Nestled at 907 most important St in the heart of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Saigon Babylon is a lot more than simply a cafe. It’s a culinary practical experience that blends the vibrant flavors of Vietnam with modern creative imagination, all established from the backdrop of Central Square’s only rooftop. in the event you’re a food lover seeking a novel dining spot, this location claims to captivate your senses with its creative dishes, stunning sights, along with a vibe that’s equal areas chic and welcoming. Enable’s dive into what helps make Saigon Babylon a must-stop by desired destination for locals and visitors alike.

A Rooftop Haven in Central Square

think about stepping out on the bustling streets of Cambridge and ascending to your fifth ground with the Sonder 907 primary making. get more info That’s where Saigon Babylon awaits, perched atop what was when the Blue Owl Rooftop Bar. This isn’t your typical dining setup. The open-air terrace features sweeping sights of town, a rare address In this particular A part of city. whether or not you’re catching a sunset or sipping cocktails below the stars, the rooftop placing elevates just about every minute invested listed here.

The Area itself seems like a thoughtful mixture of character and style and design. Lush greenery softens the fashionable lines with the home furniture, even though warm lights casts a cozy glow. influenced by Vietnam’s abundant aesthetic traditions, the decor strikes a balance concerning elegance and comfort. It’s the kind of position in which you can dress up for the date or preserve it informal with mates, and In any event, you’ll come to feel appropriate in your own home.

What sets this location aside is its exclusivity as Central Square’s sole rooftop venue. in a very community known for its eclectic Strength, Saigon Babylon carves out a distinct segment that’s equally subtle and laid-again. It’s No surprise persons are buzzing relating to this hidden gem.

The Minds driving the Magic

in the helm of Saigon Babylon are Vinh Le and Duong Huynh, a dynamic duo which has a tested reputation in the culinary globe. If their names audio acquainted, it’s mainly because they’ve already received in excess of foodies with ventures like Cicada espresso Bar along with the Eaves in nearby Somerville. Their know-how shines by in every single element below, from your menu on the ambiance.

Vinh and Duong provide a deep appreciation for Vietnamese cuisine, paired using a knack for innovation. They’re not just serving food stuff; they’re telling a story by means of flavors and presentation. It’s very clear they’ve poured their hearts into generating Saigon Babylon a standout, and their enthusiasm resonates with each individual visitor who walks through the doorway.

A Menu That Dances in your Palate

The heart of Saigon Babylon lies in its food stuff, a masterful fusion of Vietnamese classics and Daring, modern twists. This isn’t your normal pho-and-spring-roll joint. The kitchen area plays with textures, aromas, and tastes, providing dishes that sense common nevertheless thrillingly new. Allow’s explore a number of the stars of your menu.

Lemongrass Beef Carpaccio - A Flavor Explosion

photograph this. Thinly sliced Wagyu beef, kissed from the earthy scent of lemongrass, drizzled that has a tangy passionfruit dressing. It’s completed by using a crunch of crispy rice paper, adding just the appropriate distinction. This dish is often a testomony for the kitchen area’s power to just take a straightforward concept and switch it into one thing extraordinary. Every single Chunk bursts with freshness, rendering it an excellent starter to awaken your hunger.

Xôi Chim - Comfort Meets Creativity

If you’re craving one thing hearty, the Xôi Chim won’t disappoint. This dish can take sticky rice, infuses it with golden turmeric, and pairs it with floor squab and shiitake mushrooms. It’s a nod to Vietnamese street food items, nevertheless the presentation feels like wonderful eating. the heat on the rice, the richness in the meat, along with the umami through the mushrooms appear with each other in a means that’s deeply fulfilling. It’s convenience food stuff using a twist, and it’s simple to see why it’s a group favorite.

Bac Ninh - A Duck Dish accomplished Right

Duck enthusiasts, acquire Take note. The Bac Ninh provides tender duck for the table, bathed within a sauce that’s bold and complicated. The flavors lean savory with a hint of sweetness, showcasing the kitchen area’s ability in balancing Vietnamese staples. It’s a dish that lingers in your memory extensive after the meal is in excess of, proving that Saigon Babylon is aware how to deal with meat with finesse.

Grilled Shrimp with Tamarind Sauce - Sweet and bitter Bliss

For seafood followers, the grilled shrimp with tamarind sauce is essential-try out. The shrimp are completely charred, their organic sweetness Improved 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 having a side of sticky rice, so you’ve acquired a plate that’s difficult to put down.

Cocktails That Steal the clearly show

No rooftop experience is comprehensive and not using a stellar consume in hand, and Saigon Babylon provides on that entrance as well. The bar menu is a celebration of Vietnamese inspiration, with cocktails which have been as ingenious since the foodstuff. no matter whether you’re a cocktail aficionado or simply just looking to sip some thing refreshing, there’s a great deal to love listed here.

go ahead and take Pho Cocktail, For illustration. Certainly, you read through that appropriate. This consume requires the aromatic spices of Vietnam’s legendary noodle soup - Consider star anise, cinnamon, and cloves - and blends them with new herbs plus a spirit of your respective decision. It’s quirky, surprising, and amazingly delicious. If you prefer anything far more tropical, the Stormy Saigon offers a fruity twist, with an choice to spike it with rum for just a boozy kick.

