Miss Saigon
96 N Pleasant St, Amherst, MA, 01002
Miss Saigon Menu
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Address :
96 N Pleasant St
Amherst, MA, 01002 - Phone (413) 253-9988
- Website https://www.amherstpho.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Accepts Bitcoin : No
Good For : Lunch, Dinner
Parking : 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 : Free
Has TV : No
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
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Karissa S.
The food was great, possibly the best I've had in a long time. I had Pho Ga. The staff was super friendly and helpful. They answered all questions we had, and checked in on us frequently.
(5)Gillian L.
I've had my share of authentic Vietnamese cuisine, so perhaps I may be biased when I say I feel like Miss Saigon lacks a little bit. My best friend was actually Vietnamese and her mother was an exceptional cook, so I was a bit disappointed when I ordered several things off the menu and left feeling a bit dissatisfied. The pho could be a bit more flavorful, and the braised pork with rice was a bit too salty and watery. Overall an okay experience, but I'm not sure if I'd go here again.
(3)Jenny J.
Stopped in for a spontaneous lunch with the fam after discovering that our intended destination (Mom's Noodles & Dumplings) doesn't have high chairs. What a strangely weird feeling to just drop into a restaurant I've never heard of, never googled, etc...but it was cold outside and the sign said open. Highchairs, check. The bbq beef banh mi for $3.95 was great, and I was happy with my beef pho. It had a rich but delicate broth and wasn't too salty, but was lacking cilantro. It did, however, come with an entire hedge row of basil. Fresh spring rolls were meh and I'm not sure I would get them again; not baaad, but too chewy and hard to bite through, and the sauce was lacking some wow. Service was pleasant and present right up until we finished eating and were ready for a check. That's an awkward time with a baby...once the food and chopsticks are cleared, the high chair suddenly becomes like a hot potato that the baby can't get out of fast enough and we really need things to tick along or else one of us is going to have to exit before the fidgeting and boredom spirals downward into tantrum. That's how it went down at Miss Saigon. Waited 10 minutes for the check then daddy and baby made the 'oh god it's getting fussy' dash for the door, and I stayed behind and waited ANOTHER ten minutes for the server to take my boba-to-go order, ten more to get it and then the check. The coconut boba was great, and we'll definitely be back for the banh mi.
(3)Whitney H.
My favorite place in Amherst for food. If you're sick, hungry, or you have a case of the blues, Miss Saigon's noodle bowls will warm your heart. There are endless options; our server was very attentive and gave my boyfriend and I killer suggestions! My vegetarian noodle bowl was overflowing with vegetables- it was wonderful. For around $9, you are given more than enough delicious broth and food that will fit your fancy. Oh, and try the avocado milkshake. To DIE FOR. Also, their bubble tea is cheaper than LimeRed- just sayin'....
(5)Emily S.
My guy enjoyed his pho and my sandwich. Lol My Vietnamese coffee was the best part. Cheap, fast food but poor service... The girls stood in the back talking most of the time... Maybe we'll grab takeout next time.
(3)Sarah C.
The place was clean and the service was very good. The vermicelli I ordered was very good as well as the pho my friend ordered. The food arrived quickly too! Try the spicy crab rangoons!
(5)Vivianna A.
They have really poor customer service. They take forever to come get your order and hardly ever check in. Their tapioca seems to always be old and gross and their thai tea is way too sweet. They phó is good and tasty but everything else I've tried, from their spring rolls to their various fried rices, they always seem so greasy and over done.
(2)Victoria L.
Been coming here since freshman year of college and now I'm a senior. Quality of food and the service has diminished exponentially. Food is still okay and I'll come here for that, but don't expect good service. Waitresses are definitely racist as they are alert and helpful towards white folk but if you're Asian, forget about it. Miss the owner/nice lady who was pregnant and worked here about a year ago.
(2)Joe C.
This little Vietnamese restaurant really impressed me. Prices and portions were reasonable. It was clean. And the menu was jammed packed with so many items that deciding what to order was a really tough decision. I must admit that in the past I was never a big fan of pho, but my recent visit to Miss Siagon made me an instant pho convert with their #29: pho bo sate. The menu describes it as "For the peanut lover. Pho noodles with rare beef and spicy sate sauce." Now nobody asked to see my peanut ID but I am a certified card carry peanut lover: I'm a true lover of peanuts. So this type of pho was right up my alley. I absolutely loved it. The broth was blended with satay spices so it wasn't the regular bland pho that I am accustomed to having. I slurped up every drop of it. My companion liked her choices as well; egg rolls and dumpling soup (the restaurant offers some Chinese and Thai items in addition to Vietnamese items). For dessert the sweet rice with durian in coconut was terrific. We had never had it before and it received both of our "thumbs up." Our waiter was great and rattled off a bunch of information regarding the durian fruit. Apparently it is considered by some in Southeast Asia to be an offensive "stinky fruit" so it sometimes is banned from hotels and public transportation in that part of the world. Now that's my kind of fruit! I want to try some more of it when it's not mixed with rice and when it's a little more stinky. Lastly, it's great to hear some people have had better pho in Boston. Big whoop de doo. Seriously folks. Personally I've had better pho in Vietnam! So take that, you snot nosed fancy pants Bostonians. Get off your high horse and take a look around. When you do you'll see that Miss Saigon is located in a small town 100 miles away from Boston. Truth be told I've never stepped foot inside the country of Vietnam, but I like to think I did for the sake of my point. My point is that bragging looks silly and just when you think your experience is unmatched, there is usually somebody with a bigger head who can top it. PS, I've also had better pho on the moon .....It was much better than the pho I had in Vietnam.
(5)Jeff G.
Ok - no fresh lime drink?!?! I can understand no egg soda, but come on... And then you make my coffee for me? Nice but not authentic. I find the cha gio bland Other than that, great selection of viet good
(3)Maria B.
Went with a group of 3 others, and all of our soups were fantastic. I got the traditional pho, but the others either got the one with a peanut broth or a curry broth. All of them were fantastic and flavorful. Love that they're BYOB. They were nice enough to get us glasses for our beer + wine.
