I had a craving for Summer Rolls, and options are rather limited in Ann Arbor. Saigon Garden does indeed have them, but they are not very good: too full of lettuce, short the tasty stuff: shrimp, noodles, bean sprouts, basil and mint. Also, they included a thin slice of chicken but it added nothing to the flavor. One high note was the hot and sour soup was actually quite good. Also not amazing: the Com Ga Nuong, Cha Gio (44) / chicken with rice. The flavor was okay, but the chicken was dry. My dining companion had one of the rice vermicelli dishes (beef, as I recall), which was passable. I might go back to try the Pho', but it's August and not really Pho weather yet.
(2)
Juju J.
I love Vietnamese food but this place was a disappointment all around. The service sucks. I don't get why they have one waitress during dinner when the male manager isn't really doing much. The main reason for the one star is the food. A lot of the stuff is premade I found out when I tried to special order and was told it was premade on a number of menu items. I ended up with a soup that was pretty tasteless. The Vietnamese chicken salad was also very bland. Skip this place and get your Asian kick somewhere else on Ann Arbor. They take AMEX which is a plus!
I've always come here for pho, but they have a decent Chinese menu as well for eating family-style. While I'm not Vietnamese and can't comment on the authenticity of the pho, it's always been something I enjoyed. The broth is light but still full of flavor, and the noodles and meat definitely do not taste Americanized. The Chinese dishes are pretty authentic as well, and prices are reasonable. The restaurant is usually half-empty whenever I go, so service is pretty quick. I don't love dining in though-- both the interior and exterior look like it could use an update, and I'm not a fan of the environment.
(3)
Apu G.
CLOSED. I don't know if it's closed for renovation or permanently, but it sure as hell aint open now. Yelp update this!
(2)
Jenny L.
don't be hatin' be appreciatin'... the only pho place on campus...well I guess there is china gate...but that's CHINA gate. yeah. Pho is pretty dece and will satiate those occasional pho cravings. Summer rolls, scallion pancakes, and the vermicelli are also other delicious options. If you're eating asian/tapas style(sharing dishes), definitely try the eggplant w/basil. Good for large groups, speedy service, and they deliver!!
(4)
Tracey Z.
Disclaimer: I got delivery here while staying in Ann Arbor for a week or so, so I can't comment on how the food or service is in-store, nor have I visited multiple times. With that said, I ordered the pan-fried dumplings, green onion pancake, and deluxe beef noodles (aka pho). Their delivery has a $20 minimum, which is why I ordered so much food. My thoughts... Pho/Noodles: The soup itself was okay, flavorful (although I usually put in a lot of Sriracha and plum sauce anyway) and lots of meat included. I was a little sad that though they offered a lime wedge, they didn't have any mint to include in the soup. Maybe it's a California thing, but I'm used to having mint in my pho. Dumplings: The meat inside was tasty, but the outside (aka dough) was way too thick for my preference. It was almost sort of chewy and rubbery. not to mention that it was INCREDIBLY GREASY. Scallion Pancake: Had some nice crunch to it on the edges, but again it was chewy/rubbery and SUPER GREASY. I felt gross just eating it and had to continually wipe my mouth because I felt like I had grease everywhere. There didn't seem to be a lot of flavor in these. Overall, as far as I could tell this place has okay noodles but tends to be overly greasy for other things. I don't know the competition in the area, so this might be the best place around, but for me it was just average. If I came back, I would not try the dumplings or pancake again.
(2)
Liz W.
I have been craving Vietnamese food as I will not get my usual Christmas visit to St Louis to the amazing Pho Grand. Sad but I will have to deal. Janelle said this place would do in a pinch and that is about what I'd call it. Good in a pinch. It's closer to me than Madison Heights but I think I am going to have to bite the bullet and trek over there instead at some point. The atmosphere is crowded and strip mall. Service was nice though. The scallion pancake was very good indeed, I also got a good order of crispy tofu in spicy garlic sauce. The chicken vermicelli was just ok. It just needed something to spruce it up. The spring roll was meh. They also have chinese for my husband, but interesting stuff not all overfried and boring choices. He ended up picking a fried deal at any rate but because he found the idea of it interesting not because it was the only choice. My husband was thrilled with his honey fruit with crispy prawns order. Good fruit in it and perfectly fried prawns... I will give Ann Arbor area Vietnamese another shot and report back.
(3)
Emily H.
The food is pretty good. But the service is definitely lacking.
(2)
Eman A.
Went there and it seemed really empty but it was half an hour before close...so that may have been the reason. I ordered the hot and sour soup and the Hunan chicken. We ordered carry out and got our food in five minutes, it was freaky fast. The soup was really cheap and was a huge portion. It was delicious!! The Hunan had a tad too much broccoli for my taste but was well seasoned and yummy. I would definitely recommend this place for their fast service and solid food!
(4)
Nia H.
Why haven't I reviewed this place yet? I adore it! Granted, I almost always get the same stuff and never venture into the Vietnamese side of the menu but it's my favourite place for Chinese food in Ann Arbor. Big fan of the Sesame Chicken and Beef with Broccoli (complete with lightning bolt carrots!) as well as General Tso's. Egg Rolls are yummy and I do dig the tea. Perhaps one day I'll get adventurous and try something different but for what I love, it's the best!
(5)
Eva S.
This place has PHO, enough said! Yes, this rating is based on pho alone. And yes, it's not pho like you'll get in Argyle in Chicago's Northside... but I am happy that this place serves it, especially in the middle of winter when all you want is a steaming bowl of noodle soup. It's a tad expensive, but it hits the spot. Decent.
(3)
Evan T.
The General Tso chicken smelled like an armpit as I was putting it into my mouth. Yum.
(2)
Sumi W.
We love Saigon Garden. I do think their Vietnamese dishes are much better than their Chinese selections. We go often and always end up ordering the bun and pho. Their scallion pancakes are very good. My son measures ALL fried rice against Saigon Garden's chicken fried rice. Most of all, as regulars, we really appreciate the consistency in the quality of their food. I'm puzzled by the negative reviews about their service; we've always been happy with the service there. No, they don't fawn over you but the food arrives prompty, just made and hot.
(4)
Harrison L.
Had a craving for pho and this was the only place I knew of in AA that served it so I had no choice but to come here. The pho definitely hit the spot and I was satisfied but not particularly full. The broth seemed clean and not oily which was great and the noodles were cooked well, but it was a bit pricey. A place I'd go to only if I have another craving for some pho.
(3)
Lyman T.
Sometimes when I'm thinking of ways to get rich, I think that a decent pho place would really kill it in Ann Arbor. (For the uninitiated, it's pronounced "fuh," not "foe.") Unfortunately, Saigon Garden is not that place. Having grown up near Houston's Chinatown/Little Saigon area, I occasionally get a huge craving for pho. In Ann Arbor, that means going to Saigon Garden. I went there the other day to sate my once-yearly craving (yes, the last time I went there was almost exactly a year ago), and I had high hopes that it would surpass my last visit. My friend and I split the summer rolls and we each had a bowl of pho dac biet (#28). The summer rolls were pretty large, but that was the only thing they had going for them. They were filled with chopped lettuce, and were a little too cold as if they had been sitting in the refrigerator for a while. The dipping sauce, meanwhile, had an odd consistency and was just a bit too warm, as if it had been microwaved. I had to pause in the middle of eating the two together to fight down the nausea that started coming over me. (The last time I felt like that when I wasn't sick, was when I ate sea urchin.) The pho was underwhelming. One thing I've noticed here is that the soup base is a lot oilier than other pho places. It had a lot of noodles, which I like, but very little meat in comparison. I'd venture a guess that the place is geared more toward a Western palate by the lack of things like beef tendon and tripe in the pho dac biet, but I was put off by the fact that the meatballs have small, unappetizingly textured chunks of fat in them. Overall, the pho was filling enough, but it was definitely helped by the large amounts of Sriracha I squeezed into it. The service was fine. We were seated and had our orders taken quickly. As for the speed of service, I can say only that the food will come out quickly when you're one of two tables being served. Next time I have a craving for pho, I'll probably pass on Saigon Garden. It has failed me twice.
(1)
Jonas L.
I feel that Saigon Garden unfairly gets the shaft from eaters of Ann Arbor. Its pho is certainly adequate if a bit overpriced. But hey, it's Ann Arbor, what did you expect. Their Vietnamese-ish dishes tend to be pretty good, but I would not go there for typical American Chinese fare. Compared to what else is in town, I think this place is certainly adequate. But yes, if you expect better, trek to Ypsi and go to Dalat.
(3)
Q Y.
Noodle are average to meh, the dishes are pretty terrible though, avoid their hot clay pot dishes like plague
(2)
Arthur K.
I was hoping to hit up the Ann Arbor staple Zingerman's for my first meal in Ann Arbor. Unfortunately for me, our party settled on Asian cuisine and headed to Saigon Garden. The restaurant is, well, it's very college-esque. Run down, old plastic cups, dingy. Service was ok but not really notable. I had the grilled beef over vermicelli noodles. It was a decent meal. The meat was a little dry, but nothing too bad. We also had the pan grilled noodles with seafood. This was better than expected. Warm crunchy and soft noodles with a healthy dose of shrimp (expertly de-veined!), scallops and other sea critters. The local guy had a Pork with coconut hot pot. The dish was really pungent, but pretty tasty. All dishes were served with a personal serving of soup. We all went with the hot & sour which was very good.
