Saigon Social Introduce
In the heart of New York City’s vibrant Lower East Side, Saigon Social offers a fresh, modern, and deeply welcoming take on Vietnamese cuisine. This isn't your typical Vietnamese restaurant; it's a place where Chef Helen Nguyen brings her innovative vision to life, crafting dishes that are both rooted in tradition and elevated with a contemporary touch. Saigon Social is a true gem in a city full of dining options, standing out for its commitment to authentic flavors and a genuine, friendly atmosphere. It’s a place where you can find the comfort of classic Vietnamese dishes while also discovering new and exciting culinary creations. The restaurant is a perfect blend of casual and trendy, making it an ideal spot for a variety of occasions, from a laid-back brunch to a bustling dinner with friends. The ambiance, described by customers as both cozy and trendy, creates an inviting space where you can relax and savor every bite. The murals, particularly the ones downstairs by the restrooms, add a tasteful artistic element that contributes to the unique and memorable dining experience. The warm and attentive service from the staff, including Chef Helen herself who often visits tables, makes every guest feel valued and at home. This combination of exceptional food and personal hospitality makes Saigon Social a favorite among both locals and tourists.
The menu at Saigon Social is a reflection of its modern philosophy, offering a rotating selection of dishes that keeps the dining experience fresh and exciting. This dedication to seasonal and creative offerings means there's always something new to try, encouraging repeat visits. While the menu changes, some staple dishes have earned a place in the hearts of regulars. Favorites like the Garlic Noodles, Lemongrass Ribs, and Peashoots are consistently praised for their top-notch quality and incredible flavor. The restaurant has successfully managed to capture the authentic flavors of Vietnam, a feat that, as one customer noted, can be difficult to find in the city. The Pho is described as "tasty" and a "meal-size for one person," while the "Bun Cha Ha Noi" is celebrated for its rich, flavorful broth. Saigon Social is a place that delivers on its promise of a delicious and memorable meal, whether you're craving a hearty bowl of noodles or an expertly crafted sandwich. The restaurant’s reputation for fast and friendly service further enhances its appeal, ensuring that every visit is a seamless and enjoyable experience. From the high-quality ingredients to the passionate team, every detail at Saigon Social contributes to its status as a top-tier destination for Vietnamese cuisine in New York City.
Saigon Social is perfectly situated at 172 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002, USA. This location places it squarely in the middle of the Lower East Side, a neighborhood famous for its dynamic and diverse character. Being on Orchard Street means the restaurant is at the heart of the action, surrounded by a vibrant mix of shops, art spaces, and other popular eateries. The area is highly accessible, with several subway stations and bus stops within walking distance, making it convenient for anyone traveling from around the city. For those who prefer to drive, the restaurant offers the rare amenity of free street parking, a significant bonus in a neighborhood where parking is typically a challenge. The restaurant is also committed to accessibility, featuring wheelchair-accessible seating to ensure that all guests can dine comfortably. Saigon Social offers multiple dining settings, including a cozy indoor space and outdoor seating, which is perfect for enjoying a meal on a pleasant day while taking in the lively streetscape. The strategic location and thoughtful amenities make Saigon Social a practical and attractive choice for a wide range of diners, from individuals to groups and families. The presence of high chairs also makes it a family-friendly spot, a welcome feature for parents dining with young children.
Saigon Social offers a comprehensive list of services to meet the needs of its diverse clientele. The restaurant provides a variety of dining options, including brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert, so you can enjoy their food throughout the day. Service options are flexible, with dine-in, takeout, and delivery available. This means you can enjoy their delicious food in the cozy restaurant, pick it up to eat at home, or have it delivered right to your door. The restaurant accepts reservations, which is a great feature for those planning a dinner outing, as it helps secure a spot in this popular establishment. For on-site dining, Saigon Social offers table service and seating, providing a comfortable environment for guests. The restaurant is fully equipped with a bar, offering a wide array of beverages including alcohol, beer, cocktails, hard liquor, and wine, which makes it a perfect spot for happy hour. The menu also includes Vietnamese classics like Ca Phe Da and Ca Phe Sua Da, providing an authentic taste of Vietnam. The restaurant accepts a range of modern payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, ensuring a convenient and seamless transaction. Additionally, they provide high chairs, making it a welcoming space for families with children. These services collectively create a user-friendly and accommodating dining experience for everyone.
- Service Options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in.
- Dining Options: Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Dessert, Seating, Table service.
- Offerings: Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Coffee, Comfort food, Happy hour drinks, Hard liquor, Healthy options, Quick bite, Small plates, Wine.
- Amenities: Bar onsite, Restroom, High chairs.
- Atmosphere: Casual, Cozy, Trendy.
