Hidden down a cobblestone laneway located off Chapel Street in Windsor, it's hard to miss this Vietnamese inspired venue with its neon red sign and graffitied exterior wall. Inside, an incredible artwork of 'Sally' encapsulates one of the walls, which, when paired with the striking mirrors, creative prints and vibrant floral arrangements, creates an edgy but sophisticated design.
On this occasion we attended the 'Bottomless Brunch' which Saigon Sally offers on a Sunday - 6 share plates plus unlimited bubbles or beer for $75. However, due to feeling a touch fragile from the night before, I decided to stick with my coke zero and just take on the food for $39.
To start with we ordered the Kingfish ceviche with pomelo, green papaya, shallots and chilli, and the banh mi with pulled pork, pickles, cucumber, sriracha and hoisin. The ceviche was exceptional. Vibrant fresh flavours and beautifully prepared produce, this little morsel was the dish of the day.
Next up was the wagyu tartare (beautifully presented but lacked in seasoning) and the dumpling of the day (delicious filling and beautifully presented, but parts of the wrapper were on the tough side and could have done with a touch more steaming).
To finish our savoury selection, we ordered the BBQ lamb ribs with mandarin caramel, star anise, fennel, perilla and betal leaf. The ribs themselves were cooked well - sticky with a slight crunch on the outside, and tender and juicy on the inside. However, the accompanying salad was soggy and uninspiring.
To our delight, with the ribs came out a complimentary dish - the spicy mi goreng with chilli jam and fried shallots. Whilst definitely on the spicy side, this noodle dish was surprisingly textual and bursting with flavour.
For desert, how could we go past the Vietnamese donut with salted galangal caramel and toasted coconut sorbet. The donuts themselves were an unusual texture (more glutinous then your usual light and fluffy donut) - but the flavours worked well the sorbet and hot caramel sauce were so good that I could have easily gone a bowl of those two elements on their own.
Whilst sometimes it comes down to the dishes that are ordered, to be honest, I preferred Hanoi Hannah's simple but well executed dishes, with their clean and punchy flavours, over that of Saigon Sally's. However, overall, Saigon Sally was still a delicious experience, and a restaurant I would still recommend you try.
Food: 3.5/5
Venue: 5/5
Service: 4/5
Total: 12.5
Verdict: Love - get around to trying it soon.
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