(2)
Alyssa E.
This is my favorite place to stop in when I'm back in Michigan. While the pho isn't the best I've ever had, it's still pretty delicious. The service is always prompt, and the portions are exceptional for the price. Lunch-hour pho and a pot of green tea only costs $8. Definitely worth stopping in!
(4)
Tony C.
There are so many Asian people in Ann Arbor. Why is it that we only have a few eateries that make decent Chinese food and no place makes good Vietnamese food? I'd give this place a 1.5 if I could, but there's absolutely nothing special about this place except for it's the only restaurant in Ann Arbor that allegedly has Vietnamese food, but they don't. You can judge any Vietnamese place by their pho and Saigon's pho sucks with a big S. The broth was greasy and missing several elements that make pho something special. Nowhere was the basil leaves, the tripe, the beef tendon, etc. Is that stuff scary? Yes, but c'mon..we're Ann Arborites. Ex-hippies love eating weird looking food. I moved back to Ann Arbor a couple years ago and haven't regretted it for one moment, except those subzero days where I can't feel the tip of my nose or ears. NOTHING beats a steaming bowl of authentic pho on days like that..and it's days like that when I miss living in Royal Oak, a half a mile away from Thang Long. Someone open up a good pho place in Ann Arbor. I promise I'll eat there at least once a week. While you're at it, someone open up a good dim sum place too.
(2)
Irene L.
I've only had the pho here. While it isn't *that* horrible, it's definitely the worst and most expensive pho (like $9 with tip) I've had in my life, which has otherwise been filled with cheap, magical pho. I think I'll try Dalat in Ypsi the next time my pho craving strikes (and I'm not able to drive all the way to Madison Heights).
(2)
cate t.
It's probably the best Ann Arbor has to offer, and that's a bit of a shame. The pho was decent. It wad a bit pricey considering in other cities the same bowl is easily two to three dollars less, but the portion was large. We also had the chicken salad, which was tasty but a little too sweet for me. Take this with s grain of salt because the best Vietnsmese outside of Viet Nam is at my mother's house.
(3)
Derek M.
This is my favorite Vietnamese restaurant by far. Great food. We always get #37 Tofu Buhn, the bomb! You can sub a veggie egg roll for the spring roll. If you're looking for authentic Vietnamese in Ann Arbor this is it.
(5)
Shon C.
I might be anti-fusion. It seems like every Asian restaurant popping up in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor is some variety of fusion -- Chinese/Japanese, Korean/Chinese, or basically "salty food + a sushi bar." I like knowing what region of Asia my food is from. I like the idea of Authentic cuisine from a restaurateur that specializes in his/her native food. So, I approach Saigon Garden with a bit of apprehension, as the awning claims "Vietnamese/Chinese cuisine." My wife and I dropped in today, after a cold bike ride; we were in the mood for something HOT. Pho sounded pretty damn good, so we defaulted to the only local Vietnamese place I really know about. She had the Pho (with chicken), I went with traditional Vermicelli with Beef. Both of our meals were actually quite good; there was a healthy helping of fresh veggies, cilantro, and mint in both. Plenty of sauces to complement, including fish sauce for my noodles, hoisen and Sriracha for us both (I'm always pretty liberal with the Sriracha). We left satisfied, and the service was pretty fast. Dining room isn't much to speak of, and the few times I've been here I usually feel pretty rushed. That being said, the food is good enough that I'll be back for more the next time I need my Pho or Vietnamese noodle fix. If I'm feeling Chinese -- I'm probably headed elsewhere (TK WU anyone?).
(3)
Guillermo K.
Yeah, this place pretty much blows. They can't even get the steamed rice right.
(1)
Win W.
Nice and good food... maybe the use a bit too much of MSG
(3)
David J.
Hands down the best Chinese food in Ann arbor. Huge portions for a good price. A good place to go with friends, order various dishes and share. Highly recommended!
(5)
Lisa W.
This place is a great spot for students to try out, especially in a group so you can have different dishes. A favorite of mine are the potato pancakes. The last time I was here I ordered the pork with fried egg and I wasn't disappointed. It's definitely not "the best" Vietnamese food, but you can't be too picky in this area, and if you're open minded this place will probably hit the spot.
(3)
Dave Y.
within walking distance to campus, they even deliver for dinner. food is pretty tasty and pretty big portions. they also have some chinese food. i'm a fan
(4)
Tina W.
The Pho here is excellent. This is a great place to go for fast service and delicious food at a decent price.
(4)
Jeff C.
Saigon Garden is a run of the mill vietnamese restaurant...i've been there over 8 times and haven't been really impressed at any point. the pho is just average...the ingredients and veggies don't look very fresh at all, the sprouts were limp and browning...the one thing i did enjoy their was a tofu appetizer, it was lightly fried and tasty....
(2)
Christopher F.
Saigon Garden is great for what it is, the restaurant has a chinese menu to cater to people not familar with Vietnamese cuisine. There dinner prices are very reasonable usually 10 per person. However if you come here you should forgot about the chinese menu and stick with the Vietnamese. The pho is pretty average, served with mint, cilantro and basil with various selections of meat. Their summer rolls using clear rice rolls to roll the shrimp, lettuce, mint and cilantro, dipped in a peanut sauce is pretty good. Their best in my opinion is their hot pots. Try the coconut pork hot pot, or catfish pineapple hot pot both really great. This is really the only vietanemese restaurant in Ann Arbor, if you are one of those people that really like super authentic vietanemese than I can definelty see how you might be dissapointed but quite frankly the only US citites that have that type of authenticity are chinatowns in NY, Chicago, or San Fran. For Ann Arbor this place serves great vietnamese food at a reasonable price.
(5)
Gene K.
If you were victimized by me, and lost your pho virginity for the first time at Saigon, you should really do yourself justice and try way better pho in Cali or elsewhere. The problem is... that it is pretty much the only restaurant that serves pho in Ann Arbor. But they charge $9 for a crappy bowl of pho, that's blasphemy! The service and ambiance is fine, but they really would be out of business if it weren't for their location. They get 3 stars from me because their vermicelli noodles aren't too bad, but i hope everyone realizes that there's a much better world out there
(3)
Andrew L.
This is the first Vietnamese restaurant I've ever been to, which is surprising since I'm from DC. I would definitely recommend Saigon Garden because they offer authentic Vietnamese cuisine as well as tasty Chinese dishes. I'll admit that it took me a while before I found something that I liked. I tried something with duck and didn't like it. Then I tried the Pho and I thought I liked it until I realized that I wasn't too into it. Then I gave up on the Vietnamese options and stuck with what I know, General Tso's (which was great). After that, I decided to man up and give the Vietnamese menu another try. I ordered the #38 Bun Cha Gio, Thi Nnong, Nem Nurong (Vermicelli Deluxe). The meal includes rice noodles with a grilled marinated pork meat ball, sliced pork, lemon grass, peanuts, a spring roll and vegetables. Oh yes, it was awesome! They served it with a side of squid sauce which I didn't like. It's an acquired taste and I'm definitely not there yet. Fortunately there was sweet and sour sauce, spicy red stuff, and a dark brown salty thingy that made everything taste extra good. To Bjorn G., the food lacks spice, but try using the spicy red sauce. It works for me. Saigon Garden is a nice place with nice employees, but If you're new to Vientamese cuisine, it might take you a while before you find something you really like. I only give this place 3 stars because I have yet to find more things on the menu I really like besides the Gerneral Tso's and the #38. All I can say is suck it up and try something new. Who knows? You might just enjoy it. P.S. Their lime shakes are the best!
(3)
Steven S.
I only go here cuz it's the only pho place on campus but the food is just ok. I thought about giving it 3 stars but then I remembered that I ordered a chicken and mangos dish and the chicken wasn't cooked correctly. Some of their chinese dishes are ok but the pho is eh.
(2)
Illi F.
Amazing Hunan chicken!!! I have to admit, my past experiences at Saigon Garden have been a mixed bag. However, I went today for the lunch special and it seems like they are really trying to improve. My waitress was unbelievably fast and polite, and got me in and out in 25 minutes. I ordered the lunch special which came with egg roll, fried rice, and choice of soup (I got hot and sour) for $8.22 with tax. Not bad. The soup was ridiculously fresh and the chicken meat in it was tender and delicious. Just the right amount of spice, and not too gelatinous, with decent-sized chunks of tofu and fresh veggies. When my entree plate came out, I was surprised to see that the fried rice included not the standard canned-looking carrots and peas, but freshly chopped veggies and lightly sauteed sprouts. Not overly salty, greasy, or swimming in soy sauce. The egg roll was perfectly crispy without being greasy- I couldn't blot it with my napkin. The chicken did not include uniformly-shaped chunks of mystery meat, but freshly sliced and tender chicken breast, red and green peppers, broccoli, pea pods, and bamboo shoots. The black bean sauce was spicy, with visibly chunks of black bean, and nothing like the gooey Americanized junk you can get at other places. I will note that my other experiences at Saigon Garden-- which were obviously less stellar-- were at dinnertime, when the majority of the clientele was American. Today I was the only non-Asian person in the place, so maybe the chef was catering more to authentic tastes than to Americans who like bland, greasy goop. Either way, I completely recommend stopping in for lunch--- $11.22 with tip for a huge portion which lasts 2 meals is really not a bad deal!
