Since the 36 hour trek to Asia only happens a few times in life – if at all – I knew I needed to seek a place for a Vietnamese fix here on the Main Line.
Enter Le Saigon. Originally located in Frazer, this Vietnamese restaurant has been at its Paoli location for 12 years. Owner Steven Wutram grew up with his family in Ho Chi Minh (formally known as Saigon).
“We feature South Vietnamese cuisine because (we believe) it’s better than the food found up north. Saigon is wealthier than an area like Hanoi, and therefore has been more influenced by Western society … people there have had the opportunity to eat well,” said Wutram.
Le Saigon is one of our local international gems, tucked away unassumingly and consistently turning out authentic food. There’s no need, thankfully, to negotiate a reservation at this BYO, but you’ll always find a crowd of regulars frequenting the cozy dining room.
Local resident Kathy Abramson favors Le Saigon for the food and service, and tipped me off to a favorite, “We always order the tangerine duck, which is to die for – extremely crispy and delicious.”
My favorite Vietnamese dish is Gỏi Cuốn, otherwise known as summer or salad rolls. Circles of rice paper are softened and wrapped around ingredients like shrimp or tofu, lettuce, herbs and rice vermicelli, and served with a rich peanut sauce or a sweet chili sauce. Le Saigon serves these ultra light rolls as appetizers, and as an entree called Banh Hoi. Choose from grilled lemongrass chicken, pork, beef or shrimp/scallops, and try your hand at the art of rice paper rolling.
Other favorites? On a recent visit we tried the Tom Kho Xa Ot, caramel shrimp served in a clay pot with lemongrass and hot chili peppers. Wutram told me customers regularly order the Tom Dua, coconut shrimp server with a Saigon cream sauce; as well as Phở. This Vietnamese soup is simmered for hours with spices, bones and meat. Rice noodles are added and the diner adds fresh herbs, onion, sprouts, hot sauces and a squeeze of a lime.
If you’ve never experienced Vietnamese cuisine, be prepared for food that is unlike any other Asian style. Bright, colorful, and packed with fresh herbs, vegetables, meats and seafood, it’s one of the most beautiful and healthy kinds of international fare out there.
Le Saigon is located at the Paoli Shopping Center at 82 East Lancaster Ave. Find out more at 610.889.4870 or www.lesaigon.com.
Article originally appeared in Main Line Media News’ Flair section
