The travel bug is real, especially not being able to travel for almost 2 years due to Covid-19.
So when I heard that there’s a new cafe with a Vietnam vibe, and since there were no plans for Vaccinated Travel Lane VTL to the said country, I decided to head there and check it out.
Located right next to Salvation Army Donation Booth at Tanglin, Lucky Saigon Cafe has opened their 2nd outlet there with an entire outdoor concept.
Its first is located at North Canal Road near Boat Quay.
Head up the short flight of stairs and you would be greeted by lots of greeneries, a cage full of birds and a spacious outdoor space on a grass lawn.
Almost like dining under the stars if you head at night (and the sun daytime).
The entire area is decorated like a beer garden, with hanging plants and light bulbs that would light up the space in the evening.
I felt that I was instantly transported to another country, away from the city life that we are familiar with, surrounded by livestocks, potted plants and occasional pets owned by the diners roaming the area.
In addition, the service crew are mostly from Vietnam, all wearing the national traditional dress as their work attire.
One thing to note, please do bring along a mosquito repellent and you probably won’t regret it.
Their menu is extensive, from Breakfast ($3 – $9) to Mixed Veggies Lunch aka Cai Png or Zhe Ge Na Ge 这个那个.
Vietnamese cuisine which encompasses a wide variety include the BBQ ($9 – $68), Starter ($7.50 – $12.50), Wrap And Roll ($12.50 – $15), Salad ($9 – $9.50), Baguette ($8.50 – $9.50), Pho ($8.50 – $13.80), Noodles ($9.50 – $12.50), Rice ($9.50 – $12) and Vegetables & Soup ($7.50 – $13.50).
I had the Traditional Vietnamese Slice Beef Pho ($12.50), a classic dish when it comes to Vietnamese cuisine.
Topped with herbs, beansprouts, onions with thin beef slices on top of rice noodles in a clear beef broth, the soup was light and refreshing with a distinctive robust beefy taste.
My only gripe is that the beef was slightly overcooked, making it tough and chewy.
Different spring rolls can be found on the menu, namely Crispy Chicken (3pcs for $7.50), Crispy Seafood (3pcs for $8.50) and Fresh Spring Rolls (3pcs for $7.50).
The Crispy Chicken Spring Roll (3pcs for $7.50) came with shredded turnip, mushroom and carrot alongside a Vietnamese fish sauce dipping sauce (Nuoc Cham) which was spicy, citrusy and tangy at the same time.
Crispy on the outside with a generous amount of filling inside, the earthly flavours from the spring rolls was elevated by the refreshing sauce.
The Vietnamese pancake Banh Xeo ($15.90) is something less commonly found in Singapore.
Made from rice flour and turmeric before pouring into a hot skillet to create the thin crepe layer before various toppings such as prawns, carrots, beansprouts and spring onion are added.
The result was a tasty contrast in textures between the crispy crepe layer and the moist fillings inside.
It is quite interesting to find new cafes opening in places least expected, especially when this compound is more known for donating items to The Salvation Army.
Lucky Saigon Cafe – Tanglin
356 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247674
Opening Hours: 9am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
Lucky Saigon Cafe – North Canal Road
17 North Canal Road, 2nd Floor, Singapore 048829
Opening Hours: 10am – 11pm (Mon – Sun)
Other Related Entries
Mrs Pho House (Takashimaya)
Mrs Pho (VivoCity)
Co Chung (Plaza Singapura)
Cong Ngot (North Bridge Road)
Signs A Taste Of Vietnam Pho (Orchard Gateway)
* Written by Nicholas Tan @stormscape who loves all things [NEW]. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.
Food overly salty with poor service. Come here for the ambience and nothing else.