If you are looking for unique little BYOBs, the Terminal Square area of Upper Darby should be on your list. I've lived in nearby Havertown for 16 years but it's only the last few that I've been sucked into its charms. Little Saigon is a great example. When a restaurant has been around for close to twenty years you know they must be doing something right. That's confirmed when you see that all of the Yelp Reviews are 4s and 5s. It's a tiny place that is unbelievably clean and neat. If you have been to some of the hole-in-the-wall places in Philly's Chinatown, this is a much nicer experience. The food here is a great value. The most expensive thing on the menu is #50. The Little Saigon Special is a chicken beef and pork shish-kabob and spring roll combination that is served with a salad and rice. It is absolutely delicious and is $12.95. The spring role is amazing. Everyone raves about the spring rolls in Chinatown's Vietnam. These are as good if not better. If you stop in I'm betting you'll become one of their many repeat customers.
(4)
Michael F.
Had my first visit to Little Saigon before a show at the Tower Theater this past weekend. A friend suggested this little BYOB and it did not disappoint. We ordered the #2 (meatballs/noodles) and the #8 (shrimp pancake) as appetizers. #2 was extra special, absolutely delicious and I would see coming back and that being a staple. We then split a bowl of the beef tenderloin Pho, and it was just completely satisfying. The broth, complete with depth and deliciousness. Lemongrass Shrimp and the House Special Fried Rice completed the meal. "I'll be back."
(4)
Publius M.
I wanted a mission, and for my sins, they gave me one. Brought it up to me like room service. It was a real choice mission, and when it was over, I never wanted another. My mission was to infiltrate Little Saigon and return with Colonel Kurtz, but as soon as I entered this unassuming place it was clear that the Colonel had found something that would ruin the common Asian-American food experience. Who could expect anyone to return to the boring Asian culinary landscape offered by the traditional American suburb after such an experience available at Little Saigon. Spring rolls whose main flavor wasn't grease, simple salads remaining healthy with the addition of ginger and vinegar for a crisp clean and refreshing flavor, and the entrees, oh the entrees... You can't got wrong with the mussels or the off menu chicken curry, but every protein is treated with equal care and any infrequent missteps are redeemed by the savory delicious sauces. While the location doesn't afford the haute setting some foodies may require, the true important things are in order at this establishment.
(4)
Matt R.
This place is amazing. You have to try the spring rolls for sure. They are the best and about 5-6 bucks. The customer service is amazing here. I've never gotten better service before. The prices aren't bad as well and there salad dressing is homemade and delicious. It's not in the best of the best neighborhood but it's worth the trip. Also bring quarters. It's like 25 cents to park every 30 minutes or something.
(5)
Lisa P.
The pho was ok. The soup was a bit too sweet to my liking. I know that it is family owned but with one person working in the guest area may be challenging at the expense of a slow service. The quality of the food was ok. The Owner was friendly and personable.
(3)
Kenneth N.
Purely the taste of the pho soup was authentic, you can tell this was a La old viet family receipt I was very impressed with the broth and food. Give it a try if in upper Darby won't be disappointed
(5)
Adrian A.
My parents have been taking me here since I was a little kid. Little Saigon is owned by the absolutely nicest family and serves some of the best Vietnamese food for very affordable prices. My favorite menu item is probably the vegetarian pan-fried noodles, and the spring rolls are the bomb.
(5)
Grace B.
I'm so glad I live close by. The owners are so personable. I've been coming here for years, and they know exactly what I order every time (pan fried noodles). One time I was there with my mom, a few minutes had passed after we ordered, and my food already came out. I told the owner/husband, "That was fast!" And he replied, "Yeah, my wife saw you walk in and started cooking your noodles" (before I put my order in). Ahhhh, they know me so well ;) Even though I order the same thing most of the time, I've tried a lot of the items on the menu. I haven't eaten anything here that was disappointing. Everything I eat here is delicious! Other than my usual pan fried noodles, I highly recommend the stuffed grape leaves, spring rolls, fish in a pot, pho, coconut drink, and rainbow ice. The restaurant is small, so it can get packed quickly especially at peak times for lunch/dinner, but you never feel neglected. The service is great, even if they're busy. Great people, great food. I love this place!
(5)
Anthony S.
Best Spring Rolls you will ever experience! I love this little hidden gem. I have been to Little Saigon 3 times and decided to finally share my thoughts on the place. Parking: there is a parking lot across the street which you might have to pay for. I usually park at the metered spots along the side where H-Mart is. 25 cents gets you 45 minutes. Service: this is a mom and pop place. When you first get there you will be greeted right away. Getting a table is fast. The initial order takes a little bit longer to happen than most places. This doesn't bug me. I just want to note here that it is normal. Don't be concerned. It is worth the wait. The staff is very kind and helpful. Price: awesome! This place is not pricy at all. Go enjoy yourself! Food: Delicious! Get the spring rolls. Do it now! Get the beef on the sticks. Do it! I also enjoyed the prime rib but forgot to take a picture. Go check out this BYOB.
(5)
Phillip R.
top 3 favorite places in the entire city of Philadelphia! If you're into Viet food, You already know there are 10+ places (notably around South Philly) you can get a kick ass bowl of pho or other cure-all broths that rejuvenate you back to life. whether you're fueling up after a long night of drinking, recovering from a cold, or just satisfying the inner fatty in all of us. this place takes takes the cake! Maybe im spoiled, because I dont really care which place i go for a decent bowl of pho. its usually pretty darn delicious and usually satisfying regardless of where we eat. the menu item that stands head and shoulders above those other 10+ places is Little Saigon's crispy spring rolls. They are unique to this restaurant while every other place is nearly identical. this item is a MUST-TRY! Briefly, my other favorites are their house special pan fried noodles, grilled pork over rice w a fried egg and a runny yolk bringing all that goodness together! needless to say, their pho is on point! Little Saigon is a BYO and the owners are sincerely so gracious and welcoming! You'll know what I'm talking about when you see them greeting and being greeted by nearly all of the patrons. the food just taste better because your're more than just a customer here. I cant say enough great things about my friend Han and his family who run this establishment. Im lucky to dine here regularly. I hope you crummy over-entitled, pretentious yelpers avoid this hole in the wall. theres no glitz and glamour here, just great food and great people at great prices.
(5)
Tim S.
Maybe I am missing something. Maybe my tastes are different than most. Not sure. I picked this place because I love Vietnamese food, and it scored very high on Yelp. I was very disappointed. Upon arrival, it seemed abit amiss. The decor is out-dated and tacky. Could use a fresh coat of paint at the very least. My party was seated immediately, and the service was attentive and friendly. However, the food left a lot to be desired. It wasn't very good. I ordered the charbroiled beef. It is the dish I always get the first time I am at a Vietnamese place. At every other place I have been too, the beef either came on the bone (usually not, but sometimes) or in big chunks. This beef? Tasted and presented like Cheesesteak beef. Yes, like they took a cheesesteak and dumped the meat out over a bed of rice. Another dish I tasted was shrimp with veggies. The shrimp was far too small, and the veggies were mushy. No fresh veggies? What gives. I am honestly baffled by Yelp on this one.
(2)
J H.
This is THE BEST Vietnamese EVER! I used to come here all the time when I lived in Upper Darby but I now live in Chester County. That being said, my husband and I will drive over an hour to have the crepes because no one makes them as good as they do here. I have tried them in other places. They just don't have the flavor. I have never had a dish here that I didn't like but the crepe and crab soup are my favorite. I have been going here for years and it is my favorite restaurant!
(5)
Lydia B.
Somehow I'm always surprised that the dish I've ordered which seems so plain and simple, is always so unbelievably delicious. This restaurant, in upper Darby, is nothing to write home about when considering atmosphere because it's kind of a dive... but the food makes up for everything. We were going to a concert at the Tower theater and found our way up to Little Saigon for a quick BYOB authentic Vietnamese meal.I would recommend coming here and will come back when I go back to the Tower theater.
(4)
Jen M.
This is my absolute favorite restaurant! They have the best spring rolls on the planet. I go to school in Maryland but make sure to eat here every time I come home to upper Darby! I highly recommend this quaint little spot!!
(5)
Carrie M.
Quaint and spectacular. We stopped by before a show at the Tower Theater and we LOVED this place. Ambiance is old-school and 'no frills.' Service is attentive (although they do not speak much English, which is fine by us). Food is fantastic. We were so impressed by the quality and care in every dish. The meals were delicious! Can't wait to stop by again!
(5)
Ben M.
So so glad to have found a good Pho place in Philly! Granted, its the only one I've been to. To be honest, the main thing I remember about my Ph Äc Bit was a massive chunk of beef that I got to gnaw on at toward the bottom of the bowl. Ah so good! Other than that, the pho was very noodle-y (could have used more meat). I recommend that you BYOL here (limes), because even when we asked for more, we were just served the tiniest side slices. Nice wait staff, casual, cheap, yum. Will be back.
(4)
The Brave Bastard B.
This place brings the word authentic a whole new meaning. The only place in Philadelphia that has in essencez body, and soul what its like to eat real Vietnamese food. I almost don't want to write a review so you shlubs don't cause wait here. This is a family owned and operated restaurant. That's been here for well over 30 years and nothing has changed except for the TV because its that dam good.
(5)
Matthew R.
The best little hole in the wall you can find. Been going for years. Everything is really well done. Spring rolls are a must. Better than anything you can find in the city. My girlfriend and I frequently take the subway here from center city for excellent cheap dates.
(5)
Jackie M.
It was such a pleasant dining experience. I stumbled upon this place by accident. Literally! Initially, I was looking for the Peruvian Restaurant that use to be around there, but was told that it closed. Anyway, the food was amazing. We started off with a salad tossed over a ginger dressing. It was so flavorful. I had no idea what to order as my entree and I asked the gentleman for some tips. I ended up getting noodles with chicken kebabs and white rice. They had these 2 flavorful sauces that I tossed over my noodles and chicken. Wow !! Overall, I had pleasant experience.
(5)
Chris M.
I have been going to this place for years. Good food and good service! Owners are very friendly and get to know you by name.
(4)
Viktor T.
I love this hole in the wall Vietnamese place. The owner here is so friendly. He even remembers everything about what I said the last time I was here. That's so funny. The food here is a delight. The pho is amazing. Had the right amount of meat and noodles with good seasonings. Starting on it takes me to Vietnam and only brings me back after I'm done with my pho. Lot of regulars here, so be prepared for it to be slow.
(5)
Thien N.
perfect "hole in the wall". family owned, no MSG used, impeccable service. I had their pho (broth was a very clean-tasting pork based broth) and their spring rolls are good portions. their cafe is very reminiscent of home overall this is a great place to try Vietnamese cuisine for the first time or as a seasoned eater! :)
(4)
Tia D.
Having eaten my moms pho since I could chew, I can be pretty picky about how my pho tastes. I was around the area and found this place on yelp so gave it a try. I was pleasantly surprised to meet the owner, who was extremely friendly. My husband and I ordered spring rolls and pho. The spring rolls are different from most other vietnamese places because of the wrap used-- it is the owner's mother's recipe and they are from the old northern parts. It was different but we really liked it! The fish sauce and garlic sauce was delicious. The pho broth was the perfect blend of sweet and herbs. Overall, we really enjoyed the place. It is small and not fancy but the food definitely hit the spot.
(4)
Dave W.
My then-girlfriend and now-wife turned me onto this place years ago, and it's still a favorite! The setting is unassuming, tucked away near 69th St. Station. The food, however, is incredible. The crispy spring rolls that are better than any you've ever had before. Each meal comes with a salad with a peanut-ginger dressing and bean sprouts that is delicious. For dinner, I'd recommend splitting the soup that has the shrimp and other seafood in it, then go with the pork over vermicelli, or the crispy birds nest, which can't be beat. I've been eating here for nearly 10 years now, and have never had a bad meal. WORTH. THE. TRIP.
(5)
Adam C.
At the urging of a few folks I tried little Saigon today for the first time in many years. In truth I think the food was deserving of three stars but the owner was so nice I'll stretch a half star for him. Went for staples so I could really judge...goi cuon and pho with beef, tendon, and beef brisket. The goi cuon had one plus and one minus. On the plus side it was made to order...shrimp was still warm and actually had a little flavor...on the minus side, it was rolled kind of sloppy, and contained only the couple nice shrimp, a traditional slice of pork, lots of vermicelli and iceberg lettuce. No herbs, no carrot...just missing that little pop of something. The pho was a similar story. Plus side...decent broth, really good and plentiful tendon. Minus side...rare beef wasn't rare...no basil...brisket was bland...only sriracha and crushed chili oil on the table. No sambal or sugar. Again it was missing a little something. Definitely fresh and decent food...but not spectacular as the other reviews would lead me to believe. I'll have to try the bun my friend recommended next time and see if that is better, but for pho and summer rolls it's unfortunately not my preference.
(3)
Carolyn S.
Been back a few times, and every time the owner recognizes us and warmly welcomes us back. Great food, still. I've bopped around the menu -- no disappointments! Just wanted to mention that this place is BYOB. Gotta love that.
(5)
Michelle K.
this use to be the only place in upper darby to eat Vietnamese food. so unless you felt like driving into the city - this was it. well now there are so many options in or close to ud that i don't feel like this place is as good as i use to think. its family owned (nice to support local small business) and they are very friendly. food is good - not great. i've never been a big fan of the fried spring rolls. i dont like the wrapping paper they use. like i said its good. but i just choose to go somewhere else
(3)
Joseph S.
The pho here is amazing!!! I am gonna have to say that the broth here is the best I've ever tasted. It has a full flavor and is just awesome. The only downside here is the portion & the amount of meat they give you. The portion is a good size, but not as much as other places (a la Pho Xe Lua Chinatown), and the meat is usually sparse. In short, if you are more for quality than quantity, come here. In the least, try it out, I am certain you won't be disappointed.
(4)
Samantha G.
My family has been eating here for as long as I can remember and it's never a disappointment. The owners are warm and welcoming and the place feels like you're sitting in their kitchen for a meal, in the absolute best way possible. The menu is authentic and fairly priced, with lots of variety. Although there are many options, I am a creature of habit and always get the Bun (#12) with delicious vermicelli noodles over fresh veggies and topped with smokey bbq'd pork and crispy spring rolls. Perfect serving size for a dinner and you can always try some of the unique appetizers to add to the meal. I would recommend the meatballs that come with rice paper wrappers you make yourself, which also makes eating more of an activity, which of course I love. Little Saigon is such an amazing little dive and the total dining experience no matter what you order: service, food, and atmosphere (and it's BYOB, too). Recommend: that you check this place out, because it's fantastic. Also, the #12 ($7.25) Glitch: if it's busy, the smaller space can get loud, but just enjoy the cuisine and your company.
(5)
Katie P.
I always seem to forget that Upper Darby is pretty close by and I have complained about the lack of Vietnamese restaurants on the Mainline (none-although a Pho place is supposedly opening up soon in Bryn Mawr). Really wanted Vietnamese food and didn't want to go to West Philly or Italian Market area. Drove to Upper Darby and did a quick Yelp search and Little Saigon popped up. I have walked by the place many times. This place is a GEM! I am so happy I took a chance. We received complimentary salads as soon as we sat down. My friend and I ordered the crispy spring rolls ( the best I have ever had!) and we both ordered Pho. The broth was very flavorful. I think this place has better Pho than Vietnam Cafe in West Philly or Pho Ha on Washington Avenue. The place is small but my friend and I loved it. I will definitely be going back!
(5)
Sarah S.
I like the feel of this family run restaurant. The food was good too. My friends seemed to like the broth of their Pho. I ordered a beef cube dish hoping to get bo lac luc that I've had at another Vietnamese place. It wasn't bad but it wasn't what I was expecting either. Next time I go back, I'll definitely try the pho
(4)
Tom F.
Great food, with lots of good options on the menu including a nice selection of vegetarian dishes. The vegetables in my pan fried noodles were crisp and colorful, and the sauce was really delicious. The service was friendly and prompt. Based on the takeout interactions we observed, the restaurant has many regulars, who were greeted by the restaurant staff like old friends. I like Pho Street in Springfield, too, but this will definitely be my first choice for Vietnamese food near Drexel Hill.
(4)
Kemi A.
This little place was way out of my hood. Dropped by for lunch with some friends (after searching on yelp for local eats). We got there around 430p so we were the only ones there. Server was very nice. I don't think I ever had Pho before. I yelped a few reviews to see if there was any indication as to what I should order. Everyone said PHO...but not by name. And those who listed menu items by number need to quit because i think they re-numbered the menu. I ended up getting the Pho with the beef, brisket and tripe (Am I the only one who likes tripe? I must be). We also ordered the spring roll as I read that was tasty. The meal was filling. I enjoyed the spring roll and the dipping sauce it came with. We all got variations of the Pho...I think both my friends ended up getting the beef and beef balls one. Overall, a decent meal for a cheap price. Can't beat that with a bat.
(4)
Caroline S.
I truly adore Little Saigon. It is a small, family owned business that makes you think you are the first customer that has ever walked through their doors with the way they greet you. I have been there on numerous occasions and have ordered quite a few different bits off the menu and everything is done extraordinarily well. (Pretty generic but try their spring rolls - they are better than anywhere I've tried.) Another review stated the line "made with love and served with care" and I could not agree more. The older gentleman (grandfather, I believe) that buses the tables, is always there filling your water glass after each sip, bringing napkins, etc.. My only peeve with Little Saigon is that because it is a family owned business, they can open/close as they wish. I cannot tell you how many trips I've made to a closed restaurant and had to settle for Pho down the street (I call ahead now). But other than that, Little Saigon is a gem. If you're in the suburbs and need a pho fix, this is the place to go!
(4)
Edward M.
If you happen to be in Upper Darby and hungry for Vietnamese food, this is certainly a fine choice for quenching that hunger. I dined here recently with a friend and had a tasty and filling spring-roll and vermicelli dish -- once I added some hot sauce to it. The spring rolls had the nice crunch of just-fried rolls and had flavorful veggies inside. My friend got the large bowl of beef pho and liked it. We also sampled a squid and rice dish for which I had high hopes since it was listed as a house special, but it was merely okay (though, again, made better with hot sauce). The service is friendly. Our water glasses were regularly refilled. It's a BYOB. Prices are inexpensive. Ambiance is a bit strip-mall-y.
(4)
Cherie E.
Little Saigon / "Edward's" (as we call it) is about the best food - Vietnamese or otherwise - anywhere! His spring rolls are to die for, summer rolls are delicious, the pancakes are outta-sight and that's just the appetizers! His fish in a clay pot is extraordinary! We often bring groups of good friends here and order to eat family style which works great as everyone can try a little of everything. As others have said on here, just go once and Edward will remember you for a lifetime. Little Saigon is a truly special place with authentic food and a personality that cannot be matched.
(5)
Matthew T.
Very nice place. I tried the pho, crispy spring rolls, and pork vermicelli. Pho is really good, great broth. Spring rolls are excellent as advertised. Pork vermicelli was average, good average, but nothing special. Will come back again. 5 stars for the price point.
(5)
Mike P.
Located just across from the Municipal building, Little Saigon has been serving authentic Vietnamese food for around twenty years. The inconspicuous exterior flows into a modest, yet inviting, dining area with seating for around twenty people. The restaurant is a true American family business. Mom and dad work as the greeters/waiters while grandpa refills water glasses and their daughter does her homework at a table. Many of my family friends are on a first name basis with the owners and update each other about their children each time they visit. I wrote a review in The Acorn (Upper Darby High School's newspaper) three years ago and to this day the owners remember me and ask how college is going each time I visit. Every meal comes with a complimentary salad of crisp iceberg lettuce with ginger dressing. The salad is great for its lightness (leaving room for the hefty entrees) and flavor (their dressing is my favorite of any kind I've ever had). The menu at Little Saigon is extensive and has great options for vegetarians, meat lovers and seafood lovers. A must for all eaters is the summer rolls, which are cold noodles and vegetables wrapped in rice paper served with peanut sauce. Other great appetizers include the Vietnamese crepe (fried egg with bean sprouts) and spring rolls. Little Saigon is BYOB. That being said, if you are looking for a non-alcoholic beverage I recommend the Vietnamese (iced) coffee, which is served with condensed milk, making adding sugar unnecessary. The jasmine tea is also quite good and never disappoints. As in most Asian restaurants, sharing entrees and appetizers allows you to get the most out of your dining experience, giving you a taste of everything the restaurant offers. The slightly large size of the entrees makes them conducive to being shared. It is perfectly fine, however, to order one entree per person, especially for heavy eaters. You'll definitely want to take anything that's left home for lunch the next day. My two favorite dishes at Little Saigon are the Vegetable curry with tofu and the vegetable noodle soup. The curry is a great assortment of broccoli, bamboo shoot, carrots, and other vegetables with large cubes of tofu that have a nice sear to it. The vegetable noodle soup (with vegetable broth) is the perfect comfort food. I've gotten non-vegetarian friends hooked on it. The vermicelli noodles are thin, long, and delicious and the broth is warm and flavorful. Another great dish is the pan fried noodles, which can be served vegetarian or with meat. This dish, in particular, makes great leftovers, as the noodles begin to absorb the sauce. Favorites of my meat eating friends include the pork dumplings, wonton soup, and the hot pots. Prices at Little Saigon hover around $10, with many entrees around $8-9. Make sure to leave room for dessert! The che bap (warm sticky rice with corn and coconut milk) here is wonderful. If I had a Vietnamese grandmother, this is how I'd picture her cooking. Little Saigon is a place that I grew up with and hope to continue to visit for many more years.
(5)
Jen S.
Best Vietnamese food I have ever had. The spring rolls are ridiculously good. The interior is nothing fancy, but who cares when the food is that delicious.
(5)
Sheila F.
Little Saigon is Vietnamese food at its best! I have dined at Vietnamese establishments all over Philadelphia and Little Saigon is by far the best Vietnamese food in the Philadelphia area! I highly recommend number 1 and number 29: The spring rolls and the spicy beef soup. #1 is crispy to perfection and is accompanied by savory dipping sauce. #29 is a mildly spicy thin-sliced beef soup with thin rice noodles and a wonderful cilantro flavor. #29 is similar to PHO, but is slightly different in flavor due to the light cilantro undertones. The Beef stuffed with ginger is heavenly and the curry vegetables are out of this world as well! The staff is friendly and very accomodating. There is a parking lot right next to Little Saigon, which is well-lit and safe. Non-city dwellers accoustomed to dining in the suburbs might find the 69th street area a bit intimidating, but Little Saigon is certainly located in a safe spot, right next to the Upper darby Township building and library.
(5)
Andrew E.
This place is addictive. Great food for a great price. I love Pho!!
(4)
Chris G.
I would give this place six stars if I could. The food is always awesome and the folks who own it are the best. Go. You will not regret it.
(5)
Andrew K.
What a great little gem! I've been going there for years and it always delivers. The food is consistently good and the service is great. It's also a great bargain. I can't say enough about the owners or the food.
(5)
Peter W.
My first experience of Vietnamese food, and still among the best I've had. The crab and tomato soup is hauntingly delicious.
(4)
okeito s.
Hands down Little Saigon serves up the best Vietnamese dishes in the city. Their service comes directly from the family owned staff, packaged with a smile, speedy service, and an atmosphere that feels as though they invited you over for dinner. The food seems to be made with the same love and attention as any home cooked meal should. Everything, from the spring rolls to the Pho, is very tasty. Speaking of Pho, the broth is a well balanced assembly of ingredients other restaurants can only dream of emulating. I would gladly recommend Little Saigon for those new to Vietnamese Cuisine. Just as eagerly, I would recommend it for those that can't live without Vietnamese cuisine, like myself. There is only one disappointment. That is with myself, for not frequenting this hidden gem as much as I should.
(5)
Brian K.
I've had their Pho and their Spring rolls and both are excellent! The owners (husband and wife) are very friendly and they offer excellent service and hospitality. I've had Pho at a number of locales and Little Saigon is really top notch!
(5)
Jason L.
Great rolls and Pho... Based on reco's we tried #1, 21 and 29. Was very impressed. Great service and affordable.
(4)
Jeff W.
Great food and great service. Place was packed and the server never stopped smiling. Food was some up there as some of the best Vietnamese food I ever had and the prices were great. It's our new stop every time we see a show at the Tower.
(5)
Ginger S.
Good food but expect to be sitting for awhile....
(3)
Chris S.
The food here is excellent and the staff is very friendly. The crab and tomato soup was amazing and the vietnamese eggroll was a meal in itself. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Shilpa B.
The family who owns this restaurant is very welcoming-- they greeted us like old friends when we walked in. The spring rolls were delicious, as was the vegetable dish (can't remember the name) that I got. This place is also conveniently located right around the corner from H-Mart.
(5)
Michael M.
