Nestled at 907 principal St in the center of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Saigon Babylon is a lot more than just a restaurant. It’s a culinary experience that blends the colourful flavors of Vietnam with contemporary creative imagination, all set versus the backdrop of Central sq.’s only rooftop. for those who’re a food lover attempting to find a novel dining location, this put promises to captivate your senses with its ingenious dishes, breathtaking sights, and also a vibe that’s equivalent components stylish and welcoming. Let’s dive into what will make Saigon Babylon a necessity-pay a visit to destination for locals and tourists alike.

A Rooftop Haven in Central Square

Imagine stepping out of the bustling streets of Cambridge and ascending towards the fifth ground on the Sonder 907 most important creating. That’s exactly where Saigon Babylon awaits, perched atop what was as soon as the Blue Owl Rooftop Bar. This isn’t your common eating set up. The open-air terrace provides sweeping views of the city, a rare address During this part of town. no matter whether you’re catching a sunset or sipping cocktails beneath The celebs, the rooftop location elevates each individual instant spent here.

The Room by itself looks like a considerate mixture of mother nature and structure. Lush greenery softens the modern strains in the home furniture, when warm lights casts a cozy glow. motivated by Vietnam’s wealthy aesthetic traditions, the decor strikes a harmony among elegance and comfort. It’s the kind of spot in which you can costume up for any date or continue to keep it everyday with close friends, and either way, you’ll truly feel right in your house.

What sets this location aside is its exclusivity as Central sq.’s sole rooftop venue. inside of a community noted for its eclectic Vitality, Saigon Babylon carves out a niche that’s equally refined and laid-back again. It’s No surprise folks are buzzing relating to this hidden gem.

The Minds guiding the Magic

in the helm of Saigon Babylon are Vinh Le and Duong Huynh, a dynamic duo which has a established background while in the culinary earth. If their names audio acquainted, it’s as they’ve by now received in excess of foodies with ventures like Cicada Coffee Bar and also the Eaves in nearby Somerville. Their expertise shines by means of in each and every depth listed here, from your menu to your ambiance.

Vinh and Duong deliver a deep appreciation for Vietnamese Delicacies, paired having a knack for innovation. They’re not merely serving meals; they’re telling a story by flavors and presentation. It’s very clear they’ve poured their hearts into making Saigon Babylon a standout, as well as their passion resonates with each and every visitor who walks from the door.

A Menu That Dances on Your Palate

the guts of Saigon Babylon lies in its foods, a masterful fusion of Vietnamese classics and Daring, contemporary twists. This isn’t your normal pho-and-spring-roll joint. The kitchen area plays with textures, aromas, and tastes, offering dishes that feel familiar however thrillingly new. Enable’s examine some of the stars on the menu.

Lemongrass Beef Carpaccio - A taste Explosion

image this. Thinly sliced Wagyu beef, kissed by the earthy scent of lemongrass, drizzled with a tangy passionfruit dressing. It’s finished that has a crunch of crispy rice paper, adding just the ideal contrast. This dish can be a testomony to your kitchen’s capability to just take a straightforward strategy and switch it into some thing remarkable. Just about every bite bursts with freshness, which makes it an excellent starter to awaken your appetite.

Xôi Chim - comfort and ease Meets creative imagination

If you’re craving one thing hearty, the Xôi Chim gained’t disappoint. This dish usually takes sticky rice, infuses it with golden turmeric, and pairs it with floor squab and shiitake mushrooms. It’s a nod to Vietnamese Avenue food stuff, nevertheless the presentation appears like great dining. The warmth in the rice, the richness of the meat, as well as umami from the mushrooms arrive together in a way that’s deeply fulfilling. It’s convenience meals using a twist, and it’s simple to see why it’s a crowd favourite.

Bac Ninh - A Duck Dish accomplished suitable

Duck enthusiasts, just take note. The Bac Ninh brings tender duck to the table, bathed within a sauce that’s Daring and complicated. The flavors lean savory with a touch of sweetness, showcasing the kitchen area’s talent in balancing Vietnamese staples. It’s a dish that lingers as part of your memory prolonged after the meal is around, proving that Saigon Babylon knows how to handle meat with finesse.

Grilled Shrimp with Tamarind Sauce - Sweet and bitter Bliss

For seafood enthusiasts, the grilled shrimp with tamarind sauce is a must-check out. The shrimp are correctly charred, their all-natural sweetness Improved 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 using a aspect of sticky rice, therefore you’ve got a plate that’s hard to place down.

Cocktails That Steal the present

No rooftop encounter is entire without a stellar drink in hand, and Saigon Babylon provides on that entrance much too. The bar menu is usually a celebration of Vietnamese inspiration, with cocktails which are as ingenious as being the food. whether or not you’re a cocktail aficionado or simply looking to sip a thing refreshing, there’s lots to like right here.

go ahead and take Pho Cocktail, For example. Indeed, you examine that suitable. This consume normally takes the aromatic spices of Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup - Consider star anise, cinnamon, and cloves - and blends them with contemporary herbs along with a spirit of the alternative. It’s quirky, unanticipated, and surprisingly scrumptious. If you like a little something additional tropical, the Stormy Saigon provides a fruity twist, having an choice to spike it with rum to get a boozy kick.

