About
Welcome to Saigon Social, a vibrant gem nestled within the bustling Elliott Stables in Auckland Central. This Vietnamese food stall is not just a place to grab a quick bite; it's an immersive culinary experience that transports you to the heart of Vietnam with every dish. Located at 39-41 Elliott Stables, Elliott Street, Saigon Social has earned a loyal following, thanks to its heartfelt approach to traditional Vietnamese flavors and its welcoming atmosphere.
As you step inside, the ambiance strikes a chord. Amid the lively food court setting, Saigon Social feels like a cozy nook where the culture of Vietnam is playfully expressed through its food. With a menu that celebrates authentic flavors, the highlights include the mouthwatering Bun Bo Hue with beef and the delectable crab dumplings. Customers rave about the beef pho, which captures the essence of Vietnam’s culinary landscape with its generous portions and rich flavors.
While some opinions, like Caleb Carter's, suggest a slight divergence from the authentic taste—citing potential issues with herb imports—the overwhelming consensus praises the quality and freshness of the ingredients. Christian Montenegro, too, offers high praise for the chicken lemongrass salad and notes the dishes' fantastic flavor profiles, making Saigon Social a reliable go-to for Vietnamese delights.
The ordering process is both user-friendly and efficient, allowing diners to place their orders at a kiosk before taking a seat in the inviting shared space. It’s an experience that merges convenience with creative cuisine, perfect for those on a lunch break or a casual evening out. For just $12.90, you can savor a lemongrass chicken Bánh Mì, crafted with attention to detail and flaunting fresh ingredients that speak volumes about the stall's commitment to quality.
While some dishes may have a modern twist—like the fusion of mayo in the Bánh Mì—the overall experience remains deeply satisfying. Mamatomochu shares the delight of indulging in the fresh spring rolls, highlighting the crunch of cucumber paired with zesty dipping sauce. And for those who dare, the addition of chili oil brings a confident kick that tantalizes the taste buds.
In a city that showcases a plethora of international cuisines, Saigon Social stands out with its authentic Vietnamese offerings that resonate with both locals and visitors alike. If you find yourself wandering through Auckland Central, make sure to stop by Saigon Social. It’s an experience that celebrates not only the love of food but also the rich cultural tapestry of Vietnam. Come for the ambiance, stay for the flavors—you won’t be disappointed!
“ Great Vietnamese eatery inside Elliot Stables. They make really scrumptious Banh mi rolls we had a chicken and a pork banh mi the filling was generous and very filling. Their mango lassi was also very good. A great vibrant place and lovely service. Definitely recommend. ”
“ I recently had the pleasure of trying Bun Bo Hue at this saigon social restaurant, and it was absolutely delightful! The broth was rich and flavorful, with the perfect balance of spices and a hint of lemongrass. The beef was tender, and the noodles were cooked just right. I also loved the fresh herbs and bean sprouts that added a refreshing crunch. The portion was generous and truly satisfying. If you’re looking for an authentic taste of Vietnam, I highly recommend trying their Bun Bo Hue. I’ll definitely be coming back for more. so i and my friend has a great dinner. ”
“ Just got back from Brisbane where I had amazing Vietnamese food, and I’ve been craving it ever since. Most places here didn’t cut it—until I found Saigon Social in Elliott Stables. The beef pho and chicken lemongrass salad were both seriously delicious. Big portions, great flavour, and only around $20 (May 2025). Finally found my go-to Vietnamese spot. Highly recommend! ”
“ Herbs from Vietnam must not be allowed for import because every Vietnamese meal I had was lacking in flavor. For such an in your face flavor profiled cuisine, it was sad. Elliot Stables were fine. Very busy and not necessarily my cup of tea. ”
“ Highly recommended pho in Auckland City Center! Every bite was perfectly balanced and full of flavor. The lady who served us on Easter Sunday night was incredibly kind and thoughtful—she even offered us a refund after I accidentally ordered too many portions at the kiosk. Exceptional service and great food! *the restaurant is inside a building like a food court arrangement. A bit packed during the nite, but still ok tho! ”
“ This is a Vietnamese food stall in the Elliot Stables food court. I ordered a lemongrass chicken Bánh Mì ($12.9) for lunch. Ordering + Well it’s a fancy food court, most stalls have kiosks. You order at the kiosk and get a buzzer. When buzzer buzzing, your food is ready. Picking your autistic seat + Well it’s a big food court. I took a video of my surroundings, it doesn’t cover the whole layout, at least you have an idea of the vibe of this place. Water & Napkins + Unlike Commercial Bay, this place doesn’t have water dispenser and drinks are all overpriced here. Well if you are as broke as me, there’s an underground Asian grocery store nearby next to AVACHI Chicken. + Napkins come with your meal. Food - 9.5/10 + I don’t feel like it’s 100% authentic cuz it got a lot mayo and a little pate. But it’s definitely delicious and ingredients are so fresh, everything perfectly balanced. The portion is great for my lunch too. Overall I will give this food stall 5 stars. ”
“ Very good BunBo Hue with beef and crab dumplings. Traditional Hanoi spring rolls were also very good. Great atmosphere as well! ”
“ I visited this place after reading some great reviews, and it turned out to be located inside a food court-style space. The building felt a bit older, but it was well maintained, with a cozy and relaxed atmosphere. I ordered from the kiosk, and when the food arrived, it already looked like it had been prepared with care — fresh and appetizing. The pho had a clean and delicate flavor, and although the noodles were different from the kind I'm used to, they were delicious. It tasted even better with the chili oil — but be warned, it’s quite spicy! The fresh spring rolls were also excellent, even in winter. They had cucumber inside, which gave them a refreshing crunch, and paired really well with the dipping sauce. But my favorite was definitely the bánh mì. Among all the bánh mì I've had in New Zealand, this one was the closest to what I had in Vietnam. The baguette could have been a bit crispier, but the grilled pork was tender with no unpleasant smell, and the pickled veggies — cucumber, carrot, daikon — along with the pâté and hot sauce, were just so good. The prices were reasonable, and I loved both the food and the overall vibe of the place. It was a great choice — thank you! ”