(4)Chelsea T.
The servings are huge, tastes delicious, but left very thirsty.. could be from the use of fish sauce. I enjoyed the pork dumplings served piping hot, juicy and smooth. The bun thit with BBQ pork was decent. Service was below par (Saturday night) with no refills of water and longer wait. But since this is the only Vietnamese restaurant in the area - I'll return.
(4)John D.
Worst thing here was for sure the service. I read reviews here before and thought "oh it couldn't be too bad." It was bad. Maybe it was came around noon time, but even then it felt like they were understaffed. My friends and I waited at least a good 20 minutes before being able to place our order. Some of us even finished out water and didn't get a refill until ordering food. Then another 20 minutes passed by as our food eventually came out. We even had to ask for the check in the end. I didn't expect much of the food honestly. I didn't expect it to be like some homemade kind of dishes here and that's okay. I ordered the bun bo hue... #37. Highly recommended by my friends. It was barely spicy which was kind of saddening. Maybe the first few sips were spicy but in the end it wasn't anything I couldn't deal with. The beef was actually really good. There was definitely brisket or tendon that I found so yummy. Overall the bun bo hue wasn't too bad. It wasn't amazing compared to homemade, but it's something I would order again.
(2)M. H.
Depending on what you order is how you will walk away. I have had better vermicelli dishes but the hot and sour soup along with one of their sandwiches is a hit out of the ball park on any given day. The wait staff is friendly and patient and it had a good amount of seating. The place is also different enough that you don't feel like you in Amherst when you are there.
(3)Andrea T.
My favorite restaurant in the Pioneer Valley! I crave it daily in the worst way and am so sad I live in Greenfield. If I lived in Amherst or NoHo I'd go three or four times a week at least! Delicious and affordable and they work fast. I've had the vegetarian pho and also some vegetarian rice and noodle dishes. However, my favorite is the vegetarian pho (#33 on the menu) with curry broth. To die for! The soup is vegan and has tons of fresh vegetables and fresh (not fried) tofu. Very healthy and very yummy. Go try it! Don't wait!
(5)Danielle D.
I am not completely disappointed. The food was really good. The seafood certainly wasn't fresh within in it but I kind of ordered it knowing it probably wouldn't be. The broth was really fantastic. It was super flavorful. My boyfriend also enjoyed his, which was some beef soup. What was annoying was the horrible service. It wasn't that busy and there were several servers on but ours was not remotely attentive. We waited a long time to order but our food came out very quickly. The server never checked on us, never refilled our waters, never asked my boyfriend if he wanted another soda until we were ready to leave. We pushed our food aside and waited forever for her to come over. We saw her on her phone, completely oblivious to the fact that she was now being stared at. It still, by this point, took her an additional 20 minutes to come over at which point, she stacked our plates and left. My boyfriend still had more than half of his soup left and I still had enough to wrap as well. Why wouldn't you ask first? In my opinion, the food is the one highlight. If you don't mind poor service, come for the food.
(2)Loren W.
Good Pho at a good price. Clean place with some very big bowls of Pho. Everything was fresh. Service was very slow though. Still, very affordable and good value for the price.
(3)Jennifer D.
I love pho, to me its the best kind of winter-y comfort food and in my opinion Miss Saigon does it the best for this area. I've been to another Vietnamese restaurant and gotten some pho there but to me there is no contest Miss Saigon does it how I like it. I haven't had to wait a long time for my food to come out, maybe its because I come during a busier time?,but I've yet to be disappointed. The broth is excellent, its not to greasy and its not to salty and there are condiments on each table in case you need some hoision sauce in there ( I've got a friend who does it, but its not to my liking). That's the only thing I've ordered here so far, I'm a creature of habit if I like something then I tend to stick with it until I get bored or sick of it. One of these days I'll get around to trying new things on their menu and reporting back with my findings.
(4)Jose B.
Decent Vietnamese restaurant. Service a bit slow. Only tried the soups, which they have a good variety of soups. Although not as good as pho pasteaur in Chinatown, Boston. It definitely is a good option if your craving Vietnamese food in Amherst, MA.
(4)Chris M.
The Chicken Pho is tasteless. My review is for this dish only. I had the chicken pho on two separate occasions. I had hoped the first bowl was a fluke and I wanted to give it another try. It was worse the second time around. Im not commenting on the quality of the meat or vegetables, I think they were fine, my issue is with the broth. It tastes like nothing. Its just chicken in a bowl of hot water. It didnt matter how much sauce and salt and pepper I dumped in it to help because it had no flavor to begin with. I dont know how they can serve that and call it chicken broth. Ive never written such a low scored review but to charge $9 for a bowl of warm water with some chicken in it is unacceptable. I hope they fix this very obvious issue, but i will not be returning to find out.
(2)Nbefor B.
Yeah....No. God no. This is the type of place that has a menu with "Vietnamese" food, plus Chinese food, Korean, Japanese, and any other cuisine they can think of. I expect they'll be adding spaghetti and meatballs soon, or maybe a cheeseburger, or tacos. Extremely low quality soup, like unsalted dishwater. Went once, never again. When you see a dirt cheap place with a Yelp rating this low, it's a red flag the size of Montana.
(1)Larry C.
Beware if you or someone in your party has a peanut allergy and go to this place. It doesn't matter if you tell the server that you are allergic because the kitchen must be contaminated with peanuts. This weekend, we ordered all meals with no peanuts in them and even took the extra precaution of mentioning the peanut allergy to the wait staff. But still, one of us came down with a severe allergic reaction. I think they use the same cooking vessels for preparing all the dishes.
(1)Alice D.
