Nestled at 907 principal St in the center of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Saigon Babylon is a lot more than just a cafe. It’s a culinary practical experience that blends the colourful flavors of Vietnam with fashionable creative imagination, all established from the backdrop of Central sq.’s only rooftop. in case you’re a meals lover looking for a singular dining spot, this spot promises to captivate your senses with its inventive dishes, breathtaking sights, and a vibe that’s equivalent components chic and welcoming. Let’s dive into what makes Saigon Babylon a must-take a look at place for locals and holidaymakers alike.
A Rooftop Haven in Central sq.
envision stepping out of your bustling streets of Cambridge and ascending to your fifth floor with the Sonder 907 most important constructing. That’s where by Saigon Babylon awaits, perched atop what was once the Blue Owl Rooftop Bar. This isn’t your normal dining setup. The open-air terrace provides sweeping sights of the city, a rare address in this Element of town. whether or not you’re catching a sunset or sipping cocktails under The celebrities, the rooftop placing elevates just get more info about every instant expended listed here.
The Place alone feels like a thoughtful mixture of nature and layout. Lush greenery softens the fashionable lines in the furnishings, whilst heat lights casts a cozy glow. influenced by Vietnam’s rich aesthetic traditions, the decor strikes a stability amongst elegance and luxury. It’s the kind of position where you can dress up for just a date or hold it casual with friends, and In either case, you’ll really feel correct at home.
What sets this place aside is its exclusivity as Central Square’s sole rooftop location. within a neighborhood noted for its eclectic Strength, Saigon Babylon carves out a niche that’s each advanced and laid-again. It’s No surprise consumers are buzzing about this hidden gem.
The Minds Behind the Magic
At the helm of Saigon Babylon are Vinh Le and Duong Huynh, a dynamic duo with a demonstrated background in the culinary entire world. If their names seem familiar, it’s since they’ve by now received more than foodies with ventures like Cicada espresso Bar and also the Eaves in close by Somerville. Their know-how shines by way of in just about every detail listed here, through the menu into the ambiance.
Vinh and Duong provide a deep appreciation for Vietnamese cuisine, paired having a knack for innovation. They’re not merely serving food; they’re telling a Tale via flavors and presentation. It’s clear they’ve poured their hearts into generating Saigon Babylon a standout, as well as their enthusiasm resonates with just about every guest who walks in the doorway.
A Menu That Dances in your Palate
the guts of Saigon Babylon lies in its meals, a masterful fusion of Vietnamese classics and Daring, fashionable twists. This isn’t your ordinary pho-and-spring-roll joint. The kitchen plays with textures, aromas, and tastes, delivering dishes that feel common nonetheless thrillingly new. Enable’s check out a few of the stars of your menu.
Lemongrass Beef Carpaccio - A taste Explosion
image this. Thinly sliced Wagyu beef, kissed by the earthy scent of lemongrass, drizzled which has a tangy passionfruit dressing. It’s finished having a crunch of crispy rice paper, adding just the right contrast. This dish is usually a testament to the kitchen area’s capacity to get an easy principle and switch it into a thing incredible. Every Chunk bursts with freshness, rendering it an ideal starter to awaken your urge for food.
Xôi Chim - Comfort fulfills creativeness
in the event you’re craving one thing hearty, the Xôi Chim received’t disappoint. This dish requires sticky rice, infuses it with golden turmeric, and pairs it with floor squab and shiitake mushrooms. It’s a nod to Vietnamese street food stuff, even so the presentation seems like great eating. the heat of the rice, the richness on the meat, along with the umami through the mushrooms appear together in a way that’s deeply gratifying. It’s consolation food stuff with a twist, and it’s easy to see why it’s a crowd favorite.
Bac Ninh - A Duck Dish finished proper
Duck enthusiasts, take Notice. The Bac Ninh brings tender duck to your desk, bathed inside of a sauce that’s Daring and complex. The flavors lean savory with a touch of sweetness, showcasing the kitchen’s ability in balancing Vietnamese staples. It’s a dish that lingers within your memory long after the food is above, proving that Saigon Babylon is familiar with how to deal with meat with finesse.
Grilled Shrimp with Tamarind Sauce - Sweet and Sour Bliss
For seafood supporters, the grilled shrimp with tamarind sauce is essential-check out. The shrimp are beautifully charred, their organic sweetness Increased by a tamarind glaze that’s equal areas tart and sugary. It’s a playful dance of flavors, one that captures the essence of Vietnamese cooking. Pair it which has a facet of sticky rice, and you simply’ve got a plate that’s not easy to set down.
Cocktails That Steal the demonstrate
No rooftop practical experience is total with no stellar drink in hand, and Saigon Babylon delivers on that entrance as well. The bar menu can be a celebration of Vietnamese inspiration, with cocktails which can be as ingenious because the foodstuff. whether or not you’re a cocktail aficionado or perhaps trying to sip a thing refreshing, there’s a great deal to love right here.
go ahead and take Pho Cocktail, As an example. Certainly, you read that correct. This drink usually takes the aromatic spices of Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup - Feel star anise, cinnamon, and cloves - and blends them with clean herbs as well as a spirit of the option. It’s quirky, unpredicted, and remarkably delightful. If you prefer anything much more tropical, the Stormy Saigon provides a fruity twist, using an choice to spike it with rum for any boozy kick.
