Nestled at 907 most important St in the center of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Saigon Babylon is more than just a cafe. It’s a culinary working experience that blends the colourful flavors of Vietnam with modern creativity, all set versus the backdrop of Central Square’s only rooftop. when you’re a foods lover searching for a singular dining place, this position guarantees to captivate your senses with its ingenious dishes, spectacular views, as well as a vibe that’s equivalent sections chic and welcoming. Let’s dive into what will make Saigon Babylon a necessity-visit vacation spot for locals and travellers alike.
A Rooftop Haven in Central Square
Imagine stepping out on the bustling streets of Cambridge and ascending on the fifth ground of the Sonder 907 primary creating. That’s where by Saigon Babylon awaits, perched atop what was after the Blue Owl Rooftop Bar. This isn’t your usual eating setup. The open-air terrace offers sweeping views of the city, a scarce handle Within this A part of city. whether or not you’re catching a sunset or sipping cocktails under The celebrities, the rooftop environment elevates each individual minute spent right here.
The Room by itself appears like a considerate blend of mother nature and structure. Lush greenery softens the fashionable traces of the household furniture, though heat lights casts a cozy glow. influenced by Vietnam’s abundant aesthetic traditions, the decor strikes a balance amongst magnificence and luxury. It’s the type of put in which you can costume up for your date or hold it casual with pals, and In either case, you’ll truly feel appropriate at your house.
What sets this spot aside is its exclusivity as Central sq.’s sole rooftop venue. within a neighborhood known for its eclectic Power, Saigon Babylon carves out a niche that’s both sophisticated and laid-again. It’s no wonder individuals are buzzing relating to this concealed gem.
The Minds powering the Magic
with the helm of Saigon Babylon are Vinh Le and Duong Huynh, a dynamic duo by using a tested background while in the culinary earth. If their names sound common, it’s because they’ve previously received over foodies with ventures like Cicada espresso Bar plus the Eaves in nearby Somerville. Their skills shines by in each and every element here, through the menu for the ambiance.
Vinh and Duong carry a deep appreciation for Vietnamese cuisine, paired with a knack for innovation. They’re not just serving food items; they’re telling a story as a result of flavors and presentation. It’s distinct they’ve poured their hearts into earning Saigon Babylon a standout, as well as their enthusiasm resonates with every guest who walks throughout the door.
A Menu That Dances on Your Palate
the guts of Saigon Babylon lies in its food stuff, a masterful fusion of Vietnamese classics and bold, modern day twists. This isn’t your common pho-and-spring-roll joint. The kitchen area plays with textures, aromas, and tastes, providing dishes that experience common yet thrillingly new. Enable’s check out several of the stars of the menu.
Lemongrass Beef Carpaccio - A taste Explosion
photo this. Thinly sliced Wagyu beef, kissed by the earthy scent of lemongrass, drizzled that has a tangy passionfruit dressing. It’s concluded having a crunch of crispy rice paper, introducing just the correct contrast. This dish is actually a testament to your kitchen area’s power to take a straightforward thought and turn it into something amazing. Each Chunk bursts with freshness, which makes it a perfect starter to awaken your hunger.
Xôi Chim - convenience satisfies Creativity
in the event you’re craving something hearty, the Xôi Chim received’t disappoint. This dish will take sticky rice, infuses it with golden turmeric, and pairs it with floor squab and shiitake mushrooms. It’s a nod to Vietnamese street meals, nevertheless the presentation appears like good dining. the heat with the rice, the richness of your meat, as well as umami through the mushrooms come together in a way that’s deeply satisfying. It’s consolation food items that has a twist, and it’s very easy to see why it’s a group preferred.
Bac Ninh - A Duck Dish performed proper
Duck enthusiasts, choose Observe. The Bac Ninh provides tender duck to your desk, bathed inside a sauce that’s Daring and complicated. The flavors lean savory with a hint of sweetness, showcasing the kitchen’s talent in balancing Vietnamese staples. It’s a dish that lingers as part of your memory long following the food is over, proving that Saigon Babylon appreciates how to deal with meat with finesse.
Grilled Shrimp with Tamarind Sauce - Sweet and Sour Bliss
For seafood enthusiasts, the grilled shrimp with tamarind sauce is a necessity-try out. The shrimp are perfectly charred, their pure sweetness Increased by a tamarind glaze that’s equivalent elements tart and sugary. It’s a playful dance of flavors, one which captures the essence of Vietnamese cooking. Pair it by using a aspect of sticky rice, so you’ve acquired a plate that’s challenging to place down.
Cocktails That Steal the demonstrate
No rooftop knowledge is comprehensive without having a stellar drink in hand, and Saigon Babylon delivers on that entrance as well. The bar menu is actually a celebration of Vietnamese inspiration, with cocktails which are as ingenious because the food. regardless of whether you’re a cocktail aficionado or maybe planning to sip some thing refreshing, there’s lots to love below.
go ahead and take Pho Cocktail, For example. Yes, you read through that ideal. This consume normally takes the aromatic spices of Vietnam’s legendary noodle soup - Imagine star anise, cinnamon, and cloves - and blends them with clean herbs along with a spirit of one's choice. It’s quirky, surprising, and amazingly mouth watering. If you favor anything additional tropical, the Stormy Saigon offers a fruity twist, with the choice to spike it with rum to get a boozy kick.
