Menu of Saigon Secret Vietnamese Cuisine in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Menu Overview

Saigon Secret Vietnamese Cuisine, nestled upstairs at Simply Delicious on Vancouver’s Main Street, offers a vibrant and comforting dive into authentic Vietnamese flavors that both newcomers and seasoned pho lovers will appreciate. Their menu highlights classic dishes like vermicelli noodle bowls, banh mi sandwiches, and an array of fresh and fried spring rolls, each crafted with attention to balance and freshness.

The standout for me was the Lemongrass Chicken Vermicelli Bowl, where tender, fragrant chicken sat atop perfectly cooked vermicelli, accented with crisp herbs and a bright, tangy nuoc cham dressing that brought all elements into harmony. Equally compelling was the Spicy Tofu Vermicelli Bowl, a delightful vegetarian option where the tofu was infused with just the right amount of heat, delivering bold flavor without overwhelming the palate. This dish exemplifies the restaurant’s skill in catering to diverse dietary preferences without sacrificing taste.

The banh mi sandwiches deserve special mention. The Spicy Tofu & Avocado banh mi is a modern twist combining creamy avocado with house-made spicy grilled tofu, enriched with the signature house mayo and soya dressing. The crunchy, pickled carrots and jalapeños offer the classic Vietnamese balance of textures and flavors. The Kimchi Grilled Cheese, on the other hand, provides an intriguing fusion — a crispy, cheesy baguette with the piquant depth of kimchi, bridging Vietnamese and Korean influences in a compelling way.

Saigon Secret’s starter selection is both varied and satisfying. The fresh spring rolls, particularly the shrimp version which features deep-fried shrimp wrapped in crisp rice paper, provide a refreshing counterpoint to richer dishes. The generous portions of fresh vegetables inside balance the indulgent fried elements, revealing the kitchen’s mindfulness in layering textures and flavors. Their pork salad rolls offer a luscious, fatty bite with a delicate freshness that complements the house special peanut-free dipping sauce.

Customer feedback highlights the quality and generosity of portions, with users appreciating the standard yet hearty pho broth, ample meat servings, and fresh, well-packed dishes that travel well for takeout or delivery. The vegetarian pho also stands out as a nourishing comfort food option with fresh veggies and excellent tofu, enhanced further by hoisin and sriracha for complexity.

While the restaurant’s location upstairs might present accessibility challenges, the culinary experience compensates with a menu that offers both traditional Vietnamese staples and creative twists. The addition of sushi and Japanese dishes expands its appeal for varied palates, but it is the Vietnamese offerings here that truly shine with authenticity and fresh, well-balanced flavors.

In summary, Saigon Secret Vietnamese Cuisine impresses with thoughtful dishes that marry rich, aromatic broths, fresh herbs, and bold, spicy notes. Its vermicelli bowls, banh mi subs, and spring rolls deliver satisfying, palate-pleasing experiences that make it a hidden gem worth seeking out in Vancouver's ever-growing food scene.