Sunday, July 5, 2009

Saigon Flavor

I happen to like pho a lot, but rarely eat it because of the 17 mile drive to San Gabriel (and surrounding areas). But, on this lazy Sunday, I woke up with the hankering for something cheap, satisfying and authentic. We looked around on Yelp and came up with Saigon Flavor, a small and bustling restaurant which is apparently owned by the Golden Deli folks.

Saigon Flavor cha gio
Cha gio (egg rolls): I love Vietnamese egg rolls. They are on another level entirely from the kind you might be used to with Chinese takeout. Should have gotten an inside shot; it's packed with pork and veggies. They've got a really good version.

Saigon Flavor pho
My camera chose to focus on the plant being reflected than my pho! Oh well. The broth was flavorful with thin slices of beef and tendon, which I might have confused with another cut of beef because it was more gelatinous than I expected.

Saigon Flavor Mi Tom
Charles ordered a shrimp noodle soup, which was called Mi Tom on the menu. A very good broth with a bright cilantro flavor and a fair amount of shrimp.

All together, the bill was only $14.49! A feel good way to celebrate the last day of the long holiday weekend. I plan on making it over to Golden Deli at some point, but I was pleased enough with Saigon Flavor that it seems a more appealing, less hectic option for me. We did have to put our name on a list, but only waited about 10 minutes. I can't wait to come back and try some of their rice plates because I was definitely eying what the other patrons ordered!

Saigon Flavor
208 E. Valley Blvd, #B
San Gabriel, CA 91776
(626) 572-6036

6 comments:

weezermonkey said...

I like this place, but you are going to looooove Golden Deli! I don't know what it is, but I can't get enough of the broth there!

I'm lucky I work in the SGV. :)

Food, she thought. said...

That pic with the plant on the soup is actually really stunning. You couldn't have planned it better.

Pandalicious said...

that is a cheap bill!! i love egg rolls and pho!! now, i want some for lunch!

Gastronomer said...

The Golden Deli family seems to rule the Viet SGV roost. Someone needs to break up this monopoly, ASAP.

HISTORY said...

those eggrolls = the bomb.

Marie said...

Weezermonkey: I need to just bite the bullet and brave Golden Deli. I predict (or at least, hope) that it's going to be life-changing/addicting!

Food, she thought: Aww, thanks! Very sweet of you. :)

Pandalicious: Seriously, I'd be so happy if a spot with cheap but good pho and egg rolls was within walking distance of my apartment! I can dream. :P

Gastronomer: Yeah, they seem to have that area locked down! But, like all dynasties, there's got to be someone who will challenge them soon enough!

Charles: Yes, the egg rolls haunt me as we speak. So good!