(4)
Alfred K.
Let me start by saying I like this place. I still go to this place periodically. Saigon Garden has really good food, but that's about all it has going for it. The decor is a drab. The waiters/waitresses are unenthusiastic. Bad "new age" music has looped there since I was a freshman here in 1999. But the food - boy is it good. The string beans with basil is AMAZING, and I do not use the word lightly. I've tried many times to replicate that dish at home and has never been able to do it. The pan fried noodles are also great - deep fried to crispy and then topped with a traditional white sauce. For meat eaters, the Pho, Vietnamese grills, and hot pots are very tasty and hard to find in the Ann Arbor area. The only reason I'm giving this place 3 stars is because I've had spoiled food from here before - tofu that had gone sour, and vegetables that aren't fresh. Granted these incidents happened almost 2 years ago and I have no idea whether Saigon Garden is even under the same management anymore, but it's hard to change an impression left by spoiled foods. Also, they seem to rely heavily on MSG. I'm not typically sensitive to MSG at all. I find it incredibly impressive when people like my mom can take a bite of a dish and decide if there's MSG in it - I didn't inherit that talent. But at Saigon Garden, you wouldn't need skills like that when green beans are sometimes found with tiny speckles of minerals...
(3)
Bjorn G.
This Vietnamese/Chinese place is one of my favorite places to get Chinese food in town. They do the old standards right, and you can get them to make something that's actually spicy. Their Vietnamese food is better than their Chinese food, which I suppose shouldn't be a surprise. This despite the lack of spiciness in most of the Vietnamese dishes. I'd say that on that part of the menu, the simplest dishes are the best ones. I'm also fond of their tea, which is usually too strong for most folks' taste, but just right for mine.
(4)
Beck E.
First off, do not go here for the pho and rate the restaurant based off of that alone. If you want good pho, you should go to a pho restaurant that specializes in it. (Unfortunately, I can't think of any that do in the Ann Arbor area. You'll have to make the hour drive to Madison Heights for one of those.) Anyway. Saigon Garden is where I go to get my Vietnamese food fix. I've tried all of the bun (rice vermicelli) dishes and enjoyed them very much and think their bun bo Hue is really tasty, although on the mild side and lacking in pig's blood--but I doubt they'd be able to market it towards the non-Vietnamese crowd if they did include it. I've also had the ca kho to (braised fish in a clay pot), which made for pretty good leftovers the next day. I've never had a problem with the service either, though I mostly order carry-out. The owner (I think it's the owner anyway) is this older Vietnamese guy who can come off as grumpy at first, but he's actually quite friendly! Edit: If you order pho, make sure to ask for Thai basil! I don't know why they don't automatically include it with every order, but I've always had to specifically request it.
(4)
Lindsay C.
$10 pho dac biet!?!?! dang asian food must be exotic up here in LA that would have got me filet mignon pho or kobe beef pho but beggars can't be choosers. The pho here was pretty good and definitely hit the spot, pho broth was not oily nor am I thirsty (so it wasn't loaded with msg). I had to ask for asian basil since that doesn't seem to be something that comes with the pho here but she gave me a whole plate of it. I'd ask for the green things that looks a saw toothed weed but I have no idea what it's called. I wonder if I can request the beef on the side this way I can toss it in when the soup comes out this way it will be super soft and pliable when I get to it... I felt the beef was a bit over cooked.
(3)
Amy B.
I see you looking at the Chinese menu. Well, stop it. That's a huge mistake. The owners of this restaurant are giving you an important hint with the restaurant name: Saigon Garden. Vietnamese food is where it's at here, in this unassuming space that shares its zodiac placemats and glass tabletops with so many other AmerAsian establishments. My favorite dish here is the rice vermicelli with pork. It comes laden with crisp julienned vegetables, perfectly flavored and cooked nuggets of pork, and a small cup of the most delicious sauce to pour over the whole mess. A crisp-yet-flaky spring roll adorns the top of the dish. My pho-riends report that the pho here IS something to write home about, but I'm too much of a fan of the vermicelli to embark on that particular adventure. Dishes are a bit expensive for this area ($9 for my beloved vermicelli) but tolerably priced. You can now order takeout or delivery online through Campus Food, as well as by phone. If you still order the pedestrian Chinese fare at Saigon Garden after reading this, you have only yourself to blame.
(4)
Hungry C.
Very very nomiful, especially for hungry college students. Dinner combinations are great: lots of food, spectacular vegetable fried rice, all for less than $10. Some are a bit too salty though...but nothing a good drink can't fix! Noodles are pretty good as well! Will update once I try more food.
(5)
M L.
How does a Chinese restaurant stand out in Ann Arbor? Choose a Vietnamese name and add some Vietnamese dishes on the menu as an afterthought. The Vietnamese dishes are poor imitations of what they should be, but presumably the Chinese dishes are more in their wheelhouse.
(2)
Timur A.
The past few times I only ordered pho here -- and, honestly, that's the only thing I come for. The pho won't overwhelm you, but it's decent. The beef pho could use a bit more beef, which is probably my chief complaint. On the other hand it is very filling and does satisfy the craving for me. The lunch menu has a lot of chinese (and american chinese) dishes. I had the chicken with snow peas, which also came with bamboo shoots and water chestnuts. Individually, each part of the dish was great, but would've worked better with a bit more marinade. Their hot & sour soup is pretty good as well. I'm gonna limit my foray into their chinese food, but definitely coming back for pho!
(4)
Anuj A.
Pros: No wait, Prompt Service Cons: Food, Price, Atmosphere I went to Saigon Garden on Thursday Dec 11, 2014 around 8pm. It was empty except for one group of four. I always heard this place had a Pineapple Chicken Bowl that I should try. I came in excited, yet me and who I ate with left disappointed. The food came out very quickly, and the servers hovered a fair amount. The chicken came in the bowl, and to be honest it tasted quite bland. There was a lot of pineapple juice so it felt like Chicken Pineapple soup. The veggies were very basic as well, and lacked fair amounts of flavor. There was a large quantity of food, and I left most of it on the plate when I left The menu was fairly expensive for the quality of the food, and that is why I won't go back. Considering No Thai is opposite them, cheaper, and better quality. If you have a large group this may fit the party because it was pretty empty for a big space.
(2)
Dia D.
We went at lunch time and they were very busy, but our food arrived quickly and they were good about clearing dirty tables to seat people who were waiting. My husband had the Bun dish with grilled Chicken and I had the cold duck with rice. Both came with a bowl of soup (egg drop, wonton, or hot and sour) which was pretty good hot and sour soup. The lunch menu has several Chinese combo plates and several types of Pho, Noodle, and rice dishes on the Vietnamese side of the menu. Our 2 main dishes came to $17.35.
(4)
Janice L.
I come here often for the beef pho. I do think it's delicious but the beef is kind of dry. The orange chicken is really good here... the spring rolls with the peanut butter dip is ok. I really like the quiet atmosphere. Last time I came here for dinner there was no one in the restaurant. I came alone so I got the restaurant to myself. The food is good but not spectacular. I come here because I hate all the pho from other restaurants in Ann Arbor.
(3)
Jiah C.
I'm sad to see all the negative reviews, because this place fails to disappoint me. I love the consistency in the deliciousness of everything I order here. Order these things to see what I mean. First off, scallion pancakes. Nobody does scallion pancakes like Saigon Garden. Always served hot and the chewy consistency is indescribable. If you know what I mean by the perfect chew.... this has it. I could also gulp down the dipping sauce that goes with these. And even after they've been sitting in the fridge, getting colder and harder... I still love it. Secondly, beef with basil and green beans. Holy shiz. If you don't like vegetables, this is one of those dishes that'll turn you into a green bean freak. The smoky char from the basil just makes this dish a serious flavor bomb. Crunchy, savory, beefy, smoky, everything I want. This is kind of the bane of my Saigon Garden existence, because I always want to try new dishes but I always resort to this because I can't get enough. The pho does what it needs to. Provide comfort to a hungover belly then penetrate that comfort all the way to the fingertips. It's not the "tastiest" pho I've ever had, but its plentiful, as it should be, and they actually put way more beef in their pho than I've seen anywhere else. I like it more than enough. There's also a creamy coconut-y sweet fried shrimp dish that makes me drool thinking about it. Also, their bbq duck is a step below what you can get in Chicago but still delish if you have a craving! and on. and on. and on. Don't order the usual, try something different here (i.e. anything Vietnamese or Chef Specialty, not General Tso), it might surprise you.
(4)
Sam G.