The bar staff Plainly enjoys pushing boundaries, and it pays off. Each and every drink appears like a mini adventure, complementing the food with no overshadowing it. in the event you’re not within the temper for alcohol, they’ve obtained non-alcoholic versions also, making sure Absolutely everyone can Take part the exciting.

When to Visit

Saigon Babylon welcomes attendees from Wednesday to Sunday, with hrs operating from five PM to midnight. That gives you lots of the perfect time to enjoy a leisurely dinner or swing by for late-night time drinks. The location shuts its doorways on Mondays and Tuesdays, so system appropriately. in case you’re thinking of dropping in, it’s a smart idea to connect with forward at (617) 945-4509. hrs can change, and also you don’t need to overlook out.

The vibe in this article shifts dependant upon the day. Weeknights lean quieter, ideal for intimate dinners or catching up with an acquaintance. occur Friday or Saturday, although, the Strength ramps up. DJ sets often fill the air, turning the rooftop into a lively hotspot. It’s the sort of versatility which makes Saigon Babylon appeal to all sorts of diners.

What persons are indicating

due to the fact opening its doors in early 2024, Saigon Babylon has actually been building waves in Cambridge’s food stuff scene. company rave concerning the rooftop sights, calling them a scarce deal with Within this bustling neighborhood. The meals earns superior marks much too, with a lot of praising the creativeness and freshness of each and every dish. The Lemongrass Beef Carpaccio and Xôi Chim pop up typically in evaluations, hailed as highlights that showcase the kitchen’s expertise.

That said, it’s not all fantastic. Some diners mention that the costs lean on the upper side, Primarily given the part dimensions. several have mentioned that service can experience uneven at times, possible a hiccup from your cafe’s newness. even now, the general sentiment is overwhelmingly optimistic. Online scores hover all-around 4.3 to four.four out of 5 on platforms like Yelp and Google, a robust start out for an area that’s nonetheless discovering its footing.

Making a Reservation

Ready to experience Saigon Babylon for yourself? reserving a table is often a breeze. You can hop onto their Formal Web page at saigonbabylon.fun or use Resy.com to secure your place. Given the rooftop’s recognition, In particular on weekends, it’s smart to prepare in advance. Walk-ins are welcome when Room allows, but a reservation makes sure you gained’t be still left waiting.

it is a place that actually works for all read more kinds of instances. arranging a passionate night? The ambiance and foods established the ideal tone. Meeting buddies for an evening out? The cocktails and DJ vibes hold things lively. It’s even a terrific decide on for your Exclusive celebration, thanks to the standout environment and menu.

Why Saigon Babylon Stands Out

Cambridge is not any stranger to very good meals, but Saigon Babylon provides a little something refreshing for the desk. It’s not almost eating; it’s about immersing by yourself within a sensory journey. The rooftop site by yourself makes it a rarity, offering a standpoint of the town you won’t find any place else in Central Square. insert inside the Vietnamese fusion cuisine, crafted with treatment by Vinh Le and Duong Huynh, and you simply’ve received a recipe for the memorable night time.

The attention to depth shines through in every single part. in the way the lemongrass perfumes the beef to the intelligent twist of the Pho Cocktail, this position doesn’t Reduce corners. It’s a celebration of Vietnam’s culinary heritage, reimagined for a modern viewers. whether or not you’re a neighborhood hunting for a new haunt or maybe a visitor Discovering the region, Saigon Babylon looks like a discovery worth sharing.

Tips for Your go to

when you’re heading to Saigon Babylon, a number of pointers can enhance your working experience. Aim for an early evening slot if you wish to capture the sunset - the rooftop views are unbeatable since the sky shifts hues. costume in layers, way too. The out of doors location is usually a draw, but Massachusetts temperature is often unpredictable, even in spring or slide.

Don’t skip the cocktails, even if you’re not a huge drinker. The non-alcoholic selections are only as Artistic and pair superbly Using the food. and when you’re torn on what to purchase, talk to the personnel for recommendations. They’re passionate about the menu and satisfied to guideline you towards anything you’ll love.

A flavor of Vietnam in Cambridge

Saigon Babylon isn’t simply a restaurant; it’s a place. It captures the spirit of Vietnamese Delicacies - Daring, balanced, and stuffed with lifestyle - and wraps it within a placing that’s uniquely Cambridge. The rooftop perch, the ingenious dishes, the welcoming ambiance - all of it will come jointly to build some thing special.

future time you’re in Central Square, skip the same old suspects and head up to 907 major St. no matter whether you’re savoring the Bac Ninh or toasting by using a Stormy Saigon, you’ll end up caught up during the appeal of Saigon Babylon. It’s an area that lingers as part of your brain, beckoning you again for an additional flavor of its magic.