Saigon Babylon - A Vietnamese Fusion Gem on Cambridge’s Only Rooftop
Saigon Babylon - A Vietnamese Fusion Gem on Cambridge’s Only Rooftop
Blog Article
Nestled at 907 principal St in the guts of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Saigon Babylon is more than simply a restaurant. It’s a culinary encounter that blends the vibrant flavors of Vietnam with modern creative imagination, all established towards the backdrop of Central sq.’s only rooftop. If you’re a food lover searching for a singular dining place, this spot claims to captivate your senses with its creative dishes, amazing sights, as well as a vibe that’s equivalent pieces chic and welcoming. Permit’s dive into what will make Saigon Babylon essential-take a look at location for locals and travellers alike.
A Rooftop Haven in Central Square
Imagine stepping out of your bustling streets of Cambridge and ascending on the fifth floor in the Sonder 907 primary building. That’s wherever Saigon Babylon awaits, perched atop what was once the Blue Owl Rooftop Bar. This isn’t your regular eating setup. The open-air terrace offers sweeping sights of the town, a exceptional treat On this part of city. whether or not you’re catching a sunset or sipping cocktails under the stars, the rooftop setting elevates every single instant invested listed here.
The Area alone seems like a thoughtful blend of mother nature and structure. Lush greenery softens the modern lines in the furnishings, whilst warm lights casts a cozy glow. Inspired by Vietnam’s prosperous aesthetic traditions, the decor strikes a equilibrium concerning class and luxury. It’s the sort of position where you can gown up for the day or continue to keep it relaxed with close friends, and In any event, you’ll feel suitable in your own home.
What sets this place apart is its exclusivity as Central sq.’s sole rooftop location. in a very community noted for its eclectic energy, Saigon Babylon carves out a distinct segment that’s both of those advanced and laid-again. It’s No surprise people are buzzing concerning this hidden gem.
The Minds powering the Magic
with the helm of Saigon Babylon are Vinh Le and Duong Huynh, a dynamic duo with a demonstrated track record in the culinary globe. If their names sound familiar, it’s because they’ve presently won in excess of foodies with ventures like Cicada Coffee Bar as well as Eaves in close by Somerville. Their skills shines as a result of in each individual depth here, with the menu to your ambiance.
Vinh and Duong bring a deep appreciation for Vietnamese Delicacies, paired having a knack for innovation. They’re not only serving food stuff; they’re telling a Tale as a result of flavors and presentation. It’s apparent they’ve poured their hearts into making Saigon Babylon a standout, as well as their enthusiasm resonates with each individual guest who walks in the doorway.
A Menu That Dances with your Palate
The heart of Saigon Babylon lies in its meals, a masterful fusion of Vietnamese classics and bold, modern twists. This isn’t your typical pho-and-spring-roll joint. The kitchen area plays with textures, aromas, and tastes, providing dishes that experience familiar nevertheless thrillingly new. Enable’s examine many of the stars of the menu.
Lemongrass Beef Carpaccio - A Flavor Explosion
Picture this. Thinly sliced Wagyu beef, kissed through the earthy scent of lemongrass, drizzled which has a tangy passionfruit dressing. It’s completed with a crunch of crispy rice paper, adding just the correct contrast. This dish is a testomony to the kitchen’s power to choose an easy notion and turn it into a thing remarkable. Every bite bursts with freshness, which makes it a great starter to awaken your appetite.
Xôi Chim - comfort and ease Meets Creativity
when you’re craving something hearty, the Xôi Chim won’t disappoint. This dish takes sticky rice, infuses it with golden turmeric, and pairs it with ground squab and shiitake mushrooms. It’s a nod to Vietnamese street food, even so the presentation seems like fantastic eating. The warmth in the rice, the richness of your meat, and also the umami with the mushrooms arrive with each other in a way that’s deeply gratifying. It’s consolation foodstuff that has a twist, and it’s easy to see why it’s a group favorite.
Bac Ninh - A Duck Dish performed appropriate
Duck lovers, take Take note. The Bac Ninh brings tender duck to the desk, bathed inside of a sauce that’s bold and complicated. The flavors lean savory with a touch of sweetness, showcasing the kitchen area’s ability in balancing Vietnamese staples. It’s a dish that lingers within your memory extensive following the food is around, proving that Saigon Babylon understands how to handle meat with finesse.
Grilled Shrimp with Tamarind Sauce - Sweet and Sour Bliss
For seafood supporters, the grilled shrimp with tamarind sauce is a must-try. The shrimp are completely charred, their purely natural sweetness get more info Improved by a tamarind glaze that’s equal parts tart and sugary. It’s a playful dance of flavors, one that captures the essence of Vietnamese cooking. Pair it using a side of sticky rice, and also you’ve received a plate that’s challenging to set down.
Cocktails That Steal the display
No rooftop experience is finish with out a stellar drink in hand, and Saigon Babylon delivers on that front way too. The bar menu is usually a celebration of Vietnamese inspiration, with cocktails which might be as creative as the food. no matter whether you’re a cocktail aficionado or maybe seeking to sip something refreshing, there’s loads to like right here.
