Nestled at 907 most important St in the heart of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Saigon Babylon is a lot more than just a cafe. It’s a culinary experience that blends the colourful flavors of Vietnam with fashionable creativity, all established towards the backdrop of Central Square’s only rooftop. should you’re a foodstuff lover seeking a singular eating place, this put claims to captivate your senses with its ingenious dishes, gorgeous views, as well as a vibe that’s equivalent elements chic and welcoming. Permit’s dive into what can make Saigon Babylon a necessity-take a look at location for locals and travelers alike.
A Rooftop Haven in Central sq.
Imagine stepping out of the bustling streets of Cambridge and ascending towards the fifth ground in the Sonder 907 principal creating. That’s where by Saigon Babylon awaits, perched atop what was when the Blue Owl Rooftop Bar. This isn’t your usual eating setup. The open-air terrace delivers sweeping sights of the city, a scarce address With this Component of town. Whether you’re catching a sunset or sipping cocktails below The celebrities, the rooftop environment elevates just about every minute expended right here.
The space alone feels like a considerate combination of mother nature and layout. Lush greenery softens the modern traces in the furnishings, whilst heat lighting casts a cozy glow. Inspired by Vietnam’s prosperous aesthetic traditions, the decor strikes a stability in between magnificence and comfort. It’s the type of spot in which you can gown up for a date or preserve it relaxed with friends, and either way, you’ll truly feel right in your own home.
What sets this location apart is its exclusivity as Central Square’s sole rooftop location. inside of a neighborhood noted for its eclectic energy, Saigon Babylon carves out a niche that’s equally complex read more and laid-back. It’s No surprise people are buzzing relating to this hidden gem.
The Minds powering the Magic
on the helm of Saigon Babylon are Vinh Le and Duong Huynh, a dynamic duo having a confirmed reputation inside the culinary entire world. If their names seem common, it’s as they’ve now gained in excess of foodies with ventures like Cicada espresso Bar as well as Eaves in close by Somerville. Their experience shines as a result of in each element listed here, through the menu on the ambiance.
Vinh and Duong carry a deep appreciation for Vietnamese Delicacies, paired having a knack for innovation. They’re not only serving food; they’re telling a story by flavors and presentation. It’s very clear they’ve poured their hearts into building Saigon Babylon a standout, as well as their enthusiasm resonates with each guest who walks in the doorway.
A Menu That Dances in your Palate
the center of Saigon Babylon lies in its meals, a masterful fusion of Vietnamese classics and bold, modern day twists. This isn’t your typical pho-and-spring-roll joint. The kitchen performs with textures, aromas, and preferences, delivering dishes that feel familiar yet thrillingly new. Permit’s examine a number of the stars from the menu.
Lemongrass Beef Carpaccio - A Flavor Explosion
photograph this. Thinly sliced Wagyu beef, kissed via the earthy scent of lemongrass, drizzled by using a tangy passionfruit dressing. It’s concluded having a crunch of crispy rice paper, adding just the appropriate distinction. This dish is often a testament on the kitchen’s ability to get an easy idea and turn it into something extraordinary. Every Chunk bursts with freshness, rendering it an excellent starter to awaken your hunger.
Xôi Chim - consolation fulfills creativeness
when you’re craving some thing hearty, the Xôi Chim gained’t disappoint. This dish usually takes sticky rice, infuses it with golden turmeric, and pairs it with ground squab and shiitake mushrooms. It’s a nod to Vietnamese Avenue foods, but the presentation appears like great dining. The warmth from the rice, the richness with the meat, as well as umami through the mushrooms occur alongside one another in a method that’s deeply fulfilling. It’s comfort food which has a twist, and it’s straightforward to see why it’s a crowd favourite.
Bac Ninh - A Duck Dish completed appropriate
Duck enthusiasts, consider Notice. The Bac Ninh delivers tender duck for the table, bathed in a sauce that’s bold and complicated. The flavors lean savory with a hint of sweetness, showcasing the kitchen’s ability in balancing Vietnamese staples. It’s a dish that lingers within your memory extensive once the meal is over, proving that Saigon Babylon understands how to deal with meat with finesse.
Grilled Shrimp with Tamarind Sauce - Sweet and Sour Bliss
For seafood followers, the grilled shrimp with tamarind sauce is a necessity-attempt. The shrimp are flawlessly charred, their natural sweetness Increased by a tamarind glaze that’s equal parts tart and sugary. It’s a playful dance of flavors, one that captures the essence of Vietnamese cooking. Pair it using a facet of sticky rice, and you simply’ve got a plate that’s hard to set down.
Cocktails That Steal the demonstrate
No rooftop working experience is total without a stellar drink in hand, and Saigon Babylon delivers on that entrance as well. The bar menu can be a celebration of Vietnamese inspiration, with cocktails which are as ingenious since the food stuff. no matter if you’re a cocktail aficionado or just aiming to sip a thing refreshing, there’s a lot to love here.
