Nestled at 907 primary St in the heart of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Saigon Babylon is a lot more than just a restaurant. It’s a culinary encounter that blends the colourful flavors of Vietnam with contemporary creativeness, all established against the backdrop of Central sq.’s only rooftop. for those who’re a food stuff lover trying to find a novel eating place, this spot claims to captivate your senses with its creative dishes, gorgeous sights, and also a vibe that’s equivalent sections chic and welcoming. Allow’s dive into what makes Saigon Babylon essential-take a look at place for locals and travelers alike.

A Rooftop Haven in Central sq.

visualize stepping out from the bustling streets of Cambridge and ascending on the fifth flooring from the Sonder 907 principal creating. That’s the place Saigon Babylon awaits, perched atop what was as soon as the Blue Owl Rooftop Bar. This isn’t your regular dining set up. The open up-air terrace provides sweeping sights of the city, a unusual treat With this Portion of city. no matter if you’re catching a sunset or sipping cocktails beneath The celebs, the rooftop placing elevates every minute spent listed here.

The Room by itself looks like a considerate blend of character and layout. Lush greenery softens the modern traces of your household furniture, whilst heat lights casts a cozy glow. impressed by Vietnam’s wealthy aesthetic traditions, the decor strikes a stability among class and luxury. It’s the sort of position in which you can costume up for just a date or preserve it casual with pals, and either way, you’ll sense ideal at your house.

What sets this location aside is its exclusivity as Central sq.’s sole rooftop location. in a very community noted for its eclectic Electricity, Saigon Babylon carves out a distinct segment that’s both advanced and laid-back again. It’s No surprise consumers are buzzing concerning this hidden gem.

The Minds at the rear of the Magic

within the helm of Saigon Babylon are Vinh Le and Duong Huynh, a dynamic duo that has a proven background inside the culinary earth. If their names audio acquainted, it’s given that they’ve currently received more than foodies with ventures like Cicada Coffee Bar as well as the Eaves in close by Somerville. Their expertise shines through in every single detail in this article, within the menu towards the ambiance.

Vinh and Duong provide a deep appreciation for Vietnamese cuisine, paired that has a knack for innovation. They’re not just serving foodstuff; they’re telling a story through flavors and presentation. It’s crystal clear they’ve poured their hearts into creating Saigon Babylon a standout, as well as their enthusiasm resonates with each visitor who walks in the door.

A Menu That Dances with your Palate

the center of Saigon Babylon lies in its food stuff, a masterful fusion of Vietnamese classics and bold, modern-day twists. This isn’t your normal pho-and-spring-roll joint. The kitchen performs with textures, aromas, and tastes, providing dishes that come to feel common nonetheless thrillingly new. Enable’s explore a few of the stars from the menu.

Lemongrass Beef Carpaccio - A taste Explosion

photo this. Thinly sliced Wagyu beef, kissed with the earthy scent of lemongrass, drizzled that has a tangy passionfruit dressing. It’s completed using a crunch of crispy rice paper, introducing just the appropriate contrast. This dish is often a testomony on the kitchen’s ability to get a straightforward strategy and switch it into a little something remarkable. Every bite bursts with freshness, which makes it a great starter to awaken your urge for food.

Xôi Chim - convenience Meets Creativity

in the event you’re craving a thing hearty, the Xôi Chim gained’t disappoint. This dish normally takes sticky rice, infuses it with golden turmeric, and pairs it with floor squab and shiitake mushrooms. It’s a nod to Vietnamese Avenue meals, nevertheless the presentation feels like high-quality eating. the heat of the rice, the richness in the meat, and also the umami within the mushrooms appear jointly in a way that’s deeply satisfying. It’s convenience meals having a twist, and it’s straightforward to see why it’s a crowd favourite.

Bac Ninh - A Duck Dish finished correct

Duck fans, choose Notice. The Bac Ninh provides tender duck to your desk, bathed in the sauce that’s Daring and complex. The flavors lean savory with a hint of sweetness, showcasing the kitchen area’s talent in balancing Vietnamese staples. It’s website a dish that lingers as part of your memory lengthy once the food is around, proving that Saigon Babylon is familiar with how to manage meat with finesse.

Grilled Shrimp with Tamarind Sauce - Sweet and bitter Bliss

For seafood admirers, the grilled shrimp with tamarind sauce is a must-attempt. The shrimp are completely charred, their pure sweetness enhanced by a tamarind glaze that’s equivalent areas tart and sugary. It’s a playful dance of flavors, one which captures the essence of Vietnamese cooking. Pair it having a facet of sticky rice, and also you’ve received a plate that’s hard to set down.

Cocktails That Steal the Show

No rooftop experience is finish with out a stellar consume in hand, and Saigon Babylon delivers on that entrance also. The bar menu can be a celebration of Vietnamese inspiration, with cocktails which might be as ingenious because the food items. irrespective of whether you’re a cocktail aficionado or maybe seeking to sip some thing refreshing, there’s a good deal to love listed here.