This is the only place in Ann Arbor I've found where I can at least pretend I'm eating some semblance of Vietnamese food. It takes a strong imagination, however. When I am truly desperate for a spring roll, I end up coming here. That is the only time I come here. If it's Vietnamese food you're after you should know that this is really a half Chinese, half Vietnamese place. You should know that the pho and other offerings are no where close to 'authentic' Vietnamese food. And you should know that as Patrick T. mentioned in his review, living in Michigan long enough, you will become so desperate for anything not drenched in oil and mildly reminiscent of south-east asia that you will take what you can get. That is to say, in any other city, this restaurant would be getting two stars. But since I actually come back here at least once a year, and don't leave retching, three stars it is. (update: I retched yesterday after some take-out that tasted like the chicken was less than fresh and the fish sauce was also off - two stars it is) At least the meat is fairly decent quality and marinated well. The fish sauce is bland beyond belief but at least not rancid. And the noodles generally have a good texture. For the price-to-food-quality ratio, however, this restaurant barely passes. Also, when my best friend (who is Vietnamese) comes to visit, there is no way in hell I take him here for fear that our 8 year friendship will be terminated immediately. That and I'll have to have his tales of eating delicious pho back in Denver rubbed in my face.
(2)
Nate M.
I was severely underwhelmed with the vegetable soup and hunan veggies. Their tofu tasted like hard sponges and the flavor and seasonings were mediocre at best, and barely even present. Will definitely not be dining here again or recommending to any friends
If I was a college student in Ann Arbor, I'd definitely give it a 4 but since I'm from out of town, definitely a 3. The pho was good, and the meatballs were a decent texture. The price was decent too. The highlight however was the summer rolls. Excellent! Interior is simple, almost like a simple chinese banquet restaurant. But much smaller of course. Their location is excellent being right next to a parking structure and adjacent to university st. It might become a go to place for me to meet my students in Ann Arbor if there weren't so many great options in town.
(3)
Lou S.
I don't understand the low rating, for us it was 4.5 stars. We ordered Chinese food and the Thai spring rolls. We had great service, the food was presented nicely and tasted fresh. The only possible compliant could be prices were typical AA high prices. I would be back if I'm in the area next time.
(4)
Debing S.
I think it is a American Chinese restaurant with a vietnamese name in disguise. I tried the Vietnamese noodle and so called vietnamese spring roll and...Come On. Having a vietnamese name does not mean you are Vietnamese. Just be honest, say you are an Americanized Chinese restaurant offering some might be Vietnamese food.
(2)
Patrick T.
The food is meh. After a couple of years in Ann Arbor you might not remember what pho in California tastes like, and you learn to settle. Family ate here when I first got to MI and it was pretty much a collective "what the?! I don't even..."
(1)
Peter C.
Took my family out to this place a couple of times already. The food is actually pretty good. We always get the pho with sliced beef along with the salt and peppered fried squid and the shrimp spring rolls. The only bad part was that they bring out the wrong order. We knew that we didn't order the wrong thing and we made sure of it but they insisted on telling us that's what we ordered. Eventually we did get the food we ordered. This didn't happen once but at least three times. I would still go back because their food aren't bad. Just make sure you ordered the right one.
(4)
Rebecca C.
As a student some years ago, I lived down the street from this place and often endured the rude service for the convenience of having a close-by Vietnamese spot. The food is good, but overpriced compared to more authentic places in the Detroit Metro area. Back in those days I had a friend who refused to eat here as he'd had a very rude experience here and wouldn't return. And now I can join his club. I brought friends who were visiting MIchigan to show at Art Fair, and they were exhausted from standing all day in the heat. One half of the couple is Asian, and she lives in the deep South where Asian food consists of Americanized Chinese. Whenever she comes to the area she really wants some special Asian treat, like noodles, so I recommended this place. They say they are open til 10 pm; we arrived at 9:40 amid glares from Creepy Owner Guy. The waitress greeted us cheerfully, brought us water, and went about her business. We selected our entrees and waited a while until she returned, no big deal. At this point she was in a rush to get our order, as the kitchen would soon close, she said. Fine, we were ready. Had been ready. We all ordered Bun noodles. About five minutes later she returns to say there are no more noodles. Seeing as how half their entrees are noodle dishes, I found this incredible. I wanted to leave then, but my friend started to inquire about what else we might choose from. It was then that Creepy Owner Guy approached our table to say it was too late to order anything, as it was now 9:55. Ok, so why not turn us away at the door? Why allow us to sit, and miss the closing times of every other restaurant within a block radius? We were summarily dismissed from the restaurant, and now had nothing to choose from except mediocre pizza joints, since most restaurants in that walkable area close at 10. Restaurant owners: If you want your closing time to be 10, serve until 10. And if you want to be a douchebag and close at 9:40, even though your closing time is listed as 10, fine. Just be up front that you are an asshat instead of letting us sit there and order and then making us miss dinner altogether. Potential patrons: Do yourself a favor and eat at one of the many wonderful Korean restaurants within a block radius, or the Thai joint across the street. And if you really have a hankering for Vietnamese, the best Vietnamese in the immediate area is Dalats, about 5 miles down the road in Ypsi.
(1)
Mimi T.
Fast order when we did pick up. Wonton soup has a great broth but the wontons are something to b desired. Vermicelli bowl isn't bad. Not impressed with sauce. We got the spicy salted squid too and it has good flavor but we didn't open the container soon enough and it got a little soggy. Shrimp ginger and onion has good flavor but more onion than shrimp. Overall it was ok but I've had better. Can't expect too much for Ann Arbor but will come back when I don't feel like cooking.
(3)
Javier G.
Kind of pricy, but the portions are great. Didn't really like the mango chicken too much, it tasted okay...
(3)
Kristen P.
We visited mostly because my husband wanted Pho and we managed to snag a Living Social deal the day beforehand (we had dined here once before.) We ordered our food, husband ordered Pho, I ordered General chicken and we split crab rangoon and some lo mien noodles. My chicken was really tough, the noodles were flavorless and the crab rangoon... where was the filling? My husband liked the Pho at least, so I was a happy camper. The food might have been a bust, but hey... it happens. I told the waitress I had a deal on my phone and that's when everything went downhill from there. She informed me that they would not take it on the phone because they did not have a way to verify it. What? Every restaurant I've been to or worked at just writes down the name on the deal and the voucher number. Sometimes they ask for your phone number and then they take your phone and hit the redeemed button. Easy as pie. Nope, not here. I asked to speak with the manager and the waitress told me no, I could not speak with the manager. Really? That's a first. I asked again. She again, said no I can not speak with the manager. Strange. She told me to go print it down the street. I asked where and she yelled, "Down there!" and pointed in a very general direction. Not helpful. So I left my husband there and walked down S. University, went into a shipping store and asked the clerk if he could print some thing for me. He seemed bored and jumped at the chance to do something. Thanks shipping store for being helpful! I went back, paid and left as soon as humanly possible. I was so irritated that getting out of there asap was top priority before I became that crazy customer that everyone looks at funny when they hear crazied hollering... Nope, not me this time, I was determined to hold my cool... Needless to say I will not be purchasing any more Living Social deals and I will not be back. There certainly is not a Pho shortage in the area and I'm all set with Saigon Garden's crappy customer relations.
(1)
Rose E.
We love this place! The best pan fried dumplings and scallion pancakes in this entire area. The green beans with or without pork, the fried noodles with shrimp or chicken, the salt and pepper shrimp, I could go on and on. The pho is delicious. The service is good. Does the "name" really matter? Rose
(5)
Amy M.
I went with three other friends for dinner and we ordered vermicelli noodles which was around 8.75 per person. Service and food was good until a couple of days later when we checked our credit card statements and it turned out the restaurant had charged us each a $1-2 more on our check, in addition to the 15% tip we already gave. The food with tax would've came out to be $9.28 and I gave a 15% tip which came out to be $10.68 but when I checked my credit card statement, I got charged $13.13! I gave Saigon one star because it's completely unethical to change your customer's bill after they leave, especially when they've already given a reasonable tip. I won't be going back there again but if you do, make sure to request a copy of your receipt to check.
(1)
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Address :1220 S University Ave
Ann Arbor, MI, 48104
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Garage, Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
The popularity of Chinese food in America can be adjudicated by the appearance of China Town in many major cities in the United State of America. The popular trend of ordering or opting for Chinese take away food isn't unknown in America. Chinese take away food comes to rescue when you're too tired from work or too exhausted to cook. No one can resist the temptation of eating spicy noodles, shrimp, chicken, beef or pork cooked in the sweet and spicy sauce. The cooking method of authentic Chinese food is a lot different compared to what is served in America.
Generally, Chinese use dark meat small bones and organs to cook dishes but this changes when you are eating American-Chinese fusion food prepared using white boneless meat cooked with broccoli, carrots and onions. Back in China, the food is less spicy and oily as they favor steaming and braising method for cooking the most popular dishes. So, if you have a taste for authentic Chinese food, then try finding a real Chinese restaurant in the city. You can also try the most popular fusion Chinese food like Pecking Duck, Chicken Feet, Hot Pot, Shrimp Dumpling Soup, Mapo Tofu, Wontons, Chop Suey, Egg Rolls and not to forget Fortune Cookies.
There are not many restaurants in America serving authentic Chinese food. A little research on Restaurant Listings directory can help you locate the best Chinese restaurants in the city. Chinese cuisine is continuously evolving, and you can find a variety of dishes categorized as the food for lactose intolerant, gluten intolerant, vegan, vegetarian, and diabetic friendly. So, if you have a group of friends with different taste patterns, save the hassle and visit the nearest Chinese restaurant in your city.
Jeremy C.
