La Sa Tom! La Sa Who?!?!?

I envision Amil singing that like La Sa Tom- La Sa Who?????????

Before you click that X on the top right corner, let me assure you that I'm not bugging. If you would have had it you'd be singing the same tune. La Sa Tom- curry shrimp soup with coconut milk, vermicelli, herbs, and some fire- from Saigon Grill on the Upper West Side. I could have this dish as my appetizer, entree, and dessert, and that's Real Talk or True Story, whichever you prefer.

When that craving for Vietnamese grub hits, Saigon Grill always satiates the largest appetite. Extremely affordable, aka cheap, and a quick commute from uptown or the Bronx, this place should be on your radar. The space is huge, always has a crowd and the turnover is very quick. Only had to wait 5-10 minutes for a table tonight around 8pm.

I didn't care what we ate after the LST, that was all I wanted. However, what followed further reinforced why I will keep coming back. Those that know me know I love seafood. I have posters of oysters and crawfish on my wall- fucking weirdo. I moved to Charleston after eating shrimp and grits. But I digress. I'm always intrigued by the whole fish dishes at Asian spots. Filets and steaks are easier to eat, but the whole fish is an adventure. And an adventure it was- just look at this little motherfucker with huge lips.




The dish is called Ca Chien, crispy whole sea bass. Sliced on each side to take apart easily. Crisp on the outside, and moist on the inside. AIIIGHT. In a sweet and sour sauce with scallions, onions and garlic. A lot of bones, but big enough to spit out before you start choking. I regret to inform you that I didn't eat the marachino cherry eyes. I was stuffed by the time we got to the dome.



Also had the Beef Bun Xao- a staple Vietnamese dish, similar to Thai's pad thai. Stir fried rice noodles with vegetables, scrambled egg, and beef. It was alright- wouldn't get the beef again, only chicken or shrimp.

Other recommended dishes are Zuong Nuong- 3 flavorful porckchops, Ga Xao Gung- sliced white meat chicken sauteed in a ginger honey sauce with bell peppers and onion, and the any of the satay appetizers. If there are other dishes out there that people like, let us know.

There is another location near Union Square, but I've never been. Plus I hear they have some problems. Full disclosure, I was unaware of this until I started to scribe this. I don't know if this would have deterred my quest for some La Sa Tom anyway. Doubtful, very doubtful.

Saigon Grill
620 Amsterdam Ave (SW corner of 90th Street) New York 10024
11am - Midnight 7 days a week

Phone: 212-875-9072