A Saigon Cafe Awards

A Saigon Cafe Restaurant Review:

Jennifer Nguyen originally owned a restaurant down the street from this one. After she sold it, patrons convinced her to open another in this better spot next to the historic Wailuku Bridge. The fiery food is some of the best on Maui. It's common to see some of the top chefs, including Bev Gannon, Sam Choy and Bob Longhi, from much fancier establishments in here on their day off, enjoying the sautéed shrimp with their shells on or the Vietnamese burritos you roll yourself in rice paper. Just add fresh mint, basil, cucumber and carrots and dip in hot-sweet sauce. All herbs are picked fresh from the owner's garden. Vegetarians will be in heaven. The tofu stuffed with mushrooms, bean sprouts and vermicelli with fresh tomato sauce is divine. In fact, everything is good, fresh and served hot. You may need to wait if you don't call ahead. A covered lanai has been added and there are a dozen booths, some of which open to accommodate larger parties. The restaurant is simple and run local-style, but you're here for the food anyway, which is starting to amass a reputation. Take-out is available.