I had a craving for Summer Rolls, and options are rather limited in Ann Arbor. Saigon Garden does indeed have them, but they are not very good: too full of lettuce, short the tasty stuff: shrimp, noodles, bean sprouts, basil and mint. Also, they included a thin slice of chicken but it added nothing to the flavor. One high note was the hot and sour soup was actually quite good. Also not amazing: the Com Ga Nuong, Cha Gio (44) / chicken with rice. The flavor was okay, but the chicken was dry. My dining companion had one of the rice vermicelli dishes (beef, as I recall), which was passable. I might go back to try the Pho', but it's August and not really Pho weather yet.
(2)Juju J.
I love Vietnamese food but this place was a disappointment all around. The service sucks. I don't get why they have one waitress during dinner when the male manager isn't really doing much. The main reason for the one star is the food. A lot of the stuff is premade I found out when I tried to special order and was told it was premade on a number of menu items. I ended up with a soup that was pretty tasteless. The Vietnamese chicken salad was also very bland. Skip this place and get your Asian kick somewhere else on Ann Arbor. They take AMEX which is a plus!
(1)Tha B.
Stopped here on our trip around Ann Arbor this weekend, at first glance the place looked clean enough, but I went into the bathroom and the trash was overflowing and the floor looked like it needed to be swept. There was only one other table besides ours in the whole place. We were sat one table away from the other table because the other empty tables had not been wiped down. We went on a Saturday around 3:30pm, so maybe they just got done with the lunch rush. There were three of us and we all ordered pho. The broth was ok but it missing something. I couldn't pinpoint what it was lacking. My fiancé's comment as we were leaving was, " next time we crave pho, you can make it at home." It wouldn't be a bad place to go if u were craving pho and had no other choice. I couldn't tell you how the other entrees were but the other table ordered different things and they looked good.
(3)Amy C.
I've always come here for pho, but they have a decent Chinese menu as well for eating family-style. While I'm not Vietnamese and can't comment on the authenticity of the pho, it's always been something I enjoyed. The broth is light but still full of flavor, and the noodles and meat definitely do not taste Americanized. The Chinese dishes are pretty authentic as well, and prices are reasonable. The restaurant is usually half-empty whenever I go, so service is pretty quick. I don't love dining in though-- both the interior and exterior look like it could use an update, and I'm not a fan of the environment.
(3)Apu G.
CLOSED. I don't know if it's closed for renovation or permanently, but it sure as hell aint open now. Yelp update this!
(2)Jenny L.
don't be hatin' be appreciatin'... the only pho place on campus...well I guess there is china gate...but that's CHINA gate. yeah. Pho is pretty dece and will satiate those occasional pho cravings. Summer rolls, scallion pancakes, and the vermicelli are also other delicious options. If you're eating asian/tapas style(sharing dishes), definitely try the eggplant w/basil. Good for large groups, speedy service, and they deliver!!
(4)Tracey Z.
Disclaimer: I got delivery here while staying in Ann Arbor for a week or so, so I can't comment on how the food or service is in-store, nor have I visited multiple times. With that said, I ordered the pan-fried dumplings, green onion pancake, and deluxe beef noodles (aka pho). Their delivery has a $20 minimum, which is why I ordered so much food. My thoughts... Pho/Noodles: The soup itself was okay, flavorful (although I usually put in a lot of Sriracha and plum sauce anyway) and lots of meat included. I was a little sad that though they offered a lime wedge, they didn't have any mint to include in the soup. Maybe it's a California thing, but I'm used to having mint in my pho. Dumplings: The meat inside was tasty, but the outside (aka dough) was way too thick for my preference. It was almost sort of chewy and rubbery. not to mention that it was INCREDIBLY GREASY. Scallion Pancake: Had some nice crunch to it on the edges, but again it was chewy/rubbery and SUPER GREASY. I felt gross just eating it and had to continually wipe my mouth because I felt like I had grease everywhere. There didn't seem to be a lot of flavor in these. Overall, as far as I could tell this place has okay noodles but tends to be overly greasy for other things. I don't know the competition in the area, so this might be the best place around, but for me it was just average. If I came back, I would not try the dumplings or pancake again.
(2)Liz W.
I have been craving Vietnamese food as I will not get my usual Christmas visit to St Louis to the amazing Pho Grand. Sad but I will have to deal. Janelle said this place would do in a pinch and that is about what I'd call it. Good in a pinch. It's closer to me than Madison Heights but I think I am going to have to bite the bullet and trek over there instead at some point. The atmosphere is crowded and strip mall. Service was nice though. The scallion pancake was very good indeed, I also got a good order of crispy tofu in spicy garlic sauce. The chicken vermicelli was just ok. It just needed something to spruce it up. The spring roll was meh. They also have chinese for my husband, but interesting stuff not all overfried and boring choices. He ended up picking a fried deal at any rate but because he found the idea of it interesting not because it was the only choice. My husband was thrilled with his honey fruit with crispy prawns order. Good fruit in it and perfectly fried prawns... I will give Ann Arbor area Vietnamese another shot and report back.
(3)Emily H.
The food is pretty good. But the service is definitely lacking.
(2)Eman A.
Went there and it seemed really empty but it was half an hour before close...so that may have been the reason. I ordered the hot and sour soup and the Hunan chicken. We ordered carry out and got our food in five minutes, it was freaky fast. The soup was really cheap and was a huge portion. It was delicious!! The Hunan had a tad too much broccoli for my taste but was well seasoned and yummy. I would definitely recommend this place for their fast service and solid food!
(4)Nia H.
Why haven't I reviewed this place yet? I adore it! Granted, I almost always get the same stuff and never venture into the Vietnamese side of the menu but it's my favourite place for Chinese food in Ann Arbor. Big fan of the Sesame Chicken and Beef with Broccoli (complete with lightning bolt carrots!) as well as General Tso's. Egg Rolls are yummy and I do dig the tea. Perhaps one day I'll get adventurous and try something different but for what I love, it's the best!
(5)Eva S.
This place has PHO, enough said! Yes, this rating is based on pho alone. And yes, it's not pho like you'll get in Argyle in Chicago's Northside... but I am happy that this place serves it, especially in the middle of winter when all you want is a steaming bowl of noodle soup. It's a tad expensive, but it hits the spot. Decent.
(3)Evan T.
The General Tso chicken smelled like an armpit as I was putting it into my mouth. Yum.
(2)Sumi W.
We love Saigon Garden. I do think their Vietnamese dishes are much better than their Chinese selections. We go often and always end up ordering the bun and pho. Their scallion pancakes are very good. My son measures ALL fried rice against Saigon Garden's chicken fried rice. Most of all, as regulars, we really appreciate the consistency in the quality of their food. I'm puzzled by the negative reviews about their service; we've always been happy with the service there. No, they don't fawn over you but the food arrives prompty, just made and hot.
(4)Harrison L.
Had a craving for pho and this was the only place I knew of in AA that served it so I had no choice but to come here. The pho definitely hit the spot and I was satisfied but not particularly full. The broth seemed clean and not oily which was great and the noodles were cooked well, but it was a bit pricey. A place I'd go to only if I have another craving for some pho.
(3)Lyman T.
Sometimes when I'm thinking of ways to get rich, I think that a decent pho place would really kill it in Ann Arbor. (For the uninitiated, it's pronounced "fuh," not "foe.") Unfortunately, Saigon Garden is not that place. Having grown up near Houston's Chinatown/Little Saigon area, I occasionally get a huge craving for pho. In Ann Arbor, that means going to Saigon Garden. I went there the other day to sate my once-yearly craving (yes, the last time I went there was almost exactly a year ago), and I had high hopes that it would surpass my last visit. My friend and I split the summer rolls and we each had a bowl of pho dac biet (#28). The summer rolls were pretty large, but that was the only thing they had going for them. They were filled with chopped lettuce, and were a little too cold as if they had been sitting in the refrigerator for a while. The dipping sauce, meanwhile, had an odd consistency and was just a bit too warm, as if it had been microwaved. I had to pause in the middle of eating the two together to fight down the nausea that started coming over me. (The last time I felt like that when I wasn't sick, was when I ate sea urchin.) The pho was underwhelming. One thing I've noticed here is that the soup base is a lot oilier than other pho places. It had a lot of noodles, which I like, but very little meat in comparison. I'd venture a guess that the place is geared more toward a Western palate by the lack of things like beef tendon and tripe in the pho dac biet, but I was put off by the fact that the meatballs have small, unappetizingly textured chunks of fat in them. Overall, the pho was filling enough, but it was definitely helped by the large amounts of Sriracha I squeezed into it. The service was fine. We were seated and had our orders taken quickly. As for the speed of service, I can say only that the food will come out quickly when you're one of two tables being served. Next time I have a craving for pho, I'll probably pass on Saigon Garden. It has failed me twice.
(1)Jonas L.
I feel that Saigon Garden unfairly gets the shaft from eaters of Ann Arbor. Its pho is certainly adequate if a bit overpriced. But hey, it's Ann Arbor, what did you expect. Their Vietnamese-ish dishes tend to be pretty good, but I would not go there for typical American Chinese fare. Compared to what else is in town, I think this place is certainly adequate. But yes, if you expect better, trek to Ypsi and go to Dalat.
(3)Q Y.
