Shanghai Restaurant Review: Saigon Mama

By Betty Richardson, November 30, 2015

The Place

Just when you thought the Shanghai Centre couldn't fit any more restaurants in it, one goes and pops up in none other than the car park. Well, entrance of the car park. Regardless of this inauspicious location, Saigon Mama is a cheerful little spot, serving Vietnamese pho, banh mi, coffee, salads and more.

Saigon Mama, Shanghai

The Food

The quest for perfect pho in Shanghai is ongoing, and to be honest, how you like your pho is pretty much down to personal preference. For us, the broth was good and the toppings generous and fresh. However, noodle sticklers might find that Saigon Mama's are slightly lacking in bite, and on one visit they were a little clumpy. Prices range fom RMB58-68, and you can add extra toppings. We recommend the bouncy beef balls (RMB10). Saigon Mama, Shanghai Saigon Mama is also hoping to fill in the void that Mr. V left recently with a selection of crunchy banh mi (French-influenced Vietnamese baguette sandwiches), including five spice chicken, lemon grass pork (both RMB55) and beef (RMB58). All these come with pickles, cilantro and housemade pork pate. If you find yourself particularly fond of the latter, you can take home a 200g jar for RMB128. Saigon Mama, Shanghai

By way of apps, we'd definitely order the layered chicken salad again – RMB45 gets you a big bowl topped with peanuts, shredded veggies, omelette and a generous portion of chicken. Pour in the sour, fish saucy dressing on the side and top with the housemade hot sauce. Saigon Mama, Shanghai The egg rolls (RMB45) are also good, and come stuffed with pork, mushrooms, carrots, vermicelli and fresh herbs and lettuce to wrap. The Vietnamese drip ice coffee (RMB35) was just about perfect for our tastes – albeit pricey. Very rich, chocolatey and silky smooth with a creamy kick of condensed milk. Saigon Mama, Shanghai Food Verdict: 1.5/3

The Vibe

Efficient and comfortable, Saigon Mama is a great place for casual lunch or dinner if you're in Jing'an, and the place is already turning over a brisk business during office lunchtimes. Don't expect small talk or niceties from the servers, but then again, you probably don't expect that from most places in Shanghai.

Vibe verdict: 1/1

Value for Money

We would come to Saigon Mama again, and particularly for their salads, coffee and cold noodles. We're still partial to the pho at LA Pho over this one, but hey, that's just us. You'll never find your favorite pho if you don't try 'em all.