The bar crew Plainly enjoys pushing boundaries, and it pays off. Each drink feels like a mini adventure, complementing the food items devoid of overshadowing it. for those who’re not in the mood for Liquor, they’ve obtained non-alcoholic variations much too, making sure Everybody can join in the enjoyable.

When to go to

Saigon Babylon welcomes company from Wednesday to Sunday, with hrs functioning from five PM to midnight. that offers you plenty of the perfect time to love a leisurely meal or swing by for late-night drinks. The put shuts its doorways on Mondays and Tuesdays, so approach appropriately. in case you’re serious about dropping in, it’s a good idea to simply call forward at (617) 945-4509. several hours can shift, and you simply don’t want to miss out.

The vibe listed here shifts with regards to the day. Weeknights lean quieter, ideal for intimate dinners or catching up with an acquaintance. arrive Friday or Saturday, though, the Strength ramps up. DJ sets normally fill the air, turning the rooftop right into a energetic hotspot. It’s the kind of flexibility which makes Saigon Babylon attract a myriad of diners.

What individuals are indicating

considering the fact that opening its doorways in early 2024, Saigon Babylon continues to be creating waves in Cambridge’s foodstuff scene. friends rave regarding the rooftop sights, contacting them a unusual take care of On this bustling neighborhood. The food stuff earns higher marks far too, with numerous praising the creativeness and freshness of every dish. The Lemongrass Beef Carpaccio and Xôi Chim pop up often in evaluations, hailed as highlights that showcase the kitchen’s talent.

That said, it’s not all great. Some diners point out that the prices lean on the higher side, Specially given the part measurements. several have noted that services can experience uneven at times, probably a hiccup with the restaurant’s newness. however, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly favourable. on the web ratings hover all over 4.three to four.four outside of five on platforms like Yelp and Google, a powerful begin for a location that’s continue to discovering its footing.

producing a Reservation

wanting to knowledge Saigon Babylon for yourself? reserving a table is a breeze. you may hop on to their official Site at saigonbabylon.entertaining or use Resy.com to safe your spot. presented the rooftop’s reputation, especially on weekends, it’s sensible to strategy forward. Walk-ins are welcome when Room lets, but a reservation guarantees you won’t be remaining waiting around.

this is the place that works for all sorts of events. organizing a passionate night? The ambiance and foods established the perfect tone. Assembly mates for an evening out? The cocktails and DJ vibes keep issues lively. It’s even a terrific select for any Distinctive celebration, thanks to the standout environment and menu.

Why Saigon Babylon Stands Out

Cambridge isn't any stranger to superior foods, but Saigon Babylon delivers something new to your table. It’s not pretty much eating; it’s about immersing your self within a sensory journey. The rooftop spot by itself makes it a rarity, presenting a standpoint of the town you received’t discover anyplace else in Central sq.. include in the Vietnamese fusion Delicacies, crafted with treatment by Vinh Le and Duong Huynh, therefore you’ve got a recipe for your unforgettable evening.

The attention to element shines as a result of in each and every part. within the way the lemongrass perfumes the beef to your clever twist of a Pho Cocktail, this spot doesn’t Reduce corners. It’s a celebration of Vietnam’s culinary heritage, reimagined for a modern viewers. Whether you’re a local looking for a new haunt or even a visitor exploring the world, Saigon Babylon seems like a discovery truly worth sharing.

techniques for Your Visit

for those who’re heading to Saigon Babylon, a few ideas can boost your expertise. goal for an early night slot if you would like capture the sunset - the rooftop views are unbeatable since the sky shifts hues. costume in levels, much too. The out of doors location is actually a draw, but Massachusetts weather conditions is usually unpredictable, even in spring or fall.

Don’t skip the cocktails, even if you’re not a big drinker. The non-alcoholic options are merely as Inventive and pair fantastically Together with the food stuff. And if you’re torn on what to get, inquire the employees for suggestions. They’re passionate about the menu and satisfied to manual you toward anything you’ll enjoy.

A Taste of Vietnam in Cambridge

Saigon Babylon isn’t simply a cafe; it’s a destination. It captures the spirit of Vietnamese Delicacies - Daring, well balanced, and stuffed with existence - and wraps it in a very location that’s uniquely Cambridge. The rooftop perch, the inventive dishes, the welcoming atmosphere - it all comes collectively to build a thing Specific.

upcoming time you’re in Central sq., skip the standard suspects and head around 907 key St. no matter if you’re savoring the Bac Ninh or toasting with a Stormy Saigon, you’ll find yourself caught up from the allure of Saigon Babylon. It’s a location that lingers with your thoughts, beckoning you back again for another style of its magic.