- Crowd: Groups, Locals, Tourists.
- Planning: Accepts reservations.
- Authentic and Modern Flavors: The restaurant is praised for its ability to deliver authentic Vietnamese flavors with a modern twist, a difficult combination to find in the city.
- Exceptional Dishes: Standout menu items like the Garlic Noodles, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, "Bun Cha Ha Noi," and Imperial Rolls are consistently recommended by customers.
- Chefs Who Care: Chef Helen Nguyen and her team are known for their hands-on approach and dedication to ensuring every guest has a great experience.
- Rotating Menu: The menu changes regularly, which provides a fresh experience and encourages repeat visits to try new dishes.
- Unique Beverages: The bar offers a variety of unique cocktails and authentic Vietnamese coffees that are highly rated.
- Excellent Banh Mi: The Banh Mi sandwiches are a highlight, with options like the Lemongrass Pork Belly and Soft Shell Crab.
- Visually Stunning Atmosphere: The well-decorated space, including tasteful murals, creates a beautiful and comfortable setting for a meal.
To experience the delicious food and welcoming atmosphere of Saigon Social, you can find them at the following contact information:
Address: 172 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002, USA
Phone: (646) 609-3202
Mobile Phone: +1 646-609-3202
What is truly worth choosing about Saigon Social is its unique and successful blend of authenticity, innovation, and genuine hospitality. While many Vietnamese restaurants in the city might focus solely on traditional fare, Saigon Social distinguishes itself by taking "updated modern takes" on classic dishes. This approach, led by Chef Helen Nguyen, results in a menu that is both exciting and comforting. The "Garlic Noodles With Soft Shell Crab & Tobiko," priced at $36, and "Oxtail Fried Rice" at $26, are perfect examples of this elevated comfort food. These dishes go beyond the standard offerings and provide a new, flavorful experience that keeps patrons coming back. The authenticity is also a key factor, with one customer who had recently visited Vietnam stating that Saigon Social "definitely have authentic Vietnamese flavors which has been difficult to find in the city." This is a powerful endorsement and a strong reason to choose this restaurant for a real taste of Vietnam.
The exceptional hospitality is another compelling reason to dine at Saigon Social. Reviews consistently highlight the staff's welcoming and attentive nature, with one customer noting that the servers were "helpful in explaining the menu and recommendations." The fact that Chef Helen herself takes the time to check on tables shows a level of care and passion that is rare and greatly appreciated. This personal touch makes the dining experience feel special and memorable. Furthermore, the regularly rotating menu is a huge draw, ensuring that locals and regulars never get bored. It's an invitation to keep returning, each visit promising a new culinary surprise. The deliciousness of their staples, such as the Garlic Noodles and Lemongrass Ribs, guarantees that you'll always have a favorite to fall back on, even with the ever-changing menu. The attention to detail extends to their beverages as well, with the highly-praised "Pandan Ice Tea" and "Pink Jade" mocktails, and a full bar offering a variety of drinks. These factors—the inventive and authentic food, the incredible service, and the ever-evolving menu—make Saigon Social a must-visit destination for anyone in New York City looking for a truly special and delicious Vietnamese dining experience.
Saigon Social Food & drink
Noodles & Rice
- Garlic Noodles With Soft Shell Crab & Tobiko $36.00
- Garlic Noodles With Prawns & Tobiko $28.00
egg noodles wok tossed in a garlic butter sauce topped with tobiko and tiger prawns
- Beef Pho - Beef Noodle Soup $22.00
Pat Lafrieda thinly sliced raw ribeye, Creekstone brisket, Helen's beefy broth, rice noodles - garnish of cilantro, scallion, onion.
- Oxtail Fried Rice $26.00
oxtail, shredded ribeye, eggs, scallion, cilantro, onions, fried garlic, garlic chips, Jasmine rice, beef fat
- "Bun Bo Hue" - Spicy Beef Noodle Soup $23.00
- Ca Nuong Mo Hanh $36.00
- "Bun Cha Ha Noi" - Hanoi Style Vermicelli With Grilled Pork $26.00
grilled pork belly & patties in a fish sauce vinegar broth, served with imperial rolls, vermicelli & herbs
- Bamboo & Eggplant Curry - "Ca Ri Chay" $19.00
bamboo shoot, eggplant, tofu, cauliflower, bell peppers, coconut milk, lemongrass, cilantro
- Gà Rô Ti $28.00
grilled 5 spiced chicken thighs with a chimichurri of Vietnamese herbs, ginger scallion sauce, pickles & dirty chicken rice
- "Bun Rieu" - Crab & Tomato Noodle Soup $23.00
crab & pork meatball, crab claws, shrimp, ham, tofu, tomatoes with vermicelli noodles in a pork & chicken broth. Garnished with shaved onions, cilantro and scallion.