Noodle are average to meh, the dishes are pretty terrible though, avoid their hot clay pot dishes like plague
(2)Arthur K.
I was hoping to hit up the Ann Arbor staple Zingerman's for my first meal in Ann Arbor. Unfortunately for me, our party settled on Asian cuisine and headed to Saigon Garden. The restaurant is, well, it's very college-esque. Run down, old plastic cups, dingy. Service was ok but not really notable. I had the grilled beef over vermicelli noodles. It was a decent meal. The meat was a little dry, but nothing too bad. We also had the pan grilled noodles with seafood. This was better than expected. Warm crunchy and soft noodles with a healthy dose of shrimp (expertly de-veined!), scallops and other sea critters. The local guy had a Pork with coconut hot pot. The dish was really pungent, but pretty tasty. All dishes were served with a personal serving of soup. We all went with the hot & sour which was very good.
(2)Alyssa E.
This is my favorite place to stop in when I'm back in Michigan. While the pho isn't the best I've ever had, it's still pretty delicious. The service is always prompt, and the portions are exceptional for the price. Lunch-hour pho and a pot of green tea only costs $8. Definitely worth stopping in!
(4)Tony C.
There are so many Asian people in Ann Arbor. Why is it that we only have a few eateries that make decent Chinese food and no place makes good Vietnamese food? I'd give this place a 1.5 if I could, but there's absolutely nothing special about this place except for it's the only restaurant in Ann Arbor that allegedly has Vietnamese food, but they don't. You can judge any Vietnamese place by their pho and Saigon's pho sucks with a big S. The broth was greasy and missing several elements that make pho something special. Nowhere was the basil leaves, the tripe, the beef tendon, etc. Is that stuff scary? Yes, but c'mon..we're Ann Arborites. Ex-hippies love eating weird looking food. I moved back to Ann Arbor a couple years ago and haven't regretted it for one moment, except those subzero days where I can't feel the tip of my nose or ears. NOTHING beats a steaming bowl of authentic pho on days like that..and it's days like that when I miss living in Royal Oak, a half a mile away from Thang Long. Someone open up a good pho place in Ann Arbor. I promise I'll eat there at least once a week. While you're at it, someone open up a good dim sum place too.
(2)Irene L.
I've only had the pho here. While it isn't *that* horrible, it's definitely the worst and most expensive pho (like $9 with tip) I've had in my life, which has otherwise been filled with cheap, magical pho. I think I'll try Dalat in Ypsi the next time my pho craving strikes (and I'm not able to drive all the way to Madison Heights).
(2)cate t.
It's probably the best Ann Arbor has to offer, and that's a bit of a shame. The pho was decent. It wad a bit pricey considering in other cities the same bowl is easily two to three dollars less, but the portion was large. We also had the chicken salad, which was tasty but a little too sweet for me. Take this with s grain of salt because the best Vietnsmese outside of Viet Nam is at my mother's house.
(3)Derek M.
This is my favorite Vietnamese restaurant by far. Great food. We always get #37 Tofu Buhn, the bomb! You can sub a veggie egg roll for the spring roll. If you're looking for authentic Vietnamese in Ann Arbor this is it.
(5)Shon C.
I might be anti-fusion. It seems like every Asian restaurant popping up in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor is some variety of fusion -- Chinese/Japanese, Korean/Chinese, or basically "salty food + a sushi bar." I like knowing what region of Asia my food is from. I like the idea of Authentic cuisine from a restaurateur that specializes in his/her native food. So, I approach Saigon Garden with a bit of apprehension, as the awning claims "Vietnamese/Chinese cuisine." My wife and I dropped in today, after a cold bike ride; we were in the mood for something HOT. Pho sounded pretty damn good, so we defaulted to the only local Vietnamese place I really know about. She had the Pho (with chicken), I went with traditional Vermicelli with Beef. Both of our meals were actually quite good; there was a healthy helping of fresh veggies, cilantro, and mint in both. Plenty of sauces to complement, including fish sauce for my noodles, hoisen and Sriracha for us both (I'm always pretty liberal with the Sriracha). We left satisfied, and the service was pretty fast. Dining room isn't much to speak of, and the few times I've been here I usually feel pretty rushed. That being said, the food is good enough that I'll be back for more the next time I need my Pho or Vietnamese noodle fix. If I'm feeling Chinese -- I'm probably headed elsewhere (TK WU anyone?).
(3)Guillermo K.
Yeah, this place pretty much blows. They can't even get the steamed rice right.
(1)Win W.
Nice and good food... maybe the use a bit too much of MSG
(3)David J.
Hands down the best Chinese food in Ann arbor. Huge portions for a good price. A good place to go with friends, order various dishes and share. Highly recommended!
(5)Lisa W.
This place is a great spot for students to try out, especially in a group so you can have different dishes. A favorite of mine are the potato pancakes. The last time I was here I ordered the pork with fried egg and I wasn't disappointed. It's definitely not "the best" Vietnamese food, but you can't be too picky in this area, and if you're open minded this place will probably hit the spot.
(3)Dave Y.
within walking distance to campus, they even deliver for dinner. food is pretty tasty and pretty big portions. they also have some chinese food. i'm a fan
(4)Tina W.
The Pho here is excellent. This is a great place to go for fast service and delicious food at a decent price.
(4)Jeff C.
Saigon Garden is a run of the mill vietnamese restaurant...i've been there over 8 times and haven't been really impressed at any point. the pho is just average...the ingredients and veggies don't look very fresh at all, the sprouts were limp and browning...the one thing i did enjoy their was a tofu appetizer, it was lightly fried and tasty....
(2)Christopher F.
Saigon Garden is great for what it is, the restaurant has a chinese menu to cater to people not familar with Vietnamese cuisine. There dinner prices are very reasonable usually 10 per person. However if you come here you should forgot about the chinese menu and stick with the Vietnamese. The pho is pretty average, served with mint, cilantro and basil with various selections of meat. Their summer rolls using clear rice rolls to roll the shrimp, lettuce, mint and cilantro, dipped in a peanut sauce is pretty good. Their best in my opinion is their hot pots. Try the coconut pork hot pot, or catfish pineapple hot pot both really great. This is really the only vietanemese restaurant in Ann Arbor, if you are one of those people that really like super authentic vietanemese than I can definelty see how you might be dissapointed but quite frankly the only US citites that have that type of authenticity are chinatowns in NY, Chicago, or San Fran. For Ann Arbor this place serves great vietnamese food at a reasonable price.
(5)Gene K.
If you were victimized by me, and lost your pho virginity for the first time at Saigon, you should really do yourself justice and try way better pho in Cali or elsewhere. The problem is... that it is pretty much the only restaurant that serves pho in Ann Arbor. But they charge $9 for a crappy bowl of pho, that's blasphemy! The service and ambiance is fine, but they really would be out of business if it weren't for their location. They get 3 stars from me because their vermicelli noodles aren't too bad, but i hope everyone realizes that there's a much better world out there
(3)Andrew L.
This is the first Vietnamese restaurant I've ever been to, which is surprising since I'm from DC. I would definitely recommend Saigon Garden because they offer authentic Vietnamese cuisine as well as tasty Chinese dishes. I'll admit that it took me a while before I found something that I liked. I tried something with duck and didn't like it. Then I tried the Pho and I thought I liked it until I realized that I wasn't too into it. Then I gave up on the Vietnamese options and stuck with what I know, General Tso's (which was great). After that, I decided to man up and give the Vietnamese menu another try. I ordered the #38 Bun Cha Gio, Thi Nnong, Nem Nurong (Vermicelli Deluxe). The meal includes rice noodles with a grilled marinated pork meat ball, sliced pork, lemon grass, peanuts, a spring roll and vegetables. Oh yes, it was awesome! They served it with a side of squid sauce which I didn't like. It's an acquired taste and I'm definitely not there yet. Fortunately there was sweet and sour sauce, spicy red stuff, and a dark brown salty thingy that made everything taste extra good. To Bjorn G., the food lacks spice, but try using the spicy red sauce. It works for me. Saigon Garden is a nice place with nice employees, but If you're new to Vientamese cuisine, it might take you a while before you find something you really like. I only give this place 3 stars because I have yet to find more things on the menu I really like besides the Gerneral Tso's and the #38. All I can say is suck it up and try something new. Who knows? You might just enjoy it. P.S. Their lime shakes are the best!
(3)Steven S.
I only go here cuz it's the only pho place on campus but the food is just ok. I thought about giving it 3 stars but then I remembered that I ordered a chicken and mangos dish and the chicken wasn't cooked correctly. Some of their chinese dishes are ok but the pho is eh.
(2)Illi F.
