Saigon Babylon - A Vietnamese Fusion Gem on Cambridge’s Only Rooftop
Nestled at 907 most important St in the center of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Saigon Babylon is more than simply a cafe. It’s a culinary practical experience that blends the colourful flavors of Vietnam with contemporary creative imagination, all set from the backdrop of Central sq.’s only rooftop. for those who’re a food stuff lover looking for a novel dining place, this spot claims to captivate your senses with its creative dishes, beautiful sights, along with a vibe that’s equivalent components stylish and welcoming. Permit’s dive into what can make Saigon Babylon a must-take a look at destination for locals and tourists alike.
A Rooftop Haven in Central Square
consider stepping out in the bustling streets of Cambridge and ascending to the fifth floor with the Sonder 907 key making. That’s wherever Saigon Babylon awaits, perched atop what was once the Blue Owl Rooftop Bar. This isn’t your normal eating setup. The open-air terrace presents sweeping views of town, a uncommon address With this Component of city. no matter whether you’re catching a sunset or sipping cocktails less than The celebs, the rooftop environment elevates each and every second spent below.
The House itself appears like a thoughtful combination of character and design and style. Lush greenery softens the fashionable strains from the furnishings, though heat lights casts a cozy glow. impressed by Vietnam’s abundant aesthetic traditions, the decor strikes a balance among elegance and luxury. It’s the kind of put where you can costume up to get a date or continue to keep it everyday with close friends, and In any event, you’ll experience appropriate in your own home.
What sets this spot apart is its exclusivity as Central Square’s sole rooftop location. in the neighborhood known for its eclectic Power, Saigon Babylon carves out a niche that’s equally complex and laid-again. It’s No surprise men and women are buzzing relating to this concealed gem.
The Minds driving the Magic
on the helm of Saigon Babylon are Vinh Le and Duong Huynh, a dynamic duo using a confirmed track record inside the culinary earth. If their names seem familiar, it’s simply because they’ve by now received in excess of foodies with ventures like Cicada Coffee Bar as well as the Eaves in nearby Somerville. Their abilities shines as a result of in every element right here, with the menu to the ambiance.
Vinh and Duong convey a deep appreciation for Vietnamese Delicacies, paired which has a knack for innovation. They’re not merely serving foodstuff; they’re telling a Tale by means of flavors and presentation. It’s crystal clear they’ve poured their hearts into earning Saigon Babylon a standout, and their passion resonates with each guest who walks from the door.
A Menu That Dances with your Palate
The heart of Saigon Babylon lies in its meals, a masterful fusion of Vietnamese classics and bold, fashionable twists. This isn’t your average pho-and-spring-roll joint. The kitchen area performs with textures, aromas, and tastes, delivering dishes that come to feel familiar nonetheless thrillingly new. Enable’s take a look at a number of the stars of your menu.
Lemongrass Beef Carpaccio - A Flavor Explosion
image this. Thinly sliced Wagyu beef, kissed with the earthy scent of lemongrass, drizzled that has a tangy passionfruit dressing. It’s concluded having a crunch of crispy rice paper, incorporating just the proper contrast. This dish is really a testament into the kitchen area’s power to take a simple strategy and switch it into one thing incredible. Each individual Chunk bursts with freshness, rendering it a perfect starter to awaken your urge for food.
Xôi Chim - convenience Meets creative imagination
in the event you’re craving anything hearty, the Xôi Chim received’t disappoint. This dish can take sticky rice, infuses it with golden turmeric, and pairs it with ground squab and shiitake mushrooms. It’s a nod to Vietnamese Road food stuff, but the presentation looks like high-quality eating. the heat of your rice, the richness of your meat, plus the umami with the mushrooms come alongside one another in a method that’s deeply fulfilling. It’s ease and comfort food items using a twist, and it’s easy to see why it’s a crowd favourite.
Bac Ninh - A Duck Dish finished Right
Duck lovers, just take Take note. The Bac Ninh brings tender duck into the table, bathed within a sauce that’s bold and complex. The flavors lean savory with a hint of sweetness, showcasing the kitchen’s talent in balancing Vietnamese staples. It’s a dish that lingers in the memory long after the food is in excess of, proving that Saigon Babylon is familiar with how to handle meat with finesse.
Grilled Shrimp with Tamarind Sauce - Sweet and Sour Bliss
For seafood enthusiasts, the grilled shrimp with tamarind sauce is a necessity-try. The shrimp are perfectly charred, their purely natural sweetness Improved by a tamarind glaze that’s equivalent components tart and sugary. It’s a playful dance of flavors, one that captures the essence of Vietnamese cooking. Pair it by using a side of sticky rice, and you’ve acquired a plate that’s tough to set down.
Cocktails That Steal the clearly show
No rooftop practical experience is entire without a stellar consume in hand, and Saigon Babylon provides on that entrance as well. The bar menu is actually a celebration of Vietnamese inspiration, with cocktails which might be as inventive as the food stuff. Whether you’re a cocktail aficionado or just aiming to sip a little something refreshing, there’s plenty to like listed here.
