMAGE from Old Saigon
Crispy and flavorful, Old Saigon’s fried spring rolls (Php 245) are a great appetizer to share or to keep all to yourself. Each roll is packed with seasoned meat and vegetables, deep-fried, and served with a zesty, umami fish sauce dip that adds a flavorful punch to every bite.
Fried Spring Rolls / IMAGE from Old Saigon
Old Saigon’s fresh spring rolls (Php 195) are the fried spring roll’s healthier cousin. Wrapped in rice paper and filled with shrimp, vermicelli noodles, and herbs, they’re served with a rich and nutty peanut sauce.
Fresh Spring Rolls / IMAGE from Old Saigon
When asked what ties their food together, chef Kelly shared, “the right sauce makes (our) dishes sing!”
Pair these dishes with their signature coffee and refreshing beverages! Brew your own joe with DIY iced milk coffee phin (Php 145)! Watch your coffee drip slowly through a phin filter and serve it over ice with sweetened condensed milk and a splash of milk to amp up the creaminess. Want something refreshing? Old Saigon has got you covered with their Thai tangerine tea (Php 125) or tamarind iced tea (Php 165).
Iced Milk Coffee Phin / IMAGE from Old Saigon
For dessert, end your meal with sweet treats like mixed bean coconut (Php 165), green bean coconut (Php 180), or flan set (Php 150).
With most items under Php 315, generous portions, and ingredients straight from Vietnam, the dining experience at Old Saigon is a flavorful journey worth taking over and over again…
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