As big fans of Vietnamese food we’ve been excited about the opening of Little Saigon ever since work began to transform the former Chinese restaurant on the High Road. We stopped by early in the evening on the Saturday of the Bank Holiday weekend, along with what seemed like everybody else in E11, presumably attracted by the opening-week 30% off deal. Even though it was busy, we were seated quickly and menus – and, happily, a bowl of prawn crackers – arrived soon after.
Lighting is by way of low-hanging coloured glass lamp shades, and there are colourful props around the places such as a tuk tuk, a fish tank and a streetfood stand where fresh noodles were being made. Instagram gold basically. Seating is at variously coloured Eames-style dining chairs at wooden-topped tables of various sizes, plenty of tables of two for date nights* as well as bigger tables for families and larger parties.
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Having good memories of excellent coffee in Vietnam I was looking forward to something strong to accompany a dessert, but after a lengthy wait for our plates to be cleared we decided to cut our losses and go for a drink at The Red Lion. It took three attempts to get the bill, during which time another portion of prawn crackers was delivered to our table. We said nothing and ate them and, finally, managed to pay.
The next day I was back. It was a bit quieter, possibly because the discount had dropped to 10%, but still buzzy. Again we were seated quickly, and the menus arrived swiftly, but no prawn crackers this time, which was possibly cracker karma for not owning up to the extra portion the day before.
As well as the aforementioned salt and pepper squid we had grilled sugar cane prawn skewers – minced prawns served lollipop style almost my favourite Vietnamese starter. There was a mix up with the mains and instead of chicken pho, beef pho arrived instead, but I decided to go with it and would have been perfectly happy with my hug-in-a-bowl of a dish if I hadn’t experienced major food envy when the grilled pork patties and noodles arrived. 
Once again our empty plates were left in front of us for what seemed like an eternity and so I am still yet to try the coffee. Once the bill finally arrived there was an extra drink on it that we hadn’t ordered, but the mistake was swiftly rectified.
So overall? I like Little Saigon – the food, pricing (£4.50-£7.50 for starters, £8-£12 for mains) and overall vibe make it a great addition to the area. Here’s hoping the service is sorted out soon.
*For first dates my advice would be don’t order the pho, unless you’re an expert with chopsticks.
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11 thoughts on “Review: Little Saigon E11”
I hope they iron out these problems as its a pretty common opinion that the service is currently a bit shoddy.
Service in first week was ropey but they’ll sort it. We need a Vietnamese restaurant. Please give encouragement!
If you read the review there is plenty of encouragement, Colin.
Wasn’t keen, bit like eating in a soft play centre…
Yes and the service is still disappointing, although the food is alright
This is disappointing to hear. We have yet to try it and are looking forward to it, but it sounds like we’ll have to go on a day when we have plenty of time :-/
Food was good but service an decor not the best.
Yes, the service was disappointing. I didn’t think the food was great either, it was average. I don’t think I’ll be going back.
I was there last night, didn’t have any problems with the service at all. Very friendly, food arrived fast and was so fresh from being cooked it was almost too hot (certainly not a complaint!). I can imagine the decor isn’t to everyone’s taste but they’re trying to be trendy on a budget. Will definitely be going again.
Food was fine and good value, no problem with the service. The only drawback for me was that it’s too brightly lit for my taste! Other than that, I think it’s a great addition to the area x
I’ve been twice, and twice disappointed. Bad service, and the chef should learn how to cook a Pho, as it is not Pho, but dried noodles in hot water… Fail!