Saigon Corner Asian Bistro

The last of the Oakfield Drive bistros, Saigon Corner Asian Bistro, is straight across the street from the Tower Diagnostic Imaging Center near Kings Ave.. There is a cluster of four very different cafe style eateries within an easy stones throw of each other, at Corner St. and Oakfield Dr. This particular one is more specifically located at 518 Oakfield Dr., Brandon, FL 33511.

Easy to remember hours of operation.

Closest to the corner of Corner St.

The menu offers a wide variety of Vietnamese dishes (numbered of course) with chicken, meat (beef or pork), seafood (shrimp or "fish") and veggies, including tofu. They also have a very interesting selection of drinks and desserts like Bubble Teas (with flavors of Taro, Honey Dew, Red Bean and several others), Tropical Smoothies (Soursop or Durian), Fresh Squeezed Lemonade, Fresh Young Coconut Juice, Soy Bean Drink and more. There are only two desserts listed, Honey Fried Pineapple and Fried Banana Ice Cream. 

If you are into spicy you have come to the right place. Five of the nine "Specials" are marked with that little red pepper thingy and each entree area has at least one spicy dish warning as well. Just in case your dish is not hot enough, there is a large bottle of hot sauce at each table.

Like many of the area restaurants they have worked hard to find an identity by choosing the best days and hours to satisfy their customers dining patterns. Currently they are open 7 days a week.

HOURS:

M-TH 11:00am - 8:00pm

F-SA 11:00am - 9:00pm

S 12:00am - 6:00pm

FEATURES: Inside dining only and an aquarium to look at. Seating in the dining area is not cramped and the decor is pleasantly understated. About a dozen tables.

Hot sauce and Hoisin for a flavor boost if needed 

We splurged and started with an Appetizer. It was a "must do" because they had Erin's favorite, Krabmeat (sic) Rangoon (#4), Wonton skins filled with krabmeat and cheese. Like the quality of the Salsa is the measure of a good Mexican Restaurant for me, this appetizer is Erin's measure of a good Asian Eatery.

When the appetizer order came there were six fried wanton pockets surrounding a small bowl of  dipping sauce. Fresh from the kitchen, they were light and crunchy on the outside with a warm creamy filling. I didn't get much crab flavor but Erin said they were the best she's had in this area. I liked them too, so thumbs up on this one. No pic, sorry.

For her main course Erin ordered #23. Honey Chicken, Crispy chicken in a sweet and tangy honey sauce, with a side of steamed rice. The generous portion of chicken was served on a bed of crispy rice noodles. In a couple of places, where the meat and the plate were not separated by the noodles, the honey sauce fused to the plate, but thats what honey will do.

Honey Chicken

I decided to go spicy and alternative (for me) ordering #45. Ma Po Tofu, simmered silken tofu served with chef's special sauce and a side of steamed rice. As you can see below I received a very big bowl full of hot spicy broth, vegetables and tofu, with a sprig of fresh parsley to garnish. The broth had a rich texture and the dish ate like a stew. Adding in a bit of steamed rice as I took a spoonful made each bite very satisfying and the heat from the red peppers permeated the gravy.

Ma Po Tofu

Both dishes were more than either of us could eat in one sitting, especially after downing the appetizer. I should mention I also had some hot tea with my lunch. Turns out it was a nice Jasmine flavored tea. Thats special.

On our standard scale of YUCK to SUPER we rate this place Super minus. Nice change of pace.

Lunch with tip $30.43, but that included an appetizer and a pot of hot tea. (Did I mention it was Jasmine?)