Saigon Alley

Hidden Door Concepts, who also opened craft beer bar Nickeldime Drafthouse in the area a couple years ago, have added another venue right next door, nestled in Novena Gardens. Saigon Alley serves hipster Vietnamese favorites in a casual and colorful space: exposed brick, graffiti on the wall, hanging Vietnamese lanterns, et cetera. 

Highlights include their big bowls of pho ($14), such as their Australian sliced beef noodles, made with a rich, eight-hour broth; four variations on bahn mi ($7-9), crispy pork belly with tamarind ($12) and of course their Vietnamese coffee ($5.50). On the booze front, there are some intriguing options, too: their Saigon Sangria ($18) comes in two flavours: Alley (with yuzu, gin and candied orange) and Lychee (Barcardi, marinated lychee and white wine).