Pho here is the best around the Amherst-Northampton area. I've also had the beef stew noodle soup and hot pot and they're good. I continuously come here for their boba and fruit smoothies though because there are more authentic flavors such as durian and the boba is cooked perfectly. On the downside - GOD AWFUL SERVICE! One time I did not tip because of the following: the of the long wait - 15 minutes after sit down to take our orders, 30 minutes to make our drinks and gave us attitude when we reminded her nicely that there was another drink missing, we also had to serve our own pho bowls (which we didn't mind), poured our water over our foods and then had water dripping into our food. Finally, she asked for tip up front, since we were planning to leave it on the table, but she refused and wanted it right then and there. I paid next with a friend and I did not give tip because of the above, and she chased me out asking for a tip still. AWFUL. I do not go there often now because of this experience, and only go there when the family/owners are serving because they are super friendly and nice! Basically- Pro - best Vietnamese food in that area, owner and family service is really nice, nice restaurant setting, cleanliness - alright Cons - hired waitress staff
(3)Alice S.
Omg... if this place did not exist, then many of my happy food memories would disappear. This is one of the better viet restaurants I've ever tried. Their food in general is pretty good. I especially love their banh mis and rice plates. Their phos are good too. My only criticism is that their service isn't the greatest - waitresses tend to be a bit inattentive, but it shouldn't put you off. Give this a go! Prices aren't bad either :)
(4)Stephen R.
This is the best Vietnamese food in the Pioneer Valley. Thankfully, we don't have to drive to Boston anymore to get great Vietnamese food! Love the Pho! A great family restaurant. Be sure to try the chicken wings and the avocado shakes! If you like beer/wine with dinner, you'll need to BYOB but the friendly waitstaff will accommodate with glasses and other needs!
(5)Sarah K.
omg I am never coming here again. I came here several times when I wasn't able to resist my pho craving because this is the only pho restaurant in the area. Never again will I make this mistake. I never thought this place was good since my first visit. It was just acceptable. The soup never came out piping hot, it was always pretty lukewarm. I thought I should try the a vermicelli dish today since I've failed in my pho experience here. Boy, the vermicelli is even worse. I'm pretty sure that the BBQ beef that came out are leftover slices from their flank. They were cut in weird shapes and sizes and a large chunk of it was fat. Usually, the bbq beef that comes with the vermicelli dish are all just meat with no fatty bits in it. I am almost positive that the beef bits that came out here were just leftovers they had from cutting up pieces for other pho orders. I did NOT appreciate this. I might just be spoiled with really good pho coming from southern California, but I think Miss Saigon is a really bad representation of how pho should taste like. I swear that all the reviewers who gave this place 4 stars and above haven't actually had legit Pho, and they don't even know it themselves. Service here is impossibly slow. I asked for sliced onions 3 times before they were finally handed to me. It was a simple order and they were not busy at all. This place is fine if you're not picky and if you're not familiar with Pho. If you're used to really good pho though, DO NOT come to this place!
(2)Jason R.
I'm disappointed that I feel compelled to write this review. The first few times I visited Miss Saigon were wonderful. The last three times were very frustrating experiences. Although they were not busy, I waited to be seated for way too long, only then to be motioned to a table rather than actually seated. Then a long wait for a menu. Then a long wait to place an order. After asking for water, then a long wait for water. When the pho arrived, I had to ask for the accompanying bean sprouts, etc. And yes, a long wait for that. The pho left a lot to be desired. Granted, it was part of the lunch special menu. x3--yes, exactly the same experience the last three times I've been there. I can't even imagine what it would be like to experience the place on a crowded day. I tried, I really tried. But it may be time to move on. Management--you should be ashamed.
(2)Robyn F.
Good food great prices. Try the tofu with eggplant lunch special. Excellent! Lunch specials $6.99 include soup, choice of rice, vegetable spring roll, and many choices among chicken, pork, & tofu. Very casual with good service. Highly recommend.
(4)Tiffany T.
Love this place! Always come here with friends when we're in need of an Asian fix. We're here so often the servers already know how we like our food. The taste is really authentic and service is always good. I would highly recommend this place.
(5)Sascha B.
The reviewers who didn't give Miss Saigon five stars must have gone to a different Miss Saigon. This place is the best! Their food is cheap, but only in the monetary sense. You get way more than you pay for. If you come here, come prepared to EAT. All of the food is delicious and you can get pretty much any variety of meats or vegetables with rice or noodles, or whatever you want. They are always super friendly and the service is super fast. I swear I ordered a bowl of Tom Yum soup and they went into the kitchen and immediately came back out with my soup. And on top of awesome service and awesome food, Miss Saigon is BYOB. There's not a lot going on in Amherst, except the Amherst Cinema (which is great!) and your standard college town bar scene, but it's worth coming just to go to Miss Saigon. They are very accommodating of large groups, which are pretty common there, and it can be pretty loud on an active night. You won't need a reservation, but THEY ARE NOT OPEN ON MONDAYS.
(5)Howard Z.
I would in reality give this place 3 stars, but let me explain: 1. Service is fast and friendly and you get checked up frequently. 2. Food portion is fine. Food quality is ok. This is where it earns its extra star. Although I don't feel like it is 'exceptional' food, it does provide good Viet food WITHOUT COMPETITON. It could serve crappier food, and people would still have to come if they wanted Viet.
(4)Matthew G.
Totally solid Vietnamese and Thai cuisine. A great extensive menu, delicious outcomes, and very reasonable. One of the best deals around especially for lunch. Service is mediocre but friendly and nothing gets ruined because of it. Just not absolutely precise or attentive. But who cares? The environment is pleasant and it's fresh, healthy, flavorful food. Plenty of great vegan and vegetarian options.
(4)Ben R.
Their Pho is very good - as run of the mill something like Chicken and vegetable Pho is becoming it sometimes seems. Their prices are terrific however, the ingredients unusually fresh for such a style of restaurant, and the menu very diverse. The Bahn Mi is said to be excelent and their Vermicelli dishes are numerous. The lunch Special is a great deal - the tomato Tofu soup a sure winner. I can't wait to try more of their plated dishes. Oh, and dont forget to order a hot pot of tea, they're large and much better quality than this Tea connoisseur had expected.
(5)K C.
This is my boyfriend and I's go-to spot. The food is delicious and as a vietnamese, it makes me feel home. However, the service could be better. It's hit or miss every time we go but the food is so good that we don't mind the wait.
(4)Tony P.