In the last year, I've become a huge pho fan. I've had pho in Philadelphia, Atlantic City and Danbury (CT). All of them were better than Little Saigon. The broth was insipid, the accoutrements skimpy and there was no housing to add flavor. I'm sure it's a great place to go to recover from a hangover, but I don't drink, so I don't think I'll be going back.
(2)
Marc M.
I almost hate to write this review in fear of giving away a great little gem of a restaurant. This place has the best Vietnamese food in Philly, hands down. It's all prepared fresh, daily, by the family-owned kitchen staff. The owners are kind and generous. I have been eating here for almost the entire time they've been open [about seventeen years]. It's not fancy - it's home cookin', Vietnamese style. That's why I love it. It's tucked away up in the nether regions of Upper Darby but it is most certainly worth the trip!
(5)
Daniel D.
Some of the best pho I've had in Philly; amazing grape leafs wrapped beef appetizers.
(4)
Marissa R.
Had to give another review because boy did they upgrade from last time. The food got a lot better. Have to admit little Saigon makes better Pho than Anh hong. I was very surprised. Wish both places would give u more meat in the pho for how much they charge. Saigon way to go for improving your food. Will be going there more often.
(4)
E V.
Wonderful experience! The owners definitely understand the meaning of hospitality. They seemed to know everyone who came in while we were there. They also made us feel very welcome as if we were their new neighbors. This was our first experience with Vietnamese food and we are now looking forward to our next opportunity to try more. The combination of good food and memorable service earned 5 stars from me!
(5)
JJ M.
First time eating in at Little Saigon (many take out experiences). Me and the ever-adventurous Mike F hit this Upper Darby gem just before Frampton at the Tower. The hostess/waitress/owner was charming and pleasant. The service, super friendly and accommodating if a little uneven. Food was OUTSTANDING. Highlights were the Pho and appetizer #2, grilled meatballs and noodles with peanut suace on the side. I was full too soon. Nice portions, very fresh, great value. So the Lemongrass Shrimp, ordered spicy, weren't spicy and the crispy pancake a little more lubricious than I like it, but wow - what a revelation. I can't wait to go back and bring Ken H, a bay area transplant who frequently bemoans the lack of good Vietnamese chow round town.
(4)
Devon L.
this is the epitome of a family restaurant. it is literally on the bottom floor of their house! (not confirmed) everyone there is really nice and they make their food with love! the pho here is amazing and is probably the best ive ever had in a restaurant. it tasted more like the homemade pho I fell in love with at my gf's house. not that you every would, but you can eat this straight up without any dressings.. its that good. on top of that, you get a bowl about the size of your torso for 6 bucks. save a buck, support a family and eat here!
(5)
Mindy K.
How sad were the days when I was stuck in the suburbs and I was hungover (ahem, i mean sick). There was no cure for me; no panacean pho nearby that would take away my pounding headahce, cold sweats and sensitivity to bright lights. Happy day for me that this is no longer the case now that I have discovered Little Saigon. Crispy Spring Rolls Little Saigon is one of the few places I've encountered that use the rice wrapper to roll up their spring rolls and deep fry them (It seems many just use wonton wrapper variants). Anyway, it makes a huge difference in that the rolls stay super crispy and the meat inside is juicy and flavorful. It really helps the wrapper: meat ratio to work perfectly and at ~$5.50 for 3 whole pieces, cut up, this is a great deal and obviously a MUST ORDER every time. Pho Tai My go-to pho dish - it really makes the broth the centerpiece. The broth here is meaty, flavorful and complex. One of my friends has argued that the broth is on the salty side, but I disagree - that probably means you're not dropping in enough jalapeno and lime juice. sidenote, the last time I got takeout, they gave me a lemon instead of a lime. I suspect this was some sort of lime shortage they were experiencing, but it was definitely odd. Not terrible, but just odd. The customer service here is wonderful. The owner and his staff are so gracious and friendly and accommodating that it's absolutely adorable. I'm continually surprised by how smiley I am when leaving this place. They lose a star because I don't know that the rice dishes are GREAT here, but definitely super solid all around. Reality check: Is this my FAVE spot? Not necessarily, but outside of downtown or Wash Ave, this is most certainly an impressive offering.
(4)
Roland S.
The folks working here are nice enough. Bottles of Siracha and Hoison were filthy. Pho broth was tasty but way too much gristle in bo vein. Will probably not visit again since there are better options.
(3)
James C.
I have been going to this place for almost 10 years now, and I must say they never disappoint! This family owned restaurant is real friendly and the service is great. I have tried most of the stuff on the menu and have to say almost everything I try is very delicious. I would recommend the pho or any of the rice platters. The pho broth is meaty and sweet just the way it is supposed to be. One thing i would like is for them to be more generous with their meat. I guess you could ask for extra beef in the soup. Plus the spring rolls and summer rolls are very very very good. If you want a" home cooked" Vietnamese meal, I definitely recommend this place
(4)
Mors A.
Great place owned by a viet couple. Friendly, clean and quality food. Try their pho its unlike any other I've tried in philly. Recommended!
(5)
Melissa W.
The food here is probably worthy of 3.5 stars, but I'm rounding up because the owner/manager lady is super nice and friendly, and the little old Vietnamese man who refills your water is adorable. This place offers solid Vietnamese food for decent prices. The vermicelli with grilled meat is good, as is the pork and fried egg over rice. The pho is huge and comes with oodles of noodles. However, the appetizers are a little on the small side considering the fact that they cost about the same as some of the entrees. I'm not sure I would go out of my way to eat here, but if you happen to be in the neighborhood and craving Vietnamese food, this will satisfy you.
(4)
Michael G.
Good Pho, considering the location. Fast service and very friendly owner :)
(4)
Abigail B.
This is the best Vietnamese restaurant in Philadelphia, period. I know that some restaurants in Chinatown get a lot of credit for being really good, but Little Saigon is better. Why? Because everything there is very fresh and extremely delicious. The grape leaves and the spring rolls are legendary, I've been to dozens of Vietnamese restaurants and none have come close to Little Saigon. Even though everyone knows Vietnamese food for the Pho soup there are many other dishes that they have that are excellent as well. In fact I don't think that their Pho is their strongest dish, their other soups, such as the Phnom Phen, are really good! I also really like their coffee! Pros -no MSG! -AMAZING spring rolls and grape leaves -FREE ginger salad with most meals -very consistent menu with all around excellent food -small, private, low-key and romantic -seriously the KINDEST people on the planet Earth! Cons -clean but a little run down -sometimes the TV is on (which I find to be an atmosphere killer) -parking can be a pain but is usually available if you know where to look (H-Mart shoppers around the corner take up a lot of the nearby spots) -service is sometimes slow or forgetful of your order (if you get a lot of items)
(5)
Jennie N.
What a wonderful find! We were looking to go out for Vietnamese food, but this time we didn't want to drive down to Center City (further distance) and deal with the hassle of parking. We "yelped" reviews of local Vietnamese restaurants, and decided on Little Saigon. What a great find! We will be loyal customers. Everything we ordered was delicious! We had the Nem Nuong (grilled meatballs with salad and vermicelli), the vietnamese crepe with shrimp and pork, the spring rolls with barbecued pork on rice vermicelli noodles, and the #29 noodle soup with meat. The food came with a salad...and for dessert we had the Che Bop (warm sticky rice with corn and coconut milk). Everything was reasonably priced. The restaurant is very casual and BYOB. One thing was better than the next...and we will be back to try more! Highly recommend!
(5)
Michael O.
Proof that the best ethnic restaurants usually aren't in the best neighborhoods. Little Saigon has really good food at a really good prices, in a family restaurant environment. Their food is consistently good up and down the menu. I would recommend the pho and their fried spring rolls. I got a full meal with tip for $15. Can't bet that!
(4)
sara l.
We have been coming to little saigon for as long as I can remember. The kitchen is absolutely spotless... I don't know how he keeps it so clean! The decor is outdated but what makes Little Saigon a hidden gem is the food! Try the crab soup, spring rolls, chicken on a stick, [shrimp on bamboo (I don't think it is on the menu any longer:()], the pan-fried noodles, and the curry dishes! The ginger dressing on the iceberg salad they bring out before appetizers is awesome as well.
(5)
Arin S.
Absolutely fantastic Vietnamese food. Authentic. I live about twenty-five minutes away on a good day, and we travel to eat here. The summer rolls are my favorite and the tomato crab Pho a close second. Quickly becoming a favorite. Unassuming little place that would be easy to overlook but definitely should not be! Finish your meal off with their iced coffee. Awesome.
(5)
Melissa W.
The food here is probably worthy of 3.5 stars, but I'm rounding up because the owner/manager lady is super nice and friendly, and the little old Vietnamese man who refills your water is adorable. This place offers solid Vietnamese food for decent prices. The vermicelli with grilled meat is good, as is the pork and fried egg over rice. The pho is huge and comes with oodles of noodles. However, the appetizers are a little on the small side considering the fact that they cost about the same as some of the entrees. I'm not sure I would go out of my way to eat here, but if you happen to be in the neighborhood and craving Vietnamese food, this will satisfy you.
(4)
Publius M.
I wanted a mission, and for my sins, they gave me one. Brought it up to me like room service. It was a real choice mission, and when it was over, I never wanted another. My mission was to infiltrate Little Saigon and return with Colonel Kurtz, but as soon as I entered this unassuming place it was clear that the Colonel had found something that would ruin the common Asian-American food experience. Who could expect anyone to return to the boring Asian culinary landscape offered by the traditional American suburb after such an experience available at Little Saigon. Spring rolls whose main flavor wasn't grease, simple salads remaining healthy with the addition of ginger and vinegar for a crisp clean and refreshing flavor, and the entrees, oh the entrees... You can't got wrong with the mussels or the off menu chicken curry, but every protein is treated with equal care and any infrequent missteps are redeemed by the savory delicious sauces. While the location doesn't afford the haute setting some foodies may require, the true important things are in order at this establishment.
(4)
Marissa R.
Had to give another review because boy did they upgrade from last time. The food got a lot better. Have to admit little Saigon makes better Pho than Anh hong. I was very surprised. Wish both places would give u more meat in the pho for how much they charge. Saigon way to go for improving your food. Will be going there more often.
(4)
Mike P.
Located just across from the Municipal building, Little Saigon has been serving authentic Vietnamese food for around twenty years. The inconspicuous exterior flows into a modest, yet inviting, dining area with seating for around twenty people. The restaurant is a true American family business. Mom and dad work as the greeters/waiters while grandpa refills water glasses and their daughter does her homework at a table. Many of my family friends are on a first name basis with the owners and update each other about their children each time they visit. I wrote a review in The Acorn (Upper Darby High School's newspaper) three years ago and to this day the owners remember me and ask how college is going each time I visit. Every meal comes with a complimentary salad of crisp iceberg lettuce with ginger dressing. The salad is great for its lightness (leaving room for the hefty entrees) and flavor (their dressing is my favorite of any kind I've ever had). The menu at Little Saigon is extensive and has great options for vegetarians, meat lovers and seafood lovers. A must for all eaters is the summer rolls, which are cold noodles and vegetables wrapped in rice paper served with peanut sauce. Other great appetizers include the Vietnamese crepe (fried egg with bean sprouts) and spring rolls. Little Saigon is BYOB. That being said, if you are looking for a non-alcoholic beverage I recommend the Vietnamese (iced) coffee, which is served with condensed milk, making adding sugar unnecessary. The jasmine tea is also quite good and never disappoints. As in most Asian restaurants, sharing entrees and appetizers allows you to get the most out of your dining experience, giving you a taste of everything the restaurant offers. The slightly large size of the entrees makes them conducive to being shared. It is perfectly fine, however, to order one entree per person, especially for heavy eaters. You'll definitely want to take anything that's left home for lunch the next day. My two favorite dishes at Little Saigon are the Vegetable curry with tofu and the vegetable noodle soup. The curry is a great assortment of broccoli, bamboo shoot, carrots, and other vegetables with large cubes of tofu that have a nice sear to it. The vegetable noodle soup (with vegetable broth) is the perfect comfort food. I've gotten non-vegetarian friends hooked on it. The vermicelli noodles are thin, long, and delicious and the broth is warm and flavorful. Another great dish is the pan fried noodles, which can be served vegetarian or with meat. This dish, in particular, makes great leftovers, as the noodles begin to absorb the sauce. Favorites of my meat eating friends include the pork dumplings, wonton soup, and the hot pots. Prices at Little Saigon hover around $10, with many entrees around $8-9. Make sure to leave room for dessert! The che bap (warm sticky rice with corn and coconut milk) here is wonderful. If I had a Vietnamese grandmother, this is how I'd picture her cooking. Little Saigon is a place that I grew up with and hope to continue to visit for many more years.
(5)
Jen S.
Best Vietnamese food I have ever had. The spring rolls are ridiculously good. The interior is nothing fancy, but who cares when the food is that delicious.
(5)
Mors A.
Great place owned by a viet couple. Friendly, clean and quality food. Try their pho its unlike any other I've tried in philly. Recommended!
(5)
JJ M.
First time eating in at Little Saigon (many take out experiences). Me and the ever-adventurous Mike F hit this Upper Darby gem just before Frampton at the Tower. The hostess/waitress/owner was charming and pleasant. The service, super friendly and accommodating if a little uneven. Food was OUTSTANDING. Highlights were the Pho and appetizer #2, grilled meatballs and noodles with peanut suace on the side. I was full too soon. Nice portions, very fresh, great value. So the Lemongrass Shrimp, ordered spicy, weren't spicy and the crispy pancake a little more lubricious than I like it, but wow - what a revelation. I can't wait to go back and bring Ken H, a bay area transplant who frequently bemoans the lack of good Vietnamese chow round town.
(4)
Devon L.
this is the epitome of a family restaurant. it is literally on the bottom floor of their house! (not confirmed) everyone there is really nice and they make their food with love! the pho here is amazing and is probably the best ive ever had in a restaurant. it tasted more like the homemade pho I fell in love with at my gf's house. not that you every would, but you can eat this straight up without any dressings.. its that good. on top of that, you get a bowl about the size of your torso for 6 bucks. save a buck, support a family and eat here!
(5)
Mindy K.
How sad were the days when I was stuck in the suburbs and I was hungover (ahem, i mean sick). There was no cure for me; no panacean pho nearby that would take away my pounding headahce, cold sweats and sensitivity to bright lights. Happy day for me that this is no longer the case now that I have discovered Little Saigon. Crispy Spring Rolls Little Saigon is one of the few places I've encountered that use the rice wrapper to roll up their spring rolls and deep fry them (It seems many just use wonton wrapper variants). Anyway, it makes a huge difference in that the rolls stay super crispy and the meat inside is juicy and flavorful. It really helps the wrapper: meat ratio to work perfectly and at ~$5.50 for 3 whole pieces, cut up, this is a great deal and obviously a MUST ORDER every time. Pho Tai My go-to pho dish - it really makes the broth the centerpiece. The broth here is meaty, flavorful and complex. One of my friends has argued that the broth is on the salty side, but I disagree - that probably means you're not dropping in enough jalapeno and lime juice. sidenote, the last time I got takeout, they gave me a lemon instead of a lime. I suspect this was some sort of lime shortage they were experiencing, but it was definitely odd. Not terrible, but just odd. The customer service here is wonderful. The owner and his staff are so gracious and friendly and accommodating that it's absolutely adorable. I'm continually surprised by how smiley I am when leaving this place. They lose a star because I don't know that the rice dishes are GREAT here, but definitely super solid all around. Reality check: Is this my FAVE spot? Not necessarily, but outside of downtown or Wash Ave, this is most certainly an impressive offering.
(4)
Roland S.
The folks working here are nice enough. Bottles of Siracha and Hoison were filthy. Pho broth was tasty but way too much gristle in bo vein. Will probably not visit again since there are better options.
(3)
Abigail B.
This is the best Vietnamese restaurant in Philadelphia, period. I know that some restaurants in Chinatown get a lot of credit for being really good, but Little Saigon is better. Why? Because everything there is very fresh and extremely delicious. The grape leaves and the spring rolls are legendary, I've been to dozens of Vietnamese restaurants and none have come close to Little Saigon. Even though everyone knows Vietnamese food for the Pho soup there are many other dishes that they have that are excellent as well. In fact I don't think that their Pho is their strongest dish, their other soups, such as the Phnom Phen, are really good! I also really like their coffee! Pros -no MSG! -AMAZING spring rolls and grape leaves -FREE ginger salad with most meals -very consistent menu with all around excellent food -small, private, low-key and romantic -seriously the KINDEST people on the planet Earth! Cons -clean but a little run down -sometimes the TV is on (which I find to be an atmosphere killer) -parking can be a pain but is usually available if you know where to look (H-Mart shoppers around the corner take up a lot of the nearby spots) -service is sometimes slow or forgetful of your order (if you get a lot of items)
(5)
Jennie N.
What a wonderful find! We were looking to go out for Vietnamese food, but this time we didn't want to drive down to Center City (further distance) and deal with the hassle of parking. We "yelped" reviews of local Vietnamese restaurants, and decided on Little Saigon. What a great find! We will be loyal customers. Everything we ordered was delicious! We had the Nem Nuong (grilled meatballs with salad and vermicelli), the vietnamese crepe with shrimp and pork, the spring rolls with barbecued pork on rice vermicelli noodles, and the #29 noodle soup with meat. The food came with a salad...and for dessert we had the Che Bop (warm sticky rice with corn and coconut milk). Everything was reasonably priced. The restaurant is very casual and BYOB. One thing was better than the next...and we will be back to try more! Highly recommend!
(5)
Michael O.
Proof that the best ethnic restaurants usually aren't in the best neighborhoods. Little Saigon has really good food at a really good prices, in a family restaurant environment. Their food is consistently good up and down the menu. I would recommend the pho and their fried spring rolls. I got a full meal with tip for $15. Can't bet that!
(4)
Sheila F.
Little Saigon is Vietnamese food at its best! I have dined at Vietnamese establishments all over Philadelphia and Little Saigon is by far the best Vietnamese food in the Philadelphia area! I highly recommend number 1 and number 29: The spring rolls and the spicy beef soup. #1 is crispy to perfection and is accompanied by savory dipping sauce. #29 is a mildly spicy thin-sliced beef soup with thin rice noodles and a wonderful cilantro flavor. #29 is similar to PHO, but is slightly different in flavor due to the light cilantro undertones. The Beef stuffed with ginger is heavenly and the curry vegetables are out of this world as well! The staff is friendly and very accomodating. There is a parking lot right next to Little Saigon, which is well-lit and safe. Non-city dwellers accoustomed to dining in the suburbs might find the 69th street area a bit intimidating, but Little Saigon is certainly located in a safe spot, right next to the Upper darby Township building and library.
(5)
Andrew E.
This place is addictive. Great food for a great price. I love Pho!!
(4)
Chris G.
I would give this place six stars if I could. The food is always awesome and the folks who own it are the best. Go. You will not regret it.
(5)
Andrew K.
What a great little gem! I've been going there for years and it always delivers. The food is consistently good and the service is great. It's also a great bargain. I can't say enough about the owners or the food.
(5)
Peter W.
My first experience of Vietnamese food, and still among the best I've had. The crab and tomato soup is hauntingly delicious.
(4)
okeito s.
Hands down Little Saigon serves up the best Vietnamese dishes in the city. Their service comes directly from the family owned staff, packaged with a smile, speedy service, and an atmosphere that feels as though they invited you over for dinner. The food seems to be made with the same love and attention as any home cooked meal should. Everything, from the spring rolls to the Pho, is very tasty. Speaking of Pho, the broth is a well balanced assembly of ingredients other restaurants can only dream of emulating. I would gladly recommend Little Saigon for those new to Vietnamese Cuisine. Just as eagerly, I would recommend it for those that can't live without Vietnamese cuisine, like myself. There is only one disappointment. That is with myself, for not frequenting this hidden gem as much as I should.
(5)
Brian K.
I've had their Pho and their Spring rolls and both are excellent! The owners (husband and wife) are very friendly and they offer excellent service and hospitality. I've had Pho at a number of locales and Little Saigon is really top notch!
(5)
Jason L.
Great rolls and Pho... Based on reco's we tried #1, 21 and 29. Was very impressed. Great service and affordable.
(4)
Marc M.
I almost hate to write this review in fear of giving away a great little gem of a restaurant. This place has the best Vietnamese food in Philly, hands down. It's all prepared fresh, daily, by the family-owned kitchen staff. The owners are kind and generous. I have been eating here for almost the entire time they've been open [about seventeen years]. It's not fancy - it's home cookin', Vietnamese style. That's why I love it. It's tucked away up in the nether regions of Upper Darby but it is most certainly worth the trip!
(5)
Daniel D.
Some of the best pho I've had in Philly; amazing grape leafs wrapped beef appetizers.
(4)
Joseph S.
The pho here is amazing!!! I am gonna have to say that the broth here is the best I've ever tasted. It has a full flavor and is just awesome. The only downside here is the portion & the amount of meat they give you. The portion is a good size, but not as much as other places (a la Pho Xe Lua Chinatown), and the meat is usually sparse. In short, if you are more for quality than quantity, come here. In the least, try it out, I am certain you won't be disappointed.
(4)
Phillip R.
top 3 favorite places in the entire city of Philadelphia! If you're into Viet food, You already know there are 10+ places (notably around South Philly) you can get a kick ass bowl of pho or other cure-all broths that rejuvenate you back to life. whether you're fueling up after a long night of drinking, recovering from a cold, or just satisfying the inner fatty in all of us. this place takes takes the cake! Maybe im spoiled, because I dont really care which place i go for a decent bowl of pho. its usually pretty darn delicious and usually satisfying regardless of where we eat. the menu item that stands head and shoulders above those other 10+ places is Little Saigon's crispy spring rolls. They are unique to this restaurant while every other place is nearly identical. this item is a MUST-TRY! Briefly, my other favorites are their house special pan fried noodles, grilled pork over rice w a fried egg and a runny yolk bringing all that goodness together! needless to say, their pho is on point! Little Saigon is a BYO and the owners are sincerely so gracious and welcoming! You'll know what I'm talking about when you see them greeting and being greeted by nearly all of the patrons. the food just taste better because your're more than just a customer here. I cant say enough great things about my friend Han and his family who run this establishment. Im lucky to dine here regularly. I hope you crummy over-entitled, pretentious yelpers avoid this hole in the wall. theres no glitz and glamour here, just great food and great people at great prices.
(5)
Tim S.
Maybe I am missing something. Maybe my tastes are different than most. Not sure. I picked this place because I love Vietnamese food, and it scored very high on Yelp. I was very disappointed. Upon arrival, it seemed abit amiss. The decor is out-dated and tacky. Could use a fresh coat of paint at the very least. My party was seated immediately, and the service was attentive and friendly. However, the food left a lot to be desired. It wasn't very good. I ordered the charbroiled beef. It is the dish I always get the first time I am at a Vietnamese place. At every other place I have been too, the beef either came on the bone (usually not, but sometimes) or in big chunks. This beef? Tasted and presented like Cheesesteak beef. Yes, like they took a cheesesteak and dumped the meat out over a bed of rice. Another dish I tasted was shrimp with veggies. The shrimp was far too small, and the veggies were mushy. No fresh veggies? What gives. I am honestly baffled by Yelp on this one.
(2)
Kenneth N.
Purely the taste of the pho soup was authentic, you can tell this was a La old viet family receipt I was very impressed with the broth and food. Give it a try if in upper Darby won't be disappointed
(5)
Adrian A.
My parents have been taking me here since I was a little kid. Little Saigon is owned by the absolutely nicest family and serves some of the best Vietnamese food for very affordable prices. My favorite menu item is probably the vegetarian pan-fried noodles, and the spring rolls are the bomb.
(5)
Matthew R.
The best little hole in the wall you can find. Been going for years. Everything is really well done. Spring rolls are a must. Better than anything you can find in the city. My girlfriend and I frequently take the subway here from center city for excellent cheap dates.
(5)
The Brave Bastard B.
This place brings the word authentic a whole new meaning. The only place in Philadelphia that has in essencez body, and soul what its like to eat real Vietnamese food. I almost don't want to write a review so you shlubs don't cause wait here. This is a family owned and operated restaurant. That's been here for well over 30 years and nothing has changed except for the TV because its that dam good.
(5)
Grace B.
I'm so glad I live close by. The owners are so personable. I've been coming here for years, and they know exactly what I order every time (pan fried noodles). One time I was there with my mom, a few minutes had passed after we ordered, and my food already came out. I told the owner/husband, "That was fast!" And he replied, "Yeah, my wife saw you walk in and started cooking your noodles" (before I put my order in). Ahhhh, they know me so well ;) Even though I order the same thing most of the time, I've tried a lot of the items on the menu. I haven't eaten anything here that was disappointing. Everything I eat here is delicious! Other than my usual pan fried noodles, I highly recommend the stuffed grape leaves, spring rolls, fish in a pot, pho, coconut drink, and rainbow ice. The restaurant is small, so it can get packed quickly especially at peak times for lunch/dinner, but you never feel neglected. The service is great, even if they're busy. Great people, great food. I love this place!
