Saigon Babylon - A Vietnamese Fusion Gem on Cambridge’s Only Rooftop

Nestled at 907 key St in the center of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Saigon Babylon is much more than just a restaurant. It’s a culinary practical experience that blends the colourful flavors of Vietnam with contemporary creativeness, all established versus the backdrop of Central Square’s only rooftop. in case you’re a foods lover looking for a unique eating spot, this put guarantees to captivate your senses with its inventive dishes, spectacular sights, and also a vibe that’s equivalent sections chic and welcoming. Enable’s dive into what makes Saigon Babylon essential-take a look read more at destination for locals and vacationers alike.

A Rooftop Haven in Central sq.

Imagine stepping out of the bustling streets of Cambridge and ascending to your fifth flooring with the Sonder 907 major setting up. That’s where Saigon Babylon awaits, perched atop what was when the Blue Owl Rooftop Bar. This isn’t your typical dining set up. The open up-air terrace features sweeping views of the town, a rare treat Within this Component of city. irrespective of whether you’re catching a sunset or sipping cocktails underneath The celebs, the rooftop placing elevates each individual instant expended listed here.

The House alone feels like a thoughtful blend of character and design and style. Lush greenery softens the modern strains on the home furniture, although heat lights casts a cozy glow. impressed by Vietnam’s wealthy aesthetic traditions, the decor strikes a balance among magnificence and comfort. It’s the sort of position where you can costume up for the date or retain it everyday with good friends, and In any case, you’ll come to feel suitable at your home.

What sets this location aside is its exclusivity as Central sq.’s sole rooftop location. in a very neighborhood noted for its eclectic energy, Saigon Babylon carves out a niche that’s equally complex and laid-again. It’s no wonder folks are buzzing about this concealed gem.

The Minds Behind the Magic

in the helm of Saigon Babylon are Vinh Le and Duong Huynh, a dynamic duo which has a demonstrated background from the culinary globe. If their names seem acquainted, it’s because they’ve already gained in excess of foodies with ventures like Cicada espresso Bar and also the Eaves in nearby Somerville. Their know-how shines as a result of in each and every depth in this article, in the menu for the ambiance.

Vinh and Duong carry a deep appreciation for Vietnamese cuisine, paired that has a knack for innovation. They’re not simply serving food; they’re telling a Tale as a result of flavors and presentation. It’s distinct they’ve poured their hearts into producing Saigon Babylon a standout, as well as their enthusiasm resonates with just about every visitor who walks throughout the doorway.

A Menu That Dances with your Palate

the guts of Saigon Babylon lies in its food items, a masterful fusion of Vietnamese classics and Daring, modern-day twists. This isn’t your typical pho-and-spring-roll joint. The kitchen area plays with textures, aromas, and tastes, delivering dishes that feel acquainted but thrillingly new. Let’s take a look at a few of the stars with the menu.

Lemongrass Beef Carpaccio - A taste Explosion

Picture this. Thinly sliced Wagyu beef, kissed via the earthy scent of lemongrass, drizzled which has a tangy passionfruit dressing. It’s finished by using a crunch of crispy rice paper, including just the best distinction. This dish can be a testament for the kitchen area’s ability to get an easy notion and turn it into a little something extraordinary. Each and every bite bursts with freshness, making it a perfect starter to awaken your urge for food.

Xôi Chim - consolation fulfills creative imagination

when you’re craving one thing hearty, the Xôi Chim won’t disappoint. This dish normally takes sticky rice, infuses it with golden turmeric, and pairs it with floor squab and shiitake mushrooms. It’s a nod to Vietnamese street foodstuff, though the presentation seems like good dining. the heat of the rice, the richness of the meat, and the umami within the mushrooms appear alongside one another in a method that’s deeply satisfying. It’s consolation food stuff which has a twist, and it’s straightforward to see why it’s a group beloved.

Bac Ninh - A Duck Dish Done Right

Duck lovers, consider Notice. The Bac Ninh delivers tender duck for the desk, bathed in a very sauce that’s Daring and complex. The flavors lean savory with a hint of sweetness, showcasing the kitchen area’s talent in balancing Vietnamese staples. It’s a dish that lingers within your memory lengthy following the meal is around, proving that Saigon Babylon is aware of how to manage meat with finesse.

Grilled Shrimp with Tamarind Sauce - Sweet and bitter Bliss

For seafood fans, the grilled shrimp with tamarind sauce is a necessity-try out. The shrimp are perfectly charred, their all-natural sweetness Increased by a tamarind glaze that’s equal components tart and sugary. It’s a playful dance of flavors, one which captures the essence of Vietnamese cooking. Pair it by using a side of sticky rice, therefore you’ve got a plate that’s hard to place down.

Cocktails That Steal the exhibit

No rooftop practical experience is comprehensive with no stellar drink in hand, and Saigon Babylon delivers on that front also. The bar menu is actually a celebration of Vietnamese inspiration, with cocktails that are as creative because the food stuff. no matter if you’re a cocktail aficionado or just planning to sip anything refreshing, there’s a lot to love in this article.