Take the Pho Cocktail, for instance. Sure, you study that suitable. This drink requires the aromatic spices of Vietnam’s legendary noodle soup - Assume star anise, cinnamon, and cloves - and blends them with contemporary herbs in addition to a spirit of the choice. It’s quirky, sudden, and surprisingly scrumptious. If you prefer a little something additional tropical, the Stormy Saigon offers a fruity twist, with the option to spike it with rum for a boozy kick.
The bar group Evidently enjoys pushing boundaries, and it pays off. Each individual drink appears like a mini journey, complementing the food devoid of overshadowing it. when you’re not in the mood for alcohol, they’ve bought non-alcoholic versions as well, making certain Absolutely everyone can join in the enjoyable.
When to Visit
Saigon Babylon welcomes guests from Wednesday to Sunday, with several hours functioning from 5 PM to midnight. That gives you plenty of time to enjoy a leisurely meal or swing by for late-evening beverages. The position shuts its doorways on Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan appropriately. If you’re thinking of dropping in, it’s a good idea to connect with forward at (617) 945-4509. several hours can shift, and also you don’t choose to miss out.
The vibe below shifts depending upon the day. Weeknights lean quieter, great for personal dinners or catching up with a colleague. arrive Friday or Saturday, although, the Vitality ramps up. DJ sets often fill the air, turning the rooftop into a lively hotspot. It’s the type of versatility which makes Saigon Babylon appeal to a myriad of diners.
What folks are stating
considering that opening its doors in early 2024, Saigon Babylon has long been producing waves in Cambridge’s food scene. attendees rave with regards to the rooftop views, calling them a exceptional take care of On this bustling neighborhood. The food earns superior marks much too, with lots of praising the creative imagination and freshness of each and every dish. The Lemongrass Beef Carpaccio and Xôi Chim pop up normally in assessments, hailed as highlights that showcase the kitchen area’s talent.
That said, it’s not all ideal. Some diners mention that the prices lean on the upper side, Specially provided the part measurements. several have famous that service can truly feel uneven sometimes, probably a hiccup in the restaurant’s newness. nonetheless, the general sentiment is overwhelmingly optimistic. on the web scores hover about 4.3 to four.four out of 5 on platforms like Yelp and Google, a robust start out for an area that’s continue to finding its footing.
creating a Reservation
Ready to practical experience Saigon Babylon yourself? reserving a table is actually a breeze. you may hop onto their Formal Site at saigonbabylon.enjoyment or use Resy.com to secure your spot. Given the rooftop’s attractiveness, Specially on weekends, it’s smart to program ahead. stroll-ins are welcome when House allows, but a reservation makes sure you won’t be remaining waiting.
it is a place that works for a number of events. preparing a passionate night? The ambiance and food stuff set the ideal tone. Assembly buddies for a night out? The cocktails and DJ vibes continue to keep points lively. It’s even an excellent choose to get a special celebration, because of the standout setting and menu.
Why Saigon Babylon Stands Out
Cambridge is no stranger to superior foods, but Saigon Babylon brings something clean to your table. It’s not pretty much having; it’s about immersing you in the sensory journey. The rooftop area by itself can make it a rarity, offering a perspective of the town you won’t uncover everywhere else in Central sq.. include within the Vietnamese fusion cuisine, crafted with treatment by Vinh Le and Duong Huynh, and you also’ve got a recipe for the memorable night time.
The attention to element shines by means of in each individual part. with the way the lemongrass perfumes the beef into the clever twist of a Pho Cocktail, this spot doesn’t Minimize corners. It’s a celebration of Vietnam’s culinary heritage, reimagined for a contemporary audience. no matter if you’re a neighborhood trying to find a new haunt or possibly a visitor Checking out the area, Saigon Babylon seems like a discovery value sharing.
guidelines for Your go to
in case you’re heading to Saigon Babylon, a couple of ideas can improve your working experience. purpose for an early evening slot if you wish to catch the sunset - the rooftop views are unbeatable because the sky shifts colors. Dress in levels, as well. The out of doors placing can be a draw, but Massachusetts temperature is often unpredictable, even in spring or tumble.
Don’t skip the cocktails, Even though you’re not a large drinker. The non-alcoholic choices are only as Resourceful and pair fantastically While using the foods. and when you’re torn on what to order, talk to the employees for tips. They’re enthusiastic about the menu and happy to guidebook you toward anything you’ll enjoy.
A style of Vietnam in Cambridge
Saigon Babylon isn’t simply a cafe; it’s a place. It captures the spirit of Vietnamese Delicacies - bold, well balanced, and filled with life - and wraps it in a very location that’s uniquely Cambridge. The rooftop perch, the inventive dishes, the welcoming ambiance - everything will come alongside one another to build some thing Exclusive.
upcoming time you’re in Central sq., skip the usual suspects and head as many as 907 primary St. no matter if you’re savoring the Bac Ninh or toasting using a Stormy Saigon, you’ll end up caught up from the attraction of Saigon Babylon. It’s a place that lingers within your mind, beckoning you back again for another taste of its magic.
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