(5)
Anthony S.
Best Spring Rolls you will ever experience! I love this little hidden gem. I have been to Little Saigon 3 times and decided to finally share my thoughts on the place. Parking: there is a parking lot across the street which you might have to pay for. I usually park at the metered spots along the side where H-Mart is. 25 cents gets you 45 minutes. Service: this is a mom and pop place. When you first get there you will be greeted right away. Getting a table is fast. The initial order takes a little bit longer to happen than most places. This doesn't bug me. I just want to note here that it is normal. Don't be concerned. It is worth the wait. The staff is very kind and helpful. Price: awesome! This place is not pricy at all. Go enjoy yourself! Food: Delicious! Get the spring rolls. Do it now! Get the beef on the sticks. Do it! I also enjoyed the prime rib but forgot to take a picture. Go check out this BYOB.
(5)
J H.
This is THE BEST Vietnamese EVER! I used to come here all the time when I lived in Upper Darby but I now live in Chester County. That being said, my husband and I will drive over an hour to have the crepes because no one makes them as good as they do here. I have tried them in other places. They just don't have the flavor. I have never had a dish here that I didn't like but the crepe and crab soup are my favorite. I have been going here for years and it is my favorite restaurant!
(5)
Lydia B.
Somehow I'm always surprised that the dish I've ordered which seems so plain and simple, is always so unbelievably delicious. This restaurant, in upper Darby, is nothing to write home about when considering atmosphere because it's kind of a dive... but the food makes up for everything. We were going to a concert at the Tower theater and found our way up to Little Saigon for a quick BYOB authentic Vietnamese meal.I would recommend coming here and will come back when I go back to the Tower theater.
(4)
Jen M.
This is my absolute favorite restaurant! They have the best spring rolls on the planet. I go to school in Maryland but make sure to eat here every time I come home to upper Darby! I highly recommend this quaint little spot!!
(5)
Carrie M.
Quaint and spectacular. We stopped by before a show at the Tower Theater and we LOVED this place. Ambiance is old-school and 'no frills.' Service is attentive (although they do not speak much English, which is fine by us). Food is fantastic. We were so impressed by the quality and care in every dish. The meals were delicious! Can't wait to stop by again!
(5)
Ben M.
So so glad to have found a good Pho place in Philly! Granted, its the only one I've been to. To be honest, the main thing I remember about my Ph Äc Bit was a massive chunk of beef that I got to gnaw on at toward the bottom of the bowl. Ah so good! Other than that, the pho was very noodle-y (could have used more meat). I recommend that you BYOL here (limes), because even when we asked for more, we were just served the tiniest side slices. Nice wait staff, casual, cheap, yum. Will be back.
(4)
Jackie M.
It was such a pleasant dining experience. I stumbled upon this place by accident. Literally! Initially, I was looking for the Peruvian Restaurant that use to be around there, but was told that it closed. Anyway, the food was amazing. We started off with a salad tossed over a ginger dressing. It was so flavorful. I had no idea what to order as my entree and I asked the gentleman for some tips. I ended up getting noodles with chicken kebabs and white rice. They had these 2 flavorful sauces that I tossed over my noodles and chicken. Wow !! Overall, I had pleasant experience.
(5)
Chris M.
I have been going to this place for years. Good food and good service! Owners are very friendly and get to know you by name.
(4)
Thien N.
perfect "hole in the wall". family owned, no MSG used, impeccable service. I had their pho (broth was a very clean-tasting pork based broth) and their spring rolls are good portions. their cafe is very reminiscent of home overall this is a great place to try Vietnamese cuisine for the first time or as a seasoned eater! :)
(4)
Viktor T.
I love this hole in the wall Vietnamese place. The owner here is so friendly. He even remembers everything about what I said the last time I was here. That's so funny. The food here is a delight. The pho is amazing. Had the right amount of meat and noodles with good seasonings. Starting on it takes me to Vietnam and only brings me back after I'm done with my pho. Lot of regulars here, so be prepared for it to be slow.
(5)
sara l.
We have been coming to little saigon for as long as I can remember. The kitchen is absolutely spotless... I don't know how he keeps it so clean! The decor is outdated but what makes Little Saigon a hidden gem is the food! Try the crab soup, spring rolls, chicken on a stick, [shrimp on bamboo (I don't think it is on the menu any longer:()], the pan-fried noodles, and the curry dishes! The ginger dressing on the iceberg salad they bring out before appetizers is awesome as well.
(5)
Arin S.
Absolutely fantastic Vietnamese food. Authentic. I live about twenty-five minutes away on a good day, and we travel to eat here. The summer rolls are my favorite and the tomato crab Pho a close second. Quickly becoming a favorite. Unassuming little place that would be easy to overlook but definitely should not be! Finish your meal off with their iced coffee. Awesome.
(5)
Michael G.
Good Pho, considering the location. Fast service and very friendly owner :)
(4)
James C.
I have been going to this place for almost 10 years now, and I must say they never disappoint! This family owned restaurant is real friendly and the service is great. I have tried most of the stuff on the menu and have to say almost everything I try is very delicious. I would recommend the pho or any of the rice platters. The pho broth is meaty and sweet just the way it is supposed to be. One thing i would like is for them to be more generous with their meat. I guess you could ask for extra beef in the soup. Plus the spring rolls and summer rolls are very very very good. If you want a" home cooked" Vietnamese meal, I definitely recommend this place
(4)
Jeff W.
Great food and great service. Place was packed and the server never stopped smiling. Food was some up there as some of the best Vietnamese food I ever had and the prices were great. It's our new stop every time we see a show at the Tower.
(5)
Ginger S.
Good food but expect to be sitting for awhile....
(3)
Chris S.
The food here is excellent and the staff is very friendly. The crab and tomato soup was amazing and the vietnamese eggroll was a meal in itself. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Shilpa B.
The family who owns this restaurant is very welcoming-- they greeted us like old friends when we walked in. The spring rolls were delicious, as was the vegetable dish (can't remember the name) that I got. This place is also conveniently located right around the corner from H-Mart.
(5)
Michael M.
In the last year, I've become a huge pho fan. I've had pho in Philadelphia, Atlantic City and Danbury (CT). All of them were better than Little Saigon. The broth was insipid, the accoutrements skimpy and there was no housing to add flavor. I'm sure it's a great place to go to recover from a hangover, but I don't drink, so I don't think I'll be going back.
(2)
Tia D.
Having eaten my moms pho since I could chew, I can be pretty picky about how my pho tastes. I was around the area and found this place on yelp so gave it a try. I was pleasantly surprised to meet the owner, who was extremely friendly. My husband and I ordered spring rolls and pho. The spring rolls are different from most other vietnamese places because of the wrap used-- it is the owner's mother's recipe and they are from the old northern parts. It was different but we really liked it! The fish sauce and garlic sauce was delicious. The pho broth was the perfect blend of sweet and herbs. Overall, we really enjoyed the place. It is small and not fancy but the food definitely hit the spot.
(4)
Dave W.
My then-girlfriend and now-wife turned me onto this place years ago, and it's still a favorite! The setting is unassuming, tucked away near 69th St. Station. The food, however, is incredible. The crispy spring rolls that are better than any you've ever had before. Each meal comes with a salad with a peanut-ginger dressing and bean sprouts that is delicious. For dinner, I'd recommend splitting the soup that has the shrimp and other seafood in it, then go with the pork over vermicelli, or the crispy birds nest, which can't be beat. I've been eating here for nearly 10 years now, and have never had a bad meal. WORTH. THE. TRIP.
(5)
Adam C.
At the urging of a few folks I tried little Saigon today for the first time in many years. In truth I think the food was deserving of three stars but the owner was so nice I'll stretch a half star for him. Went for staples so I could really judge...goi cuon and pho with beef, tendon, and beef brisket. The goi cuon had one plus and one minus. On the plus side it was made to order...shrimp was still warm and actually had a little flavor...on the minus side, it was rolled kind of sloppy, and contained only the couple nice shrimp, a traditional slice of pork, lots of vermicelli and iceberg lettuce. No herbs, no carrot...just missing that little pop of something. The pho was a similar story. Plus side...decent broth, really good and plentiful tendon. Minus side...rare beef wasn't rare...no basil...brisket was bland...only sriracha and crushed chili oil on the table. No sambal or sugar. Again it was missing a little something. Definitely fresh and decent food...but not spectacular as the other reviews would lead me to believe. I'll have to try the bun my friend recommended next time and see if that is better, but for pho and summer rolls it's unfortunately not my preference.
(3)
Carolyn S.
Been back a few times, and every time the owner recognizes us and warmly welcomes us back. Great food, still. I've bopped around the menu -- no disappointments! Just wanted to mention that this place is BYOB. Gotta love that.
(5)
Michelle K.
this use to be the only place in upper darby to eat Vietnamese food. so unless you felt like driving into the city - this was it. well now there are so many options in or close to ud that i don't feel like this place is as good as i use to think. its family owned (nice to support local small business) and they are very friendly. food is good - not great. i've never been a big fan of the fried spring rolls. i dont like the wrapping paper they use. like i said its good. but i just choose to go somewhere else
(3)
Samantha G.
My family has been eating here for as long as I can remember and it's never a disappointment. The owners are warm and welcoming and the place feels like you're sitting in their kitchen for a meal, in the absolute best way possible. The menu is authentic and fairly priced, with lots of variety. Although there are many options, I am a creature of habit and always get the Bun (#12) with delicious vermicelli noodles over fresh veggies and topped with smokey bbq'd pork and crispy spring rolls. Perfect serving size for a dinner and you can always try some of the unique appetizers to add to the meal. I would recommend the meatballs that come with rice paper wrappers you make yourself, which also makes eating more of an activity, which of course I love. Little Saigon is such an amazing little dive and the total dining experience no matter what you order: service, food, and atmosphere (and it's BYOB, too). Recommend: that you check this place out, because it's fantastic. Also, the #12 ($7.25) Glitch: if it's busy, the smaller space can get loud, but just enjoy the cuisine and your company.
(5)
Katie P.
I always seem to forget that Upper Darby is pretty close by and I have complained about the lack of Vietnamese restaurants on the Mainline (none-although a Pho place is supposedly opening up soon in Bryn Mawr). Really wanted Vietnamese food and didn't want to go to West Philly or Italian Market area. Drove to Upper Darby and did a quick Yelp search and Little Saigon popped up. I have walked by the place many times. This place is a GEM! I am so happy I took a chance. We received complimentary salads as soon as we sat down. My friend and I ordered the crispy spring rolls ( the best I have ever had!) and we both ordered Pho. The broth was very flavorful. I think this place has better Pho than Vietnam Cafe in West Philly or Pho Ha on Washington Avenue. The place is small but my friend and I loved it. I will definitely be going back!
(5)
Sarah S.
I like the feel of this family run restaurant. The food was good too. My friends seemed to like the broth of their Pho. I ordered a beef cube dish hoping to get bo lac luc that I've had at another Vietnamese place. It wasn't bad but it wasn't what I was expecting either. Next time I go back, I'll definitely try the pho
(4)
Tom F.
Great food, with lots of good options on the menu including a nice selection of vegetarian dishes. The vegetables in my pan fried noodles were crisp and colorful, and the sauce was really delicious. The service was friendly and prompt. Based on the takeout interactions we observed, the restaurant has many regulars, who were greeted by the restaurant staff like old friends. I like Pho Street in Springfield, too, but this will definitely be my first choice for Vietnamese food near Drexel Hill.
(4)
Kemi A.
This little place was way out of my hood. Dropped by for lunch with some friends (after searching on yelp for local eats). We got there around 430p so we were the only ones there. Server was very nice. I don't think I ever had Pho before. I yelped a few reviews to see if there was any indication as to what I should order. Everyone said PHO...but not by name. And those who listed menu items by number need to quit because i think they re-numbered the menu. I ended up getting the Pho with the beef, brisket and tripe (Am I the only one who likes tripe? I must be). We also ordered the spring roll as I read that was tasty. The meal was filling. I enjoyed the spring roll and the dipping sauce it came with. We all got variations of the Pho...I think both my friends ended up getting the beef and beef balls one. Overall, a decent meal for a cheap price. Can't beat that with a bat.
(4)
Matt R.
This place is amazing. You have to try the spring rolls for sure. They are the best and about 5-6 bucks. The customer service is amazing here. I've never gotten better service before. The prices aren't bad as well and there salad dressing is homemade and delicious. It's not in the best of the best neighborhood but it's worth the trip. Also bring quarters. It's like 25 cents to park every 30 minutes or something.
(5)
Lisa P.
The pho was ok. The soup was a bit too sweet to my liking. I know that it is family owned but with one person working in the guest area may be challenging at the expense of a slow service. The quality of the food was ok. The Owner was friendly and personable.
(3)
Caroline S.
I truly adore Little Saigon. It is a small, family owned business that makes you think you are the first customer that has ever walked through their doors with the way they greet you. I have been there on numerous occasions and have ordered quite a few different bits off the menu and everything is done extraordinarily well. (Pretty generic but try their spring rolls - they are better than anywhere I've tried.) Another review stated the line "made with love and served with care" and I could not agree more. The older gentleman (grandfather, I believe) that buses the tables, is always there filling your water glass after each sip, bringing napkins, etc.. My only peeve with Little Saigon is that because it is a family owned business, they can open/close as they wish. I cannot tell you how many trips I've made to a closed restaurant and had to settle for Pho down the street (I call ahead now). But other than that, Little Saigon is a gem. If you're in the suburbs and need a pho fix, this is the place to go!
(4)
Edward M.
If you happen to be in Upper Darby and hungry for Vietnamese food, this is certainly a fine choice for quenching that hunger. I dined here recently with a friend and had a tasty and filling spring-roll and vermicelli dish -- once I added some hot sauce to it. The spring rolls had the nice crunch of just-fried rolls and had flavorful veggies inside. My friend got the large bowl of beef pho and liked it. We also sampled a squid and rice dish for which I had high hopes since it was listed as a house special, but it was merely okay (though, again, made better with hot sauce). The service is friendly. Our water glasses were regularly refilled. It's a BYOB. Prices are inexpensive. Ambiance is a bit strip-mall-y.
(4)
Cherie E.
Little Saigon / "Edward's" (as we call it) is about the best food - Vietnamese or otherwise - anywhere! His spring rolls are to die for, summer rolls are delicious, the pancakes are outta-sight and that's just the appetizers! His fish in a clay pot is extraordinary! We often bring groups of good friends here and order to eat family style which works great as everyone can try a little of everything. As others have said on here, just go once and Edward will remember you for a lifetime. Little Saigon is a truly special place with authentic food and a personality that cannot be matched.
(5)
Matthew T.
Very nice place. I tried the pho, crispy spring rolls, and pork vermicelli. Pho is really good, great broth. Spring rolls are excellent as advertised. Pork vermicelli was average, good average, but nothing special. Will come back again. 5 stars for the price point.
(5)
Steven B.
If you are looking for unique little BYOBs, the Terminal Square area of Upper Darby should be on your list. I've lived in nearby Havertown for 16 years but it's only the last few that I've been sucked into its charms. Little Saigon is a great example. When a restaurant has been around for close to twenty years you know they must be doing something right. That's confirmed when you see that all of the Yelp Reviews are 4s and 5s. It's a tiny place that is unbelievably clean and neat. If you have been to some of the hole-in-the-wall places in Philly's Chinatown, this is a much nicer experience. The food here is a great value. The most expensive thing on the menu is #50. The Little Saigon Special is a chicken beef and pork shish-kabob and spring roll combination that is served with a salad and rice. It is absolutely delicious and is $12.95. The spring role is amazing. Everyone raves about the spring rolls in Chinatown's Vietnam. These are as good if not better. If you stop in I'm betting you'll become one of their many repeat customers.
(4)
Michael F.
Had my first visit to Little Saigon before a show at the Tower Theater this past weekend. A friend suggested this little BYOB and it did not disappoint. We ordered the #2 (meatballs/noodles) and the #8 (shrimp pancake) as appetizers. #2 was extra special, absolutely delicious and I would see coming back and that being a staple. We then split a bowl of the beef tenderloin Pho, and it was just completely satisfying. The broth, complete with depth and deliciousness. Lemongrass Shrimp and the House Special Fried Rice completed the meal. "I'll be back."
(4)
E V.
Wonderful experience! The owners definitely understand the meaning of hospitality. They seemed to know everyone who came in while we were there. They also made us feel very welcome as if we were their new neighbors. This was our first experience with Vietnamese food and we are now looking forward to our next opportunity to try more. The combination of good food and memorable service earned 5 stars from me!
(5)
Tim S.
Maybe I am missing something. Maybe my tastes are different than most. Not sure. I picked this place because I love Vietnamese food, and it scored very high on Yelp. I was very disappointed. Upon arrival, it seemed abit amiss. The decor is out-dated and tacky. Could use a fresh coat of paint at the very least. My party was seated immediately, and the service was attentive and friendly. However, the food left a lot to be desired. It wasn't very good. I ordered the charbroiled beef. It is the dish I always get the first time I am at a Vietnamese place. At every other place I have been too, the beef either came on the bone (usually not, but sometimes) or in big chunks. This beef? Tasted and presented like Cheesesteak beef. Yes, like they took a cheesesteak and dumped the meat out over a bed of rice. Another dish I tasted was shrimp with veggies. The shrimp was far too small, and the veggies were mushy. No fresh veggies? What gives. I am honestly baffled by Yelp on this one.
(2)
Michelle K.
this use to be the only place in upper darby to eat Vietnamese food. so unless you felt like driving into the city - this was it. well now there are so many options in or close to ud that i don't feel like this place is as good as i use to think. its family owned (nice to support local small business) and they are very friendly. food is good - not great. i've never been a big fan of the fried spring rolls. i dont like the wrapping paper they use. like i said its good. but i just choose to go somewhere else
(3)
Viktor T.
I love this hole in the wall Vietnamese place. The owner here is so friendly. He even remembers everything about what I said the last time I was here. That's so funny. The food here is a delight. The pho is amazing. Had the right amount of meat and noodles with good seasonings. Starting on it takes me to Vietnam and only brings me back after I'm done with my pho. Lot of regulars here, so be prepared for it to be slow.
(5)
Thien N.
perfect "hole in the wall". family owned, no MSG used, impeccable service. I had their pho (broth was a very clean-tasting pork based broth) and their spring rolls are good portions. their cafe is very reminiscent of home overall this is a great place to try Vietnamese cuisine for the first time or as a seasoned eater! :)
(4)
Tia D.
Having eaten my moms pho since I could chew, I can be pretty picky about how my pho tastes. I was around the area and found this place on yelp so gave it a try. I was pleasantly surprised to meet the owner, who was extremely friendly. My husband and I ordered spring rolls and pho. The spring rolls are different from most other vietnamese places because of the wrap used-- it is the owner's mother's recipe and they are from the old northern parts. It was different but we really liked it! The fish sauce and garlic sauce was delicious. The pho broth was the perfect blend of sweet and herbs. Overall, we really enjoyed the place. It is small and not fancy but the food definitely hit the spot.
(4)
Adam C.
At the urging of a few folks I tried little Saigon today for the first time in many years. In truth I think the food was deserving of three stars but the owner was so nice I'll stretch a half star for him. Went for staples so I could really judge...goi cuon and pho with beef, tendon, and beef brisket. The goi cuon had one plus and one minus. On the plus side it was made to order...shrimp was still warm and actually had a little flavor...on the minus side, it was rolled kind of sloppy, and contained only the couple nice shrimp, a traditional slice of pork, lots of vermicelli and iceberg lettuce. No herbs, no carrot...just missing that little pop of something. The pho was a similar story. Plus side...decent broth, really good and plentiful tendon. Minus side...rare beef wasn't rare...no basil...brisket was bland...only sriracha and crushed chili oil on the table. No sambal or sugar. Again it was missing a little something. Definitely fresh and decent food...but not spectacular as the other reviews would lead me to believe. I'll have to try the bun my friend recommended next time and see if that is better, but for pho and summer rolls it's unfortunately not my preference.
(3)
Cherie E.
Little Saigon / "Edward's" (as we call it) is about the best food - Vietnamese or otherwise - anywhere! His spring rolls are to die for, summer rolls are delicious, the pancakes are outta-sight and that's just the appetizers! His fish in a clay pot is extraordinary! We often bring groups of good friends here and order to eat family style which works great as everyone can try a little of everything. As others have said on here, just go once and Edward will remember you for a lifetime. Little Saigon is a truly special place with authentic food and a personality that cannot be matched.
(5)
Matthew T.
Very nice place. I tried the pho, crispy spring rolls, and pork vermicelli. Pho is really good, great broth. Spring rolls are excellent as advertised. Pork vermicelli was average, good average, but nothing special. Will come back again. 5 stars for the price point.
(5)
Marissa R.
Had to give another review because boy did they upgrade from last time. The food got a lot better. Have to admit little Saigon makes better Pho than Anh hong. I was very surprised. Wish both places would give u more meat in the pho for how much they charge. Saigon way to go for improving your food. Will be going there more often.
(4)
Adrian A.
My parents have been taking me here since I was a little kid. Little Saigon is owned by the absolutely nicest family and serves some of the best Vietnamese food for very affordable prices. My favorite menu item is probably the vegetarian pan-fried noodles, and the spring rolls are the bomb.
(5)
The Brave Bastard B.
This place brings the word authentic a whole new meaning. The only place in Philadelphia that has in essencez body, and soul what its like to eat real Vietnamese food. I almost don't want to write a review so you shlubs don't cause wait here. This is a family owned and operated restaurant. That's been here for well over 30 years and nothing has changed except for the TV because its that dam good.
(5)
Matthew R.
The best little hole in the wall you can find. Been going for years. Everything is really well done. Spring rolls are a must. Better than anything you can find in the city. My girlfriend and I frequently take the subway here from center city for excellent cheap dates.
(5)
Jackie M.
It was such a pleasant dining experience. I stumbled upon this place by accident. Literally! Initially, I was looking for the Peruvian Restaurant that use to be around there, but was told that it closed. Anyway, the food was amazing. We started off with a salad tossed over a ginger dressing. It was so flavorful. I had no idea what to order as my entree and I asked the gentleman for some tips. I ended up getting noodles with chicken kebabs and white rice. They had these 2 flavorful sauces that I tossed over my noodles and chicken. Wow !! Overall, I had pleasant experience.
(5)
Chris M.
I have been going to this place for years. Good food and good service! Owners are very friendly and get to know you by name.
(4)
Carolyn S.
Been back a few times, and every time the owner recognizes us and warmly welcomes us back. Great food, still. I've bopped around the menu -- no disappointments! Just wanted to mention that this place is BYOB. Gotta love that.
(5)
Samantha G.
My family has been eating here for as long as I can remember and it's never a disappointment. The owners are warm and welcoming and the place feels like you're sitting in their kitchen for a meal, in the absolute best way possible. The menu is authentic and fairly priced, with lots of variety. Although there are many options, I am a creature of habit and always get the Bun (#12) with delicious vermicelli noodles over fresh veggies and topped with smokey bbq'd pork and crispy spring rolls. Perfect serving size for a dinner and you can always try some of the unique appetizers to add to the meal. I would recommend the meatballs that come with rice paper wrappers you make yourself, which also makes eating more of an activity, which of course I love. Little Saigon is such an amazing little dive and the total dining experience no matter what you order: service, food, and atmosphere (and it's BYOB, too). Recommend: that you check this place out, because it's fantastic. Also, the #12 ($7.25) Glitch: if it's busy, the smaller space can get loud, but just enjoy the cuisine and your company.
(5)
Dave W.
My then-girlfriend and now-wife turned me onto this place years ago, and it's still a favorite! The setting is unassuming, tucked away near 69th St. Station. The food, however, is incredible. The crispy spring rolls that are better than any you've ever had before. Each meal comes with a salad with a peanut-ginger dressing and bean sprouts that is delicious. For dinner, I'd recommend splitting the soup that has the shrimp and other seafood in it, then go with the pork over vermicelli, or the crispy birds nest, which can't be beat. I've been eating here for nearly 10 years now, and have never had a bad meal. WORTH. THE. TRIP.
(5)
Katie P.
I always seem to forget that Upper Darby is pretty close by and I have complained about the lack of Vietnamese restaurants on the Mainline (none-although a Pho place is supposedly opening up soon in Bryn Mawr). Really wanted Vietnamese food and didn't want to go to West Philly or Italian Market area. Drove to Upper Darby and did a quick Yelp search and Little Saigon popped up. I have walked by the place many times. This place is a GEM! I am so happy I took a chance. We received complimentary salads as soon as we sat down. My friend and I ordered the crispy spring rolls ( the best I have ever had!) and we both ordered Pho. The broth was very flavorful. I think this place has better Pho than Vietnam Cafe in West Philly or Pho Ha on Washington Avenue. The place is small but my friend and I loved it. I will definitely be going back!