Take the Pho Cocktail, for instance. Certainly, you examine that appropriate. This drink requires the aromatic spices of Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup - Believe star anise, cinnamon, and cloves - and blends them with refreshing herbs and also a spirit of your respective alternative. It’s quirky, unexpected, and amazingly delectable. If you favor anything more tropical, the Stormy Saigon offers a fruity twist, by having an choice to spike it with rum for just a boozy kick.

The bar group Evidently enjoys pushing boundaries, and it pays off. Every consume feels like a mini adventure, complementing the food without having overshadowing it. in case you’re not within the temper for Alcoholic beverages, they’ve received non-alcoholic versions far too, making certain everyone can Take part the fun.

When to go to

Saigon Babylon welcomes company from Wednesday to Sunday, with hours functioning from five PM to midnight. that provides you lots of the perfect time to delight in a leisurely meal or swing by for late-night drinks. The area shuts its doorways on Mondays and Tuesdays, so strategy accordingly. in the event you’re thinking about dropping in, it’s a smart idea to contact forward at (617) 945-4509. several hours can change, therefore you don’t would like to miss out on out.

The vibe here shifts according to the working day. Weeknights lean quieter, ideal for personal dinners or catching up with a pal. Come Friday or Saturday, though, the energy ramps up. DJ sets often fill the air, turning the rooftop into a energetic hotspot. It’s the kind of flexibility that makes Saigon Babylon attract a myriad of diners.

What persons are expressing

given that opening its doorways in early 2024, Saigon Babylon is creating waves in Cambridge’s food scene. attendees rave with regards to the rooftop views, contacting them a exceptional treat During this bustling neighborhood. The meals earns significant marks too, with lots of praising the creativeness and freshness of every dish. The Lemongrass Beef Carpaccio and Xôi Chim pop up frequently in assessments, hailed as highlights that showcase the kitchen area’s expertise.

Having said that, it’s not all perfect. Some diners point out that the prices lean on the upper side, Specially supplied the part measurements. a handful of have famous that support can experience uneven from time to time, probably a hiccup through the restaurant’s newness. nonetheless, the general sentiment is overwhelmingly good. on-line scores hover around 4.three to 4.4 out of five on platforms like Yelp and Google, a strong commence for an area that’s even now finding its footing.

earning a Reservation

wanting to knowledge Saigon Babylon yourself? scheduling a desk is really a breeze. you are able to hop onto their official Internet site at saigonbabylon.enjoyable or use Resy.com to safe your place. offered the rooftop’s acceptance, Particularly on weekends, it’s clever to system ahead. stroll-ins are welcome when Area makes it possible for, but a reservation makes sure you received’t be left ready.

this is the spot that works for all sorts of occasions. organizing a passionate evening? The ambiance and foods set the perfect tone. Meeting good friends for a night out? The cocktails and DJ vibes preserve matters energetic. It’s even an incredible select for a Exclusive celebration, thanks to the standout setting and menu.

Why Saigon Babylon Stands Out

Cambridge is no stranger to excellent food items, but Saigon Babylon provides something contemporary on the desk. It’s not nearly ingesting; it’s about immersing you in a very sensory journey. The rooftop location on your own makes it a rarity, providing a standpoint of the city you received’t find any place else in Central Square. increase within the Vietnamese fusion cuisine, crafted with treatment by Vinh Le and Duong Huynh, and you’ve obtained a recipe for a memorable evening.

the eye to element shines as a result of in every single element. through the way the lemongrass perfumes the beef into the intelligent twist of the Pho Cocktail, this position doesn’t Lower corners. It’s a celebration of Vietnam’s culinary heritage, reimagined for a modern audience. no matter if you’re a neighborhood hunting for a new haunt or possibly a visitor Discovering the realm, Saigon Babylon seems like a discovery truly worth sharing.

techniques for Your go to

when you’re heading to Saigon Babylon, a number of ideas can boost your encounter. intention for an early evening slot if you would like catch the sunset - the rooftop sights are unbeatable because the sky shifts shades. costume in layers, too. The out of doors placing is actually a attract, but Massachusetts temperature can be unpredictable, even in spring or tumble.

Don’t skip the cocktails, even if you’re not a major drinker. The non-alcoholic alternatives are only as Imaginative and pair wonderfully Using the foods. and when you’re torn on what to purchase, ask the staff members for suggestions. They’re passionate about the menu and content to guide you toward one thing you’ll appreciate.

A style of Vietnam in Cambridge

Saigon Babylon isn’t merely a cafe; it’s a vacation spot. It captures the spirit of Vietnamese Delicacies - bold, well balanced, and packed with existence - and wraps it inside of a location that’s uniquely Cambridge. The rooftop perch, the inventive dishes, the welcoming environment - all of it arrives collectively to make some thing Particular.

subsequent time you’re in Central sq., skip the usual suspects and head as much as 907 most important St. regardless of whether you’re savoring the Bac Ninh or toasting that has a Stormy Saigon, you’ll find yourself caught up while in the attraction of Saigon Babylon. It’s a location that lingers in the mind, beckoning you back again for an additional style of its magic.