We stopped by Saigon at Karlsplatz last night for an early dinner before our classical concert at…read morethe Musikverein, and the experience was a mix of highlights and a few surprises.
We ordered several dishes to share: the steamed dumplings with chicken and shrimp, bok choy with mushrooms, caramel pork, and Bún Riêu. Everything was decent and nicely presented--the dumplings were tasty, the bok choy dish with mushroom was good, the caramel pork was flavorful and the Bún Riêu tasted close to what I am used to.
For drinks, we tried their red bean in coconut milk (their signature item) and the lemongrass iced tea. Both were refreshing.
The decor is modern, trendy, and inviting, making it a pleasant spot to relax before an evening out.
What surprised us, though, was the service. Once our food arrived, no one checked in on us at all--not to ask how things were, not to offer refills, nothing. It stood out because every other restaurant we've visited in Austria has had genuinely warm and attentive service. I suppose there's a first time for everything.
Overall, Saigon delivered solid food and a stylish atmosphere, but the lack of follow‑up from the staff left the experience feeling incomplete.