(5)
Sarah S.
I like the feel of this family run restaurant. The food was good too. My friends seemed to like the broth of their Pho. I ordered a beef cube dish hoping to get bo lac luc that I've had at another Vietnamese place. It wasn't bad but it wasn't what I was expecting either. Next time I go back, I'll definitely try the pho
(4)
Tom F.
Great food, with lots of good options on the menu including a nice selection of vegetarian dishes. The vegetables in my pan fried noodles were crisp and colorful, and the sauce was really delicious. The service was friendly and prompt. Based on the takeout interactions we observed, the restaurant has many regulars, who were greeted by the restaurant staff like old friends. I like Pho Street in Springfield, too, but this will definitely be my first choice for Vietnamese food near Drexel Hill.
(4)
Kemi A.
This little place was way out of my hood. Dropped by for lunch with some friends (after searching on yelp for local eats). We got there around 430p so we were the only ones there. Server was very nice. I don't think I ever had Pho before. I yelped a few reviews to see if there was any indication as to what I should order. Everyone said PHO...but not by name. And those who listed menu items by number need to quit because i think they re-numbered the menu. I ended up getting the Pho with the beef, brisket and tripe (Am I the only one who likes tripe? I must be). We also ordered the spring roll as I read that was tasty. The meal was filling. I enjoyed the spring roll and the dipping sauce it came with. We all got variations of the Pho...I think both my friends ended up getting the beef and beef balls one. Overall, a decent meal for a cheap price. Can't beat that with a bat.
(4)
Caroline S.
I truly adore Little Saigon. It is a small, family owned business that makes you think you are the first customer that has ever walked through their doors with the way they greet you. I have been there on numerous occasions and have ordered quite a few different bits off the menu and everything is done extraordinarily well. (Pretty generic but try their spring rolls - they are better than anywhere I've tried.) Another review stated the line "made with love and served with care" and I could not agree more. The older gentleman (grandfather, I believe) that buses the tables, is always there filling your water glass after each sip, bringing napkins, etc.. My only peeve with Little Saigon is that because it is a family owned business, they can open/close as they wish. I cannot tell you how many trips I've made to a closed restaurant and had to settle for Pho down the street (I call ahead now). But other than that, Little Saigon is a gem. If you're in the suburbs and need a pho fix, this is the place to go!
(4)
Edward M.
If you happen to be in Upper Darby and hungry for Vietnamese food, this is certainly a fine choice for quenching that hunger. I dined here recently with a friend and had a tasty and filling spring-roll and vermicelli dish -- once I added some hot sauce to it. The spring rolls had the nice crunch of just-fried rolls and had flavorful veggies inside. My friend got the large bowl of beef pho and liked it. We also sampled a squid and rice dish for which I had high hopes since it was listed as a house special, but it was merely okay (though, again, made better with hot sauce). The service is friendly. Our water glasses were regularly refilled. It's a BYOB. Prices are inexpensive. Ambiance is a bit strip-mall-y.
(4)
Joseph S.
The pho here is amazing!!! I am gonna have to say that the broth here is the best I've ever tasted. It has a full flavor and is just awesome. The only downside here is the portion & the amount of meat they give you. The portion is a good size, but not as much as other places (a la Pho Xe Lua Chinatown), and the meat is usually sparse. In short, if you are more for quality than quantity, come here. In the least, try it out, I am certain you won't be disappointed.
(4)
Steven B.
If you are looking for unique little BYOBs, the Terminal Square area of Upper Darby should be on your list. I've lived in nearby Havertown for 16 years but it's only the last few that I've been sucked into its charms. Little Saigon is a great example. When a restaurant has been around for close to twenty years you know they must be doing something right. That's confirmed when you see that all of the Yelp Reviews are 4s and 5s. It's a tiny place that is unbelievably clean and neat. If you have been to some of the hole-in-the-wall places in Philly's Chinatown, this is a much nicer experience. The food here is a great value. The most expensive thing on the menu is #50. The Little Saigon Special is a chicken beef and pork shish-kabob and spring roll combination that is served with a salad and rice. It is absolutely delicious and is $12.95. The spring role is amazing. Everyone raves about the spring rolls in Chinatown's Vietnam. These are as good if not better. If you stop in I'm betting you'll become one of their many repeat customers.
(4)
Michael F.
Had my first visit to Little Saigon before a show at the Tower Theater this past weekend. A friend suggested this little BYOB and it did not disappoint. We ordered the #2 (meatballs/noodles) and the #8 (shrimp pancake) as appetizers. #2 was extra special, absolutely delicious and I would see coming back and that being a staple. We then split a bowl of the beef tenderloin Pho, and it was just completely satisfying. The broth, complete with depth and deliciousness. Lemongrass Shrimp and the House Special Fried Rice completed the meal. "I'll be back."
(4)
Matt R.
This place is amazing. You have to try the spring rolls for sure. They are the best and about 5-6 bucks. The customer service is amazing here. I've never gotten better service before. The prices aren't bad as well and there salad dressing is homemade and delicious. It's not in the best of the best neighborhood but it's worth the trip. Also bring quarters. It's like 25 cents to park every 30 minutes or something.
(5)
Lisa P.
The pho was ok. The soup was a bit too sweet to my liking. I know that it is family owned but with one person working in the guest area may be challenging at the expense of a slow service. The quality of the food was ok. The Owner was friendly and personable.
(3)
Publius M.
I wanted a mission, and for my sins, they gave me one. Brought it up to me like room service. It was a real choice mission, and when it was over, I never wanted another. My mission was to infiltrate Little Saigon and return with Colonel Kurtz, but as soon as I entered this unassuming place it was clear that the Colonel had found something that would ruin the common Asian-American food experience. Who could expect anyone to return to the boring Asian culinary landscape offered by the traditional American suburb after such an experience available at Little Saigon. Spring rolls whose main flavor wasn't grease, simple salads remaining healthy with the addition of ginger and vinegar for a crisp clean and refreshing flavor, and the entrees, oh the entrees... You can't got wrong with the mussels or the off menu chicken curry, but every protein is treated with equal care and any infrequent missteps are redeemed by the savory delicious sauces. While the location doesn't afford the haute setting some foodies may require, the true important things are in order at this establishment.
(4)
E V.
Wonderful experience! The owners definitely understand the meaning of hospitality. They seemed to know everyone who came in while we were there. They also made us feel very welcome as if we were their new neighbors. This was our first experience with Vietnamese food and we are now looking forward to our next opportunity to try more. The combination of good food and memorable service earned 5 stars from me!
(5)
JJ M.
First time eating in at Little Saigon (many take out experiences). Me and the ever-adventurous Mike F hit this Upper Darby gem just before Frampton at the Tower. The hostess/waitress/owner was charming and pleasant. The service, super friendly and accommodating if a little uneven. Food was OUTSTANDING. Highlights were the Pho and appetizer #2, grilled meatballs and noodles with peanut suace on the side. I was full too soon. Nice portions, very fresh, great value. So the Lemongrass Shrimp, ordered spicy, weren't spicy and the crispy pancake a little more lubricious than I like it, but wow - what a revelation. I can't wait to go back and bring Ken H, a bay area transplant who frequently bemoans the lack of good Vietnamese chow round town.
(4)
Devon L.
this is the epitome of a family restaurant. it is literally on the bottom floor of their house! (not confirmed) everyone there is really nice and they make their food with love! the pho here is amazing and is probably the best ive ever had in a restaurant. it tasted more like the homemade pho I fell in love with at my gf's house. not that you every would, but you can eat this straight up without any dressings.. its that good. on top of that, you get a bowl about the size of your torso for 6 bucks. save a buck, support a family and eat here!
(5)
Mike P.
Located just across from the Municipal building, Little Saigon has been serving authentic Vietnamese food for around twenty years. The inconspicuous exterior flows into a modest, yet inviting, dining area with seating for around twenty people. The restaurant is a true American family business. Mom and dad work as the greeters/waiters while grandpa refills water glasses and their daughter does her homework at a table. Many of my family friends are on a first name basis with the owners and update each other about their children each time they visit. I wrote a review in The Acorn (Upper Darby High School's newspaper) three years ago and to this day the owners remember me and ask how college is going each time I visit. Every meal comes with a complimentary salad of crisp iceberg lettuce with ginger dressing. The salad is great for its lightness (leaving room for the hefty entrees) and flavor (their dressing is my favorite of any kind I've ever had). The menu at Little Saigon is extensive and has great options for vegetarians, meat lovers and seafood lovers. A must for all eaters is the summer rolls, which are cold noodles and vegetables wrapped in rice paper served with peanut sauce. Other great appetizers include the Vietnamese crepe (fried egg with bean sprouts) and spring rolls. Little Saigon is BYOB. That being said, if you are looking for a non-alcoholic beverage I recommend the Vietnamese (iced) coffee, which is served with condensed milk, making adding sugar unnecessary. The jasmine tea is also quite good and never disappoints. As in most Asian restaurants, sharing entrees and appetizers allows you to get the most out of your dining experience, giving you a taste of everything the restaurant offers. The slightly large size of the entrees makes them conducive to being shared. It is perfectly fine, however, to order one entree per person, especially for heavy eaters. You'll definitely want to take anything that's left home for lunch the next day. My two favorite dishes at Little Saigon are the Vegetable curry with tofu and the vegetable noodle soup. The curry is a great assortment of broccoli, bamboo shoot, carrots, and other vegetables with large cubes of tofu that have a nice sear to it. The vegetable noodle soup (with vegetable broth) is the perfect comfort food. I've gotten non-vegetarian friends hooked on it. The vermicelli noodles are thin, long, and delicious and the broth is warm and flavorful. Another great dish is the pan fried noodles, which can be served vegetarian or with meat. This dish, in particular, makes great leftovers, as the noodles begin to absorb the sauce. Favorites of my meat eating friends include the pork dumplings, wonton soup, and the hot pots. Prices at Little Saigon hover around $10, with many entrees around $8-9. Make sure to leave room for dessert! The che bap (warm sticky rice with corn and coconut milk) here is wonderful. If I had a Vietnamese grandmother, this is how I'd picture her cooking. Little Saigon is a place that I grew up with and hope to continue to visit for many more years.
(5)
Jen S.
Best Vietnamese food I have ever had. The spring rolls are ridiculously good. The interior is nothing fancy, but who cares when the food is that delicious.
(5)
Mors A.
Great place owned by a viet couple. Friendly, clean and quality food. Try their pho its unlike any other I've tried in philly. Recommended!
(5)
Mindy K.
How sad were the days when I was stuck in the suburbs and I was hungover (ahem, i mean sick). There was no cure for me; no panacean pho nearby that would take away my pounding headahce, cold sweats and sensitivity to bright lights. Happy day for me that this is no longer the case now that I have discovered Little Saigon. Crispy Spring Rolls Little Saigon is one of the few places I've encountered that use the rice wrapper to roll up their spring rolls and deep fry them (It seems many just use wonton wrapper variants). Anyway, it makes a huge difference in that the rolls stay super crispy and the meat inside is juicy and flavorful. It really helps the wrapper: meat ratio to work perfectly and at ~$5.50 for 3 whole pieces, cut up, this is a great deal and obviously a MUST ORDER every time. Pho Tai My go-to pho dish - it really makes the broth the centerpiece. The broth here is meaty, flavorful and complex. One of my friends has argued that the broth is on the salty side, but I disagree - that probably means you're not dropping in enough jalapeno and lime juice. sidenote, the last time I got takeout, they gave me a lemon instead of a lime. I suspect this was some sort of lime shortage they were experiencing, but it was definitely odd. Not terrible, but just odd. The customer service here is wonderful. The owner and his staff are so gracious and friendly and accommodating that it's absolutely adorable. I'm continually surprised by how smiley I am when leaving this place. They lose a star because I don't know that the rice dishes are GREAT here, but definitely super solid all around. Reality check: Is this my FAVE spot? Not necessarily, but outside of downtown or Wash Ave, this is most certainly an impressive offering.
(4)
Roland S.
The folks working here are nice enough. Bottles of Siracha and Hoison were filthy. Pho broth was tasty but way too much gristle in bo vein. Will probably not visit again since there are better options.
(3)
Melissa W.
The food here is probably worthy of 3.5 stars, but I'm rounding up because the owner/manager lady is super nice and friendly, and the little old Vietnamese man who refills your water is adorable. This place offers solid Vietnamese food for decent prices. The vermicelli with grilled meat is good, as is the pork and fried egg over rice. The pho is huge and comes with oodles of noodles. However, the appetizers are a little on the small side considering the fact that they cost about the same as some of the entrees. I'm not sure I would go out of my way to eat here, but if you happen to be in the neighborhood and craving Vietnamese food, this will satisfy you.
(4)
Abigail B.
This is the best Vietnamese restaurant in Philadelphia, period. I know that some restaurants in Chinatown get a lot of credit for being really good, but Little Saigon is better. Why? Because everything there is very fresh and extremely delicious. The grape leaves and the spring rolls are legendary, I've been to dozens of Vietnamese restaurants and none have come close to Little Saigon. Even though everyone knows Vietnamese food for the Pho soup there are many other dishes that they have that are excellent as well. In fact I don't think that their Pho is their strongest dish, their other soups, such as the Phnom Phen, are really good! I also really like their coffee! Pros -no MSG! -AMAZING spring rolls and grape leaves -FREE ginger salad with most meals -very consistent menu with all around excellent food -small, private, low-key and romantic -seriously the KINDEST people on the planet Earth! Cons -clean but a little run down -sometimes the TV is on (which I find to be an atmosphere killer) -parking can be a pain but is usually available if you know where to look (H-Mart shoppers around the corner take up a lot of the nearby spots) -service is sometimes slow or forgetful of your order (if you get a lot of items)
(5)
Jennie N.
What a wonderful find! We were looking to go out for Vietnamese food, but this time we didn't want to drive down to Center City (further distance) and deal with the hassle of parking. We "yelped" reviews of local Vietnamese restaurants, and decided on Little Saigon. What a great find! We will be loyal customers. Everything we ordered was delicious! We had the Nem Nuong (grilled meatballs with salad and vermicelli), the vietnamese crepe with shrimp and pork, the spring rolls with barbecued pork on rice vermicelli noodles, and the #29 noodle soup with meat. The food came with a salad...and for dessert we had the Che Bop (warm sticky rice with corn and coconut milk). Everything was reasonably priced. The restaurant is very casual and BYOB. One thing was better than the next...and we will be back to try more! Highly recommend!
(5)
Michael O.
Proof that the best ethnic restaurants usually aren't in the best neighborhoods. Little Saigon has really good food at a really good prices, in a family restaurant environment. Their food is consistently good up and down the menu. I would recommend the pho and their fried spring rolls. I got a full meal with tip for $15. Can't bet that!
(4)
Ben M.
So so glad to have found a good Pho place in Philly! Granted, its the only one I've been to. To be honest, the main thing I remember about my Ph Äc Bit was a massive chunk of beef that I got to gnaw on at toward the bottom of the bowl. Ah so good! Other than that, the pho was very noodle-y (could have used more meat). I recommend that you BYOL here (limes), because even when we asked for more, we were just served the tiniest side slices. Nice wait staff, casual, cheap, yum. Will be back.
(4)
Kenneth N.
Purely the taste of the pho soup was authentic, you can tell this was a La old viet family receipt I was very impressed with the broth and food. Give it a try if in upper Darby won't be disappointed
(5)
J H.
This is THE BEST Vietnamese EVER! I used to come here all the time when I lived in Upper Darby but I now live in Chester County. That being said, my husband and I will drive over an hour to have the crepes because no one makes them as good as they do here. I have tried them in other places. They just don't have the flavor. I have never had a dish here that I didn't like but the crepe and crab soup are my favorite. I have been going here for years and it is my favorite restaurant!
(5)
Lydia B.
Somehow I'm always surprised that the dish I've ordered which seems so plain and simple, is always so unbelievably delicious. This restaurant, in upper Darby, is nothing to write home about when considering atmosphere because it's kind of a dive... but the food makes up for everything. We were going to a concert at the Tower theater and found our way up to Little Saigon for a quick BYOB authentic Vietnamese meal.I would recommend coming here and will come back when I go back to the Tower theater.
(4)
Carrie M.
Quaint and spectacular. We stopped by before a show at the Tower Theater and we LOVED this place. Ambiance is old-school and 'no frills.' Service is attentive (although they do not speak much English, which is fine by us). Food is fantastic. We were so impressed by the quality and care in every dish. The meals were delicious! Can't wait to stop by again!
(5)
sara l.
We have been coming to little saigon for as long as I can remember. The kitchen is absolutely spotless... I don't know how he keeps it so clean! The decor is outdated but what makes Little Saigon a hidden gem is the food! Try the crab soup, spring rolls, chicken on a stick, [shrimp on bamboo (I don't think it is on the menu any longer:()], the pan-fried noodles, and the curry dishes! The ginger dressing on the iceberg salad they bring out before appetizers is awesome as well.
(5)
James C.
I have been going to this place for almost 10 years now, and I must say they never disappoint! This family owned restaurant is real friendly and the service is great. I have tried most of the stuff on the menu and have to say almost everything I try is very delicious. I would recommend the pho or any of the rice platters. The pho broth is meaty and sweet just the way it is supposed to be. One thing i would like is for them to be more generous with their meat. I guess you could ask for extra beef in the soup. Plus the spring rolls and summer rolls are very very very good. If you want a" home cooked" Vietnamese meal, I definitely recommend this place
(4)
Jeff W.
Great food and great service. Place was packed and the server never stopped smiling. Food was some up there as some of the best Vietnamese food I ever had and the prices were great. It's our new stop every time we see a show at the Tower.
(5)
Ginger S.
Good food but expect to be sitting for awhile....
(3)
Chris S.
The food here is excellent and the staff is very friendly. The crab and tomato soup was amazing and the vietnamese eggroll was a meal in itself. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Arin S.
Absolutely fantastic Vietnamese food. Authentic. I live about twenty-five minutes away on a good day, and we travel to eat here. The summer rolls are my favorite and the tomato crab Pho a close second. Quickly becoming a favorite. Unassuming little place that would be easy to overlook but definitely should not be! Finish your meal off with their iced coffee. Awesome.
(5)
Michael G.
Good Pho, considering the location. Fast service and very friendly owner :)
(4)
Jason L.
Great rolls and Pho... Based on reco's we tried #1, 21 and 29. Was very impressed. Great service and affordable.
(4)
Daniel D.
Some of the best pho I've had in Philly; amazing grape leafs wrapped beef appetizers.
(4)
okeito s.
Hands down Little Saigon serves up the best Vietnamese dishes in the city. Their service comes directly from the family owned staff, packaged with a smile, speedy service, and an atmosphere that feels as though they invited you over for dinner. The food seems to be made with the same love and attention as any home cooked meal should. Everything, from the spring rolls to the Pho, is very tasty. Speaking of Pho, the broth is a well balanced assembly of ingredients other restaurants can only dream of emulating. I would gladly recommend Little Saigon for those new to Vietnamese Cuisine. Just as eagerly, I would recommend it for those that can't live without Vietnamese cuisine, like myself. There is only one disappointment. That is with myself, for not frequenting this hidden gem as much as I should.
(5)
Brian K.
I've had their Pho and their Spring rolls and both are excellent! The owners (husband and wife) are very friendly and they offer excellent service and hospitality. I've had Pho at a number of locales and Little Saigon is really top notch!
(5)
Shilpa B.
The family who owns this restaurant is very welcoming-- they greeted us like old friends when we walked in. The spring rolls were delicious, as was the vegetable dish (can't remember the name) that I got. This place is also conveniently located right around the corner from H-Mart.
(5)
Michael M.
In the last year, I've become a huge pho fan. I've had pho in Philadelphia, Atlantic City and Danbury (CT). All of them were better than Little Saigon. The broth was insipid, the accoutrements skimpy and there was no housing to add flavor. I'm sure it's a great place to go to recover from a hangover, but I don't drink, so I don't think I'll be going back.
(2)
Marc M.
I almost hate to write this review in fear of giving away a great little gem of a restaurant. This place has the best Vietnamese food in Philly, hands down. It's all prepared fresh, daily, by the family-owned kitchen staff. The owners are kind and generous. I have been eating here for almost the entire time they've been open [about seventeen years]. It's not fancy - it's home cookin', Vietnamese style. That's why I love it. It's tucked away up in the nether regions of Upper Darby but it is most certainly worth the trip!
(5)
Sheila F.
Little Saigon is Vietnamese food at its best! I have dined at Vietnamese establishments all over Philadelphia and Little Saigon is by far the best Vietnamese food in the Philadelphia area! I highly recommend number 1 and number 29: The spring rolls and the spicy beef soup. #1 is crispy to perfection and is accompanied by savory dipping sauce. #29 is a mildly spicy thin-sliced beef soup with thin rice noodles and a wonderful cilantro flavor. #29 is similar to PHO, but is slightly different in flavor due to the light cilantro undertones. The Beef stuffed with ginger is heavenly and the curry vegetables are out of this world as well! The staff is friendly and very accomodating. There is a parking lot right next to Little Saigon, which is well-lit and safe. Non-city dwellers accoustomed to dining in the suburbs might find the 69th street area a bit intimidating, but Little Saigon is certainly located in a safe spot, right next to the Upper darby Township building and library.
(5)
Andrew E.
This place is addictive. Great food for a great price. I love Pho!!
(4)
Chris G.
I would give this place six stars if I could. The food is always awesome and the folks who own it are the best. Go. You will not regret it.
(5)
Andrew K.
What a great little gem! I've been going there for years and it always delivers. The food is consistently good and the service is great. It's also a great bargain. I can't say enough about the owners or the food.
(5)
Peter W.
My first experience of Vietnamese food, and still among the best I've had. The crab and tomato soup is hauntingly delicious.
(4)
Jen M.
This is my absolute favorite restaurant! They have the best spring rolls on the planet. I go to school in Maryland but make sure to eat here every time I come home to upper Darby! I highly recommend this quaint little spot!!
(5)
Grace B.
I'm so glad I live close by. The owners are so personable. I've been coming here for years, and they know exactly what I order every time (pan fried noodles). One time I was there with my mom, a few minutes had passed after we ordered, and my food already came out. I told the owner/husband, "That was fast!" And he replied, "Yeah, my wife saw you walk in and started cooking your noodles" (before I put my order in). Ahhhh, they know me so well ;) Even though I order the same thing most of the time, I've tried a lot of the items on the menu. I haven't eaten anything here that was disappointing. Everything I eat here is delicious! Other than my usual pan fried noodles, I highly recommend the stuffed grape leaves, spring rolls, fish in a pot, pho, coconut drink, and rainbow ice. The restaurant is small, so it can get packed quickly especially at peak times for lunch/dinner, but you never feel neglected. The service is great, even if they're busy. Great people, great food. I love this place!
(5)
Anthony S.
Best Spring Rolls you will ever experience! I love this little hidden gem. I have been to Little Saigon 3 times and decided to finally share my thoughts on the place. Parking: there is a parking lot across the street which you might have to pay for. I usually park at the metered spots along the side where H-Mart is. 25 cents gets you 45 minutes. Service: this is a mom and pop place. When you first get there you will be greeted right away. Getting a table is fast. The initial order takes a little bit longer to happen than most places. This doesn't bug me. I just want to note here that it is normal. Don't be concerned. It is worth the wait. The staff is very kind and helpful. Price: awesome! This place is not pricy at all. Go enjoy yourself! Food: Delicious! Get the spring rolls. Do it now! Get the beef on the sticks. Do it! I also enjoyed the prime rib but forgot to take a picture. Go check out this BYOB.
(5)
Phillip R.
top 3 favorite places in the entire city of Philadelphia! If you're into Viet food, You already know there are 10+ places (notably around South Philly) you can get a kick ass bowl of pho or other cure-all broths that rejuvenate you back to life. whether you're fueling up after a long night of drinking, recovering from a cold, or just satisfying the inner fatty in all of us. this place takes takes the cake! Maybe im spoiled, because I dont really care which place i go for a decent bowl of pho. its usually pretty darn delicious and usually satisfying regardless of where we eat. the menu item that stands head and shoulders above those other 10+ places is Little Saigon's crispy spring rolls. They are unique to this restaurant while every other place is nearly identical. this item is a MUST-TRY! Briefly, my other favorites are their house special pan fried noodles, grilled pork over rice w a fried egg and a runny yolk bringing all that goodness together! needless to say, their pho is on point! Little Saigon is a BYO and the owners are sincerely so gracious and welcoming! You'll know what I'm talking about when you see them greeting and being greeted by nearly all of the patrons. the food just taste better because your're more than just a customer here. I cant say enough great things about my friend Han and his family who run this establishment. Im lucky to dine here regularly. I hope you crummy over-entitled, pretentious yelpers avoid this hole in the wall. theres no glitz and glamour here, just great food and great people at great prices.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Steven B.
