Lucky Saigon Cafe

It’s no secret Singaporeans are spoilt for choice when it comes to food. With a slew of new eateries constantly popping up on our little red dot, it’s even tougher narrowing down our options. But if you’re looking for some affordable Vietnamese nosh and IG-worthy backdrops to spice up your Insta-feed, check out Lucky Saigon Cafe.

With fantastical elements like a mini waterfall and major out-of-city vibes, here’s what you’ll find at this makan joint located in Tanglin.

Mini waterfall, bird enclosures & misty bridge

While the entrance of Lucky Saigon Cafe may look unassuming, take the steps up to the restaurant’s gates and you’ll find yourself transported into a garden oasis. 

There’s lush greenery all around, overhanging fairy lights and a misty bridge you’ll have to cross to get to the dining area. Needless to say, this walkway probably looks even more magical at night with the lights switched on. 

Along the bridge, the cascading mini waterfall and onsite livestock create a euphony of background sounds, adding to the countryside ambience.

If it’s not too much of a bird–en for you, you can also take a left detour at the start of the bridge to get a closer look at the feathered creatures present. 

Fluffy silkie chickens, ducks and turkeys are some of the animals you’ll find in the restaurant’s bird enclosure.

Better yet, the walkway along the pen makes an ideal photo spot to get some pictures to remember your visit.

To give your photos a dreamlike feel, wait for some of the mist to enter the walkway before you start snapping away.

Lush garden alfresco dining area

Let’s be real, the idea of dining outdoors in Singapore’s humid heat doesn’t appeal to many of us. The cafe’s dining area is all alfresco, but we were pleasantly surprised at how breezy and airy the place was. 

With all the leaves and wooden tables around, it almost felt like we were dining in a vineyard or greenhouse in another country.

Upon taking a second look around, we realised this was due to the giant ceiling fans installed in the restaurant. At the same time, the numerous hanging plants also provide ample shade for those seeking respite from the sun. 

Authentic Vietnamese food

Of course, we couldn’t leave this place without filling our bellies with some Vietnamese grub. The menu here is pretty extensive with items ranging from staples like Bánh Mì (from $8.50) to desserts such as Caramel Pudding ($4.50).

As per our server’s recommendations, we ordered the Fresh Spring Rolls ($7.50), Traditional Vietnamese Chicken Pho ($11.50), Steamed La La With Lemongrass ($15) and two drinks – their homemade Vietnamese Ice Lemon Tea ($3.50) and Passion Fruit Juice ($4.50).

Decently portioned, the dishes were seasoned well with familiar ingredients such as lemongrass, coriander and spring onions. Most importantly, the food tasted fresh and arrived piping hot. 

We particularly enjoyed the chicken pho as the broth was light, comforting and generously garnished with bean sprouts and chunks of chicken meat.  

To top the experience off, most of the staff working here are Vietnamese and were dressed in their traditional outfits. This added to the overall out-of-city vibe, making the experience pretty un-pho-gettable.

Secret photo spots

While we were busy getting those pics for the gram after our meal, one of the friendly servers approached us to let us know that there was another water fountain and outdoor garden we could carry out our photo op at. 

As this space was located outside the main restaurant area and obscured by the greenery around, we walked around in circles before we finally found a quaint water fountain and mini bridge.  

There are also several swings around for patrons to play around and enjoy. 

If you simply just fancy a change of scenery, grab a cuppa and settle down by this balcony underneath the pergola. 

Pro tip: Make sure to bring along some mozzie repellent or patches to avoid becoming a feast for the mosquitoes as we did.

Visit Lucky Saigon Cafe

If you’re bummed VTL flights haven’t been extended to Vietnam, pay Lucky Saigon Cafe a visit for a change of scenery. From its friendly staff to fairytale-like backdrop, this restaurant makes for a unique experience in Singapore and is worth the trip to Tanglin.

Directions: It’s a 12-minute walk from Redhill MRT – alternatively, you can also get off at one of the few bus stops along Tanglin Road. Accessible buses are 32, 111, 122 and 132. 

Lucky Saigon Cafe
Address: 356 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247674
Opening hours: 9AM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: 6556 8228

Lucky Saigon Cafe and Restaurant website

Find more interesting things to do in Singapore, visit:

• Science Centre’s light installations
• Shinjuku Kissa Testudo – new railway cafe in Singapore
• Smith Marine Floating Restaurant
• Snow City’s New Ice Hotel Gallery

Photography by Milim Tay.