I have been patronizing Miss Saigon since moving to the area 5 years ago. I live in Southampton mass and will generally go out of my way to eat there. More often than not I will order take out of their spring rolls, this evening I made the mistake of ordering a hot dish in addition of the spring rolls. The food was wrapped in a plastic bag that was tied off at the top . I walked out and preceded to my truck, as I entered my truck I discovered that hot liquid was pouring out of the bag all over me and the interior of my truck. I proceeded back into the restaurant with the bag of food dripping which they took in the back and repackaged it in the same clear plastic sandwich containers that they put the food in originally. When I asked why they didn't have any containers that sealed the owner came out and was extremely dismissive of me and informed me that this was the best that he could find, then a waitress that looked to be off duty and working on a computer piped up to tell me that these containers were special they allow the food to breathe, well when it comes the hot liquid I would rather have a container to didn't breathe and was sealed properly. At that point I started thinking if he was that cheap on takeout containers what else might it be cheaping out on you see I've been in the restaurant business and there are plenty of sufficient containers available they do cost more but I'm willing to pay the difference in the food I decided to ask my money back the owner had a look of not caring one way or the other. I'm extremely disappointed I eat out most nights of the week and I guess I'll just take my business elsewhere, because I won't be back and I really Wouldn't recommend it to anybody else because now I don't trust the food.
(1)Julie T.
Solid Vietnamese food. Not as good as places in Boston but as far as Western Massachusetts goes, this place is great for getting your Vietnamese cuisine fix. The service is a solid A while the food gets a B. The broths just aren't as rich as I would like but it's good enough. Not a fan of their Vietnamese coffee either (go down the street to Fresh Side for some bomb ca phe sua da!). But still, I would return here (and not just because they're the only Vietnamese restaurant I know of in Amherst).
(3)Chelsea G.
Best rainy/snowy day food in Amherst! Their wonderfully warm Pho is quick, cheap and super delicious.
(5)Su-Yee L.
Miss Saigon hit the spot this rainy Saturday when the bf and I were looking for a place to eat. Huge servings of pho with tons of fresh, crunchy beansprouts, a huge stalk of basil, and lime? Yes, please. I actually ordered the bun thit ($8.95) which was packed full of noodles, veggies and delicious bbq pork. Granted, I don't know all that much about Vietnamese food and yeah, prices could be cheaper but this place left the bf and me full and happy. The food was flavorful, fresh and there was plenty of it. And honestly, I've eaten much worse in Amherst for the price. So 4 stars compared to other Amherst restaurants.
(4)George M.
Overlooked Vietnamese restaurant! Not a large vegan menu so I've only had a few things but what I've had are great!
(4)Florence W.
Piping hot Pho, fast and tasty. Service was pleasant. Would have liked a tad more lime in the broth, and a tad more meat in the dish; but overall a nice hot satisfying meal.
(3)Diane H.
I avoided this place-- $9 for a bowl of pho, forreals?! Well, I finally gave in and came for dinner. Sunday; 530pm. Got seated right away. My friend and I both ordered the #25 which is the special pho. There are no sizes... ?! The bowl is a lil bigger than my hand, but it's deep, so there's a lot of soup. Got some water.. fresh limes..mm The soup was a bit salty, but it did have flavor, as well as probably a lot of MSG, haha though i do hope that wasn't true. I think if you eat your noodle with the soup, you will be full. It's not the best, that is obviously still in boston BUT it is a almost since this is in amherst! After tipping/tax it's about 10.25$ for my lil bowl of pho. I'll return if I am craving for pho like there's no tomorrow, but I think I'll stick with my cheap chinatown pho for now. Service was pleasant, the bathrooms are gorgeous. It was a bit weird when I passed by a lady sleeping in the booth though..OH YEAH, booths!! oh almost forgot..my friend found an eyelash? in his pho. But he didn't say anything =/
(3)Steven J.
Went here for lunch today, both of us had a nice bowl of pho. Good pho, decent broth, not the best we have had but enjoyable. Everything was fresh, the meats were perfect, not fatty etc. Basil, spriunts, peppers and limes were all fresh and delicious. Good quick service.....will go back.....
(4)Thy N.
I've been here 6 times. 3 times my Pho has been bland. Don't ask me why I keep coming back I don't even know myself. It's just that I love Pho, and it's the only place around during the semester. I just don't understand how a restaurant can serve bland soup?! The cooks have to taste it, so how can they let it leave the kitchen with it tasting bland?! It just really boggles my mind. This place is not consistent so I don't like to go anymore because I don't wanna risk paying for bland soup. and when it's bland it's not like you can fix it even with all the hoisin sauce, sriracha, sugar, soy sauce, salt and pepper in the world.
(2)Hana T.
Considering my Vietnamese background, and the lack of local Vietnamese cuisine other than Miss Saigon, I find myself frequenting this place three, or even four times a week. No lie. Even if there were other Vietnamese options, Miss Saigon is wonderful, and I'm sure I'd be here just as often. Here's the things I've tried from their extensive menu: Spicy crab rangoons - These are really delicious (and can also be ordered in the non-spicy variety) and come out piping hot. The best part is the sweet dipping sauce that comes with it. Shrimp bread (?) - I forget what this is listed as on the menu, but basically it's about four chunks of french bread topped with deep fried shrimp paste. Pretty tasty, but I was expecting a couple more pieces considering the price. Pho (#30) - Growing up, I'd always been a little squeamish over the tripe and flank and whatnot that traditionally gets thrown into pho. Luckily, this pho option has only rare beef, which is delicious, but if you're into all the other beef parts, they have plenty of options (they also have chicken and seafood). The pho comes with lots of the regular pho vegetables, and is a sizeable portion. Hot, tasty, always satisfying. Bun bo (Middle Vietnam) - Pretty good, although I remember this dish being a lot richer when prepared by my mum...That's to be expected, I guess. Still satisfying - the broth is nice and spicy. Banh mi - A MUST. Less than 4 bucks for a sandwich stuffed generously with assorted meats and vegetables, and all bundled up in a crispy baguette! Seriously, to die for. Unfortunately, they don't serve these when on weekend dinners when they're particularly busy. Vietnamese pad thai - The best in Amherst, hands down. Mixed in with the noodles are assorted vegetables, chicken, and a few pieces of grilled shrimp. Seasoned to perfection, a pretty huge portion, what more could you ask? Tom yum soup - You must try this with coconut milk. It will change your life. The perfect lunch is a bowl of this with a banh mi...bliss! Fried plantains - Meh, I've had better, but fried plaintains are always good regardless. Bottom line: If you're anywhere in the Amherst area and in need of a delicious and satisfying meal, Miss Saigon is your place.