Take the Pho Cocktail, for instance. Indeed, you examine that right. This drink usually takes the aromatic spices of Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup - Assume star anise, cinnamon, and cloves - and blends them with contemporary herbs plus a spirit of your respective preference. It’s quirky, unanticipated, and amazingly mouth watering. If you favor a little something a lot more tropical, the Stormy Saigon provides a fruity twist, by having an option to spike it with rum for just a boozy kick.
The bar crew Evidently enjoys pushing boundaries, and it pays off. Each individual drink seems like a mini experience, complementing the foods without having website overshadowing it. If you’re not in the temper for alcohol, they’ve received non-alcoholic versions as well, making certain Every person can Take part the entertaining.
When to go to
Saigon Babylon welcomes company from Wednesday to Sunday, with several hours working from five PM to midnight. That gives you loads of time for you to enjoy a leisurely meal or swing by for late-night time beverages. The position shuts its doorways on Mondays and Tuesdays, so prepare appropriately. for those who’re thinking of dropping in, it’s a good idea to contact in advance at (617) 945-4509. several hours can change, and also you don’t choose to miss out.
The vibe right here shifts according to the day. Weeknights lean quieter, perfect for personal dinners or catching up with an acquaintance. Come Friday or Saturday, however, the Power ramps up. DJ sets generally fill the air, turning the rooftop into a lively hotspot. It’s the kind of flexibility that makes Saigon Babylon appeal to an array of diners.
What folks are expressing
due to the fact opening its doorways in early 2024, Saigon Babylon has long been making waves in Cambridge’s food items scene. attendees rave with regard to the rooftop views, calling them a scarce take care of During this bustling community. The foodstuff earns large marks far too, with quite a few praising the creativity and freshness of every dish. The Lemongrass Beef Carpaccio and Xôi Chim pop up generally in evaluations, hailed as highlights that showcase the kitchen’s expertise.
Having said that, it’s not all great. Some diners mention that the costs lean on the higher aspect, Particularly offered the portion dimensions. a number of have pointed out that services can really feel uneven sometimes, probable a hiccup from your cafe’s newness. nonetheless, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive. on the internet rankings hover all around 4.three to 4.four from five on platforms like Yelp and Google, a powerful start for a place that’s still acquiring its footing.
earning a Reservation
able to expertise Saigon Babylon on your own? scheduling a table can be a breeze. you may hop on to their official website at saigonbabylon.fun or use Resy.com to secure your spot. presented the rooftop’s reputation, In particular on weekends, it’s smart to program in advance. Walk-ins are welcome when space enables, but a reservation ensures you won’t be remaining waiting.
that is a place that actually works for a variety of instances. setting up a romantic evening? The ambiance and foodstuff set the right tone. Conference good friends for an evening out? The cocktails and DJ vibes preserve points energetic. It’s even a terrific select for just a special celebration, thanks to the standout placing and menu.
Why Saigon Babylon Stands Out
Cambridge is not any stranger to good food items, but Saigon Babylon delivers one thing contemporary towards the table. It’s not almost eating; it’s about immersing by yourself in the sensory journey. The rooftop area by yourself makes it a rarity, giving a viewpoint of the city you won’t uncover any where else in Central sq.. increase during the Vietnamese fusion Delicacies, crafted with care by Vinh Le and Duong Huynh, and you also’ve received a recipe to get a unforgettable night.
the eye to detail shines through in every part. through the way the lemongrass perfumes the beef on the intelligent twist of the Pho Cocktail, this place doesn’t Slash corners. It’s a celebration of Vietnam’s culinary heritage, reimagined for a contemporary audience. irrespective of whether you’re a neighborhood seeking a new haunt or even a customer exploring the area, Saigon Babylon feels like a discovery truly worth sharing.
guidelines for Your pay a visit to
in case you’re heading to Saigon Babylon, a few pointers can boost your experience. Aim for an early evening slot if you wish to catch the sunset - the rooftop sights are unbeatable as being the sky shifts colors. costume in layers, much too. The out of doors setting can be a draw, but Massachusetts weather can be unpredictable, even in spring or drop.
Don’t skip the cocktails, even if you’re not a giant drinker. The non-alcoholic solutions are only as Imaginative and pair beautifully Using the food items. And if you’re torn on what to buy, inquire the workers for suggestions. They’re obsessed with the menu and pleased to guidebook you toward one thing you’ll love.
A flavor of Vietnam in Cambridge
Saigon Babylon isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a location. It captures the spirit of Vietnamese Delicacies - bold, well balanced, and jam packed with lifestyle - and wraps it in a placing that’s uniquely Cambridge. The rooftop perch, the creative dishes, the welcoming atmosphere - all of it arrives with each other to develop a little something Distinctive.
upcoming time you’re in Central sq., skip the same old suspects and head as much as 907 principal St. no matter whether you’re savoring the Bac Ninh or toasting using a Stormy Saigon, you’ll find yourself caught up within the attraction of Saigon Babylon. It’s a place that lingers in your brain, beckoning you again for another style of its magic.