Take the Pho Cocktail, For example. Indeed, you browse that right. This drink will take the aromatic spices of Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup - think star anise, cinnamon, and cloves - and blends them with clean herbs and a spirit within your decision. It’s quirky, unpredicted, and remarkably scrumptious. If you like anything a lot more tropical, the Stormy Saigon provides a fruity twist, having an option to spike it with rum for any boozy kick.
The bar crew clearly enjoys pushing boundaries, and it pays off. Every drink seems like a mini experience, complementing the foods devoid of overshadowing it. for those who’re not from the mood for alcohol, they’ve acquired non-alcoholic variations far too, making certain Anyone can join in the entertaining.
When to Visit
Saigon Babylon welcomes friends from Wednesday to Sunday, with hrs running from five PM to midnight. that provides you lots of the perfect time to get pleasure from a leisurely meal or swing by for late-night beverages. The spot shuts its doorways on Mondays and Tuesdays, so program appropriately. If you’re serious about dropping in, it’s a good idea to call forward at (617) 945-4509. Hours can shift, and also you don’t would like to miss out.
The vibe in this article shifts dependant upon the day. Weeknights lean quieter, great for intimate dinners or catching up with an acquaintance. Come Friday or Saturday, although, the Vitality ramps up. DJ sets typically fill the air, turning the rooftop into a lively hotspot. It’s the kind of flexibility that makes Saigon Babylon attract all types of diners.
What men and women are expressing
given that opening its doorways in early 2024, Saigon Babylon has long been generating waves in Cambridge’s foodstuff scene. Guests rave about the rooftop sights, calling them a uncommon address With this bustling neighborhood. The foodstuff earns high marks as well, with quite a few praising the creativeness and freshness of every dish. The Lemongrass Beef Carpaccio and Xôi Chim pop up often in critiques, hailed as highlights that showcase the kitchen’s talent.
Having said that, it’s not all perfect. Some diners point out that the prices lean on the higher aspect, Particularly specified the part dimensions. a couple of have observed that services can sense uneven sometimes, probable a hiccup with the restaurant’s newness. nevertheless, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly beneficial. on line scores hover all around 4.3 to four.four outside of five on platforms like Yelp and Google, a robust start for a place that’s even now locating its footing.
Making a Reservation
able to working experience Saigon Babylon on your own? scheduling a desk can be a breeze. you may hop on to their Formal Internet site at saigonbabylon.enjoyable or use Resy.com to protected your spot. offered the rooftop’s reputation, Specially on weekends, it’s sensible to program ahead. stroll-ins are welcome when Room lets, but a reservation guarantees you won’t be still left ready.
this is the place that actually works for a variety of instances. setting up a romantic evening? The ambiance and foodstuff set an ideal tone. Conference good friends for a night out? The cocktails and DJ vibes retain factors energetic. It’s even a great pick for your Particular celebration, thanks to the standout placing and menu.
Why Saigon Babylon Stands Out
Cambridge is no stranger to fantastic foods, but Saigon Babylon brings a little something clean to your table. It’s not pretty much ingesting; it’s about immersing your self in a very sensory journey. The rooftop place alone makes it a rarity, presenting a perspective of the town you gained’t discover wherever else in Central sq.. include from the Vietnamese fusion Delicacies, crafted with treatment by Vinh Le and Duong Huynh, and you also’ve acquired a recipe for the unforgettable night.
the eye to element shines through in each individual part. from your way the lemongrass perfumes the beef towards the intelligent twist of the Pho Cocktail, this area doesn’t Reduce corners. It’s a celebration of Vietnam’s culinary heritage, reimagined for a modern viewers. irrespective of whether you’re an area hunting for a new haunt or perhaps a customer exploring the area, Saigon Babylon appears like a discovery worth sharing.
strategies for Your take a look at
in case you’re heading to Saigon Babylon, a couple of tips can boost your practical experience. goal for an early evening slot if you'd like to catch the sunset - the rooftop views are unbeatable given that the sky shifts colors. Dress in layers, as well. The outside placing is a attract, but Massachusetts weather conditions is often unpredictable, even in spring or tumble.
Don’t skip the cocktails, even if you’re not an enormous drinker. The non-alcoholic alternatives are only as Imaginative and pair fantastically With all the meals. And if you’re torn on what to buy, talk to the staff for recommendations. They’re excited about the menu and satisfied to tutorial you towards a little something you’ll appreciate.
A Taste of Vietnam in Cambridge
Saigon Babylon isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a desired destination. It captures the spirit of Vietnamese Delicacies - Daring, balanced, and jam packed with lifetime - and wraps it within a placing that’s uniquely Cambridge. The rooftop perch, the creative dishes, the welcoming environment - all of it will come alongside one another to develop one thing Specific.
following time you’re in Central sq., skip the usual suspects and head nearly 907 principal St. irrespective of whether you’re savoring the Bac Ninh or toasting having a Stormy Saigon, you’ll find yourself caught up inside the appeal of Saigon Babylon. It’s a place that lingers in your intellect, beckoning you back for one more style of its magic.