(5)Judith M.
Food= 3 stars. Not the best, but better than most of the rest. Really as good as it gets without driving to Fitchberg. Ok- I'll give it another star for the friendly staff, the clean, pleasant atmosphere and the speedy, fresh food. Done. 4- stars.
(4)Alex C.
Now that I've moved away from Amherst I miss Miss Saigon a daily basis. As soon as I discovered Miss Saigon I was a regular, getting my pho fix three to four times a week! There is something magical about the house pho. The broth is perfectly savory, and even better then jacked up with extra fish sauce. Between the chicken tendons, meat balls, brisket, and tripe (I always got it without the rare steak, as it tended to get a bit chewing, and not in the fun way) plus the basil and bean sprouts (which would soak up the broth), and of course the noodles, the combination of textures is unbelievable fun! I loved to go in just after the lunch rush, get my pho, order a pot of tea, and study for a couple of hours. Whenever I was having a bad day I knew an afternoon at Miss Saigon would cheer me up! The staff was always super friendly and seemed happy to see me, and the whole environment was relaxed and comfortable. I wish I could find a good pho joint in my new city, but I don't know if anything can beat Miss Saigon!
(5)Eunice L.
i am not a fan of pho... but all of my closest friends are. so for four years, majority ruled and we basically went to miss saigon (or fresh side, but that is another review) whenever we ate in town. at vietnamese restaurants i usually order the bo luc lac, but miss saigon's was way too pricey for me. i tried different things in the beginning, but i eventually settled on getting a bowl of vermicelli with bbq pork as my usual while my friends ordered pho. i've also been here for lunch once to try the banh mi (which they only offer at lunchtime, before 4PM i believe) but it was pretty forgettable. it took a few occasions to realize that my pork was consistently too salty and that i was getting jealous of the soups my friends got to enjoy while i was only left with some noodles swimming in sauce. i lucked upon the middle vietnam one day and never got the pork bowl again. it was perfect for me because it contained some different notes, flavors, and spiciness that i think regular pho lacks (though some people enjoy how customizable it is, i'd rather not have to flavor my food. also, i'm not the biggest fan of hoisin sauce to begin with) and its warmth was perfect for fall or winter. my favorite food group (meat) is well-represented and well-cooked in its fatty little curls. the noodles, however, are a real star, possibly even moreso than the meat. they're firmer than the noodles you get in pho, circular with a bit of slipperiness. i would get random cravings for this soup, both at school and at home. when done right, the middle vietnam here represents one of the few dishes that i really miss from amherst and that is still lacking a proper NY substitute. i also want to highlight the fried plaintains with ice cream they have here for dessert. i feel like amherst is oddly lacking in good and simple desserts despite the variety of options, and though these plaintains aren't the best i've ever eaten, they are decadent inside their fried coating and beautifully sweetened with some ice cream melting on top. it hits the spot if you don't want the usual options of just ice cream, froyo, cookies, or cake. i will say to take caution when the place is a little busier, which is why this can't be a five-star review. the service does noticeably suffer, and there have been times when my food has suffered for it as well (the middle vietnam can be oily rather than spicy). but the owner is usually on the floor with a smile and will be apologetic and adorable if a slip-up happens. that, in conjunction with the facts that her wedding pictures were the first thing my friends and i saw when we first walked into this place and that i have been fed so well here over the years, makes it impossible for me not to like her. miss saigon is the reason why it still feels wrong for me to eat vietnamese food on mondays.
(4)Courtney R.
Miss Saigon is a cute little place. Huge menu...lots to choose from. Crispy noodle stir fry and the steamed veggie dumplings are my favorite items on the menu. Delicious lychee tea...
(4)Elisabeth Y.
I'm no expert on Vietnamese, but I love the banh mi and the vermicelli dishes here. They also serve acceptable (but not great) boba tea. Service for takeout and eat-in was quick and the prices are right. On a side note, the restaurant is decorated with somebody's wedding pictures. Check them out when you go.
(4)Rich D.
Food is awful. Who puts cinnamon in Pho broth. So gross. Tried a few other soups, all tasting very bland and expensive. No thank you ,I'll pass on this place.
(1)Robert B.
First time here. Very fast service. Clean and nicely furnished. And friendly. But I believe they got my Pho order wrong. I ordered Beef (peanut) Satay and got rare beef Pho. I only know this because my friend got the Satay Chicken Pho and it had a peanutty and thicker broth to it than mine with it's transparent broth. It was still good anyway, but still . . . I will still come back, but I'll have to keep a closer eye on them next time. And also because this is only one of two places I know to get Pho around here. - Rob
(4)Katherine G.
Wow. I just read all of the reviews of Miss Saigon....First, I am not too smart when it comes to food. I am not much of a foodie and not a respectable enough cook for the company here, I can tell. As far as having an American palate, I will confess that I don't like to bite into tendons and/or gristle. I just thought I should be completely honest so you know who you're dealing with. Transparency and all. I didn't even realize I should be offended by the name, I just knew it wasn't getting as many folks in the door as a better name might. In any case, I have only eaten here twice. I ate here once when they first opened and that experience left me thinking I may not return. But I ate here just the other night. I don't know pho. I didn't order pho. I ordered a chicken dish of some kind, pedestrian, I know, but it KICKED ASS! My veggie spring rolls KICKED ASS! My friend's shrimp-on-sugar-cane appetizer, not so impressive to me, but he and his young son loved them. Another of us ordered something with lots of shrimp. They were succulent shrimp indeed, seasoned well, jumping right into my mouth. Our server was kind, helpful, and patient, which may have been somewhat challenging since 4/5 of the table didn't know what the hell we were doing in regards to the menu. The best Vietnamese food I've ever had in my life was in Toronto. Maybe that was pho--? A "bowl" made of shredded something with veggies and sauce inside. Heavenly. Maybe I'll try the pho here next time. How about "Miss Ho Chi Minh City" for a name?
