Saigon Corner PH: My Favorite Vietnamese Restaurant (so far)
I’ve always believed in the comfort that a bowl of Pho could bring. Sure, they’re not as photogenic and flashy as the Japanese ramens; but nothing beats a bowl of pho during a cold rainy evening or even after a long day of work. Pho Hoa has been instrumental in bringing Vietnamese cuisine to mainstream consciousness; owing to how it has expanded its visibility in most malls in the Metro and how it was able to maintain the quality of its food over the past years.
SPECIAL PHO (P365)
It’s no secret that I’ve always favored the lesser-known Saigon Corner PH though. Whenever friends would ask for Vietnamese recommendations, it’s always the first thing that comes out of my mind. Its pho broth is the cleanest-tasting one that I’ve ever had. Interestingly enough, its premium version of their pho, aptly called Special Pho gives pho the royal treatment it deserves. Thinly sliced fresh beef that fill up an entire casserole is laid on the table. A friendly staff would then serve its piping-hot, bone-marrow infused pho broth at the table itself to ensure that the beef would not be overcooked. Flavorful is an understatement as one is treated to an absolute meat-fest. The bone-marrow makes the broth richer; while the layers of thinly sliced beef easily outweigh the noodles themselves. Everything about this was delicious; but I do prefer its simpler Original Pho. I’m more into the noodles and the soup than the actual beef itself, so I found this overly indulgent. It’s a steal though at P365!
TRADITIONAL BANH MI (P200)
A perfect pair to their Special Pho would be their Banh Mi. Saigon Corner’s Traditional Banh Mi does carry a price point that’s more than what’s readily available in the market; but it justifies this by doubling up on the standard serving size. I’m quite the minimalist when it comes to Banh Mi. My preference for meat fillings would be limited to pork chashu or barbecued chicken, (O Banh Mi’s chicken option is amazing), layered with crunchy vegetables and accompanied by an unlimited serving of Hoisin sauce and Sriracha. Saigon Corner goes over and beyond this by serving it inside one of the best tasting baguettes I’ve ever tried. It’s perfectly crunchy and flaky on the outside, and toasted exactly the way I want it. You don’t have to worry about having to gnaw your way through chewy or over-toasted bread! Pair it up with an order of their Vietnamese Coffee (Iced – P85)!
BANH XEO (P265)
Spring Rolls (either the fried or the fresh variant) would definitely complete the trifecta of the top-of-mind Vietnamese food items. However, if you want a slightly different starter to the meal, do consider the Banh Xeo. Essentially, it contains the same greens used in spring rolls and pairs it with the same sweet and tangy dipping sauce; but it trades in the spring roll wrapper for deep-fried paper-thin batter that’s usually referred to as the Vietnamese pancake. Unfortunately, ours were a tad bit greasy; but once you mix in the vinaigrette, it does help mute the oiliness.
Saigon Corner
40 Sgt Esguerra Ave., Diliman, QC
Date of Visit: February 22, 2020 with Lily Chua