The bar staff Obviously enjoys pushing boundaries, and it pays off. Every consume appears like a mini journey, complementing the foods without the need of overshadowing it. for those who’re not inside the temper for Alcoholic beverages, they’ve received non-alcoholic variations also, guaranteeing Every person can join in the fun.
When to go to
Saigon Babylon welcomes friends from Wednesday to Sunday, with hours functioning from five PM to midnight. that provides you an abundance of the perfect time to enjoy a leisurely supper or swing by for late-night beverages. The place shuts its doors on Mondays and Tuesdays, so program accordingly. in case you’re thinking about dropping in, it’s a smart idea to phone ahead at (617) 945-4509. Hours can change, therefore you don’t desire to miss out.
The vibe in this article shifts depending upon the working day. Weeknights lean quieter, perfect for personal dinners or catching up with a colleague. appear Friday or Saturday, although, the Electrical power ramps up. DJ sets normally fill the air, turning the rooftop into a energetic hotspot. It’s the kind of flexibility which makes Saigon Babylon appeal to an array of diners.
What consumers are Saying
considering that opening its doors in early 2024, Saigon Babylon has actually been building waves in Cambridge’s food items scene. friends rave with regard to the rooftop sights, calling them a exceptional treat With this bustling neighborhood. The food items earns high marks also, with quite a few praising the creativeness and freshness of each dish. The Lemongrass Beef Carpaccio and Xôi Chim pop up typically in reviews, hailed as highlights that showcase the kitchen’s talent.
That said, it’s not all perfect. Some diners point out that the costs lean on the upper facet, Particularly supplied the part measurements. a number of have mentioned that assistance can sense uneven at times, very likely a hiccup from your cafe’s newness. even now, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly optimistic. on the internet scores hover all around four.three to four.four away from 5 on platforms like Yelp and Google, a powerful begin for an area that’s even now finding its footing.
building a Reservation
wanting to working experience Saigon Babylon yourself? reserving a desk is really a breeze. you could hop on to their Formal Internet site at saigonbabylon.fun or use Resy.com to secure your location. Given the rooftop’s acceptance, especially on weekends, it’s clever to system in advance. Walk-ins are welcome when Area permits, but a reservation makes sure you received’t be still left waiting around.
it is a location that works for a variety of occasions. Planning a passionate evening? The ambiance and meals established the proper tone. Assembly buddies for an evening out? The cocktails and DJ vibes keep issues energetic. It’s even an excellent choose for your special celebration, because of the standout environment and menu.
Why Saigon Babylon Stands Out
Cambridge is no stranger to excellent foods, but Saigon Babylon provides a thing fresh on the desk. It’s not just about eating; it’s about immersing oneself in a sensory journey. The rooftop site by itself makes it a rarity, providing a standpoint of town you gained’t come across everywhere else in Central sq.. increase from the Vietnamese fusion cuisine, crafted with treatment by Vinh Le and Duong Huynh, and also you’ve acquired a recipe for your memorable evening.
the eye to element shines through in every single factor. in the way the lemongrass perfumes the beef towards the clever twist of a Pho Cocktail, this area doesn’t cut corners. It’s a celebration of Vietnam’s culinary heritage, reimagined for a contemporary viewers. Whether you’re an area seeking a new haunt or maybe a visitor Checking out the world, Saigon Babylon seems like a discovery truly worth sharing.
tricks for Your go to
in case you’re heading to Saigon Babylon, a handful of tips can improve your encounter. Aim for an early evening slot if you want to capture the sunset - the rooftop views are unbeatable given that the sky shifts colors. gown in levels, too. The out of doors setting can be a attract, but Massachusetts climate may be unpredictable, even in spring or fall.
Don’t skip the cocktails, Even when you’re not an enormous drinker. The non-alcoholic choices are just as Innovative and pair fantastically Using the meals. And if you’re torn on what to get, request the workers for recommendations. They’re obsessed with the menu and delighted to tutorial you towards a thing you’ll really like.
A flavor of Vietnam in Cambridge
Saigon Babylon isn’t just a cafe; it’s a location. It captures the spirit of Vietnamese Delicacies - Daring, balanced, and full of everyday living - and wraps it in the location that’s uniquely Cambridge. The rooftop perch, the creative dishes, the welcoming ambiance - it all arrives collectively to develop something Unique.
up coming time you’re in Central sq., skip the usual suspects and head as many as 907 Main St. no matter whether you’re savoring the Bac Ninh or toasting using a Stormy Saigon, you’ll find yourself caught up while in the appeal of Saigon Babylon. It’s an area that lingers as part of your mind, beckoning you back again for an additional flavor of its magic.