If you are looking for unique little BYOBs, the Terminal Square area of Upper Darby should be on your list. I've lived in nearby Havertown for 16 years but it's only the last few that I've been sucked into its charms. Little Saigon is a great example. When a restaurant has been around for close to twenty years you know they must be doing something right. That's confirmed when you see that all of the Yelp Reviews are 4s and 5s. It's a tiny place that is unbelievably clean and neat. If you have been to some of the hole-in-the-wall places in Philly's Chinatown, this is a much nicer experience. The food here is a great value. The most expensive thing on the menu is #50. The Little Saigon Special is a chicken beef and pork shish-kabob and spring roll combination that is served with a salad and rice. It is absolutely delicious and is $12.95. The spring role is amazing. Everyone raves about the spring rolls in Chinatown's Vietnam. These are as good if not better. If you stop in I'm betting you'll become one of their many repeat customers.
(4)Michael F.
Had my first visit to Little Saigon before a show at the Tower Theater this past weekend. A friend suggested this little BYOB and it did not disappoint. We ordered the #2 (meatballs/noodles) and the #8 (shrimp pancake) as appetizers. #2 was extra special, absolutely delicious and I would see coming back and that being a staple. We then split a bowl of the beef tenderloin Pho, and it was just completely satisfying. The broth, complete with depth and deliciousness. Lemongrass Shrimp and the House Special Fried Rice completed the meal. "I'll be back."
(4)Publius M.
I wanted a mission, and for my sins, they gave me one. Brought it up to me like room service. It was a real choice mission, and when it was over, I never wanted another. My mission was to infiltrate Little Saigon and return with Colonel Kurtz, but as soon as I entered this unassuming place it was clear that the Colonel had found something that would ruin the common Asian-American food experience. Who could expect anyone to return to the boring Asian culinary landscape offered by the traditional American suburb after such an experience available at Little Saigon. Spring rolls whose main flavor wasn't grease, simple salads remaining healthy with the addition of ginger and vinegar for a crisp clean and refreshing flavor, and the entrees, oh the entrees... You can't got wrong with the mussels or the off menu chicken curry, but every protein is treated with equal care and any infrequent missteps are redeemed by the savory delicious sauces. While the location doesn't afford the haute setting some foodies may require, the true important things are in order at this establishment.
(4)Matt R.
This place is amazing. You have to try the spring rolls for sure. They are the best and about 5-6 bucks. The customer service is amazing here. I've never gotten better service before. The prices aren't bad as well and there salad dressing is homemade and delicious. It's not in the best of the best neighborhood but it's worth the trip. Also bring quarters. It's like 25 cents to park every 30 minutes or something.
(5)Lisa P.
The pho was ok. The soup was a bit too sweet to my liking. I know that it is family owned but with one person working in the guest area may be challenging at the expense of a slow service. The quality of the food was ok. The Owner was friendly and personable.
(3)Kenneth N.
Purely the taste of the pho soup was authentic, you can tell this was a La old viet family receipt I was very impressed with the broth and food. Give it a try if in upper Darby won't be disappointed
(5)Adrian A.
My parents have been taking me here since I was a little kid. Little Saigon is owned by the absolutely nicest family and serves some of the best Vietnamese food for very affordable prices. My favorite menu item is probably the vegetarian pan-fried noodles, and the spring rolls are the bomb.
(5)Grace B.
I'm so glad I live close by. The owners are so personable. I've been coming here for years, and they know exactly what I order every time (pan fried noodles). One time I was there with my mom, a few minutes had passed after we ordered, and my food already came out. I told the owner/husband, "That was fast!" And he replied, "Yeah, my wife saw you walk in and started cooking your noodles" (before I put my order in). Ahhhh, they know me so well ;) Even though I order the same thing most of the time, I've tried a lot of the items on the menu. I haven't eaten anything here that was disappointing. Everything I eat here is delicious! Other than my usual pan fried noodles, I highly recommend the stuffed grape leaves, spring rolls, fish in a pot, pho, coconut drink, and rainbow ice. The restaurant is small, so it can get packed quickly especially at peak times for lunch/dinner, but you never feel neglected. The service is great, even if they're busy. Great people, great food. I love this place!
(5)Anthony S.
Best Spring Rolls you will ever experience! I love this little hidden gem. I have been to Little Saigon 3 times and decided to finally share my thoughts on the place. Parking: there is a parking lot across the street which you might have to pay for. I usually park at the metered spots along the side where H-Mart is. 25 cents gets you 45 minutes. Service: this is a mom and pop place. When you first get there you will be greeted right away. Getting a table is fast. The initial order takes a little bit longer to happen than most places. This doesn't bug me. I just want to note here that it is normal. Don't be concerned. It is worth the wait. The staff is very kind and helpful. Price: awesome! This place is not pricy at all. Go enjoy yourself! Food: Delicious! Get the spring rolls. Do it now! Get the beef on the sticks. Do it! I also enjoyed the prime rib but forgot to take a picture. Go check out this BYOB.
(5)Phillip R.
top 3 favorite places in the entire city of Philadelphia! If you're into Viet food, You already know there are 10+ places (notably around South Philly) you can get a kick ass bowl of pho or other cure-all broths that rejuvenate you back to life. whether you're fueling up after a long night of drinking, recovering from a cold, or just satisfying the inner fatty in all of us. this place takes takes the cake! Maybe im spoiled, because I dont really care which place i go for a decent bowl of pho. its usually pretty darn delicious and usually satisfying regardless of where we eat. the menu item that stands head and shoulders above those other 10+ places is Little Saigon's crispy spring rolls. They are unique to this restaurant while every other place is nearly identical. this item is a MUST-TRY! Briefly, my other favorites are their house special pan fried noodles, grilled pork over rice w a fried egg and a runny yolk bringing all that goodness together! needless to say, their pho is on point! Little Saigon is a BYO and the owners are sincerely so gracious and welcoming! You'll know what I'm talking about when you see them greeting and being greeted by nearly all of the patrons. the food just taste better because your're more than just a customer here. I cant say enough great things about my friend Han and his family who run this establishment. Im lucky to dine here regularly. I hope you crummy over-entitled, pretentious yelpers avoid this hole in the wall. theres no glitz and glamour here, just great food and great people at great prices.
(5)Tim S.
Maybe I am missing something. Maybe my tastes are different than most. Not sure. I picked this place because I love Vietnamese food, and it scored very high on Yelp. I was very disappointed. Upon arrival, it seemed abit amiss. The decor is out-dated and tacky. Could use a fresh coat of paint at the very least. My party was seated immediately, and the service was attentive and friendly. However, the food left a lot to be desired. It wasn't very good. I ordered the charbroiled beef. It is the dish I always get the first time I am at a Vietnamese place. At every other place I have been too, the beef either came on the bone (usually not, but sometimes) or in big chunks. This beef? Tasted and presented like Cheesesteak beef. Yes, like they took a cheesesteak and dumped the meat out over a bed of rice. Another dish I tasted was shrimp with veggies. The shrimp was far too small, and the veggies were mushy. No fresh veggies? What gives. I am honestly baffled by Yelp on this one.
(2)J H.
This is THE BEST Vietnamese EVER! I used to come here all the time when I lived in Upper Darby but I now live in Chester County. That being said, my husband and I will drive over an hour to have the crepes because no one makes them as good as they do here. I have tried them in other places. They just don't have the flavor. I have never had a dish here that I didn't like but the crepe and crab soup are my favorite. I have been going here for years and it is my favorite restaurant!
(5)Lydia B.
Somehow I'm always surprised that the dish I've ordered which seems so plain and simple, is always so unbelievably delicious. This restaurant, in upper Darby, is nothing to write home about when considering atmosphere because it's kind of a dive... but the food makes up for everything. We were going to a concert at the Tower theater and found our way up to Little Saigon for a quick BYOB authentic Vietnamese meal.I would recommend coming here and will come back when I go back to the Tower theater.
(4)Jen M.
This is my absolute favorite restaurant! They have the best spring rolls on the planet. I go to school in Maryland but make sure to eat here every time I come home to upper Darby! I highly recommend this quaint little spot!!
(5)Carrie M.
Quaint and spectacular. We stopped by before a show at the Tower Theater and we LOVED this place. Ambiance is old-school and 'no frills.' Service is attentive (although they do not speak much English, which is fine by us). Food is fantastic. We were so impressed by the quality and care in every dish. The meals were delicious! Can't wait to stop by again!
(5)Ben M.
So so glad to have found a good Pho place in Philly! Granted, its the only one I've been to. To be honest, the main thing I remember about my Ph Äc Bit was a massive chunk of beef that I got to gnaw on at toward the bottom of the bowl. Ah so good! Other than that, the pho was very noodle-y (could have used more meat). I recommend that you BYOL here (limes), because even when we asked for more, we were just served the tiniest side slices. Nice wait staff, casual, cheap, yum. Will be back.
(4)The Brave Bastard B.
This place brings the word authentic a whole new meaning. The only place in Philadelphia that has in essencez body, and soul what its like to eat real Vietnamese food. I almost don't want to write a review so you shlubs don't cause wait here. This is a family owned and operated restaurant. That's been here for well over 30 years and nothing has changed except for the TV because its that dam good.
(5)Matthew R.
The best little hole in the wall you can find. Been going for years. Everything is really well done. Spring rolls are a must. Better than anything you can find in the city. My girlfriend and I frequently take the subway here from center city for excellent cheap dates.
(5)Jackie M.
It was such a pleasant dining experience. I stumbled upon this place by accident. Literally! Initially, I was looking for the Peruvian Restaurant that use to be around there, but was told that it closed. Anyway, the food was amazing. We started off with a salad tossed over a ginger dressing. It was so flavorful. I had no idea what to order as my entree and I asked the gentleman for some tips. I ended up getting noodles with chicken kebabs and white rice. They had these 2 flavorful sauces that I tossed over my noodles and chicken. Wow !! Overall, I had pleasant experience.
(5)Chris M.
I have been going to this place for years. Good food and good service! Owners are very friendly and get to know you by name.
(4)Viktor T.
I love this hole in the wall Vietnamese place. The owner here is so friendly. He even remembers everything about what I said the last time I was here. That's so funny. The food here is a delight. The pho is amazing. Had the right amount of meat and noodles with good seasonings. Starting on it takes me to Vietnam and only brings me back after I'm done with my pho. Lot of regulars here, so be prepared for it to be slow.
(5)Thien N.
perfect "hole in the wall". family owned, no MSG used, impeccable service. I had their pho (broth was a very clean-tasting pork based broth) and their spring rolls are good portions. their cafe is very reminiscent of home overall this is a great place to try Vietnamese cuisine for the first time or as a seasoned eater! :)
(4)Tia D.
Having eaten my moms pho since I could chew, I can be pretty picky about how my pho tastes. I was around the area and found this place on yelp so gave it a try. I was pleasantly surprised to meet the owner, who was extremely friendly. My husband and I ordered spring rolls and pho. The spring rolls are different from most other vietnamese places because of the wrap used-- it is the owner's mother's recipe and they are from the old northern parts. It was different but we really liked it! The fish sauce and garlic sauce was delicious. The pho broth was the perfect blend of sweet and herbs. Overall, we really enjoyed the place. It is small and not fancy but the food definitely hit the spot.
(4)Dave W.
My then-girlfriend and now-wife turned me onto this place years ago, and it's still a favorite! The setting is unassuming, tucked away near 69th St. Station. The food, however, is incredible. The crispy spring rolls that are better than any you've ever had before. Each meal comes with a salad with a peanut-ginger dressing and bean sprouts that is delicious. For dinner, I'd recommend splitting the soup that has the shrimp and other seafood in it, then go with the pork over vermicelli, or the crispy birds nest, which can't be beat. I've been eating here for nearly 10 years now, and have never had a bad meal. WORTH. THE. TRIP.
(5)Adam C.
At the urging of a few folks I tried little Saigon today for the first time in many years. In truth I think the food was deserving of three stars but the owner was so nice I'll stretch a half star for him. Went for staples so I could really judge...goi cuon and pho with beef, tendon, and beef brisket. The goi cuon had one plus and one minus. On the plus side it was made to order...shrimp was still warm and actually had a little flavor...on the minus side, it was rolled kind of sloppy, and contained only the couple nice shrimp, a traditional slice of pork, lots of vermicelli and iceberg lettuce. No herbs, no carrot...just missing that little pop of something. The pho was a similar story. Plus side...decent broth, really good and plentiful tendon. Minus side...rare beef wasn't rare...no basil...brisket was bland...only sriracha and crushed chili oil on the table. No sambal or sugar. Again it was missing a little something. Definitely fresh and decent food...but not spectacular as the other reviews would lead me to believe. I'll have to try the bun my friend recommended next time and see if that is better, but for pho and summer rolls it's unfortunately not my preference.
(3)Carolyn S.
Been back a few times, and every time the owner recognizes us and warmly welcomes us back. Great food, still. I've bopped around the menu -- no disappointments! Just wanted to mention that this place is BYOB. Gotta love that.
(5)Michelle K.
this use to be the only place in upper darby to eat Vietnamese food. so unless you felt like driving into the city - this was it. well now there are so many options in or close to ud that i don't feel like this place is as good as i use to think. its family owned (nice to support local small business) and they are very friendly. food is good - not great. i've never been a big fan of the fried spring rolls. i dont like the wrapping paper they use. like i said its good. but i just choose to go somewhere else
(3)Joseph S.
The pho here is amazing!!! I am gonna have to say that the broth here is the best I've ever tasted. It has a full flavor and is just awesome. The only downside here is the portion & the amount of meat they give you. The portion is a good size, but not as much as other places (a la Pho Xe Lua Chinatown), and the meat is usually sparse. In short, if you are more for quality than quantity, come here. In the least, try it out, I am certain you won't be disappointed.
(4)Samantha G.
My family has been eating here for as long as I can remember and it's never a disappointment. The owners are warm and welcoming and the place feels like you're sitting in their kitchen for a meal, in the absolute best way possible. The menu is authentic and fairly priced, with lots of variety. Although there are many options, I am a creature of habit and always get the Bun (#12) with delicious vermicelli noodles over fresh veggies and topped with smokey bbq'd pork and crispy spring rolls. Perfect serving size for a dinner and you can always try some of the unique appetizers to add to the meal. I would recommend the meatballs that come with rice paper wrappers you make yourself, which also makes eating more of an activity, which of course I love. Little Saigon is such an amazing little dive and the total dining experience no matter what you order: service, food, and atmosphere (and it's BYOB, too). Recommend: that you check this place out, because it's fantastic. Also, the #12 ($7.25) Glitch: if it's busy, the smaller space can get loud, but just enjoy the cuisine and your company.
(5)Katie P.
I always seem to forget that Upper Darby is pretty close by and I have complained about the lack of Vietnamese restaurants on the Mainline (none-although a Pho place is supposedly opening up soon in Bryn Mawr). Really wanted Vietnamese food and didn't want to go to West Philly or Italian Market area. Drove to Upper Darby and did a quick Yelp search and Little Saigon popped up. I have walked by the place many times. This place is a GEM! I am so happy I took a chance. We received complimentary salads as soon as we sat down. My friend and I ordered the crispy spring rolls ( the best I have ever had!) and we both ordered Pho. The broth was very flavorful. I think this place has better Pho than Vietnam Cafe in West Philly or Pho Ha on Washington Avenue. The place is small but my friend and I loved it. I will definitely be going back!
(5)Sarah S.
I like the feel of this family run restaurant. The food was good too. My friends seemed to like the broth of their Pho. I ordered a beef cube dish hoping to get bo lac luc that I've had at another Vietnamese place. It wasn't bad but it wasn't what I was expecting either. Next time I go back, I'll definitely try the pho
(4)Tom F.
Great food, with lots of good options on the menu including a nice selection of vegetarian dishes. The vegetables in my pan fried noodles were crisp and colorful, and the sauce was really delicious. The service was friendly and prompt. Based on the takeout interactions we observed, the restaurant has many regulars, who were greeted by the restaurant staff like old friends. I like Pho Street in Springfield, too, but this will definitely be my first choice for Vietnamese food near Drexel Hill.
(4)Kemi A.
This little place was way out of my hood. Dropped by for lunch with some friends (after searching on yelp for local eats). We got there around 430p so we were the only ones there. Server was very nice. I don't think I ever had Pho before. I yelped a few reviews to see if there was any indication as to what I should order. Everyone said PHO...but not by name. And those who listed menu items by number need to quit because i think they re-numbered the menu. I ended up getting the Pho with the beef, brisket and tripe (Am I the only one who likes tripe? I must be). We also ordered the spring roll as I read that was tasty. The meal was filling. I enjoyed the spring roll and the dipping sauce it came with. We all got variations of the Pho...I think both my friends ended up getting the beef and beef balls one. Overall, a decent meal for a cheap price. Can't beat that with a bat.
(4)Caroline S.
I truly adore Little Saigon. It is a small, family owned business that makes you think you are the first customer that has ever walked through their doors with the way they greet you. I have been there on numerous occasions and have ordered quite a few different bits off the menu and everything is done extraordinarily well. (Pretty generic but try their spring rolls - they are better than anywhere I've tried.) Another review stated the line "made with love and served with care" and I could not agree more. The older gentleman (grandfather, I believe) that buses the tables, is always there filling your water glass after each sip, bringing napkins, etc.. My only peeve with Little Saigon is that because it is a family owned business, they can open/close as they wish. I cannot tell you how many trips I've made to a closed restaurant and had to settle for Pho down the street (I call ahead now). But other than that, Little Saigon is a gem. If you're in the suburbs and need a pho fix, this is the place to go!
(4)Edward M.
If you happen to be in Upper Darby and hungry for Vietnamese food, this is certainly a fine choice for quenching that hunger. I dined here recently with a friend and had a tasty and filling spring-roll and vermicelli dish -- once I added some hot sauce to it. The spring rolls had the nice crunch of just-fried rolls and had flavorful veggies inside. My friend got the large bowl of beef pho and liked it. We also sampled a squid and rice dish for which I had high hopes since it was listed as a house special, but it was merely okay (though, again, made better with hot sauce). The service is friendly. Our water glasses were regularly refilled. It's a BYOB. Prices are inexpensive. Ambiance is a bit strip-mall-y.
(4)Cherie E.
Little Saigon / "Edward's" (as we call it) is about the best food - Vietnamese or otherwise - anywhere! His spring rolls are to die for, summer rolls are delicious, the pancakes are outta-sight and that's just the appetizers! His fish in a clay pot is extraordinary! We often bring groups of good friends here and order to eat family style which works great as everyone can try a little of everything. As others have said on here, just go once and Edward will remember you for a lifetime. Little Saigon is a truly special place with authentic food and a personality that cannot be matched.
(5)Matthew T.
Very nice place. I tried the pho, crispy spring rolls, and pork vermicelli. Pho is really good, great broth. Spring rolls are excellent as advertised. Pork vermicelli was average, good average, but nothing special. Will come back again. 5 stars for the price point.
(5)Mike P.
Located just across from the Municipal building, Little Saigon has been serving authentic Vietnamese food for around twenty years. The inconspicuous exterior flows into a modest, yet inviting, dining area with seating for around twenty people. The restaurant is a true American family business. Mom and dad work as the greeters/waiters while grandpa refills water glasses and their daughter does her homework at a table. Many of my family friends are on a first name basis with the owners and update each other about their children each time they visit. I wrote a review in The Acorn (Upper Darby High School's newspaper) three years ago and to this day the owners remember me and ask how college is going each time I visit. Every meal comes with a complimentary salad of crisp iceberg lettuce with ginger dressing. The salad is great for its lightness (leaving room for the hefty entrees) and flavor (their dressing is my favorite of any kind I've ever had). The menu at Little Saigon is extensive and has great options for vegetarians, meat lovers and seafood lovers. A must for all eaters is the summer rolls, which are cold noodles and vegetables wrapped in rice paper served with peanut sauce. Other great appetizers include the Vietnamese crepe (fried egg with bean sprouts) and spring rolls. Little Saigon is BYOB. That being said, if you are looking for a non-alcoholic beverage I recommend the Vietnamese (iced) coffee, which is served with condensed milk, making adding sugar unnecessary. The jasmine tea is also quite good and never disappoints. As in most Asian restaurants, sharing entrees and appetizers allows you to get the most out of your dining experience, giving you a taste of everything the restaurant offers. The slightly large size of the entrees makes them conducive to being shared. It is perfectly fine, however, to order one entree per person, especially for heavy eaters. You'll definitely want to take anything that's left home for lunch the next day. My two favorite dishes at Little Saigon are the Vegetable curry with tofu and the vegetable noodle soup. The curry is a great assortment of broccoli, bamboo shoot, carrots, and other vegetables with large cubes of tofu that have a nice sear to it. The vegetable noodle soup (with vegetable broth) is the perfect comfort food. I've gotten non-vegetarian friends hooked on it. The vermicelli noodles are thin, long, and delicious and the broth is warm and flavorful. Another great dish is the pan fried noodles, which can be served vegetarian or with meat. This dish, in particular, makes great leftovers, as the noodles begin to absorb the sauce. Favorites of my meat eating friends include the pork dumplings, wonton soup, and the hot pots. Prices at Little Saigon hover around $10, with many entrees around $8-9. Make sure to leave room for dessert! The che bap (warm sticky rice with corn and coconut milk) here is wonderful. If I had a Vietnamese grandmother, this is how I'd picture her cooking. Little Saigon is a place that I grew up with and hope to continue to visit for many more years.
(5)Jen S.
Best Vietnamese food I have ever had. The spring rolls are ridiculously good. The interior is nothing fancy, but who cares when the food is that delicious.
(5)Sheila F.
Little Saigon is Vietnamese food at its best! I have dined at Vietnamese establishments all over Philadelphia and Little Saigon is by far the best Vietnamese food in the Philadelphia area! I highly recommend number 1 and number 29: The spring rolls and the spicy beef soup. #1 is crispy to perfection and is accompanied by savory dipping sauce. #29 is a mildly spicy thin-sliced beef soup with thin rice noodles and a wonderful cilantro flavor. #29 is similar to PHO, but is slightly different in flavor due to the light cilantro undertones. The Beef stuffed with ginger is heavenly and the curry vegetables are out of this world as well! The staff is friendly and very accomodating. There is a parking lot right next to Little Saigon, which is well-lit and safe. Non-city dwellers accoustomed to dining in the suburbs might find the 69th street area a bit intimidating, but Little Saigon is certainly located in a safe spot, right next to the Upper darby Township building and library.
(5)Andrew E.
This place is addictive. Great food for a great price. I love Pho!!
(4)Chris G.
I would give this place six stars if I could. The food is always awesome and the folks who own it are the best. Go. You will not regret it.
(5)Andrew K.
What a great little gem! I've been going there for years and it always delivers. The food is consistently good and the service is great. It's also a great bargain. I can't say enough about the owners or the food.
(5)Peter W.
My first experience of Vietnamese food, and still among the best I've had. The crab and tomato soup is hauntingly delicious.
(4)okeito s.
Hands down Little Saigon serves up the best Vietnamese dishes in the city. Their service comes directly from the family owned staff, packaged with a smile, speedy service, and an atmosphere that feels as though they invited you over for dinner. The food seems to be made with the same love and attention as any home cooked meal should. Everything, from the spring rolls to the Pho, is very tasty. Speaking of Pho, the broth is a well balanced assembly of ingredients other restaurants can only dream of emulating. I would gladly recommend Little Saigon for those new to Vietnamese Cuisine. Just as eagerly, I would recommend it for those that can't live without Vietnamese cuisine, like myself. There is only one disappointment. That is with myself, for not frequenting this hidden gem as much as I should.
(5)Brian K.
I've had their Pho and their Spring rolls and both are excellent! The owners (husband and wife) are very friendly and they offer excellent service and hospitality. I've had Pho at a number of locales and Little Saigon is really top notch!
(5)Jason L.
Great rolls and Pho... Based on reco's we tried #1, 21 and 29. Was very impressed. Great service and affordable.
(4)Jeff W.
Great food and great service. Place was packed and the server never stopped smiling. Food was some up there as some of the best Vietnamese food I ever had and the prices were great. It's our new stop every time we see a show at the Tower.
(5)Ginger S.
Good food but expect to be sitting for awhile....
(3)Chris S.
The food here is excellent and the staff is very friendly. The crab and tomato soup was amazing and the vietnamese eggroll was a meal in itself. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Shilpa B.
The family who owns this restaurant is very welcoming-- they greeted us like old friends when we walked in. The spring rolls were delicious, as was the vegetable dish (can't remember the name) that I got. This place is also conveniently located right around the corner from H-Mart.
