Ca Phe Saigon: A Vietnamese Restaurant in a Quiet Marikina Neighborhood

I’ve lived in the East Metro for many years before I moved to Manila (for college) and Makati (for work). But every time I had a free day while I was still there, Ca Phe Saigon was always closed. Their off used to be on Mondays. So when I moved back to “L.A.” (a.k.a Lower Antipolo LOL) for a few months this year, I made sure that I try the Vietnamese food spot.

Ca Phe Saigon is a Vietnamese restaurant located in a quiet Marikina neighborhood. It’s owned by a mother and daughter, Mary Rose and Apple Bonifacio respectively. Mary Rose, who helms the kitchen, is a Vietnamese so we’re assured of authentic Vietnamese flavors. Through the years, they have expanded to Antipolo and Mandaluyong.

They also have an open, non air-conditioned area:

Honestly, I’m not as fond with Vietnamese food as I am with Malaysian, Singaporean, and Thai food. I’ve been to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and there are great food spots there. I’ve probably eaten one of the best (if not the best) Banh Mi and Pho in the world. But given the choice, I’ll pick other Southeast Asian cuisine over Vietnamese cuisine.

So did Ca Phe Saigon change my mind? Here are some of the food I tried (in alphabetical order) and what I think of it:

Banh Mi

Along with pho and spring rolls, banh mi is a popular Vietnamese food outside of Vietnam. This Vietnamese sub is typically made with different cuts of meats, liver pâté, pickled veggies, and cilantro, all sandwiched in a baguette.

Ca Phe Saigon offers beef, cha lua (Vietnamese meat loaf), chicken, egg, and pork versions. Their baguette is crisp and flaky, the pickled veggies add acidity and refreshing crunch, and the mayonnaise and hoisin sauce give sweetness. While it can’t beat the ones I had in Vietnam, it’s certainly one of the best ones I had here in the Philippines.

Banh Xeo

A popular street food in Vietnam, Banh Xeo is a traditional savory pancake (or crepe) made of rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk or cream. Then it’s filled with ingredients such as bean sprouts, scallions, and shrimp. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to try it there so Ca Phe Saigon will have to make the introduction for me. LOL.

Ca Phe Saigon’s version has a generous filling, with lots of bean sprouts giving a nice crunch. I can certainly taste the turmeric, which also gives the dish a nice yellow color. It’s nice to be eaten with lettuce and cucumbers and dipped in the Vietnamese sweet sauce. My wife and I enjoyed it!

Bun Thit Cha Gio (Special Dry Noodles Combination)

This is probably my favorite dish in Ca Phe Saigon as it’s a world of flavors and textures. The vermicelli noodles are springy, the cabbage add crunch, and the spring rolls are crisp and tasty. Its flavor profile is sweet, tangy, and peanutty.

*Bun Thit Cha Gio* (Chicken: P250; Beef/Pork: P270; Seafood Vegetarian: P350; Seafood Regular: P370)

Pho

A Vietnamese food trip won’t be complete without pho. For the uninitiated, pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup that’s composed of rice noodles and protein, typically beef or chicken. It’s usual condiments are herbs, vegetables, lime, and Sriracha.

*Pho* (Regular/Meatballs: P190; Special/Meatball Special/Tendon Special: P360)

While Ca Phe Saigon offers many varieties of pho, I stuck with the classic—Beef. The broth is clear, light, and flavorful (I can certainly taste the cilantro) and the noodles are soft and silky. The bean sprouts add crunch, mint coolness, and lemon acidity. My only wish is that there was more slices of beef and meatballs (I only got half a meatball! LOL.). I ordered the regular one so I guess you have to get the special for more ingredients.

There’s certainly no beating the pho I tried in Ho Chi Minh City. But I think the pho of Ca Phe Saigon can give you a taste of Vietnam.

Spring Rolls (Fresh, Fried, and Steamed)

I’ve tried the Fried Rolls in the dry noodles and the Steam Rolls has shrimp which I’m allergic to so I tried the Fresh Rolls. It has springy vermicelli and crisp cabbage wrapped in an elastic wrapper. Then the peanut dip is perfect with it.

*Goi Cuon* or Fresh Rolls (Vegetable: P150; Chicken P180; Pork/Shrimp: P260)

Eating this dish made me feel healthy! Feel is the key word. LOL.

Vietnamese Coffee

Of course, I can’t leave a Vietnamese food spot without having Vietnamese coffee. It’s strong and sweetened with condensed milk.

My favorites in Ca Phe Saigon are the banh mi, special dry noodles combination, and the fresh rolls. I enjoyed every visit there and all the dishes I tried so far didn’t disappoint. My wife and I also love the fact that they use fresh and quality ingredients. I highly recommend this food spot to you!

So did Ca Ph Saigon change my mind about Vietnamese food? I would say yes and I’m willing to explore Vietnamese cuisine more!

For Ca Phe Saigon branches and operating hours, check their Facebook and Instagram accounts.