Amazing Hunan chicken!!! I have to admit, my past experiences at Saigon Garden have been a mixed bag. However, I went today for the lunch special and it seems like they are really trying to improve. My waitress was unbelievably fast and polite, and got me in and out in 25 minutes. I ordered the lunch special which came with egg roll, fried rice, and choice of soup (I got hot and sour) for $8.22 with tax. Not bad. The soup was ridiculously fresh and the chicken meat in it was tender and delicious. Just the right amount of spice, and not too gelatinous, with decent-sized chunks of tofu and fresh veggies. When my entree plate came out, I was surprised to see that the fried rice included not the standard canned-looking carrots and peas, but freshly chopped veggies and lightly sauteed sprouts. Not overly salty, greasy, or swimming in soy sauce. The egg roll was perfectly crispy without being greasy- I couldn't blot it with my napkin. The chicken did not include uniformly-shaped chunks of mystery meat, but freshly sliced and tender chicken breast, red and green peppers, broccoli, pea pods, and bamboo shoots. The black bean sauce was spicy, with visibly chunks of black bean, and nothing like the gooey Americanized junk you can get at other places. I will note that my other experiences at Saigon Garden-- which were obviously less stellar-- were at dinnertime, when the majority of the clientele was American. Today I was the only non-Asian person in the place, so maybe the chef was catering more to authentic tastes than to Americans who like bland, greasy goop. Either way, I completely recommend stopping in for lunch--- $11.22 with tip for a huge portion which lasts 2 meals is really not a bad deal!
(4)Alfred K.
Let me start by saying I like this place. I still go to this place periodically. Saigon Garden has really good food, but that's about all it has going for it. The decor is a drab. The waiters/waitresses are unenthusiastic. Bad "new age" music has looped there since I was a freshman here in 1999. But the food - boy is it good. The string beans with basil is AMAZING, and I do not use the word lightly. I've tried many times to replicate that dish at home and has never been able to do it. The pan fried noodles are also great - deep fried to crispy and then topped with a traditional white sauce. For meat eaters, the Pho, Vietnamese grills, and hot pots are very tasty and hard to find in the Ann Arbor area. The only reason I'm giving this place 3 stars is because I've had spoiled food from here before - tofu that had gone sour, and vegetables that aren't fresh. Granted these incidents happened almost 2 years ago and I have no idea whether Saigon Garden is even under the same management anymore, but it's hard to change an impression left by spoiled foods. Also, they seem to rely heavily on MSG. I'm not typically sensitive to MSG at all. I find it incredibly impressive when people like my mom can take a bite of a dish and decide if there's MSG in it - I didn't inherit that talent. But at Saigon Garden, you wouldn't need skills like that when green beans are sometimes found with tiny speckles of minerals...
(3)Bjorn G.
This Vietnamese/Chinese place is one of my favorite places to get Chinese food in town. They do the old standards right, and you can get them to make something that's actually spicy. Their Vietnamese food is better than their Chinese food, which I suppose shouldn't be a surprise. This despite the lack of spiciness in most of the Vietnamese dishes. I'd say that on that part of the menu, the simplest dishes are the best ones. I'm also fond of their tea, which is usually too strong for most folks' taste, but just right for mine.
(4)Beck E.
First off, do not go here for the pho and rate the restaurant based off of that alone. If you want good pho, you should go to a pho restaurant that specializes in it. (Unfortunately, I can't think of any that do in the Ann Arbor area. You'll have to make the hour drive to Madison Heights for one of those.) Anyway. Saigon Garden is where I go to get my Vietnamese food fix. I've tried all of the bun (rice vermicelli) dishes and enjoyed them very much and think their bun bo Hue is really tasty, although on the mild side and lacking in pig's blood--but I doubt they'd be able to market it towards the non-Vietnamese crowd if they did include it. I've also had the ca kho to (braised fish in a clay pot), which made for pretty good leftovers the next day. I've never had a problem with the service either, though I mostly order carry-out. The owner (I think it's the owner anyway) is this older Vietnamese guy who can come off as grumpy at first, but he's actually quite friendly! Edit: If you order pho, make sure to ask for Thai basil! I don't know why they don't automatically include it with every order, but I've always had to specifically request it.
(4)Lindsay C.
$10 pho dac biet!?!?! dang asian food must be exotic up here in LA that would have got me filet mignon pho or kobe beef pho but beggars can't be choosers. The pho here was pretty good and definitely hit the spot, pho broth was not oily nor am I thirsty (so it wasn't loaded with msg). I had to ask for asian basil since that doesn't seem to be something that comes with the pho here but she gave me a whole plate of it. I'd ask for the green things that looks a saw toothed weed but I have no idea what it's called. I wonder if I can request the beef on the side this way I can toss it in when the soup comes out this way it will be super soft and pliable when I get to it... I felt the beef was a bit over cooked.
(3)Amy B.
I see you looking at the Chinese menu. Well, stop it. That's a huge mistake. The owners of this restaurant are giving you an important hint with the restaurant name: Saigon Garden. Vietnamese food is where it's at here, in this unassuming space that shares its zodiac placemats and glass tabletops with so many other AmerAsian establishments. My favorite dish here is the rice vermicelli with pork. It comes laden with crisp julienned vegetables, perfectly flavored and cooked nuggets of pork, and a small cup of the most delicious sauce to pour over the whole mess. A crisp-yet-flaky spring roll adorns the top of the dish. My pho-riends report that the pho here IS something to write home about, but I'm too much of a fan of the vermicelli to embark on that particular adventure. Dishes are a bit expensive for this area ($9 for my beloved vermicelli) but tolerably priced. You can now order takeout or delivery online through Campus Food, as well as by phone. If you still order the pedestrian Chinese fare at Saigon Garden after reading this, you have only yourself to blame.
(4)Hungry C.
Very very nomiful, especially for hungry college students. Dinner combinations are great: lots of food, spectacular vegetable fried rice, all for less than $10. Some are a bit too salty though...but nothing a good drink can't fix! Noodles are pretty good as well! Will update once I try more food.
(5)M L.
How does a Chinese restaurant stand out in Ann Arbor? Choose a Vietnamese name and add some Vietnamese dishes on the menu as an afterthought. The Vietnamese dishes are poor imitations of what they should be, but presumably the Chinese dishes are more in their wheelhouse.
(2)Timur A.
The past few times I only ordered pho here -- and, honestly, that's the only thing I come for. The pho won't overwhelm you, but it's decent. The beef pho could use a bit more beef, which is probably my chief complaint. On the other hand it is very filling and does satisfy the craving for me. The lunch menu has a lot of chinese (and american chinese) dishes. I had the chicken with snow peas, which also came with bamboo shoots and water chestnuts. Individually, each part of the dish was great, but would've worked better with a bit more marinade. Their hot & sour soup is pretty good as well. I'm gonna limit my foray into their chinese food, but definitely coming back for pho!
(4)Anuj A.
Pros: No wait, Prompt Service Cons: Food, Price, Atmosphere I went to Saigon Garden on Thursday Dec 11, 2014 around 8pm. It was empty except for one group of four. I always heard this place had a Pineapple Chicken Bowl that I should try. I came in excited, yet me and who I ate with left disappointed. The food came out very quickly, and the servers hovered a fair amount. The chicken came in the bowl, and to be honest it tasted quite bland. There was a lot of pineapple juice so it felt like Chicken Pineapple soup. The veggies were very basic as well, and lacked fair amounts of flavor. There was a large quantity of food, and I left most of it on the plate when I left The menu was fairly expensive for the quality of the food, and that is why I won't go back. Considering No Thai is opposite them, cheaper, and better quality. If you have a large group this may fit the party because it was pretty empty for a big space.
(2)Dia D.
We went at lunch time and they were very busy, but our food arrived quickly and they were good about clearing dirty tables to seat people who were waiting. My husband had the Bun dish with grilled Chicken and I had the cold duck with rice. Both came with a bowl of soup (egg drop, wonton, or hot and sour) which was pretty good hot and sour soup. The lunch menu has several Chinese combo plates and several types of Pho, Noodle, and rice dishes on the Vietnamese side of the menu. Our 2 main dishes came to $17.35.
(4)Janice L.
I come here often for the beef pho. I do think it's delicious but the beef is kind of dry. The orange chicken is really good here... the spring rolls with the peanut butter dip is ok. I really like the quiet atmosphere. Last time I came here for dinner there was no one in the restaurant. I came alone so I got the restaurant to myself. The food is good but not spectacular. I come here because I hate all the pho from other restaurants in Ann Arbor.
(3)Jiah C.
I'm sad to see all the negative reviews, because this place fails to disappoint me. I love the consistency in the deliciousness of everything I order here. Order these things to see what I mean. First off, scallion pancakes. Nobody does scallion pancakes like Saigon Garden. Always served hot and the chewy consistency is indescribable. If you know what I mean by the perfect chew.... this has it. I could also gulp down the dipping sauce that goes with these. And even after they've been sitting in the fridge, getting colder and harder... I still love it. Secondly, beef with basil and green beans. Holy shiz. If you don't like vegetables, this is one of those dishes that'll turn you into a green bean freak. The smoky char from the basil just makes this dish a serious flavor bomb. Crunchy, savory, beefy, smoky, everything I want. This is kind of the bane of my Saigon Garden existence, because I always want to try new dishes but I always resort to this because I can't get enough. The pho does what it needs to. Provide comfort to a hungover belly then penetrate that comfort all the way to the fingertips. It's not the "tastiest" pho I've ever had, but its plentiful, as it should be, and they actually put way more beef in their pho than I've seen anywhere else. I like it more than enough. There's also a creamy coconut-y sweet fried shrimp dish that makes me drool thinking about it. Also, their bbq duck is a step below what you can get in Chicago but still delish if you have a craving! and on. and on. and on. Don't order the usual, try something different here (i.e. anything Vietnamese or Chef Specialty, not General Tso), it might surprise you.
