Eating Out restaurant review: Saigon The Go a delightful grab and go option in underrated suburb

Where should we go for lunch? Oxford Street? Yes please. Somewhere in Vic Park? Too easy. South Freo? Absolutely. What about Osborne Park? Huh? Osborne Park isn’t the first place most would consider when seeking out a tasty lunch and I should know; I’ve worked in the area for the past six years. But, the suburb — mostly dense with industrial businesses, retail spaces, car yards and multi-level offices — might just be entering its foodie era. Hear me out. There is Micrology Coffee; excellent coffee and some of the best looking sandwiches I’ve seen in awhile. Around the corner is Plant Playground, potentially the most aesthetic spot in Perth for coffee and treats. I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews about Casa Nostra Caffe. The Engine Room also had excellent service and tasty salads, and we even have a wine bar in Social House. One of its most recent openings is Saigon The Go, a welcome addition to the mix founded by sisters Allana and Jess Ngo. The Vietnamese eatery is packed with a mix of tradies and office workers midweek, all waiting patiently for their lunch. There are a selection of tables inside and outside, your name is called when your order is ready. Parking can be tricky, but worth it. The menu consists of banh mi, rice paper rolls, pies (plus spring rolls and hot chips; they know their target market) and bowls with a choice of noodles or rice or salad. I went for the latter, my chicken bowl ($13) packed generously with vermicelli and a fresh array of lettuce, cucumber and pickled carrots with a nuoc cham sauce to bring it all together for a tasty and filling lunch. For any vegan readers, there are options for you too. My friend (who also recommended this spot, it was her second time there in a week) had the tofu banh mi ($10.50). The tofu was nicely marinated — which isn’t always the case with a vegan banh mi — while the bread was a sublime mix of soft and crunchy, fresh salad balancing it all out. Anyone needing a serious pick-me-up — and whether you’ve been glued to your computer or under the hood of a car, there are plenty of us in Osborne Park — the Vietnamese iced coffee will do just that. A few sips of the strong coffee sweetened with condensed milk will have your eyeballs open and heart racing a little faster in no time. An excellent new addition to the growing line-up of food options in Osborne Park. Keep an eye on this suburb foodies, it’s on the rise. Saigon the Go 71 Guthrie Street, Osborne Park OPEN Mon-Fri, 6.30am-2.30pm, Sat, 10.30am-2pm BOOKINGS No THE VERDICT A welcome addition to Osborne Park, serving quick and tasty Vietnamese dishes with a smile. 16/20