(5)Michael M.
In the last year, I've become a huge pho fan. I've had pho in Philadelphia, Atlantic City and Danbury (CT). All of them were better than Little Saigon. The broth was insipid, the accoutrements skimpy and there was no housing to add flavor. I'm sure it's a great place to go to recover from a hangover, but I don't drink, so I don't think I'll be going back.
(2)Marc M.
I almost hate to write this review in fear of giving away a great little gem of a restaurant. This place has the best Vietnamese food in Philly, hands down. It's all prepared fresh, daily, by the family-owned kitchen staff. The owners are kind and generous. I have been eating here for almost the entire time they've been open [about seventeen years]. It's not fancy - it's home cookin', Vietnamese style. That's why I love it. It's tucked away up in the nether regions of Upper Darby but it is most certainly worth the trip!
(5)Daniel D.
Some of the best pho I've had in Philly; amazing grape leafs wrapped beef appetizers.
(4)Marissa R.
Had to give another review because boy did they upgrade from last time. The food got a lot better. Have to admit little Saigon makes better Pho than Anh hong. I was very surprised. Wish both places would give u more meat in the pho for how much they charge. Saigon way to go for improving your food. Will be going there more often.
(4)E V.
Wonderful experience! The owners definitely understand the meaning of hospitality. They seemed to know everyone who came in while we were there. They also made us feel very welcome as if we were their new neighbors. This was our first experience with Vietnamese food and we are now looking forward to our next opportunity to try more. The combination of good food and memorable service earned 5 stars from me!
(5)JJ M.
First time eating in at Little Saigon (many take out experiences). Me and the ever-adventurous Mike F hit this Upper Darby gem just before Frampton at the Tower. The hostess/waitress/owner was charming and pleasant. The service, super friendly and accommodating if a little uneven. Food was OUTSTANDING. Highlights were the Pho and appetizer #2, grilled meatballs and noodles with peanut suace on the side. I was full too soon. Nice portions, very fresh, great value. So the Lemongrass Shrimp, ordered spicy, weren't spicy and the crispy pancake a little more lubricious than I like it, but wow - what a revelation. I can't wait to go back and bring Ken H, a bay area transplant who frequently bemoans the lack of good Vietnamese chow round town.
(4)Devon L.
this is the epitome of a family restaurant. it is literally on the bottom floor of their house! (not confirmed) everyone there is really nice and they make their food with love! the pho here is amazing and is probably the best ive ever had in a restaurant. it tasted more like the homemade pho I fell in love with at my gf's house. not that you every would, but you can eat this straight up without any dressings.. its that good. on top of that, you get a bowl about the size of your torso for 6 bucks. save a buck, support a family and eat here!
(5)Mindy K.
How sad were the days when I was stuck in the suburbs and I was hungover (ahem, i mean sick). There was no cure for me; no panacean pho nearby that would take away my pounding headahce, cold sweats and sensitivity to bright lights. Happy day for me that this is no longer the case now that I have discovered Little Saigon. Crispy Spring Rolls Little Saigon is one of the few places I've encountered that use the rice wrapper to roll up their spring rolls and deep fry them (It seems many just use wonton wrapper variants). Anyway, it makes a huge difference in that the rolls stay super crispy and the meat inside is juicy and flavorful. It really helps the wrapper: meat ratio to work perfectly and at ~$5.50 for 3 whole pieces, cut up, this is a great deal and obviously a MUST ORDER every time. Pho Tai My go-to pho dish - it really makes the broth the centerpiece. The broth here is meaty, flavorful and complex. One of my friends has argued that the broth is on the salty side, but I disagree - that probably means you're not dropping in enough jalapeno and lime juice. sidenote, the last time I got takeout, they gave me a lemon instead of a lime. I suspect this was some sort of lime shortage they were experiencing, but it was definitely odd. Not terrible, but just odd. The customer service here is wonderful. The owner and his staff are so gracious and friendly and accommodating that it's absolutely adorable. I'm continually surprised by how smiley I am when leaving this place. They lose a star because I don't know that the rice dishes are GREAT here, but definitely super solid all around. Reality check: Is this my FAVE spot? Not necessarily, but outside of downtown or Wash Ave, this is most certainly an impressive offering.
(4)Roland S.
The folks working here are nice enough. Bottles of Siracha and Hoison were filthy. Pho broth was tasty but way too much gristle in bo vein. Will probably not visit again since there are better options.
(3)James C.
I have been going to this place for almost 10 years now, and I must say they never disappoint! This family owned restaurant is real friendly and the service is great. I have tried most of the stuff on the menu and have to say almost everything I try is very delicious. I would recommend the pho or any of the rice platters. The pho broth is meaty and sweet just the way it is supposed to be. One thing i would like is for them to be more generous with their meat. I guess you could ask for extra beef in the soup. Plus the spring rolls and summer rolls are very very very good. If you want a" home cooked" Vietnamese meal, I definitely recommend this place
(4)Mors A.
Great place owned by a viet couple. Friendly, clean and quality food. Try their pho its unlike any other I've tried in philly. Recommended!
(5)Melissa W.
The food here is probably worthy of 3.5 stars, but I'm rounding up because the owner/manager lady is super nice and friendly, and the little old Vietnamese man who refills your water is adorable. This place offers solid Vietnamese food for decent prices. The vermicelli with grilled meat is good, as is the pork and fried egg over rice. The pho is huge and comes with oodles of noodles. However, the appetizers are a little on the small side considering the fact that they cost about the same as some of the entrees. I'm not sure I would go out of my way to eat here, but if you happen to be in the neighborhood and craving Vietnamese food, this will satisfy you.
(4)Michael G.
Good Pho, considering the location. Fast service and very friendly owner :)
(4)Abigail B.
This is the best Vietnamese restaurant in Philadelphia, period. I know that some restaurants in Chinatown get a lot of credit for being really good, but Little Saigon is better. Why? Because everything there is very fresh and extremely delicious. The grape leaves and the spring rolls are legendary, I've been to dozens of Vietnamese restaurants and none have come close to Little Saigon. Even though everyone knows Vietnamese food for the Pho soup there are many other dishes that they have that are excellent as well. In fact I don't think that their Pho is their strongest dish, their other soups, such as the Phnom Phen, are really good! I also really like their coffee! Pros -no MSG! -AMAZING spring rolls and grape leaves -FREE ginger salad with most meals -very consistent menu with all around excellent food -small, private, low-key and romantic -seriously the KINDEST people on the planet Earth! Cons -clean but a little run down -sometimes the TV is on (which I find to be an atmosphere killer) -parking can be a pain but is usually available if you know where to look (H-Mart shoppers around the corner take up a lot of the nearby spots) -service is sometimes slow or forgetful of your order (if you get a lot of items)
(5)Jennie N.
What a wonderful find! We were looking to go out for Vietnamese food, but this time we didn't want to drive down to Center City (further distance) and deal with the hassle of parking. We "yelped" reviews of local Vietnamese restaurants, and decided on Little Saigon. What a great find! We will be loyal customers. Everything we ordered was delicious! We had the Nem Nuong (grilled meatballs with salad and vermicelli), the vietnamese crepe with shrimp and pork, the spring rolls with barbecued pork on rice vermicelli noodles, and the #29 noodle soup with meat. The food came with a salad...and for dessert we had the Che Bop (warm sticky rice with corn and coconut milk). Everything was reasonably priced. The restaurant is very casual and BYOB. One thing was better than the next...and we will be back to try more! Highly recommend!
(5)Michael O.
Proof that the best ethnic restaurants usually aren't in the best neighborhoods. Little Saigon has really good food at a really good prices, in a family restaurant environment. Their food is consistently good up and down the menu. I would recommend the pho and their fried spring rolls. I got a full meal with tip for $15. Can't bet that!
(4)sara l.
We have been coming to little saigon for as long as I can remember. The kitchen is absolutely spotless... I don't know how he keeps it so clean! The decor is outdated but what makes Little Saigon a hidden gem is the food! Try the crab soup, spring rolls, chicken on a stick, [shrimp on bamboo (I don't think it is on the menu any longer:()], the pan-fried noodles, and the curry dishes! The ginger dressing on the iceberg salad they bring out before appetizers is awesome as well.
(5)Arin S.
Absolutely fantastic Vietnamese food. Authentic. I live about twenty-five minutes away on a good day, and we travel to eat here. The summer rolls are my favorite and the tomato crab Pho a close second. Quickly becoming a favorite. Unassuming little place that would be easy to overlook but definitely should not be! Finish your meal off with their iced coffee. Awesome.
(5)Melissa W.
The food here is probably worthy of 3.5 stars, but I'm rounding up because the owner/manager lady is super nice and friendly, and the little old Vietnamese man who refills your water is adorable. This place offers solid Vietnamese food for decent prices. The vermicelli with grilled meat is good, as is the pork and fried egg over rice. The pho is huge and comes with oodles of noodles. However, the appetizers are a little on the small side considering the fact that they cost about the same as some of the entrees. I'm not sure I would go out of my way to eat here, but if you happen to be in the neighborhood and craving Vietnamese food, this will satisfy you.
(4)Publius M.
I wanted a mission, and for my sins, they gave me one. Brought it up to me like room service. It was a real choice mission, and when it was over, I never wanted another. My mission was to infiltrate Little Saigon and return with Colonel Kurtz, but as soon as I entered this unassuming place it was clear that the Colonel had found something that would ruin the common Asian-American food experience. Who could expect anyone to return to the boring Asian culinary landscape offered by the traditional American suburb after such an experience available at Little Saigon. Spring rolls whose main flavor wasn't grease, simple salads remaining healthy with the addition of ginger and vinegar for a crisp clean and refreshing flavor, and the entrees, oh the entrees... You can't got wrong with the mussels or the off menu chicken curry, but every protein is treated with equal care and any infrequent missteps are redeemed by the savory delicious sauces. While the location doesn't afford the haute setting some foodies may require, the true important things are in order at this establishment.
(4)Marissa R.
Had to give another review because boy did they upgrade from last time. The food got a lot better. Have to admit little Saigon makes better Pho than Anh hong. I was very surprised. Wish both places would give u more meat in the pho for how much they charge. Saigon way to go for improving your food. Will be going there more often.
(4)Mike P.
Located just across from the Municipal building, Little Saigon has been serving authentic Vietnamese food for around twenty years. The inconspicuous exterior flows into a modest, yet inviting, dining area with seating for around twenty people. The restaurant is a true American family business. Mom and dad work as the greeters/waiters while grandpa refills water glasses and their daughter does her homework at a table. Many of my family friends are on a first name basis with the owners and update each other about their children each time they visit. I wrote a review in The Acorn (Upper Darby High School's newspaper) three years ago and to this day the owners remember me and ask how college is going each time I visit. Every meal comes with a complimentary salad of crisp iceberg lettuce with ginger dressing. The salad is great for its lightness (leaving room for the hefty entrees) and flavor (their dressing is my favorite of any kind I've ever had). The menu at Little Saigon is extensive and has great options for vegetarians, meat lovers and seafood lovers. A must for all eaters is the summer rolls, which are cold noodles and vegetables wrapped in rice paper served with peanut sauce. Other great appetizers include the Vietnamese crepe (fried egg with bean sprouts) and spring rolls. Little Saigon is BYOB. That being said, if you are looking for a non-alcoholic beverage I recommend the Vietnamese (iced) coffee, which is served with condensed milk, making adding sugar unnecessary. The jasmine tea is also quite good and never disappoints. As in most Asian restaurants, sharing entrees and appetizers allows you to get the most out of your dining experience, giving you a taste of everything the restaurant offers. The slightly large size of the entrees makes them conducive to being shared. It is perfectly fine, however, to order one entree per person, especially for heavy eaters. You'll definitely want to take anything that's left home for lunch the next day. My two favorite dishes at Little Saigon are the Vegetable curry with tofu and the vegetable noodle soup. The curry is a great assortment of broccoli, bamboo shoot, carrots, and other vegetables with large cubes of tofu that have a nice sear to it. The vegetable noodle soup (with vegetable broth) is the perfect comfort food. I've gotten non-vegetarian friends hooked on it. The vermicelli noodles are thin, long, and delicious and the broth is warm and flavorful. Another great dish is the pan fried noodles, which can be served vegetarian or with meat. This dish, in particular, makes great leftovers, as the noodles begin to absorb the sauce. Favorites of my meat eating friends include the pork dumplings, wonton soup, and the hot pots. Prices at Little Saigon hover around $10, with many entrees around $8-9. Make sure to leave room for dessert! The che bap (warm sticky rice with corn and coconut milk) here is wonderful. If I had a Vietnamese grandmother, this is how I'd picture her cooking. Little Saigon is a place that I grew up with and hope to continue to visit for many more years.
(5)Jen S.
Best Vietnamese food I have ever had. The spring rolls are ridiculously good. The interior is nothing fancy, but who cares when the food is that delicious.
(5)Mors A.
Great place owned by a viet couple. Friendly, clean and quality food. Try their pho its unlike any other I've tried in philly. Recommended!
(5)JJ M.
First time eating in at Little Saigon (many take out experiences). Me and the ever-adventurous Mike F hit this Upper Darby gem just before Frampton at the Tower. The hostess/waitress/owner was charming and pleasant. The service, super friendly and accommodating if a little uneven. Food was OUTSTANDING. Highlights were the Pho and appetizer #2, grilled meatballs and noodles with peanut suace on the side. I was full too soon. Nice portions, very fresh, great value. So the Lemongrass Shrimp, ordered spicy, weren't spicy and the crispy pancake a little more lubricious than I like it, but wow - what a revelation. I can't wait to go back and bring Ken H, a bay area transplant who frequently bemoans the lack of good Vietnamese chow round town.
(4)Devon L.
this is the epitome of a family restaurant. it is literally on the bottom floor of their house! (not confirmed) everyone there is really nice and they make their food with love! the pho here is amazing and is probably the best ive ever had in a restaurant. it tasted more like the homemade pho I fell in love with at my gf's house. not that you every would, but you can eat this straight up without any dressings.. its that good. on top of that, you get a bowl about the size of your torso for 6 bucks. save a buck, support a family and eat here!
(5)Mindy K.
How sad were the days when I was stuck in the suburbs and I was hungover (ahem, i mean sick). There was no cure for me; no panacean pho nearby that would take away my pounding headahce, cold sweats and sensitivity to bright lights. Happy day for me that this is no longer the case now that I have discovered Little Saigon. Crispy Spring Rolls Little Saigon is one of the few places I've encountered that use the rice wrapper to roll up their spring rolls and deep fry them (It seems many just use wonton wrapper variants). Anyway, it makes a huge difference in that the rolls stay super crispy and the meat inside is juicy and flavorful. It really helps the wrapper: meat ratio to work perfectly and at ~$5.50 for 3 whole pieces, cut up, this is a great deal and obviously a MUST ORDER every time. Pho Tai My go-to pho dish - it really makes the broth the centerpiece. The broth here is meaty, flavorful and complex. One of my friends has argued that the broth is on the salty side, but I disagree - that probably means you're not dropping in enough jalapeno and lime juice. sidenote, the last time I got takeout, they gave me a lemon instead of a lime. I suspect this was some sort of lime shortage they were experiencing, but it was definitely odd. Not terrible, but just odd. The customer service here is wonderful. The owner and his staff are so gracious and friendly and accommodating that it's absolutely adorable. I'm continually surprised by how smiley I am when leaving this place. They lose a star because I don't know that the rice dishes are GREAT here, but definitely super solid all around. Reality check: Is this my FAVE spot? Not necessarily, but outside of downtown or Wash Ave, this is most certainly an impressive offering.
(4)Roland S.
The folks working here are nice enough. Bottles of Siracha and Hoison were filthy. Pho broth was tasty but way too much gristle in bo vein. Will probably not visit again since there are better options.
(3)Abigail B.
This is the best Vietnamese restaurant in Philadelphia, period. I know that some restaurants in Chinatown get a lot of credit for being really good, but Little Saigon is better. Why? Because everything there is very fresh and extremely delicious. The grape leaves and the spring rolls are legendary, I've been to dozens of Vietnamese restaurants and none have come close to Little Saigon. Even though everyone knows Vietnamese food for the Pho soup there are many other dishes that they have that are excellent as well. In fact I don't think that their Pho is their strongest dish, their other soups, such as the Phnom Phen, are really good! I also really like their coffee! Pros -no MSG! -AMAZING spring rolls and grape leaves -FREE ginger salad with most meals -very consistent menu with all around excellent food -small, private, low-key and romantic -seriously the KINDEST people on the planet Earth! Cons -clean but a little run down -sometimes the TV is on (which I find to be an atmosphere killer) -parking can be a pain but is usually available if you know where to look (H-Mart shoppers around the corner take up a lot of the nearby spots) -service is sometimes slow or forgetful of your order (if you get a lot of items)
(5)Jennie N.
What a wonderful find! We were looking to go out for Vietnamese food, but this time we didn't want to drive down to Center City (further distance) and deal with the hassle of parking. We "yelped" reviews of local Vietnamese restaurants, and decided on Little Saigon. What a great find! We will be loyal customers. Everything we ordered was delicious! We had the Nem Nuong (grilled meatballs with salad and vermicelli), the vietnamese crepe with shrimp and pork, the spring rolls with barbecued pork on rice vermicelli noodles, and the #29 noodle soup with meat. The food came with a salad...and for dessert we had the Che Bop (warm sticky rice with corn and coconut milk). Everything was reasonably priced. The restaurant is very casual and BYOB. One thing was better than the next...and we will be back to try more! Highly recommend!
(5)Michael O.
Proof that the best ethnic restaurants usually aren't in the best neighborhoods. Little Saigon has really good food at a really good prices, in a family restaurant environment. Their food is consistently good up and down the menu. I would recommend the pho and their fried spring rolls. I got a full meal with tip for $15. Can't bet that!
(4)Sheila F.
Little Saigon is Vietnamese food at its best! I have dined at Vietnamese establishments all over Philadelphia and Little Saigon is by far the best Vietnamese food in the Philadelphia area! I highly recommend number 1 and number 29: The spring rolls and the spicy beef soup. #1 is crispy to perfection and is accompanied by savory dipping sauce. #29 is a mildly spicy thin-sliced beef soup with thin rice noodles and a wonderful cilantro flavor. #29 is similar to PHO, but is slightly different in flavor due to the light cilantro undertones. The Beef stuffed with ginger is heavenly and the curry vegetables are out of this world as well! The staff is friendly and very accomodating. There is a parking lot right next to Little Saigon, which is well-lit and safe. Non-city dwellers accoustomed to dining in the suburbs might find the 69th street area a bit intimidating, but Little Saigon is certainly located in a safe spot, right next to the Upper darby Township building and library.
(5)Andrew E.
This place is addictive. Great food for a great price. I love Pho!!
(4)Chris G.
I would give this place six stars if I could. The food is always awesome and the folks who own it are the best. Go. You will not regret it.
(5)Andrew K.
What a great little gem! I've been going there for years and it always delivers. The food is consistently good and the service is great. It's also a great bargain. I can't say enough about the owners or the food.
(5)Peter W.
My first experience of Vietnamese food, and still among the best I've had. The crab and tomato soup is hauntingly delicious.
(4)okeito s.
Hands down Little Saigon serves up the best Vietnamese dishes in the city. Their service comes directly from the family owned staff, packaged with a smile, speedy service, and an atmosphere that feels as though they invited you over for dinner. The food seems to be made with the same love and attention as any home cooked meal should. Everything, from the spring rolls to the Pho, is very tasty. Speaking of Pho, the broth is a well balanced assembly of ingredients other restaurants can only dream of emulating. I would gladly recommend Little Saigon for those new to Vietnamese Cuisine. Just as eagerly, I would recommend it for those that can't live without Vietnamese cuisine, like myself. There is only one disappointment. That is with myself, for not frequenting this hidden gem as much as I should.
(5)Brian K.
I've had their Pho and their Spring rolls and both are excellent! The owners (husband and wife) are very friendly and they offer excellent service and hospitality. I've had Pho at a number of locales and Little Saigon is really top notch!
(5)Jason L.
Great rolls and Pho... Based on reco's we tried #1, 21 and 29. Was very impressed. Great service and affordable.
(4)Marc M.
I almost hate to write this review in fear of giving away a great little gem of a restaurant. This place has the best Vietnamese food in Philly, hands down. It's all prepared fresh, daily, by the family-owned kitchen staff. The owners are kind and generous. I have been eating here for almost the entire time they've been open [about seventeen years]. It's not fancy - it's home cookin', Vietnamese style. That's why I love it. It's tucked away up in the nether regions of Upper Darby but it is most certainly worth the trip!
(5)Daniel D.
Some of the best pho I've had in Philly; amazing grape leafs wrapped beef appetizers.
(4)Joseph S.
The pho here is amazing!!! I am gonna have to say that the broth here is the best I've ever tasted. It has a full flavor and is just awesome. The only downside here is the portion & the amount of meat they give you. The portion is a good size, but not as much as other places (a la Pho Xe Lua Chinatown), and the meat is usually sparse. In short, if you are more for quality than quantity, come here. In the least, try it out, I am certain you won't be disappointed.
(4)Phillip R.
top 3 favorite places in the entire city of Philadelphia! If you're into Viet food, You already know there are 10+ places (notably around South Philly) you can get a kick ass bowl of pho or other cure-all broths that rejuvenate you back to life. whether you're fueling up after a long night of drinking, recovering from a cold, or just satisfying the inner fatty in all of us. this place takes takes the cake! Maybe im spoiled, because I dont really care which place i go for a decent bowl of pho. its usually pretty darn delicious and usually satisfying regardless of where we eat. the menu item that stands head and shoulders above those other 10+ places is Little Saigon's crispy spring rolls. They are unique to this restaurant while every other place is nearly identical. this item is a MUST-TRY! Briefly, my other favorites are their house special pan fried noodles, grilled pork over rice w a fried egg and a runny yolk bringing all that goodness together! needless to say, their pho is on point! Little Saigon is a BYO and the owners are sincerely so gracious and welcoming! You'll know what I'm talking about when you see them greeting and being greeted by nearly all of the patrons. the food just taste better because your're more than just a customer here. I cant say enough great things about my friend Han and his family who run this establishment. Im lucky to dine here regularly. I hope you crummy over-entitled, pretentious yelpers avoid this hole in the wall. theres no glitz and glamour here, just great food and great people at great prices.
(5)Tim S.
Maybe I am missing something. Maybe my tastes are different than most. Not sure. I picked this place because I love Vietnamese food, and it scored very high on Yelp. I was very disappointed. Upon arrival, it seemed abit amiss. The decor is out-dated and tacky. Could use a fresh coat of paint at the very least. My party was seated immediately, and the service was attentive and friendly. However, the food left a lot to be desired. It wasn't very good. I ordered the charbroiled beef. It is the dish I always get the first time I am at a Vietnamese place. At every other place I have been too, the beef either came on the bone (usually not, but sometimes) or in big chunks. This beef? Tasted and presented like Cheesesteak beef. Yes, like they took a cheesesteak and dumped the meat out over a bed of rice. Another dish I tasted was shrimp with veggies. The shrimp was far too small, and the veggies were mushy. No fresh veggies? What gives. I am honestly baffled by Yelp on this one.
(2)Kenneth N.
Purely the taste of the pho soup was authentic, you can tell this was a La old viet family receipt I was very impressed with the broth and food. Give it a try if in upper Darby won't be disappointed
(5)Adrian A.
My parents have been taking me here since I was a little kid. Little Saigon is owned by the absolutely nicest family and serves some of the best Vietnamese food for very affordable prices. My favorite menu item is probably the vegetarian pan-fried noodles, and the spring rolls are the bomb.
(5)Matthew R.
The best little hole in the wall you can find. Been going for years. Everything is really well done. Spring rolls are a must. Better than anything you can find in the city. My girlfriend and I frequently take the subway here from center city for excellent cheap dates.
(5)The Brave Bastard B.
This place brings the word authentic a whole new meaning. The only place in Philadelphia that has in essencez body, and soul what its like to eat real Vietnamese food. I almost don't want to write a review so you shlubs don't cause wait here. This is a family owned and operated restaurant. That's been here for well over 30 years and nothing has changed except for the TV because its that dam good.
(5)Grace B.
I'm so glad I live close by. The owners are so personable. I've been coming here for years, and they know exactly what I order every time (pan fried noodles). One time I was there with my mom, a few minutes had passed after we ordered, and my food already came out. I told the owner/husband, "That was fast!" And he replied, "Yeah, my wife saw you walk in and started cooking your noodles" (before I put my order in). Ahhhh, they know me so well ;) Even though I order the same thing most of the time, I've tried a lot of the items on the menu. I haven't eaten anything here that was disappointing. Everything I eat here is delicious! Other than my usual pan fried noodles, I highly recommend the stuffed grape leaves, spring rolls, fish in a pot, pho, coconut drink, and rainbow ice. The restaurant is small, so it can get packed quickly especially at peak times for lunch/dinner, but you never feel neglected. The service is great, even if they're busy. Great people, great food. I love this place!