The bar crew clearly enjoys pushing boundaries, and it pays off. Each drink feels like a mini journey, complementing the foods without the need of overshadowing it. in the event you’re not in the temper for Alcoholic beverages, they’ve received non-alcoholic variations much too, ensuring All people can join in the enjoyment.
When to go to
Saigon Babylon welcomes company from Wednesday to Sunday, with hours operating from five PM to midnight. that offers you lots of time for you to take pleasure in a leisurely dinner or swing by for late-evening beverages. The spot shuts its doorways on Mondays and Tuesdays, so approach appropriately. If you’re considering dropping in, it’s a smart idea to connect with forward at (617) 945-4509. hrs can shift, so you don’t wish to pass up out.
The vibe right here shifts according to the day. Weeknights lean quieter, ideal for intimate dinners or catching up with a friend. Come Friday or Saturday, although, the Electrical power ramps up. DJ sets frequently fill the air, turning the rooftop right into a energetic hotspot. It’s the kind of versatility that makes Saigon Babylon appeal to all sorts of diners.
What men and women are indicating
considering the fact that opening its doorways in early 2024, Saigon Babylon has long been making waves in Cambridge’s food items scene. company rave regarding the rooftop views, calling them a scarce address On this bustling neighborhood. The foods earns large marks way too, with a lot of praising the creativity and freshness of every dish. The Lemongrass Beef Carpaccio and Xôi Chim pop up typically in assessments, hailed as highlights that showcase the kitchen’s talent.
Having said that, it’s not all best. Some diners mention that the costs lean on the upper side, Specially specified the part measurements. some have noted that assistance can feel uneven occasionally, probably a hiccup from your restaurant’s newness. even now, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly beneficial. on line scores hover around four.three to four.4 out of five on platforms like Yelp and Google, a solid start for a location that’s even now obtaining its footing.
creating a Reservation
all set to encounter Saigon Babylon for yourself? reserving a desk is really a breeze. it is possible to hop on to their Formal Web page at saigonbabylon.fun or use Resy.com to secure your location. presented the rooftop’s attractiveness, Particularly on weekends, it’s sensible to system forward. wander-ins are welcome when Room will allow, but a reservation makes sure you gained’t be still left waiting around.
that is a location that works for all sorts of instances. setting up a passionate evening? The ambiance and food stuff established the perfect tone. Meeting close friends for an evening out? The cocktails and DJ vibes preserve issues lively. It’s even a fantastic pick for your Specific celebration, due to the standout setting and menu.
Why Saigon Babylon Stands Out
Cambridge isn't any read more stranger to superior food, but Saigon Babylon brings anything contemporary to the table. It’s not nearly feeding on; it’s about immersing you in a sensory journey. The rooftop place by itself causes it to be a rarity, offering a standpoint of the town you received’t obtain wherever else in Central Square. Add from the Vietnamese fusion cuisine, crafted with care by Vinh Le and Duong Huynh, and also you’ve bought a recipe for the memorable evening.
The attention to depth shines through in just about every element. from your way the lemongrass perfumes the beef to the intelligent twist of a Pho Cocktail, this place doesn’t Reduce corners. It’s a celebration of Vietnam’s culinary heritage, reimagined for a modern audience. Whether you’re a local hunting for a new haunt or even a customer Checking out the region, Saigon Babylon appears like a discovery well worth sharing.
methods for Your take a look at
when you’re heading to Saigon Babylon, a few ideas can boost your working experience. Aim for an early evening slot if you would like catch the sunset - the rooftop views are unbeatable as the sky shifts shades. costume in layers, too. The out of doors setting can be a draw, but Massachusetts weather may be unpredictable, even in spring or tumble.
Don’t skip the cocktails, Even though you’re not an enormous drinker. The non-alcoholic choices are merely as creative and pair fantastically Together with the foodstuff. and when you’re torn on what to get, check with the staff for suggestions. They’re obsessed with the menu and happy to guide you towards anything you’ll really like.
A style of Vietnam in Cambridge
Saigon Babylon isn’t only a cafe; it’s a desired destination. It captures the spirit of Vietnamese cuisine - Daring, balanced, and brimming with lifestyle - and wraps it in a very environment that’s uniquely Cambridge. The rooftop perch, the ingenious dishes, the welcoming environment - it all will come with each other to produce something special.
future time you’re in Central Square, skip the standard suspects and head around 907 principal St. Whether you’re savoring the Bac Ninh or toasting using a Stormy Saigon, you’ll end up caught up within the charm of Saigon Babylon. It’s an area that lingers in your thoughts, beckoning you back again for an additional style of its magic.