Banh Mi | Sandwiches
- Soft Shell Crab Banh Mi $28.00
- Spicy Chicken Sandwich $20.00
crispy chicken thigh marinated with lemongrass chili, pickled carrots & daikon, jalapeno, spicy lime leaf aioli, cilantro, on a brioche
- Saigon French Dip $22.00
- Classic Cold Cuts | Banh Mi Thit Nguoi $14.00
classic cold cuts - Vietnamese mortadella/ham, headcheese, pate, mayo, pickled carrots & daikon, jalapeno, cilantro. Maggi seasoning
- Lemongrass Pork Belly | Banh Mi Thit Nuong $14.00
grilled lemongrass pork belly, pate, mayo, pickled carrots & daikon, jalapeno, cilantro. Maggi seasoning
- Grilled Mushrooms | Banh Mi Nam Chay $14.00
grilled oyster mushrooms, mayo, pickled carrots & daikon, jalapeno, cilantro. Maggi seasoning
Beverages
- Coke Zero $2.00
The cold, refreshing, sparkling classic that America loves.
- Ca Phe Da | Black Vietnamese Coffee $4.00
Vietnamese black coffee.
- Ca Phe Sua Da | Vietnamese Coffee W/ Condensed Milk $5.00
Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk.
Starters
- Imperial Rolls - "Nem Cua Be" $16.00
crab and ground pork, woodear mushroom, bean thread noodles, wrapped in thin rice paper and fried. 4 pcs per order.
- Peashoots $18.00
peashoots wok tossed with garlic and shallots
- Lemongrass Ribs - "Suon Nuong Sa Ot" $18.00
grilled lemongrass honey marinated pork ribs. 4 pcs per order.
- Spicy Dumplings $16.00
chicken, cabbage, carrots, scallion dumplings, spicy chili oil, scallion [6pc]
- Papaya Salad $16.00
young papaya, mint, pickles, Vietnamese herbs, crispy shallots, citrus vinaigrette
- Saigon Wings $18.00
Sides
- Pho Noodles $4.00
- Vermicelli Noodles $4.00
- Cup Of Broth $8.00
- Jasmine Rice $3.00
- Pickles $4.00
Desserts
- Che Khoai Mon $9.00
- Che Ba Mau $9.00
Saigon Social Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
- Locals
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- High chairs
Parking
- Free street parking
Saigon Social Photos










Saigon Social Location
Saigon Social Reviews
garlic noodlesoxtailsoft shell crabbanh mi burgerbanh beolemongrass ribsimperial rollsbone marrowtumericmussels
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Saigon Social is always a great, welcoming experience for updated modern takes on Vietnamese fare.I always love the pho, particularly the Bun Bo Hue, so always check if they have it that day. They have an amazing Chicken Sando as well during happy hours. Their Pandan Ice Tea and Pink Jade are my favorite mocktails.Their staple delicious are amazing as well. My favorites are the Garlic Noodles and Pea Shoots. The Crispy Fish and Lemongrass Ribs are top notch as well. The menu rotates regularly so I keep getting drawn back all the time.Chef Helen often stops by tables to make sure you're enjoying everything as well.
April 15 · A ShenAmazing food with vegetarian options. Having recently visited Vietnam, Saigon Social definitely have authentic Vietnamese flavors which has been difficult to find in the city (besides bunmi). Servers were attentive and were helpful in explaining the menu and recommendations. The murals, especially the ones downstairs by the rr, were tasteful 😎. Highly recommend checking them outThe Banh Xeo had an excellent crispy texture and not a common dish in the us.The Pho is tasty and while it’s labeled as a soup, it’s meal-size for one person.The Bun Cha is my favorite. The meat is in a bowl of fish sauce so I don’t need to ask for more.The Pandan cake with the coconut fluff cream really elevates the meal.
June 09 · George “Geological” LinGreat flavors, I especially loved the meat in the bún chả hà nội, it had an excellent char and went perfectly with the Vietnamese broth. The fried fish was good, but too salty for me.
March 23 · Javier KohenEvery dish is a vibrant, a beautiful harmony in every single bite. There's nothing cliche! Truly one of my favorite restaurants in NYC
July 15 · MJUpper Westsider trying a new restaurant to find a gem on Orchard St! Ms. Nguyen has achieved top honors, Michelin level flavorful cuisine across the board! We tried the Mussles, Pho and Vegetarian dish (see photos below) a glass of wine and tea. Absolutely, an experience and fulfilling double burbs (probably from earing too fast). Staff and manager are welcoming and charming, cheers to you!
March 10 · SilverBeerNuts !
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