(5)Anthony S.
Best Spring Rolls you will ever experience! I love this little hidden gem. I have been to Little Saigon 3 times and decided to finally share my thoughts on the place. Parking: there is a parking lot across the street which you might have to pay for. I usually park at the metered spots along the side where H-Mart is. 25 cents gets you 45 minutes. Service: this is a mom and pop place. When you first get there you will be greeted right away. Getting a table is fast. The initial order takes a little bit longer to happen than most places. This doesn't bug me. I just want to note here that it is normal. Don't be concerned. It is worth the wait. The staff is very kind and helpful. Price: awesome! This place is not pricy at all. Go enjoy yourself! Food: Delicious! Get the spring rolls. Do it now! Get the beef on the sticks. Do it! I also enjoyed the prime rib but forgot to take a picture. Go check out this BYOB.
(5)J H.
This is THE BEST Vietnamese EVER! I used to come here all the time when I lived in Upper Darby but I now live in Chester County. That being said, my husband and I will drive over an hour to have the crepes because no one makes them as good as they do here. I have tried them in other places. They just don't have the flavor. I have never had a dish here that I didn't like but the crepe and crab soup are my favorite. I have been going here for years and it is my favorite restaurant!
(5)Lydia B.
Somehow I'm always surprised that the dish I've ordered which seems so plain and simple, is always so unbelievably delicious. This restaurant, in upper Darby, is nothing to write home about when considering atmosphere because it's kind of a dive... but the food makes up for everything. We were going to a concert at the Tower theater and found our way up to Little Saigon for a quick BYOB authentic Vietnamese meal.I would recommend coming here and will come back when I go back to the Tower theater.
(4)Jen M.
This is my absolute favorite restaurant! They have the best spring rolls on the planet. I go to school in Maryland but make sure to eat here every time I come home to upper Darby! I highly recommend this quaint little spot!!
(5)Carrie M.
Quaint and spectacular. We stopped by before a show at the Tower Theater and we LOVED this place. Ambiance is old-school and 'no frills.' Service is attentive (although they do not speak much English, which is fine by us). Food is fantastic. We were so impressed by the quality and care in every dish. The meals were delicious! Can't wait to stop by again!
(5)Ben M.
So so glad to have found a good Pho place in Philly! Granted, its the only one I've been to. To be honest, the main thing I remember about my Ph Äc Bit was a massive chunk of beef that I got to gnaw on at toward the bottom of the bowl. Ah so good! Other than that, the pho was very noodle-y (could have used more meat). I recommend that you BYOL here (limes), because even when we asked for more, we were just served the tiniest side slices. Nice wait staff, casual, cheap, yum. Will be back.
(4)Jackie M.
It was such a pleasant dining experience. I stumbled upon this place by accident. Literally! Initially, I was looking for the Peruvian Restaurant that use to be around there, but was told that it closed. Anyway, the food was amazing. We started off with a salad tossed over a ginger dressing. It was so flavorful. I had no idea what to order as my entree and I asked the gentleman for some tips. I ended up getting noodles with chicken kebabs and white rice. They had these 2 flavorful sauces that I tossed over my noodles and chicken. Wow !! Overall, I had pleasant experience.
(5)Chris M.
I have been going to this place for years. Good food and good service! Owners are very friendly and get to know you by name.
(4)Thien N.
perfect "hole in the wall". family owned, no MSG used, impeccable service. I had their pho (broth was a very clean-tasting pork based broth) and their spring rolls are good portions. their cafe is very reminiscent of home overall this is a great place to try Vietnamese cuisine for the first time or as a seasoned eater! :)
(4)Viktor T.
I love this hole in the wall Vietnamese place. The owner here is so friendly. He even remembers everything about what I said the last time I was here. That's so funny. The food here is a delight. The pho is amazing. Had the right amount of meat and noodles with good seasonings. Starting on it takes me to Vietnam and only brings me back after I'm done with my pho. Lot of regulars here, so be prepared for it to be slow.
(5)sara l.
We have been coming to little saigon for as long as I can remember. The kitchen is absolutely spotless... I don't know how he keeps it so clean! The decor is outdated but what makes Little Saigon a hidden gem is the food! Try the crab soup, spring rolls, chicken on a stick, [shrimp on bamboo (I don't think it is on the menu any longer:()], the pan-fried noodles, and the curry dishes! The ginger dressing on the iceberg salad they bring out before appetizers is awesome as well.
(5)Arin S.
Absolutely fantastic Vietnamese food. Authentic. I live about twenty-five minutes away on a good day, and we travel to eat here. The summer rolls are my favorite and the tomato crab Pho a close second. Quickly becoming a favorite. Unassuming little place that would be easy to overlook but definitely should not be! Finish your meal off with their iced coffee. Awesome.
(5)Michael G.
Good Pho, considering the location. Fast service and very friendly owner :)
(4)James C.
I have been going to this place for almost 10 years now, and I must say they never disappoint! This family owned restaurant is real friendly and the service is great. I have tried most of the stuff on the menu and have to say almost everything I try is very delicious. I would recommend the pho or any of the rice platters. The pho broth is meaty and sweet just the way it is supposed to be. One thing i would like is for them to be more generous with their meat. I guess you could ask for extra beef in the soup. Plus the spring rolls and summer rolls are very very very good. If you want a" home cooked" Vietnamese meal, I definitely recommend this place
(4)Jeff W.
Great food and great service. Place was packed and the server never stopped smiling. Food was some up there as some of the best Vietnamese food I ever had and the prices were great. It's our new stop every time we see a show at the Tower.
(5)Ginger S.
Good food but expect to be sitting for awhile....
(3)Chris S.
The food here is excellent and the staff is very friendly. The crab and tomato soup was amazing and the vietnamese eggroll was a meal in itself. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Shilpa B.
The family who owns this restaurant is very welcoming-- they greeted us like old friends when we walked in. The spring rolls were delicious, as was the vegetable dish (can't remember the name) that I got. This place is also conveniently located right around the corner from H-Mart.
(5)Michael M.
In the last year, I've become a huge pho fan. I've had pho in Philadelphia, Atlantic City and Danbury (CT). All of them were better than Little Saigon. The broth was insipid, the accoutrements skimpy and there was no housing to add flavor. I'm sure it's a great place to go to recover from a hangover, but I don't drink, so I don't think I'll be going back.
(2)Tia D.
Having eaten my moms pho since I could chew, I can be pretty picky about how my pho tastes. I was around the area and found this place on yelp so gave it a try. I was pleasantly surprised to meet the owner, who was extremely friendly. My husband and I ordered spring rolls and pho. The spring rolls are different from most other vietnamese places because of the wrap used-- it is the owner's mother's recipe and they are from the old northern parts. It was different but we really liked it! The fish sauce and garlic sauce was delicious. The pho broth was the perfect blend of sweet and herbs. Overall, we really enjoyed the place. It is small and not fancy but the food definitely hit the spot.
(4)Dave W.
My then-girlfriend and now-wife turned me onto this place years ago, and it's still a favorite! The setting is unassuming, tucked away near 69th St. Station. The food, however, is incredible. The crispy spring rolls that are better than any you've ever had before. Each meal comes with a salad with a peanut-ginger dressing and bean sprouts that is delicious. For dinner, I'd recommend splitting the soup that has the shrimp and other seafood in it, then go with the pork over vermicelli, or the crispy birds nest, which can't be beat. I've been eating here for nearly 10 years now, and have never had a bad meal. WORTH. THE. TRIP.
(5)Adam C.
At the urging of a few folks I tried little Saigon today for the first time in many years. In truth I think the food was deserving of three stars but the owner was so nice I'll stretch a half star for him. Went for staples so I could really judge...goi cuon and pho with beef, tendon, and beef brisket. The goi cuon had one plus and one minus. On the plus side it was made to order...shrimp was still warm and actually had a little flavor...on the minus side, it was rolled kind of sloppy, and contained only the couple nice shrimp, a traditional slice of pork, lots of vermicelli and iceberg lettuce. No herbs, no carrot...just missing that little pop of something. The pho was a similar story. Plus side...decent broth, really good and plentiful tendon. Minus side...rare beef wasn't rare...no basil...brisket was bland...only sriracha and crushed chili oil on the table. No sambal or sugar. Again it was missing a little something. Definitely fresh and decent food...but not spectacular as the other reviews would lead me to believe. I'll have to try the bun my friend recommended next time and see if that is better, but for pho and summer rolls it's unfortunately not my preference.
(3)Carolyn S.
Been back a few times, and every time the owner recognizes us and warmly welcomes us back. Great food, still. I've bopped around the menu -- no disappointments! Just wanted to mention that this place is BYOB. Gotta love that.
(5)Michelle K.
this use to be the only place in upper darby to eat Vietnamese food. so unless you felt like driving into the city - this was it. well now there are so many options in or close to ud that i don't feel like this place is as good as i use to think. its family owned (nice to support local small business) and they are very friendly. food is good - not great. i've never been a big fan of the fried spring rolls. i dont like the wrapping paper they use. like i said its good. but i just choose to go somewhere else
(3)Samantha G.
My family has been eating here for as long as I can remember and it's never a disappointment. The owners are warm and welcoming and the place feels like you're sitting in their kitchen for a meal, in the absolute best way possible. The menu is authentic and fairly priced, with lots of variety. Although there are many options, I am a creature of habit and always get the Bun (#12) with delicious vermicelli noodles over fresh veggies and topped with smokey bbq'd pork and crispy spring rolls. Perfect serving size for a dinner and you can always try some of the unique appetizers to add to the meal. I would recommend the meatballs that come with rice paper wrappers you make yourself, which also makes eating more of an activity, which of course I love. Little Saigon is such an amazing little dive and the total dining experience no matter what you order: service, food, and atmosphere (and it's BYOB, too). Recommend: that you check this place out, because it's fantastic. Also, the #12 ($7.25) Glitch: if it's busy, the smaller space can get loud, but just enjoy the cuisine and your company.
(5)Katie P.
I always seem to forget that Upper Darby is pretty close by and I have complained about the lack of Vietnamese restaurants on the Mainline (none-although a Pho place is supposedly opening up soon in Bryn Mawr). Really wanted Vietnamese food and didn't want to go to West Philly or Italian Market area. Drove to Upper Darby and did a quick Yelp search and Little Saigon popped up. I have walked by the place many times. This place is a GEM! I am so happy I took a chance. We received complimentary salads as soon as we sat down. My friend and I ordered the crispy spring rolls ( the best I have ever had!) and we both ordered Pho. The broth was very flavorful. I think this place has better Pho than Vietnam Cafe in West Philly or Pho Ha on Washington Avenue. The place is small but my friend and I loved it. I will definitely be going back!
(5)Sarah S.
I like the feel of this family run restaurant. The food was good too. My friends seemed to like the broth of their Pho. I ordered a beef cube dish hoping to get bo lac luc that I've had at another Vietnamese place. It wasn't bad but it wasn't what I was expecting either. Next time I go back, I'll definitely try the pho
(4)Tom F.
Great food, with lots of good options on the menu including a nice selection of vegetarian dishes. The vegetables in my pan fried noodles were crisp and colorful, and the sauce was really delicious. The service was friendly and prompt. Based on the takeout interactions we observed, the restaurant has many regulars, who were greeted by the restaurant staff like old friends. I like Pho Street in Springfield, too, but this will definitely be my first choice for Vietnamese food near Drexel Hill.
(4)Kemi A.
This little place was way out of my hood. Dropped by for lunch with some friends (after searching on yelp for local eats). We got there around 430p so we were the only ones there. Server was very nice. I don't think I ever had Pho before. I yelped a few reviews to see if there was any indication as to what I should order. Everyone said PHO...but not by name. And those who listed menu items by number need to quit because i think they re-numbered the menu. I ended up getting the Pho with the beef, brisket and tripe (Am I the only one who likes tripe? I must be). We also ordered the spring roll as I read that was tasty. The meal was filling. I enjoyed the spring roll and the dipping sauce it came with. We all got variations of the Pho...I think both my friends ended up getting the beef and beef balls one. Overall, a decent meal for a cheap price. Can't beat that with a bat.
(4)Matt R.
This place is amazing. You have to try the spring rolls for sure. They are the best and about 5-6 bucks. The customer service is amazing here. I've never gotten better service before. The prices aren't bad as well and there salad dressing is homemade and delicious. It's not in the best of the best neighborhood but it's worth the trip. Also bring quarters. It's like 25 cents to park every 30 minutes or something.
(5)Lisa P.
The pho was ok. The soup was a bit too sweet to my liking. I know that it is family owned but with one person working in the guest area may be challenging at the expense of a slow service. The quality of the food was ok. The Owner was friendly and personable.
(3)Caroline S.
I truly adore Little Saigon. It is a small, family owned business that makes you think you are the first customer that has ever walked through their doors with the way they greet you. I have been there on numerous occasions and have ordered quite a few different bits off the menu and everything is done extraordinarily well. (Pretty generic but try their spring rolls - they are better than anywhere I've tried.) Another review stated the line "made with love and served with care" and I could not agree more. The older gentleman (grandfather, I believe) that buses the tables, is always there filling your water glass after each sip, bringing napkins, etc.. My only peeve with Little Saigon is that because it is a family owned business, they can open/close as they wish. I cannot tell you how many trips I've made to a closed restaurant and had to settle for Pho down the street (I call ahead now). But other than that, Little Saigon is a gem. If you're in the suburbs and need a pho fix, this is the place to go!
(4)Edward M.
If you happen to be in Upper Darby and hungry for Vietnamese food, this is certainly a fine choice for quenching that hunger. I dined here recently with a friend and had a tasty and filling spring-roll and vermicelli dish -- once I added some hot sauce to it. The spring rolls had the nice crunch of just-fried rolls and had flavorful veggies inside. My friend got the large bowl of beef pho and liked it. We also sampled a squid and rice dish for which I had high hopes since it was listed as a house special, but it was merely okay (though, again, made better with hot sauce). The service is friendly. Our water glasses were regularly refilled. It's a BYOB. Prices are inexpensive. Ambiance is a bit strip-mall-y.
(4)Cherie E.
Little Saigon / "Edward's" (as we call it) is about the best food - Vietnamese or otherwise - anywhere! His spring rolls are to die for, summer rolls are delicious, the pancakes are outta-sight and that's just the appetizers! His fish in a clay pot is extraordinary! We often bring groups of good friends here and order to eat family style which works great as everyone can try a little of everything. As others have said on here, just go once and Edward will remember you for a lifetime. Little Saigon is a truly special place with authentic food and a personality that cannot be matched.
(5)Matthew T.
Very nice place. I tried the pho, crispy spring rolls, and pork vermicelli. Pho is really good, great broth. Spring rolls are excellent as advertised. Pork vermicelli was average, good average, but nothing special. Will come back again. 5 stars for the price point.
(5)Steven B.
If you are looking for unique little BYOBs, the Terminal Square area of Upper Darby should be on your list. I've lived in nearby Havertown for 16 years but it's only the last few that I've been sucked into its charms. Little Saigon is a great example. When a restaurant has been around for close to twenty years you know they must be doing something right. That's confirmed when you see that all of the Yelp Reviews are 4s and 5s. It's a tiny place that is unbelievably clean and neat. If you have been to some of the hole-in-the-wall places in Philly's Chinatown, this is a much nicer experience. The food here is a great value. The most expensive thing on the menu is #50. The Little Saigon Special is a chicken beef and pork shish-kabob and spring roll combination that is served with a salad and rice. It is absolutely delicious and is $12.95. The spring role is amazing. Everyone raves about the spring rolls in Chinatown's Vietnam. These are as good if not better. If you stop in I'm betting you'll become one of their many repeat customers.
(4)Michael F.
Had my first visit to Little Saigon before a show at the Tower Theater this past weekend. A friend suggested this little BYOB and it did not disappoint. We ordered the #2 (meatballs/noodles) and the #8 (shrimp pancake) as appetizers. #2 was extra special, absolutely delicious and I would see coming back and that being a staple. We then split a bowl of the beef tenderloin Pho, and it was just completely satisfying. The broth, complete with depth and deliciousness. Lemongrass Shrimp and the House Special Fried Rice completed the meal. "I'll be back."
(4)E V.
Wonderful experience! The owners definitely understand the meaning of hospitality. They seemed to know everyone who came in while we were there. They also made us feel very welcome as if we were their new neighbors. This was our first experience with Vietnamese food and we are now looking forward to our next opportunity to try more. The combination of good food and memorable service earned 5 stars from me!
(5)Tim S.
Maybe I am missing something. Maybe my tastes are different than most. Not sure. I picked this place because I love Vietnamese food, and it scored very high on Yelp. I was very disappointed. Upon arrival, it seemed abit amiss. The decor is out-dated and tacky. Could use a fresh coat of paint at the very least. My party was seated immediately, and the service was attentive and friendly. However, the food left a lot to be desired. It wasn't very good. I ordered the charbroiled beef. It is the dish I always get the first time I am at a Vietnamese place. At every other place I have been too, the beef either came on the bone (usually not, but sometimes) or in big chunks. This beef? Tasted and presented like Cheesesteak beef. Yes, like they took a cheesesteak and dumped the meat out over a bed of rice. Another dish I tasted was shrimp with veggies. The shrimp was far too small, and the veggies were mushy. No fresh veggies? What gives. I am honestly baffled by Yelp on this one.
(2)Michelle K.
this use to be the only place in upper darby to eat Vietnamese food. so unless you felt like driving into the city - this was it. well now there are so many options in or close to ud that i don't feel like this place is as good as i use to think. its family owned (nice to support local small business) and they are very friendly. food is good - not great. i've never been a big fan of the fried spring rolls. i dont like the wrapping paper they use. like i said its good. but i just choose to go somewhere else
(3)Viktor T.
I love this hole in the wall Vietnamese place. The owner here is so friendly. He even remembers everything about what I said the last time I was here. That's so funny. The food here is a delight. The pho is amazing. Had the right amount of meat and noodles with good seasonings. Starting on it takes me to Vietnam and only brings me back after I'm done with my pho. Lot of regulars here, so be prepared for it to be slow.
(5)Thien N.
perfect "hole in the wall". family owned, no MSG used, impeccable service. I had their pho (broth was a very clean-tasting pork based broth) and their spring rolls are good portions. their cafe is very reminiscent of home overall this is a great place to try Vietnamese cuisine for the first time or as a seasoned eater! :)
(4)Tia D.
Having eaten my moms pho since I could chew, I can be pretty picky about how my pho tastes. I was around the area and found this place on yelp so gave it a try. I was pleasantly surprised to meet the owner, who was extremely friendly. My husband and I ordered spring rolls and pho. The spring rolls are different from most other vietnamese places because of the wrap used-- it is the owner's mother's recipe and they are from the old northern parts. It was different but we really liked it! The fish sauce and garlic sauce was delicious. The pho broth was the perfect blend of sweet and herbs. Overall, we really enjoyed the place. It is small and not fancy but the food definitely hit the spot.
(4)Adam C.
At the urging of a few folks I tried little Saigon today for the first time in many years. In truth I think the food was deserving of three stars but the owner was so nice I'll stretch a half star for him. Went for staples so I could really judge...goi cuon and pho with beef, tendon, and beef brisket. The goi cuon had one plus and one minus. On the plus side it was made to order...shrimp was still warm and actually had a little flavor...on the minus side, it was rolled kind of sloppy, and contained only the couple nice shrimp, a traditional slice of pork, lots of vermicelli and iceberg lettuce. No herbs, no carrot...just missing that little pop of something. The pho was a similar story. Plus side...decent broth, really good and plentiful tendon. Minus side...rare beef wasn't rare...no basil...brisket was bland...only sriracha and crushed chili oil on the table. No sambal or sugar. Again it was missing a little something. Definitely fresh and decent food...but not spectacular as the other reviews would lead me to believe. I'll have to try the bun my friend recommended next time and see if that is better, but for pho and summer rolls it's unfortunately not my preference.
(3)Cherie E.
Little Saigon / "Edward's" (as we call it) is about the best food - Vietnamese or otherwise - anywhere! His spring rolls are to die for, summer rolls are delicious, the pancakes are outta-sight and that's just the appetizers! His fish in a clay pot is extraordinary! We often bring groups of good friends here and order to eat family style which works great as everyone can try a little of everything. As others have said on here, just go once and Edward will remember you for a lifetime. Little Saigon is a truly special place with authentic food and a personality that cannot be matched.
(5)Matthew T.
Very nice place. I tried the pho, crispy spring rolls, and pork vermicelli. Pho is really good, great broth. Spring rolls are excellent as advertised. Pork vermicelli was average, good average, but nothing special. Will come back again. 5 stars for the price point.
(5)Marissa R.
Had to give another review because boy did they upgrade from last time. The food got a lot better. Have to admit little Saigon makes better Pho than Anh hong. I was very surprised. Wish both places would give u more meat in the pho for how much they charge. Saigon way to go for improving your food. Will be going there more often.
(4)Adrian A.
My parents have been taking me here since I was a little kid. Little Saigon is owned by the absolutely nicest family and serves some of the best Vietnamese food for very affordable prices. My favorite menu item is probably the vegetarian pan-fried noodles, and the spring rolls are the bomb.
(5)The Brave Bastard B.
This place brings the word authentic a whole new meaning. The only place in Philadelphia that has in essencez body, and soul what its like to eat real Vietnamese food. I almost don't want to write a review so you shlubs don't cause wait here. This is a family owned and operated restaurant. That's been here for well over 30 years and nothing has changed except for the TV because its that dam good.
(5)Matthew R.
The best little hole in the wall you can find. Been going for years. Everything is really well done. Spring rolls are a must. Better than anything you can find in the city. My girlfriend and I frequently take the subway here from center city for excellent cheap dates.
(5)Jackie M.
It was such a pleasant dining experience. I stumbled upon this place by accident. Literally! Initially, I was looking for the Peruvian Restaurant that use to be around there, but was told that it closed. Anyway, the food was amazing. We started off with a salad tossed over a ginger dressing. It was so flavorful. I had no idea what to order as my entree and I asked the gentleman for some tips. I ended up getting noodles with chicken kebabs and white rice. They had these 2 flavorful sauces that I tossed over my noodles and chicken. Wow !! Overall, I had pleasant experience.
(5)Chris M.
I have been going to this place for years. Good food and good service! Owners are very friendly and get to know you by name.
(4)Carolyn S.
Been back a few times, and every time the owner recognizes us and warmly welcomes us back. Great food, still. I've bopped around the menu -- no disappointments! Just wanted to mention that this place is BYOB. Gotta love that.
(5)Samantha G.
My family has been eating here for as long as I can remember and it's never a disappointment. The owners are warm and welcoming and the place feels like you're sitting in their kitchen for a meal, in the absolute best way possible. The menu is authentic and fairly priced, with lots of variety. Although there are many options, I am a creature of habit and always get the Bun (#12) with delicious vermicelli noodles over fresh veggies and topped with smokey bbq'd pork and crispy spring rolls. Perfect serving size for a dinner and you can always try some of the unique appetizers to add to the meal. I would recommend the meatballs that come with rice paper wrappers you make yourself, which also makes eating more of an activity, which of course I love. Little Saigon is such an amazing little dive and the total dining experience no matter what you order: service, food, and atmosphere (and it's BYOB, too). Recommend: that you check this place out, because it's fantastic. Also, the #12 ($7.25) Glitch: if it's busy, the smaller space can get loud, but just enjoy the cuisine and your company.
(5)Dave W.
My then-girlfriend and now-wife turned me onto this place years ago, and it's still a favorite! The setting is unassuming, tucked away near 69th St. Station. The food, however, is incredible. The crispy spring rolls that are better than any you've ever had before. Each meal comes with a salad with a peanut-ginger dressing and bean sprouts that is delicious. For dinner, I'd recommend splitting the soup that has the shrimp and other seafood in it, then go with the pork over vermicelli, or the crispy birds nest, which can't be beat. I've been eating here for nearly 10 years now, and have never had a bad meal. WORTH. THE. TRIP.
(5)Katie P.
I always seem to forget that Upper Darby is pretty close by and I have complained about the lack of Vietnamese restaurants on the Mainline (none-although a Pho place is supposedly opening up soon in Bryn Mawr). Really wanted Vietnamese food and didn't want to go to West Philly or Italian Market area. Drove to Upper Darby and did a quick Yelp search and Little Saigon popped up. I have walked by the place many times. This place is a GEM! I am so happy I took a chance. We received complimentary salads as soon as we sat down. My friend and I ordered the crispy spring rolls ( the best I have ever had!) and we both ordered Pho. The broth was very flavorful. I think this place has better Pho than Vietnam Cafe in West Philly or Pho Ha on Washington Avenue. The place is small but my friend and I loved it. I will definitely be going back!
