One thing that is known about this side of town is where it gets simultaneously really hectic - that is more from where the car traffic piles up - but also a bit of a black hole as far as anywhere to go or eat is (unless you count the entrance to the Barracks not too far up from Roma Street station or the backpackers place). We are at the mouth of the river here, extending out to Toowong or getting into the central part of the city - depending on the way you are going. However, what that does not necessarily mean is that choices are bereft and I mean beyond the uninspired food court at the train/bus station. Go over the road, and there are some healthier and quick alternatives - still in the vein of fast food. This is one of them. Coming back from the Gold Coast, it was a whole matter of getting something to eat between times before going home for weight training and that before going out to volunteer for the night. Something along the lines of this was what sounded good at the time, and I ended up liking it quite a bit.
Not a lot is to this place with design. Once upon a time, I could prospect this being either a garage or maybe a storage shed. The amount of space inside is around the same size, and that is lock, stock and barrel. It is a little dank in parts, which to me gives it a cool and relaxed feeling that is at odds with the hustle and bustle of traffic outside. That suits it well. In spite of it looking so shoddy, during the lunch time rush you can bet that there are a number of people coming here for food. A lot of these orders are for takeaway, but people can still sit and eat. There is one bench inside, and a few communal tables on the sidewalk.
Service is quite quick and very basic, but this time it comes with actual interaction. You go up to the counter, place the order and pay, then wait for the meal. It is more or less that simple here.
Vietnamese street food is the name of the game with this little place. We are talking bahn mis, goi cuon, bun, pho and all the familiar favourites. I have no doubt that some would be better suited to here than others, along with each really being suited for someone in a rush. Different bits and pieces are able to be added onto the side. On the drinks menu, there is a fairly generous sample of bubble tea flavours - all of them the milk tea variety.
From what I saw to the right of the menu, there was one dish that looked good and I went with my maxim of trying specials if they sounded good enough or were distinct from the usual offerings. From what I remember, that dish is known as "mi kho". Whenever it is "kho", that indicate that it is a stew of braised meats. Complete with wheat noodles, the mixture of onion, spinach, peanuts and beansprouts was with the usual condiment mix of fish sauce, coriander and some others that I can't remember. With getting the meat, I chose good old barbecue pork.
This was quite a delicious meal. Like a lot of other dishes from the Vietnamese cuisine, what it had going for it was that it was a mixture and contrast of flavours and textures that complimented each other when they were put together. There was the freshness of the vegetable mixture: well-cooked spinach, crunchy beansprouts and nearly caramelising onions put together with the nuttiness of peanuts - and thus a bit of fattiness from them - and the meatiness of pork and that is already a good base of flavours. Then you put in all the herbs and condiments, and it mixes all the familiar flavours including some umami from the meat. It was slightly warm, and kind of a salad.
In addition to that, the usual case with a Vietnamese place for me is to get one of their coffees if they are on offer. Well good news, they were. It did still have a fair bit of ice in it, however this time it was crushed ice. That is a definite improvement, since the actual coffee part of the drink does not get diluted so regularly and the beverage part can still be reached. As per usual, it was that winning combination of sweet and strong, and a little viscous as well. This coffee might even give you a little buzz, and on hot days this is hard to beat.
With this, the 4.0 rating is simply indicates that as much the case that it is what it is, what it is still is a good alternative to what is around. This is nothing flash, and the decor might put some people off; however, as I can reiterate so many times from now on some of the dodgiest looking places can deliver some of the best tasting grub that is around, and there is usually an authentic edge to it if so. That is the case with Saigon Salad Roll.
Saigon Salad Roll is pretty close to being no frills, and for that it really works. With some waiting time between having to get transport, people might not have the patience for any kind of sit down meal that is fancy, and just want it to go. On the other hand, if it is always fast food that would get boring. Those are the best strengths for this place, along with being a reasonable price. It is decent enough Vietnamese that should appease fans and aficionados. But if you want the TL;DR version of it: it does what it needs to do.
Make a reservation
Order online
Find the best restaurant in Brisbane
An error has occurred! Please try again in a few minutes