(4)Beatrice I.
Light tasty food. My reference points are Vietnamese restaurants in Orange County CA and New York. A long confusingly disorganized menu but you can't go wrong. Considering it has a monopoly on Vietnamese cuisine here, it has not gotten lazy. Papaya salad was fresh and deliciously seasoned. Great no attitude wait staff too. Clean bathrooms means clean kitchen, per Bourdain.
(5)Sean B.
I know pho is the 'normal' thing to get here, but I'm quite a fan of their stir fries. Consistently tasty sauces and plenty of meat/veggies/tofu to go with the rice. Fresh spring rolls are also quite good but quality control could use some help -- a few times they've been very poorly assembled and basically fell apart. Prices are also a bit high, but overall, I'm still a fan.
(4)J R.
Sadly, after posting the positive review for Miss Saigon, I went back several more times only to experience disappointment. Two out of three of the lunches I had were dreadful. The one day I was told the hot and sour soup had "run out" and given no choice but a watery, flavorless "tomato tofu" soup that had a slice of tomato floating in a nasty clear broth filled with chunks of soft tofu. The main dish was so overcooked that all the vegetables had lost their color and gone limp. The spring roll was so overcooked it was almost burnt. The next time they had the hot and sour soup but it was neither spicy hot nor sour, but had an odd, unpleasant taste devoid of sesame oil. I ordered "lemon grass beef" which had no detectable lemongrass in it or any lemongrass flavor, all I could taste was the red pepper flakes which burned my mouth for 15 minutes after the meal was over. It was as if I had eaten at two different restaurants, compared with my experiences a few weeks before. Nevertheless now that the University is in session, the place was packed, so my guess is that the management has learned it doesn't matter what they feed people, they'll still come.
(2)Ira B.
I like the food, decor and staff a lot, and my only complaint is when they're busy, the service goes from quick to very slow. But overall, the food is fresh, well prepared, they respond to special needs, they seem to satisfy a wide array of customers. This is a crowd pleaser for our family, which is not an easy crowd.
(4)Jenny Y.
This review's only for the bubble tea and not for the food. I know I shouldn't expect too much from Western MA, but I refuse to settle for mediocre. Miss Saigon gets points for having cool flavors like mangosteen (the most delicious fruit on earth- if you ever have the chance to go get yourself a beautiful purple fruit, please eat is. you won't regret it) and jackfruit, but almost all of it is from a can. There's no real quality control. My jackfruit boba tea was syrupy, the mangosteen was watery. A friend of mine told me her thai iced tea was flavorless one time, and ok another. Though, there's always a good boba to liquid to ice ratio. I appreciate that the place is only run by a few people who are busy serving other people too, but it does take an awful long time for a drink to get made. I remember waiting close to 15 minutes for a drink to come out. The woman at the counter is super sweet though, so points for that. But, the biggest thing wrong with the bubble tea is hands down, the tapioca balls. They're a floury, gelatinous mess. Tapioca balls are supposed to be gummy and chewy! Miss Saigon's tapioca balls are warm (a big no-no) and falling apart in the drink. The taste of stale and bland fills your mouth with every tapioca ball. Certainly cooked way too long or they're way past their expiration date. Admittedly, tapioca balls are notoriously hard to cook right, but you think they would have figured it out by now. If you're getting bubble tea, get it without the tapioca balls. Or go across the street to Limered.
(2)Moe B.
Enjoyable Vietnamese but not the greatest. The beef pho was a bit bland and the summer rolls were meh. The papaya salad was very good. But its basic and serviceable in an area with few Vietnamese choices to choose from.
(3)Chris L.
Considering how many times I've been to this restaurant, I can't believe I haven't reviewed it yet. My best friend and I frequent Miss Saigon approximately once a week for good reason. As a pescetarian (or whatever you want to call it...), I typically have trouble with pho because it's made with pork or some-other-kind-of-meat broth. Happily, Miss Saigon offers a tasty seafood-exclusive version filled to the brim with shrimp and other goodies. In addition, all soup dishes are served with a generous serving of fresh Thai basil, bean sprouts, green chilies, and another long vegetable that I can't identify. Another one of my recent favorite dishes is the do-it-yourself summer rolls (can't remember the exact name--look for it in Vietnamese specialties section or something like that). This dish comes with freshly steamed, thin rice paper rolls, a couple fish/shrimp cakes, molded rice noodle cakes, a ton of veggies, and sauce. Simply pile the ingredients onto the rice paper, roll up, and stuff into your gullet. In addition, the service is excellent--I'm not sure how people could complain. Every time my friends and I have gone to Miss Saigon, the waitress/waiter there memorizes our orders (even for a huge party of 10 people!) and flies into the kitchen since they're usually quite busy on weekends. The wait can be average to considerable, but never horrendous to the point where your stomach is talking more than you are. And the food is always worth it. Recommended dishes: - pho (might be hit-or-miss according to your tastes, but give it a shot) - summer rolls - any of the "bun" dishes: Vermicelli noodle dishes served with fish or carrot-vinegar sauce - basically anything, actually--I've never been disappointed in a dish here and I've gone at least 20 times!
(5)John R.
This place is kinda weak. The decor and service were nice, but the food was kind of forgettable/blah. My friend, who has had tons of Vietnamese food in his life proclaimed it to be "awful," but my meal was ok/mediocre. Would not return.
(3)Christine N.
The pho is really good. Their broth is awesome. Only been there once, but the service was terrible. It seemed like the waitresses don't have specified tables, so my table was constantly ignored. A bit unorganized, but that's my only complaint.
(3)Gayla B.
