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

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

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Nestled at 907 key St in the center of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Saigon Babylon is much more than just a restaurant. It’s a culinary working experience that blends the vibrant flavors of Vietnam with fashionable creativity, all established towards the backdrop of Central Square’s only rooftop. in the event you’re a meals lover looking for a novel dining spot, this put promises to captivate your senses with its creative dishes, breathtaking views, plus a vibe that’s equal sections stylish and welcoming. Let’s dive into what can make Saigon Babylon essential-visit place for locals and tourists alike.

A Rooftop Haven in Central sq.

picture stepping out with the bustling streets of Cambridge and ascending on the fifth ground on the Sonder 907 major building. That’s where Saigon Babylon awaits, perched atop what was as soon as the Blue Owl Rooftop Bar. This isn’t your regular eating setup. The open up-air terrace delivers sweeping views of the city, a rare handle On this Component of town. whether or not you’re catching a sunset or sipping cocktails beneath The celebs, the rooftop placing elevates each and every moment invested below.

The Room alone feels like a thoughtful combination of character and layout. Lush greenery softens the fashionable lines on the home furnishings, even click here though heat lights casts a cozy glow. motivated by Vietnam’s loaded aesthetic traditions, the decor strikes a balance concerning magnificence and luxury. It’s the sort of position where you can dress up to get a date or preserve it everyday with buddies, and In either case, you’ll feel suitable at your house.

What sets this location aside is its exclusivity as Central Square’s sole rooftop location. in a very neighborhood known for its eclectic Strength, Saigon Babylon carves out a niche that’s equally innovative and laid-again. It’s no wonder persons are buzzing concerning this concealed gem.

The Minds Behind the Magic

with the helm of Saigon Babylon are Vinh Le and Duong Huynh, a dynamic duo with a confirmed reputation within the culinary planet. If their names seem acquainted, it’s as they’ve by now gained around foodies with ventures like Cicada espresso Bar plus the Eaves in nearby Somerville. Their experience shines by in just about every element here, from the menu to your ambiance.

Vinh and Duong bring a deep appreciation for Vietnamese cuisine, paired having a knack for innovation. They’re not merely serving foodstuff; they’re telling a Tale through flavors and presentation. It’s apparent they’ve poured their hearts into creating Saigon Babylon a standout, and their enthusiasm resonates with just about every guest who walks from the door.

A Menu That Dances with your Palate

the center of Saigon Babylon lies in its food stuff, a masterful fusion of Vietnamese classics and Daring, fashionable twists. This isn’t your ordinary pho-and-spring-roll joint. The kitchen area performs with textures, aromas, and preferences, offering dishes that sense common still thrillingly new. Permit’s explore several of the stars of the menu.

Lemongrass Beef Carpaccio - A taste Explosion

image this. Thinly sliced Wagyu beef, kissed with the earthy scent of lemongrass, drizzled with a tangy passionfruit dressing. It’s concluded which has a crunch of crispy rice paper, adding just the best distinction. This dish is actually a testomony to the kitchen’s power to take a simple thought and switch it into some thing extraordinary. Each and every bite bursts with freshness, which makes it an excellent starter to awaken your urge for food.

Xôi Chim - ease and comfort satisfies Creativity

in case you’re craving some thing hearty, the Xôi Chim gained’t disappoint. This dish usually takes sticky rice, infuses it with golden turmeric, and pairs it with floor squab and shiitake mushrooms. It’s a nod to Vietnamese Avenue food, although the presentation seems like great dining. the heat of the rice, the richness with the meat, as well as umami from your mushrooms arrive together in a way that’s deeply fulfilling. It’s ease and comfort food stuff which has a twist, and it’s simple to see why it’s a group beloved.

Bac Ninh - A Duck Dish Done appropriate

Duck lovers, consider Notice. The Bac Ninh provides tender duck for the desk, bathed in a sauce that’s bold and complex. The flavors lean savory with a touch of sweetness, showcasing the kitchen area’s ability in balancing Vietnamese staples. It’s a dish that lingers with your memory prolonged following the meal is more than, proving that Saigon Babylon is aware of how to deal with meat with finesse.

Grilled Shrimp with Tamarind Sauce - Sweet and bitter Bliss

For seafood fans, the grilled shrimp with tamarind sauce is essential-try. The shrimp are completely charred, their purely natural sweetness Increased by a tamarind glaze that’s equivalent components tart and sugary. It’s a playful dance of flavors, one which captures the essence of Vietnamese cooking. Pair it using a aspect of sticky rice, and you also’ve bought a plate that’s hard to set down.

Cocktails That Steal the exhibit

No rooftop knowledge is total and not using a stellar drink in hand, and Saigon Babylon delivers on that entrance much too. The bar menu is often a celebration of Vietnamese inspiration, with cocktails which can be as ingenious as being the food stuff. no matter if you’re a cocktail aficionado or simply planning to sip a thing refreshing, there’s plenty to love listed here.

go ahead and take Pho Cocktail, For example. Sure, you read that right. This drink takes the aromatic spices of Vietnam’s legendary noodle soup - Assume star anise, cinnamon, and cloves - and blends them with fresh herbs plus a spirit of one's decision. It’s quirky, unforeseen, and incredibly delightful. If you prefer anything far more tropical, the Stormy Saigon offers a fruity twist, by having an option to spike it with rum for your boozy kick.

