Saigon Bangkok is nothing new to the Buffalo area. With two locations, one in Tonawanda and another in Williamsville, their delicious Thai and Vietnamese menu selection is never out of reach.

Today I decided to go to Saigon with my mom for our weekly dinner. Even though it is less than 5 minutes from my house, this was my first time inside the Tonawanda location. It is simple and clean, with Buddha to greet you on the way in and purple Orchids to add some color to the otherwise neutral walls and tables. Oddly placed on the Boulevard, it was a nice little escape from the winter weather.

We were also in luck, as a sign on the front door noted that Mondays and Tuesdays brought half price appetizers with the purchase of an entrée, and you can get 10% off with a Student ID. (I knew there was a reason I didn’t throw it out after graduation!). It was an early-“ish” dinner, and not all tables were full, which was good because there appeared to be only one server taking orders, with a busser bringing out our food as it was ready. As the place filled in over time, our service didn’t slow down, but there was no real “check in” at our table mid-meal.

We decided to start with the Shrimp Tempura. I love anything Tempura, so this was an easy choice. The only thing that made it tough was the fact we had to split five shrimp! (Easily solved by cutting the last in half). It was perfectly cooked and the cucumber sauce brings out even more flavor.

I suggested the Crispy Eggplant to my mom, my favorite dish there. One of their Japanese options, this eggplant tempura is served with very smooth panang curry sauce. My mom “loved it”, thankfully, because when I take her to other Asian restaurants it seems like she feels those meals are more middle of the road.

For my entrée, I went with Panang Curry with chicken (sensing a theme here?) It came out still bubbling from the stove, and to me the heat brings out the flavor of the curry. I could eat panang curry sauce with rice and be happy – which I almost wish I did for this meal. The chicken wasn’t terrible, but was a little dry. I still devoured as much as I could before boxing up the rest.

All in all, Saigon Bangkok never lets me down. The relatively small but peaceful atmosphere was a comforting place to enjoy great food (with a discount!). Even without the discounts, Saigon’s prices are affordable and standard for the level of food provided in this area. I will continue to be a regular, and might even start getting carryout!

Service: 3/5
Variety: 4/5
Atmosphere: 3/5
Taste: 4/5
Price: 3/5 

Overall Rating: 3.5/5