(4)Sam G.
This is the only place in Ann Arbor I've found where I can at least pretend I'm eating some semblance of Vietnamese food. It takes a strong imagination, however. When I am truly desperate for a spring roll, I end up coming here. That is the only time I come here. If it's Vietnamese food you're after you should know that this is really a half Chinese, half Vietnamese place. You should know that the pho and other offerings are no where close to 'authentic' Vietnamese food. And you should know that as Patrick T. mentioned in his review, living in Michigan long enough, you will become so desperate for anything not drenched in oil and mildly reminiscent of south-east asia that you will take what you can get. That is to say, in any other city, this restaurant would be getting two stars. But since I actually come back here at least once a year, and don't leave retching, three stars it is. (update: I retched yesterday after some take-out that tasted like the chicken was less than fresh and the fish sauce was also off - two stars it is) At least the meat is fairly decent quality and marinated well. The fish sauce is bland beyond belief but at least not rancid. And the noodles generally have a good texture. For the price-to-food-quality ratio, however, this restaurant barely passes. Also, when my best friend (who is Vietnamese) comes to visit, there is no way in hell I take him here for fear that our 8 year friendship will be terminated immediately. That and I'll have to have his tales of eating delicious pho back in Denver rubbed in my face.
(2)Nate M.
I was severely underwhelmed with the vegetable soup and hunan veggies. Their tofu tasted like hard sponges and the flavor and seasonings were mediocre at best, and barely even present. Will definitely not be dining here again or recommending to any friends
(2)Jessica R.
After getting a coupon in the mail, we ordered from here (for delivery). My fiancé got an eggroll and said it was okay, and then we split-- - The scallion pancakes. Delicious! Very tasty. A big portion, though given the price it felt like a small portion. I wouldn't want more, I just wish it cost a little less. But I could eat this day in day out and never get tired of it. - Ginger Chicken. This was quite good. The ginger sauce had some tang to it, and I liked that the ginger was steamed. I wish there were more veggies in it [that are not onion]. - Cilantro Chicken. I liked this dish until I realized it tasted grainy, and then I disliked it. Something about the graininess made me wonder if the cilantro had been washed, as unwashed cilantro has dirt on it, and dirt is grainy. I hope the graininess was just a spice, regardless, the texture ended up throwing me off. Otherwise, I liked it, and enjoyed how it was served with beansprouts. The delivery was fast and courteous, and everything came with a generous portion of rice and fortune cookies. I wish they gave hot mustard!
(3)Zheyi X.
Food is worth 4, the service adds 1.
(5)Sarang K.
If I was a college student in Ann Arbor, I'd definitely give it a 4 but since I'm from out of town, definitely a 3. The pho was good, and the meatballs were a decent texture. The price was decent too. The highlight however was the summer rolls. Excellent! Interior is simple, almost like a simple chinese banquet restaurant. But much smaller of course. Their location is excellent being right next to a parking structure and adjacent to university st. It might become a go to place for me to meet my students in Ann Arbor if there weren't so many great options in town.
(3)Lou S.
I don't understand the low rating, for us it was 4.5 stars. We ordered Chinese food and the Thai spring rolls. We had great service, the food was presented nicely and tasted fresh. The only possible compliant could be prices were typical AA high prices. I would be back if I'm in the area next time.
(4)Debing S.
I think it is a American Chinese restaurant with a vietnamese name in disguise. I tried the Vietnamese noodle and so called vietnamese spring roll and...Come On. Having a vietnamese name does not mean you are Vietnamese. Just be honest, say you are an Americanized Chinese restaurant offering some might be Vietnamese food.
(2)Patrick T.
The food is meh. After a couple of years in Ann Arbor you might not remember what pho in California tastes like, and you learn to settle. Family ate here when I first got to MI and it was pretty much a collective "what the?! I don't even..."
(1)Peter C.
Took my family out to this place a couple of times already. The food is actually pretty good. We always get the pho with sliced beef along with the salt and peppered fried squid and the shrimp spring rolls. The only bad part was that they bring out the wrong order. We knew that we didn't order the wrong thing and we made sure of it but they insisted on telling us that's what we ordered. Eventually we did get the food we ordered. This didn't happen once but at least three times. I would still go back because their food aren't bad. Just make sure you ordered the right one.
(4)Rebecca C.
As a student some years ago, I lived down the street from this place and often endured the rude service for the convenience of having a close-by Vietnamese spot. The food is good, but overpriced compared to more authentic places in the Detroit Metro area. Back in those days I had a friend who refused to eat here as he'd had a very rude experience here and wouldn't return. And now I can join his club. I brought friends who were visiting MIchigan to show at Art Fair, and they were exhausted from standing all day in the heat. One half of the couple is Asian, and she lives in the deep South where Asian food consists of Americanized Chinese. Whenever she comes to the area she really wants some special Asian treat, like noodles, so I recommended this place. They say they are open til 10 pm; we arrived at 9:40 amid glares from Creepy Owner Guy. The waitress greeted us cheerfully, brought us water, and went about her business. We selected our entrees and waited a while until she returned, no big deal. At this point she was in a rush to get our order, as the kitchen would soon close, she said. Fine, we were ready. Had been ready. We all ordered Bun noodles. About five minutes later she returns to say there are no more noodles. Seeing as how half their entrees are noodle dishes, I found this incredible. I wanted to leave then, but my friend started to inquire about what else we might choose from. It was then that Creepy Owner Guy approached our table to say it was too late to order anything, as it was now 9:55. Ok, so why not turn us away at the door? Why allow us to sit, and miss the closing times of every other restaurant within a block radius? We were summarily dismissed from the restaurant, and now had nothing to choose from except mediocre pizza joints, since most restaurants in that walkable area close at 10. Restaurant owners: If you want your closing time to be 10, serve until 10. And if you want to be a douchebag and close at 9:40, even though your closing time is listed as 10, fine. Just be up front that you are an asshat instead of letting us sit there and order and then making us miss dinner altogether. Potential patrons: Do yourself a favor and eat at one of the many wonderful Korean restaurants within a block radius, or the Thai joint across the street. And if you really have a hankering for Vietnamese, the best Vietnamese in the immediate area is Dalats, about 5 miles down the road in Ypsi.
(1)Mimi T.
Fast order when we did pick up. Wonton soup has a great broth but the wontons are something to b desired. Vermicelli bowl isn't bad. Not impressed with sauce. We got the spicy salted squid too and it has good flavor but we didn't open the container soon enough and it got a little soggy. Shrimp ginger and onion has good flavor but more onion than shrimp. Overall it was ok but I've had better. Can't expect too much for Ann Arbor but will come back when I don't feel like cooking.
(3)Javier G.
Kind of pricy, but the portions are great. Didn't really like the mango chicken too much, it tasted okay...
(3)Kristen P.
We visited mostly because my husband wanted Pho and we managed to snag a Living Social deal the day beforehand (we had dined here once before.) We ordered our food, husband ordered Pho, I ordered General chicken and we split crab rangoon and some lo mien noodles. My chicken was really tough, the noodles were flavorless and the crab rangoon... where was the filling? My husband liked the Pho at least, so I was a happy camper. The food might have been a bust, but hey... it happens. I told the waitress I had a deal on my phone and that's when everything went downhill from there. She informed me that they would not take it on the phone because they did not have a way to verify it. What? Every restaurant I've been to or worked at just writes down the name on the deal and the voucher number. Sometimes they ask for your phone number and then they take your phone and hit the redeemed button. Easy as pie. Nope, not here. I asked to speak with the manager and the waitress told me no, I could not speak with the manager. Really? That's a first. I asked again. She again, said no I can not speak with the manager. Strange. She told me to go print it down the street. I asked where and she yelled, "Down there!" and pointed in a very general direction. Not helpful. So I left my husband there and walked down S. University, went into a shipping store and asked the clerk if he could print some thing for me. He seemed bored and jumped at the chance to do something. Thanks shipping store for being helpful! I went back, paid and left as soon as humanly possible. I was so irritated that getting out of there asap was top priority before I became that crazy customer that everyone looks at funny when they hear crazied hollering... Nope, not me this time, I was determined to hold my cool... Needless to say I will not be purchasing any more Living Social deals and I will not be back. There certainly is not a Pho shortage in the area and I'm all set with Saigon Garden's crappy customer relations.
(1)Rose E.
We love this place! The best pan fried dumplings and scallion pancakes in this entire area. The green beans with or without pork, the fried noodles with shrimp or chicken, the salt and pepper shrimp, I could go on and on. The pho is delicious. The service is good. Does the "name" really matter? Rose
(5)Amy M.
I went with three other friends for dinner and we ordered vermicelli noodles which was around 8.75 per person. Service and food was good until a couple of days later when we checked our credit card statements and it turned out the restaurant had charged us each a $1-2 more on our check, in addition to the 15% tip we already gave. The food with tax would've came out to be $9.28 and I gave a 15% tip which came out to be $10.68 but when I checked my credit card statement, I got charged $13.13! I gave Saigon one star because it's completely unethical to change your customer's bill after they leave, especially when they've already given a reasonable tip. I won't be going back there again but if you do, make sure to request a copy of your receipt to check.
(1)