We have been here many times and will keep coming back! The service is amazing - fast, polite, attentive. And I don't think I have had a bad meal here. My favorite is the Miss Saigon Special, a seafood/rice dish with a light, delicious flavor. I also really like their appetizers that I've tried. All the dishes are well presented. I've heard that Vietnamese food is usually cheaper than this, but I can't help but feel my money is well spent when I come here. I always leave feeling quite satisfied.
(5)Dee H.
In response to a fellow Yelper asking why only 3.5 stars: I knocked off half a star for the wait staff spending too much time engrossed in their computer game, instead of attending to the customers. I know it was 2:30pm guys, but still...
(3)ChristinA S.
A decent viet place with decent food. Nothing spectacular; just decent food that is a bit overpriced.
(3)John R.
If I was stuck on a deserted island and I had 1 meal that I could have every day, it would be pho. It's my go-to food when ever I feel like my yin and yang seem out of alignment or I just want a good head clearing meal. This doesn't mean that it's spicy, it's just how I like it. If you've never had pho, you have to try it at least once. There are several types but Pho Bo is the most popular. At this restaurant, order the "Miss Saigon" and you'll experience a bowl of goodness that includes, among other things, Tendon meatballs, beef brisket, top round, tripe, and tendon. If vegan is your thing, they can help you there too. As you might have guessed, it's what I ordered for lunch today and I wasn't disappointed. Service was great and I even asked for a little extra tendon, and was quickly accommodated. And...my diet coke looked about 4oz larger than last time. I'll be back, more often now since the weather is getting cooler. I read recently a reviewer that seemed to criticize the name of the restaurant as being, "Orientalist". Just so we're clear, it's a restaurant owned by Asians, decorated in an Asian motif, and serving Asian food. What am I missing here? Should it be called Barney McFuzznuts? I don't find it offensive. Basing a review based upon the name is...how shall I say this... Get over it.
(5)Marcus H.
Th pho has good flavor, but the noodles are clumped. The service is friendly and prompt, but they don't do well when they are full. I have eaten here more than ten times.
(4)Fran H.
This is not a hardcore pho place that makes you say wtf is that floating in my soup before you shrug, stab it with your chopsticks and hope for the best. No, this unfortunately-named Amherst resto is safe, even offering easy to recognize dishes for people who like "Asian" food. But that's not why you are here. You are here because you want the satisfaction that only sweet, spicy broth and a chewy nest of noodles can bring. Also, you are too lazy to drive to Springfield. Order the eponymous pho and get some offal in your bowl. Or order the pho tai, but unless you like your rare beef well done, be sure to ask for your beef on the side. Spice up the rather bland soup base with some condiments and you'll be just fine.
(4)S H.
Went there on Valentine's Day and wasn't very impressed by the service. The servers seem really harried and busy and didn't have time for anything, much less serving their customers. The food was good but ultimately it was a mediocre experience because of the lack of good service. I tipped because I'm sure they need it,
(3)Ethan T.
This is a great place to come when you are in the mood for a nice big bowl of noodles in soup. The other items on the menu does look tempting but i always end up ordering the same thing. The setting is okay and I generally don't have to wait long for seating. I think the place is consistently understaffed so the waitresses are constantly rushing around but the food comes quick and the service is okay. No complaints there. Prices are okay as well.
(4)Claudia W.
I've never had a good meal here, and I mean NEVER. I wish there were better Vietnamese options bc this place is awful. I've tried to successfully order Bun Thit to my liking, and every time I either get a waitress explaining why I don't want it the way I do, or it just comes out slimy and bad. I take that back--I've ordered once successfully, but that's it, and I've unfortunately been here many times. You may be asking, "why do you keep going back if you hate the place so much?" The answer is simple: because my friends keep suggesting it as a quick place to get a bite, and I think, "hey--I'll give it another chance!" That one time they got my order right I thought I'd pass out from shock. That's not a good sign.
(1)Q S.
Ok, other than the horribly orientalist name of the restaurant, the food is not all bad. They serve free shrimp chips when you get in. Mine were a bit bland. I ordered the seafood pho, and it was pretty decent. The broth was flavorful. I didn't really like the fact that it came with bok choy, but other than that it was ok.
(3)Mango C.
What a hidden gem. From the outside it looks very mediocre. The food is great. Very friendly and easy to bring kids. The noodle/soup dishes are wonderful. I like the eggrolls too. I love the roll yourself skins with beef and veggies.
(4)Bronwyn P.
Amazing ! Food quality is very good. Portions are generous and filling. I would suggest the pho. ( very yummy.) It's a little hit or miss, but mostly hit.
(3)Bryan K.
The Pho is pretty good. Its nothing like something you find in the bigger cities but still tasty! The fried rice is also bomb! The sandwiches; to be honest suck...I think i could make them better. But all in all miss saigon is awesome! The only reason i gave it three starts is because the service does blow! You have to seat your self, half the staff is either eating next to you or watching tv on their laptop. None of the wait staff really communicate with you.
(3)amy w.
I mentioned before that I wish they served bahn mi - well they do now! They're pretty tasty, cost $4, and come in 3 varieties: pork, bbq chicken, bbq beef. They didn't include jalapenos on the sandwich, so I'm asking for some next time. Miss Saigon's menu is a much better value for dinner, so stick to bahn mi for lunch but do come back for dinner and order some entrees.
(4)Maggie N.
If you really, really crave for some Vietnamese food in Amherst, Miss Saigon is pretty much the only place you can go for. The food is meh, service quality depends on whether the restaurant is busy or not. Pricey menu. Yet I've found myself coming here for the 3rd and 4th time especially for gathering with some Viet friends. Because, as I said, this is pretty much the only place you can go for. The Pho is okay for quality, not so good, not so bad. The Hu Tiu wasn't so good - there was some Cha Lua (vietnamese ham) and imitation crab in there (this was quite a couple years ago). One time I ordered a lunch special, and even though it was cheaper than the average menu price, I think the food portion is much, much smaller. I'm petite size and that day I wasn't even extremely hungry, but I found myself sweeping off the last grain of rice on the plate. The soup that comes with the lunch special is a big disappointment. I think my friend tried Bun Mang Ga wasn't so bad. the Ca Kho To was a big disappointment - the "sauce" was way too much and too liquidy instead of a thick, condensed sauce. The fish didn't even have caramelized... The Canh chua and Lau Thai are wayyyyy overpriced, but taste decent. Again: I haven't ordered these dishes in a couple years, things might have been changed. I love their Banh Mi though, $4 for some delicious Vietnamese banh mi... oh lord I'm in heaven.
