Photo by Alan Vance
For great Thai food, students and locals contend that the best places are Saigon downtown and Saigon Flavors Southside. Although these eateries have similar names, their menus, atmospheres and location create two vastly different groups of epicurean followers. Each is restaurant is independently owned and features its own style and atmosphere that contributes to and is influenced by its location.
Atmosphere
Downtown, Saigon features a trendy fine dining experience. White oilcloth table clothes blended with a burgundy and beige interior color scheme evoke a calming atmosphere to enjoy a night out on the town or a casual dinner with friends.
The young, mostly college age servers are quick to answer any questions diners may have.
Across town near Midtown, Saigon Flavors has a very relaxed and laid back atmosphere. A family owned establishment, the owners greet diners as they enter and take their seats in one of their comfy booths or a table with tan wooden chairs.
Pictures of their delicious entrees and appetizers line the walls as well as traditional Thai god and goddess statuette incense holders.
Food
Both restaurants serve Thai and Vietnamese cuisine and manage to conserve the authenticity of each.
Starting with appetizers, Saigon (downtown) features Thai Spring Rolls and their house specialty, Angel Wings. A popular and delicious soup to try is the Pok Tak, a sweet and sour soup made with fresh ginger, lime and lemon grass with bamboo shoots and mushrooms combined with shrimp, calamari and crabmeat.
Popular entrees include the Masaman Curry with either meat or seafood in a sweet and mild curry sauce with carrots, potatoes, yellow squash, and peanuts. Or try the green curry with snow peas green zucchini, bamboo shoots and cabbage for a spicy kick of flavor. All curry entrees come with a side of aromatic jasmine rice.
A popular noodle dish is the Drunken Noodles and Phad Se Eu; stir fried noodles with broccoli, bok choy and eggs in a creamy black bean sauce.
Saigon Flavors (Midtown) boasts authentic family recipes handed down from generations of cooks. Favorite appetizers here include the Rare Beef in Lime Juice and Deep-fried Tofu served with a side of sweet chili sauce.
A popular salad is the Tangy Papaya Shrimp Salad made with fresh shrimp, chopped papaya, basil and mint topped with ground peanuts and drizzled with a tangy sweet dressing.
For a great entrée, try a rice vermicelli noodle bowl. The lemongrass chicken is always a winner. The most popular dish that keeps customers coming back for more is Pho soup. Whether chicken or beef, these (half of a regular sized bowling ball) bowls of perfectly seasoned broth and noodles come with a side of fresh mung bean sprouts, basil, chili pepper and lime.
Location
Saigon
4 W. Broughton St.
Savannah, GA 31401
912-232-5288
Saigon Flavors
6604 Waters Ave.
Savannah, GA 31406
912-352-4182
Whether you are out for the evening downtown or willing to travel a little, both Saigon and Saigon Flavors are a great treat for any Thai craving.