Take the Pho Cocktail, By way of example. Certainly, you browse that appropriate. This drink takes the aromatic spices of Vietnam’s legendary noodle soup - Assume star anise, cinnamon, and cloves - and blends them with fresh new herbs plus a spirit within your choice. It’s quirky, unanticipated, and surprisingly delicious. If you like some thing a lot more tropical, the Stormy Saigon offers a fruity twist, having an choice to spike it with rum for a boozy kick.

The bar staff Evidently enjoys pushing boundaries, and it pays off. Each and every drink appears like a mini experience, complementing the foods without having overshadowing it. in the event you’re not inside the mood for Alcoholic beverages, they’ve bought non-alcoholic variations much too, making sure Everybody can join in the pleasurable.

When to go to

Saigon Babylon welcomes visitors from Wednesday to Sunday, with hrs working from 5 PM to midnight. that offers you plenty of time to delight in a leisurely dinner or swing by for late-night time beverages. The location shuts its doorways on Mondays and Tuesdays, so program accordingly. when you’re pondering dropping in, it’s a good idea to connect with ahead at (617) 945-4509. Hours can change, and you simply don’t desire to skip out.

The vibe here shifts depending upon the working day. Weeknights lean quieter, perfect for personal dinners or catching up with a colleague. appear Friday or Saturday, nevertheless, the Electrical power ramps up. DJ sets typically fill the air, turning the rooftop into a lively hotspot. It’s the type of flexibility that makes Saigon Babylon attract all kinds of diners.

What consumers are indicating

Since opening its doors in early 2024, Saigon Babylon has been building waves in Cambridge’s foodstuff scene. friends rave concerning the rooftop sights, contacting them a uncommon take care of During this bustling community. The food items earns high marks too, with lots of praising the creative imagination and freshness of every dish. The Lemongrass Beef Carpaccio and Xôi Chim pop up normally in critiques, hailed as highlights that showcase the kitchen’s talent.

That said, it’s not all perfect. Some diners mention that the costs lean on the upper side, In particular given the portion dimensions. several have pointed out that provider can truly feel uneven at times, very likely a hiccup from the restaurant’s newness. nevertheless, the general sentiment is overwhelmingly good. on line ratings hover about four.3 to 4.4 out of 5 on platforms like Yelp and Google, a powerful begin for a location that’s even now acquiring its footing.

creating a Reservation

all set to practical experience Saigon Babylon for yourself? reserving a table is really a breeze. you may hop on to their official Web page at saigonbabylon.entertaining or use Resy.com to protected your place. specified the rooftop’s acceptance, Primarily on weekends, it’s clever to prepare in advance. Walk-ins are welcome when Area lets, but a reservation assures you gained’t be remaining waiting.

this can be a place that works for all kinds of instances. scheduling a passionate night? The ambiance and foodstuff set the ideal tone. Conference mates for an evening out? The cocktails and DJ vibes retain matters energetic. It’s even an incredible decide for any Particular celebration, due to the standout environment and menu.

Why Saigon Babylon Stands Out

Cambridge is not any stranger to excellent foodstuff, but Saigon Babylon brings anything fresh new to your desk. It’s not nearly consuming; it’s about immersing on your own inside a sensory journey. The rooftop site by yourself causes it to be a rarity, presenting a viewpoint of the city you received’t locate wherever else in Central Square. increase during the Vietnamese fusion cuisine, crafted with care by Vinh Le and Duong Huynh, and you’ve bought a recipe for your memorable night time.

the eye to element shines as a result of in every component. From the way the lemongrass perfumes the beef towards the clever twist of the Pho Cocktail, this spot doesn’t cut corners. It’s a celebration of Vietnam’s culinary heritage, reimagined for a contemporary viewers. Whether you’re a local seeking a new haunt or maybe a customer exploring the realm, Saigon Babylon looks like a discovery value sharing.

strategies for Your stop by

for those who’re heading to Saigon Babylon, several tips can improve your expertise. intention for an early night slot if you wish to catch the sunset - the rooftop sights are unbeatable as being the sky shifts shades. Dress in layers, too. The outside setting is actually a attract, but Massachusetts weather may be unpredictable, even in spring or tumble.

Don’t skip the cocktails, Even when you’re not an enormous drinker. The non-alcoholic alternatives are merely as Imaginative and pair wonderfully While using the food. and when you’re torn on what to get, request the personnel for suggestions. They’re passionate about the menu and joyful to information you toward a thing you’ll like.

A Taste of Vietnam in Cambridge

Saigon Babylon isn’t only a restaurant; it’s a spot. It captures the spirit of Vietnamese cuisine - bold, well balanced, and filled with daily life - and wraps it in a very placing that’s uniquely Cambridge. The rooftop perch, the ingenious dishes, the welcoming atmosphere - it all will come together to build a little something Distinctive.

up coming time you’re in Central sq., skip the same old suspects and head up to 907 major St. no matter whether you’re savoring the Bac Ninh or toasting that has a Stormy Saigon, you’ll end up caught up in the appeal of Saigon Babylon. It’s a spot that lingers within your head, beckoning you again for one more flavor of its magic.