(4)Huong N.
I love Miss Saigon! They are one friendly bunch :) The serving is pretty good too! Really good bun rieu (crab noodle soup) and bun bo Hue (Hue beef noodle soup) and since I am from Vietnam, I am quite happy to find a place away from home that carries a diverse selection of cuisine! Their deserts are great as well so make sure you try them out when you're there! Oh and wireless and so-so but very clean interior!
(5)M E.
I have never had the opportunity to eat here and never will try again. I have tried to visit twice... the first time I walked in 40 minutes before closing and they told us they were no longer serving. The second time I stood in the front waiting to be seated and was routinely ignored by the waitstaff who walked by me a few times without offering me a table. (It was hardly busy.) I gave them a few minutes and decided to leave. I realized I was best off giving my business to places that actually wanted to provide me with food!
(1)Timothy L.
Pho here is great for something around here. But I'm from Boston the the there are many more pho places that are better and cheaper! Since, I can't go home all the time when I'm craving a bowl of pho I come here and it does hit the spot. The only reason I'm giving it 3 stars is because size and taste just isn't as good as what I can find somewhere around Boston.
(3)Carrie W.
Authentic Vietnamese. Generous portions with fresh ingredients and pleasant wait staff. Family style or second date venue it has great food at average cost.
(4)Laura C.
I love Miss Saigon. Their Pho is tasty and it always comes out fast and wonderful. The fresh rolls are delicious. I've never had anything but a positive experience here and it's one of my favorites in the Amherst area, and it's a good replacement of the little Pho place that used to be behind Main St. with Bueno Y Sano. A+
(5)Max C.
I'm going to base this review on my two experiences there. The first time we went to Miss Saigon, the wait staff was so friendly, the food was so good, and the overall time was just a treat. Based on that experience alone, I would have given Miss Saigon a solid four stars. Unfortunately, the second time around was so unpleasant, and so so much worse, that Miss Saigon merits one star in my eyes. I almost wish we hadn't gone back, and had just left Miss Saigon a pleasant memory. Much like Jack on LOST, though, we had to go back. The second time, things were much, much worse. Our new waiter, super-flighty, acted extremely exhausted with us when we didn't know what we wanted to drink within two minutes of being seated. This wasn't the end of the world, though. My girlfriend and I have both worked as wait staff in the past, and try to bend over backwards to give our servers the benefit of the doubt. So this was a little frustrating, but wouldn't have affected the score. Then, the waiter brought our drinks past us, to the front of the restaurant, and then back to the server stand. Bizarre. A moment later he brought them to us, no mention of the weirdness. Okay, a little weird--but not the end of the world, either. The crucial point came in the evening when we received our entrees, and my Pho was lacking the rare beef it came with. I mentioned this to the server, and he was curt and wasn't even a little apologetic. Okay, different strokes on what the waiter-customer dynamic should be. A little unpleasant, but still not terrible, I guess. Anyway--he said he'd ask the kitchen. What proceeded was bizarre and deeply unpleasant. Our booth was the last one back before the kitchen, but the kitchen entrance was still a solid few yards away. Nevertheless, we heard our server make his request for the missing food, and the chef started yelling at him in response, and then we heard a few solid minutes of yelling back and forth. Eventually the beef came out, and was curtly provided by the server, who once again didn't apologize. On top of all of this, the food was significantly worse than it had been a week beforehand. The soup was more watery and less flavorful. The summer rolls had significantly less avocado. On the whole, the experience was not fun.
(1)Edmund H.
This is my second time around, and I have to say that this didn't quite hit the spot, except for my wallet. However, the service was phenomenal and the staff was really nice. I ordered the sweet rice and durian dessert which was not as it was pictured in the menu and it was definitely not as appealing when it arrived to my table. The pho is forgettable, I am use to a more savory broth rather than the sweet one they have. It'll be the best pho you get in town because it's the only pho around town, but it definitely is better than the one in Northampton.
(3)Renate R.
We came here for the first time last week with my aunt. she got the beef noodle bowl and rated it 'ok'. My husband and i got the Tom Yum Hot Pot for two - it comes with an open flame and a tray of veggies and raw meat that you cook in the broth yourself! it was pretty fun, and tasty too. service was good, staff polite and attentive. pleasant casual ambience, nice atmosphere.
(4)Steven P.
Some may not like the milder flavorings of many Viet restaurants but I loved the little less is more here. Fast lunch service and a flawless restroom! Wish it was closer to home.
(5)Andy T.
Thought I would update now that they have been around a while and I've been there a bunch of times. I'm still really glad these guys are in town. If you have eaten great Vietnamese food in cities with multiple options, Miss Saigon is really nothing special, but it is good enough to hang with the big boys. Living in the Valley, I just consider myself lucky to have the option. Sure, either of the spots in Springfield are better, as are many in the Boston area, but Miss Saigon is not bad at all. Prices are higher than they should be. I never order their Goi Cuon (fresh spring rolls) for example, because at nearly $6 an order, they are about double the price I would pay anywhere else. Service has evened out but is still not great - all too often I have to ask for basic things like a water refil or the check when my meal is finsihed. Still, the staff are pleasant and the food, while not excellent, is consistently good. I'm definitely glad they are around and would encourage anyone who hasn't tried them to stop in!
(4)Jamie E.
a true disappointment, I love Vietnamese food, this place doesn't live up to my expectations
(1)Courtney D.
ate here twice in a row i loved the vegetable vermicelli soup so much! the broth is delicious, the bowl loaded with veggies, noodles, and tofu, the side plate full of fresh greens and bean sprouts. the egg rolls are also wonderful and crisp. i had a very satisfying meal and pleasant service both times. if i lived in the area i would be back for more - and maybe even try something different... maybe.
(4)