(5)Sarah S.
I like the feel of this family run restaurant. The food was good too. My friends seemed to like the broth of their Pho. I ordered a beef cube dish hoping to get bo lac luc that I've had at another Vietnamese place. It wasn't bad but it wasn't what I was expecting either. Next time I go back, I'll definitely try the pho
(4)Tom F.
Great food, with lots of good options on the menu including a nice selection of vegetarian dishes. The vegetables in my pan fried noodles were crisp and colorful, and the sauce was really delicious. The service was friendly and prompt. Based on the takeout interactions we observed, the restaurant has many regulars, who were greeted by the restaurant staff like old friends. I like Pho Street in Springfield, too, but this will definitely be my first choice for Vietnamese food near Drexel Hill.
(4)Kemi A.
This little place was way out of my hood. Dropped by for lunch with some friends (after searching on yelp for local eats). We got there around 430p so we were the only ones there. Server was very nice. I don't think I ever had Pho before. I yelped a few reviews to see if there was any indication as to what I should order. Everyone said PHO...but not by name. And those who listed menu items by number need to quit because i think they re-numbered the menu. I ended up getting the Pho with the beef, brisket and tripe (Am I the only one who likes tripe? I must be). We also ordered the spring roll as I read that was tasty. The meal was filling. I enjoyed the spring roll and the dipping sauce it came with. We all got variations of the Pho...I think both my friends ended up getting the beef and beef balls one. Overall, a decent meal for a cheap price. Can't beat that with a bat.
(4)Caroline S.
I truly adore Little Saigon. It is a small, family owned business that makes you think you are the first customer that has ever walked through their doors with the way they greet you. I have been there on numerous occasions and have ordered quite a few different bits off the menu and everything is done extraordinarily well. (Pretty generic but try their spring rolls - they are better than anywhere I've tried.) Another review stated the line "made with love and served with care" and I could not agree more. The older gentleman (grandfather, I believe) that buses the tables, is always there filling your water glass after each sip, bringing napkins, etc.. My only peeve with Little Saigon is that because it is a family owned business, they can open/close as they wish. I cannot tell you how many trips I've made to a closed restaurant and had to settle for Pho down the street (I call ahead now). But other than that, Little Saigon is a gem. If you're in the suburbs and need a pho fix, this is the place to go!
(4)Edward M.
If you happen to be in Upper Darby and hungry for Vietnamese food, this is certainly a fine choice for quenching that hunger. I dined here recently with a friend and had a tasty and filling spring-roll and vermicelli dish -- once I added some hot sauce to it. The spring rolls had the nice crunch of just-fried rolls and had flavorful veggies inside. My friend got the large bowl of beef pho and liked it. We also sampled a squid and rice dish for which I had high hopes since it was listed as a house special, but it was merely okay (though, again, made better with hot sauce). The service is friendly. Our water glasses were regularly refilled. It's a BYOB. Prices are inexpensive. Ambiance is a bit strip-mall-y.
(4)Joseph S.
The pho here is amazing!!! I am gonna have to say that the broth here is the best I've ever tasted. It has a full flavor and is just awesome. The only downside here is the portion & the amount of meat they give you. The portion is a good size, but not as much as other places (a la Pho Xe Lua Chinatown), and the meat is usually sparse. In short, if you are more for quality than quantity, come here. In the least, try it out, I am certain you won't be disappointed.
(4)Steven B.
If you are looking for unique little BYOBs, the Terminal Square area of Upper Darby should be on your list. I've lived in nearby Havertown for 16 years but it's only the last few that I've been sucked into its charms. Little Saigon is a great example. When a restaurant has been around for close to twenty years you know they must be doing something right. That's confirmed when you see that all of the Yelp Reviews are 4s and 5s. It's a tiny place that is unbelievably clean and neat. If you have been to some of the hole-in-the-wall places in Philly's Chinatown, this is a much nicer experience. The food here is a great value. The most expensive thing on the menu is #50. The Little Saigon Special is a chicken beef and pork shish-kabob and spring roll combination that is served with a salad and rice. It is absolutely delicious and is $12.95. The spring role is amazing. Everyone raves about the spring rolls in Chinatown's Vietnam. These are as good if not better. If you stop in I'm betting you'll become one of their many repeat customers.
(4)Michael F.
Had my first visit to Little Saigon before a show at the Tower Theater this past weekend. A friend suggested this little BYOB and it did not disappoint. We ordered the #2 (meatballs/noodles) and the #8 (shrimp pancake) as appetizers. #2 was extra special, absolutely delicious and I would see coming back and that being a staple. We then split a bowl of the beef tenderloin Pho, and it was just completely satisfying. The broth, complete with depth and deliciousness. Lemongrass Shrimp and the House Special Fried Rice completed the meal. "I'll be back."
(4)Matt R.
This place is amazing. You have to try the spring rolls for sure. They are the best and about 5-6 bucks. The customer service is amazing here. I've never gotten better service before. The prices aren't bad as well and there salad dressing is homemade and delicious. It's not in the best of the best neighborhood but it's worth the trip. Also bring quarters. It's like 25 cents to park every 30 minutes or something.
(5)Lisa P.
The pho was ok. The soup was a bit too sweet to my liking. I know that it is family owned but with one person working in the guest area may be challenging at the expense of a slow service. The quality of the food was ok. The Owner was friendly and personable.
(3)Publius M.
I wanted a mission, and for my sins, they gave me one. Brought it up to me like room service. It was a real choice mission, and when it was over, I never wanted another. My mission was to infiltrate Little Saigon and return with Colonel Kurtz, but as soon as I entered this unassuming place it was clear that the Colonel had found something that would ruin the common Asian-American food experience. Who could expect anyone to return to the boring Asian culinary landscape offered by the traditional American suburb after such an experience available at Little Saigon. Spring rolls whose main flavor wasn't grease, simple salads remaining healthy with the addition of ginger and vinegar for a crisp clean and refreshing flavor, and the entrees, oh the entrees... You can't got wrong with the mussels or the off menu chicken curry, but every protein is treated with equal care and any infrequent missteps are redeemed by the savory delicious sauces. While the location doesn't afford the haute setting some foodies may require, the true important things are in order at this establishment.
(4)E V.
Wonderful experience! The owners definitely understand the meaning of hospitality. They seemed to know everyone who came in while we were there. They also made us feel very welcome as if we were their new neighbors. This was our first experience with Vietnamese food and we are now looking forward to our next opportunity to try more. The combination of good food and memorable service earned 5 stars from me!
(5)JJ M.
First time eating in at Little Saigon (many take out experiences). Me and the ever-adventurous Mike F hit this Upper Darby gem just before Frampton at the Tower. The hostess/waitress/owner was charming and pleasant. The service, super friendly and accommodating if a little uneven. Food was OUTSTANDING. Highlights were the Pho and appetizer #2, grilled meatballs and noodles with peanut suace on the side. I was full too soon. Nice portions, very fresh, great value. So the Lemongrass Shrimp, ordered spicy, weren't spicy and the crispy pancake a little more lubricious than I like it, but wow - what a revelation. I can't wait to go back and bring Ken H, a bay area transplant who frequently bemoans the lack of good Vietnamese chow round town.
(4)Devon L.
this is the epitome of a family restaurant. it is literally on the bottom floor of their house! (not confirmed) everyone there is really nice and they make their food with love! the pho here is amazing and is probably the best ive ever had in a restaurant. it tasted more like the homemade pho I fell in love with at my gf's house. not that you every would, but you can eat this straight up without any dressings.. its that good. on top of that, you get a bowl about the size of your torso for 6 bucks. save a buck, support a family and eat here!
(5)Mike P.
Located just across from the Municipal building, Little Saigon has been serving authentic Vietnamese food for around twenty years. The inconspicuous exterior flows into a modest, yet inviting, dining area with seating for around twenty people. The restaurant is a true American family business. Mom and dad work as the greeters/waiters while grandpa refills water glasses and their daughter does her homework at a table. Many of my family friends are on a first name basis with the owners and update each other about their children each time they visit. I wrote a review in The Acorn (Upper Darby High School's newspaper) three years ago and to this day the owners remember me and ask how college is going each time I visit. Every meal comes with a complimentary salad of crisp iceberg lettuce with ginger dressing. The salad is great for its lightness (leaving room for the hefty entrees) and flavor (their dressing is my favorite of any kind I've ever had). The menu at Little Saigon is extensive and has great options for vegetarians, meat lovers and seafood lovers. A must for all eaters is the summer rolls, which are cold noodles and vegetables wrapped in rice paper served with peanut sauce. Other great appetizers include the Vietnamese crepe (fried egg with bean sprouts) and spring rolls. Little Saigon is BYOB. That being said, if you are looking for a non-alcoholic beverage I recommend the Vietnamese (iced) coffee, which is served with condensed milk, making adding sugar unnecessary. The jasmine tea is also quite good and never disappoints. As in most Asian restaurants, sharing entrees and appetizers allows you to get the most out of your dining experience, giving you a taste of everything the restaurant offers. The slightly large size of the entrees makes them conducive to being shared. It is perfectly fine, however, to order one entree per person, especially for heavy eaters. You'll definitely want to take anything that's left home for lunch the next day. My two favorite dishes at Little Saigon are the Vegetable curry with tofu and the vegetable noodle soup. The curry is a great assortment of broccoli, bamboo shoot, carrots, and other vegetables with large cubes of tofu that have a nice sear to it. The vegetable noodle soup (with vegetable broth) is the perfect comfort food. I've gotten non-vegetarian friends hooked on it. The vermicelli noodles are thin, long, and delicious and the broth is warm and flavorful. Another great dish is the pan fried noodles, which can be served vegetarian or with meat. This dish, in particular, makes great leftovers, as the noodles begin to absorb the sauce. Favorites of my meat eating friends include the pork dumplings, wonton soup, and the hot pots. Prices at Little Saigon hover around $10, with many entrees around $8-9. Make sure to leave room for dessert! The che bap (warm sticky rice with corn and coconut milk) here is wonderful. If I had a Vietnamese grandmother, this is how I'd picture her cooking. Little Saigon is a place that I grew up with and hope to continue to visit for many more years.
(5)Jen S.
Best Vietnamese food I have ever had. The spring rolls are ridiculously good. The interior is nothing fancy, but who cares when the food is that delicious.
(5)Mors A.
Great place owned by a viet couple. Friendly, clean and quality food. Try their pho its unlike any other I've tried in philly. Recommended!
(5)Mindy K.
How sad were the days when I was stuck in the suburbs and I was hungover (ahem, i mean sick). There was no cure for me; no panacean pho nearby that would take away my pounding headahce, cold sweats and sensitivity to bright lights. Happy day for me that this is no longer the case now that I have discovered Little Saigon. Crispy Spring Rolls Little Saigon is one of the few places I've encountered that use the rice wrapper to roll up their spring rolls and deep fry them (It seems many just use wonton wrapper variants). Anyway, it makes a huge difference in that the rolls stay super crispy and the meat inside is juicy and flavorful. It really helps the wrapper: meat ratio to work perfectly and at ~$5.50 for 3 whole pieces, cut up, this is a great deal and obviously a MUST ORDER every time. Pho Tai My go-to pho dish - it really makes the broth the centerpiece. The broth here is meaty, flavorful and complex. One of my friends has argued that the broth is on the salty side, but I disagree - that probably means you're not dropping in enough jalapeno and lime juice. sidenote, the last time I got takeout, they gave me a lemon instead of a lime. I suspect this was some sort of lime shortage they were experiencing, but it was definitely odd. Not terrible, but just odd. The customer service here is wonderful. The owner and his staff are so gracious and friendly and accommodating that it's absolutely adorable. I'm continually surprised by how smiley I am when leaving this place. They lose a star because I don't know that the rice dishes are GREAT here, but definitely super solid all around. Reality check: Is this my FAVE spot? Not necessarily, but outside of downtown or Wash Ave, this is most certainly an impressive offering.
(4)Roland S.
The folks working here are nice enough. Bottles of Siracha and Hoison were filthy. Pho broth was tasty but way too much gristle in bo vein. Will probably not visit again since there are better options.
(3)Melissa W.
The food here is probably worthy of 3.5 stars, but I'm rounding up because the owner/manager lady is super nice and friendly, and the little old Vietnamese man who refills your water is adorable. This place offers solid Vietnamese food for decent prices. The vermicelli with grilled meat is good, as is the pork and fried egg over rice. The pho is huge and comes with oodles of noodles. However, the appetizers are a little on the small side considering the fact that they cost about the same as some of the entrees. I'm not sure I would go out of my way to eat here, but if you happen to be in the neighborhood and craving Vietnamese food, this will satisfy you.
(4)Abigail B.
This is the best Vietnamese restaurant in Philadelphia, period. I know that some restaurants in Chinatown get a lot of credit for being really good, but Little Saigon is better. Why? Because everything there is very fresh and extremely delicious. The grape leaves and the spring rolls are legendary, I've been to dozens of Vietnamese restaurants and none have come close to Little Saigon. Even though everyone knows Vietnamese food for the Pho soup there are many other dishes that they have that are excellent as well. In fact I don't think that their Pho is their strongest dish, their other soups, such as the Phnom Phen, are really good! I also really like their coffee! Pros -no MSG! -AMAZING spring rolls and grape leaves -FREE ginger salad with most meals -very consistent menu with all around excellent food -small, private, low-key and romantic -seriously the KINDEST people on the planet Earth! Cons -clean but a little run down -sometimes the TV is on (which I find to be an atmosphere killer) -parking can be a pain but is usually available if you know where to look (H-Mart shoppers around the corner take up a lot of the nearby spots) -service is sometimes slow or forgetful of your order (if you get a lot of items)
(5)Jennie N.
What a wonderful find! We were looking to go out for Vietnamese food, but this time we didn't want to drive down to Center City (further distance) and deal with the hassle of parking. We "yelped" reviews of local Vietnamese restaurants, and decided on Little Saigon. What a great find! We will be loyal customers. Everything we ordered was delicious! We had the Nem Nuong (grilled meatballs with salad and vermicelli), the vietnamese crepe with shrimp and pork, the spring rolls with barbecued pork on rice vermicelli noodles, and the #29 noodle soup with meat. The food came with a salad...and for dessert we had the Che Bop (warm sticky rice with corn and coconut milk). Everything was reasonably priced. The restaurant is very casual and BYOB. One thing was better than the next...and we will be back to try more! Highly recommend!
(5)Michael O.
Proof that the best ethnic restaurants usually aren't in the best neighborhoods. Little Saigon has really good food at a really good prices, in a family restaurant environment. Their food is consistently good up and down the menu. I would recommend the pho and their fried spring rolls. I got a full meal with tip for $15. Can't bet that!
(4)Ben M.
So so glad to have found a good Pho place in Philly! Granted, its the only one I've been to. To be honest, the main thing I remember about my Ph Äc Bit was a massive chunk of beef that I got to gnaw on at toward the bottom of the bowl. Ah so good! Other than that, the pho was very noodle-y (could have used more meat). I recommend that you BYOL here (limes), because even when we asked for more, we were just served the tiniest side slices. Nice wait staff, casual, cheap, yum. Will be back.
(4)Kenneth N.
Purely the taste of the pho soup was authentic, you can tell this was a La old viet family receipt I was very impressed with the broth and food. Give it a try if in upper Darby won't be disappointed
(5)J H.
This is THE BEST Vietnamese EVER! I used to come here all the time when I lived in Upper Darby but I now live in Chester County. That being said, my husband and I will drive over an hour to have the crepes because no one makes them as good as they do here. I have tried them in other places. They just don't have the flavor. I have never had a dish here that I didn't like but the crepe and crab soup are my favorite. I have been going here for years and it is my favorite restaurant!
(5)Lydia B.
Somehow I'm always surprised that the dish I've ordered which seems so plain and simple, is always so unbelievably delicious. This restaurant, in upper Darby, is nothing to write home about when considering atmosphere because it's kind of a dive... but the food makes up for everything. We were going to a concert at the Tower theater and found our way up to Little Saigon for a quick BYOB authentic Vietnamese meal.I would recommend coming here and will come back when I go back to the Tower theater.
(4)Carrie M.
Quaint and spectacular. We stopped by before a show at the Tower Theater and we LOVED this place. Ambiance is old-school and 'no frills.' Service is attentive (although they do not speak much English, which is fine by us). Food is fantastic. We were so impressed by the quality and care in every dish. The meals were delicious! Can't wait to stop by again!
(5)sara l.
We have been coming to little saigon for as long as I can remember. The kitchen is absolutely spotless... I don't know how he keeps it so clean! The decor is outdated but what makes Little Saigon a hidden gem is the food! Try the crab soup, spring rolls, chicken on a stick, [shrimp on bamboo (I don't think it is on the menu any longer:()], the pan-fried noodles, and the curry dishes! The ginger dressing on the iceberg salad they bring out before appetizers is awesome as well.
(5)James C.
I have been going to this place for almost 10 years now, and I must say they never disappoint! This family owned restaurant is real friendly and the service is great. I have tried most of the stuff on the menu and have to say almost everything I try is very delicious. I would recommend the pho or any of the rice platters. The pho broth is meaty and sweet just the way it is supposed to be. One thing i would like is for them to be more generous with their meat. I guess you could ask for extra beef in the soup. Plus the spring rolls and summer rolls are very very very good. If you want a" home cooked" Vietnamese meal, I definitely recommend this place
(4)Jeff W.
Great food and great service. Place was packed and the server never stopped smiling. Food was some up there as some of the best Vietnamese food I ever had and the prices were great. It's our new stop every time we see a show at the Tower.
(5)Ginger S.
Good food but expect to be sitting for awhile....
(3)Chris S.
The food here is excellent and the staff is very friendly. The crab and tomato soup was amazing and the vietnamese eggroll was a meal in itself. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Arin S.
Absolutely fantastic Vietnamese food. Authentic. I live about twenty-five minutes away on a good day, and we travel to eat here. The summer rolls are my favorite and the tomato crab Pho a close second. Quickly becoming a favorite. Unassuming little place that would be easy to overlook but definitely should not be! Finish your meal off with their iced coffee. Awesome.
(5)Michael G.
Good Pho, considering the location. Fast service and very friendly owner :)
(4)Jason L.
Great rolls and Pho... Based on reco's we tried #1, 21 and 29. Was very impressed. Great service and affordable.
(4)Daniel D.
Some of the best pho I've had in Philly; amazing grape leafs wrapped beef appetizers.
(4)okeito s.
Hands down Little Saigon serves up the best Vietnamese dishes in the city. Their service comes directly from the family owned staff, packaged with a smile, speedy service, and an atmosphere that feels as though they invited you over for dinner. The food seems to be made with the same love and attention as any home cooked meal should. Everything, from the spring rolls to the Pho, is very tasty. Speaking of Pho, the broth is a well balanced assembly of ingredients other restaurants can only dream of emulating. I would gladly recommend Little Saigon for those new to Vietnamese Cuisine. Just as eagerly, I would recommend it for those that can't live without Vietnamese cuisine, like myself. There is only one disappointment. That is with myself, for not frequenting this hidden gem as much as I should.
(5)Brian K.
I've had their Pho and their Spring rolls and both are excellent! The owners (husband and wife) are very friendly and they offer excellent service and hospitality. I've had Pho at a number of locales and Little Saigon is really top notch!
(5)Shilpa B.
The family who owns this restaurant is very welcoming-- they greeted us like old friends when we walked in. The spring rolls were delicious, as was the vegetable dish (can't remember the name) that I got. This place is also conveniently located right around the corner from H-Mart.
(5)Michael M.
In the last year, I've become a huge pho fan. I've had pho in Philadelphia, Atlantic City and Danbury (CT). All of them were better than Little Saigon. The broth was insipid, the accoutrements skimpy and there was no housing to add flavor. I'm sure it's a great place to go to recover from a hangover, but I don't drink, so I don't think I'll be going back.
(2)Marc M.
I almost hate to write this review in fear of giving away a great little gem of a restaurant. This place has the best Vietnamese food in Philly, hands down. It's all prepared fresh, daily, by the family-owned kitchen staff. The owners are kind and generous. I have been eating here for almost the entire time they've been open [about seventeen years]. It's not fancy - it's home cookin', Vietnamese style. That's why I love it. It's tucked away up in the nether regions of Upper Darby but it is most certainly worth the trip!
(5)Sheila F.
Little Saigon is Vietnamese food at its best! I have dined at Vietnamese establishments all over Philadelphia and Little Saigon is by far the best Vietnamese food in the Philadelphia area! I highly recommend number 1 and number 29: The spring rolls and the spicy beef soup. #1 is crispy to perfection and is accompanied by savory dipping sauce. #29 is a mildly spicy thin-sliced beef soup with thin rice noodles and a wonderful cilantro flavor. #29 is similar to PHO, but is slightly different in flavor due to the light cilantro undertones. The Beef stuffed with ginger is heavenly and the curry vegetables are out of this world as well! The staff is friendly and very accomodating. There is a parking lot right next to Little Saigon, which is well-lit and safe. Non-city dwellers accoustomed to dining in the suburbs might find the 69th street area a bit intimidating, but Little Saigon is certainly located in a safe spot, right next to the Upper darby Township building and library.
(5)Andrew E.
This place is addictive. Great food for a great price. I love Pho!!
(4)Chris G.
I would give this place six stars if I could. The food is always awesome and the folks who own it are the best. Go. You will not regret it.
(5)Andrew K.
What a great little gem! I've been going there for years and it always delivers. The food is consistently good and the service is great. It's also a great bargain. I can't say enough about the owners or the food.
(5)Peter W.
My first experience of Vietnamese food, and still among the best I've had. The crab and tomato soup is hauntingly delicious.
(4)Jen M.
This is my absolute favorite restaurant! They have the best spring rolls on the planet. I go to school in Maryland but make sure to eat here every time I come home to upper Darby! I highly recommend this quaint little spot!!
(5)Grace B.
I'm so glad I live close by. The owners are so personable. I've been coming here for years, and they know exactly what I order every time (pan fried noodles). One time I was there with my mom, a few minutes had passed after we ordered, and my food already came out. I told the owner/husband, "That was fast!" And he replied, "Yeah, my wife saw you walk in and started cooking your noodles" (before I put my order in). Ahhhh, they know me so well ;) Even though I order the same thing most of the time, I've tried a lot of the items on the menu. I haven't eaten anything here that was disappointing. Everything I eat here is delicious! Other than my usual pan fried noodles, I highly recommend the stuffed grape leaves, spring rolls, fish in a pot, pho, coconut drink, and rainbow ice. The restaurant is small, so it can get packed quickly especially at peak times for lunch/dinner, but you never feel neglected. The service is great, even if they're busy. Great people, great food. I love this place!
(5)Anthony S.
Best Spring Rolls you will ever experience! I love this little hidden gem. I have been to Little Saigon 3 times and decided to finally share my thoughts on the place. Parking: there is a parking lot across the street which you might have to pay for. I usually park at the metered spots along the side where H-Mart is. 25 cents gets you 45 minutes. Service: this is a mom and pop place. When you first get there you will be greeted right away. Getting a table is fast. The initial order takes a little bit longer to happen than most places. This doesn't bug me. I just want to note here that it is normal. Don't be concerned. It is worth the wait. The staff is very kind and helpful. Price: awesome! This place is not pricy at all. Go enjoy yourself! Food: Delicious! Get the spring rolls. Do it now! Get the beef on the sticks. Do it! I also enjoyed the prime rib but forgot to take a picture. Go check out this BYOB.
(5)Phillip R.
top 3 favorite places in the entire city of Philadelphia! If you're into Viet food, You already know there are 10+ places (notably around South Philly) you can get a kick ass bowl of pho or other cure-all broths that rejuvenate you back to life. whether you're fueling up after a long night of drinking, recovering from a cold, or just satisfying the inner fatty in all of us. this place takes takes the cake! Maybe im spoiled, because I dont really care which place i go for a decent bowl of pho. its usually pretty darn delicious and usually satisfying regardless of where we eat. the menu item that stands head and shoulders above those other 10+ places is Little Saigon's crispy spring rolls. They are unique to this restaurant while every other place is nearly identical. this item is a MUST-TRY! Briefly, my other favorites are their house special pan fried noodles, grilled pork over rice w a fried egg and a runny yolk bringing all that goodness together! needless to say, their pho is on point! Little Saigon is a BYO and the owners are sincerely so gracious and welcoming! You'll know what I'm talking about when you see them greeting and being greeted by nearly all of the patrons. the food just taste better because your're more than just a customer here. I cant say enough great things about my friend Han and his family who run this establishment. Im lucky to dine here regularly. I hope you crummy over-entitled, pretentious yelpers avoid this hole in the wall. theres no glitz and glamour here, just great food and great people at great prices.
(5)