Saigon House [moved from Midatlantic board]

[porcine]

Having seen a mention of the Saigon House on this board I decided to try it tonight. It is located in a strip mall on rt 10 in East Hanover. Although it is fairly non descript on the outside I would not let that deter anyone, Inside it is small but quite pleasant with soft blue lighting above.

I started with some steamed dumplings which were wrapped in banana leaves. The dumplings themselves were, I believe, made of tapioca, which gave them an unusual texture but were quite flavorful. Hot green tea to drink.

Next was a small bowl of beef pho which I enjoyed as it was a little chilly this evening. The waitress told me tuesday was pho night were you get the large pho at the small bowl price.

I had meatballs which to my confusion was sliced beef, pickled vegetable and a dipping sauce and some lettuce. The waitress helpfully instructed me as how to roll them up as I was at a loss. A lot of flavor with nice texture from the pickled vegetables.

Dessert was banana and ice cream. Tasty, but not that interesting.

Overall it was very nice and I would like to try other items as the menu is quite extensive.
I would go for the pho alone on a cold winter day.

Not knowing anything about vietnamese food does anyone know if Saigon House is an example of traditional Vietnamese food?

[jmondo123]

My wife and I love Vietnamese food. I've been to Vietnam a few times for business, and we have several places in NJ we favor.We tried this place last winter.
Not only was this the worst Vietnamese restaurant we've been to, it was possibly the worst restaurant we've ever been to. I am not exaggerating.

Try Viet Ai in nearby Florham Park instead. Much closer to an authentic experience in South Vietnamese cooking.

[lavie]

I have no idea where Jmondo123 is coming from. I don't think Saigon House deserved to be called the "worst Vietnamese restaurant we've been to, it was possibly the worst restaurant we've ever been to." I had Saigon House food on numerous occasions and it's phenominal. It is my to go place for Vietnamese food. It's wide recognized as seen in numerous publications. You can see this when you walk into the restaurant. I've been to Vietnam a few times and eaten Vietnamese food alot. The only thing is that they present it with more french style (not your cafeteria). I believe their style is very authentic with a combination of south Vietnamese cooking with Hue dishes. The owners' family are from Hue. They can tell you stories about it. Trust me, I heard alot since the family is very friendly. I looked at their menu and they have dishes like the tapioca dumplings that is traditionally from Hue (imperial capital of Vietnam). They even have vietnamese banh mi (sandwhiches) with the good stuff like pate and their cold meats.

I have tried Viet Ai and it's your average cafeteria style Vietnamese food. I must mention that the 2 restaurants are very diffferent. Viet Ai is a place to go if you want your pho fix. It is the same as other Vietnamese restaurants around. Saigon House is more fine dining style as seen in their decor, service and food presentation. The prices are comparable to Viet Ai. Judging from the menu, SH has more dishes that I have yet to see in other Vietnamese restaurants that I've eaten in Vietnam.