The bar workforce clearly enjoys pushing boundaries, and it pays off. Each and every consume looks like a mini experience, complementing the food with no overshadowing it. in the event you’re not while in the temper for Liquor, they’ve bought non-alcoholic versions much too, making certain everyone can Take part the pleasurable.

When to Visit

Saigon Babylon welcomes guests from Wednesday to Sunday, with several hours working from five PM to midnight. That gives you a good amount of time to appreciate a leisurely dinner or swing by for late-night beverages. The spot shuts its doorways on Mondays and Tuesdays, so approach accordingly. should you’re thinking about dropping in, it’s a good idea to contact forward at (617) 945-4509. Hours can shift, so you don’t choose to overlook out.

The vibe listed here shifts depending on the working day. Weeknights lean quieter, ideal for intimate dinners or catching up with a friend. arrive Friday or Saturday, nevertheless, the Strength ramps up. DJ sets often fill the air, turning the rooftop into a energetic hotspot. It’s the sort of flexibility which makes Saigon Babylon appeal to a myriad of diners.

What People Are Saying

given that opening its doors in early 2024, Saigon Babylon has long been creating waves in Cambridge’s food stuff scene. visitors rave about the rooftop views, calling them a uncommon address On this bustling neighborhood. The food earns superior marks too, with numerous praising the creativity and freshness of every dish. The Lemongrass Beef Carpaccio and Xôi Chim pop up frequently in evaluations, hailed as highlights that showcase the kitchen’s talent.

That said, it’s not all ideal. Some diners point out that the prices lean on the higher aspect, Primarily specified the portion sizes. several have observed that service can feel uneven sometimes, likely a hiccup in the cafe’s newness. however, the general sentiment is overwhelmingly constructive. on-line ratings hover about 4.three to 4.4 outside of five on platforms like Yelp and Google, a robust commence for a location that’s however finding its footing.

earning a Reservation

Ready to knowledge Saigon Babylon for yourself? Booking a desk is usually a breeze. it is possible to hop on to their Formal Internet site at saigonbabylon.entertaining or use Resy.com to secure your location. presented the rooftop’s attractiveness, Specifically on weekends, it’s clever to system forward. stroll-ins are welcome when Place will allow, but a reservation assures you gained’t be left ready.

this can be a location that works for all sorts of instances. preparing a romantic night? The ambiance and foodstuff set the ideal tone. Meeting friends for a night out? The cocktails and DJ vibes continue to keep matters lively. It’s even a fantastic select for your special celebration, because of the standout location and menu.

Why Saigon Babylon Stands Out

Cambridge is not any stranger to great meals, but Saigon Babylon delivers one thing fresh for the table. It’s not nearly eating; it’s about immersing on your own inside a sensory journey. The rooftop area alone can make it a rarity, giving a standpoint of town you received’t obtain any place else in Central Square. insert while in the Vietnamese fusion Delicacies, crafted with care by Vinh Le and Duong Huynh, and you’ve bought a recipe for your unforgettable evening.

the eye to detail shines via in just about every facet. in the way the lemongrass perfumes the beef towards the intelligent twist of the Pho Cocktail, this location doesn’t Reduce corners. It’s a celebration of Vietnam’s culinary heritage, reimagined for a contemporary viewers. irrespective of whether you’re a local looking for a new haunt or perhaps a customer Checking out the region, Saigon Babylon seems like a discovery really worth sharing.

Tips for Your Visit

If you’re heading to Saigon Babylon, a few tips can boost your knowledge. goal for an early evening slot if you would like catch the sunset - the rooftop sights are unbeatable as being the sky shifts colours. gown in layers, as well. The out of doors placing is a draw, but Massachusetts weather is usually unpredictable, even in spring or tumble.

Don’t skip the cocktails, Even when you’re not a major drinker. The non-alcoholic possibilities are merely as Inventive and pair superbly While using the meals. And if you’re torn on what to get, talk to the employees for suggestions. They’re enthusiastic about the menu and delighted to tutorial you toward some thing you’ll enjoy.

A style of Vietnam in Cambridge

Saigon Babylon isn’t just a cafe; it’s a spot. It captures the spirit of Vietnamese Delicacies - bold, balanced, and filled with life - and wraps it in the location that’s uniquely Cambridge. The rooftop perch, the inventive dishes, the welcoming ambiance - everything will come alongside one another to make anything Particular.

upcoming time you’re in Central sq., skip the standard suspects and head nearly 907 key St. regardless of whether you’re savoring the Bac Ninh or toasting by using a Stormy Saigon, you’ll end up caught up within the attraction of Saigon Babylon. It’s a spot that lingers within your head, beckoning you again for one more taste of its magic.

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