Saigon on Brant

474 Brant Street, Burlington, Ontario
(905) 633-9262

Type of cuisine: Vietnamese
Date of Review: April, 2010

Overall Quality Ranking: Good

Cost: Inexpensive
Gluten-Free Menu Options: Somewhat restricted
Gluten Free Diner Comfort ranking: Cautiously Comfortable

Description:  There is something comforting about a small, family-run restaurant.   As a starting point, my bias is in favour of these establishments.  But Saigon on Brant delivers on the promise.
 
The menu, to be honest, is quite restricted for the GF eater.  As you flip through the miscoloured orange photographs of the various dishes, you may find yourself restricted to the pho, a stir-fry, rice, and a couple of other dishes.  Most of the marinades and sauces contain wheat.  If you can eat more broadly, your choice will include grilled meats (a bit fatty, some of it), spring rolls, and so forth.
 
The salad rolls are fresh, with crispy lettuce and firm noodles.  Note that the usual dipping sauce is tasty but not GF, so opt for the fish sauce if gluten is an issue.  The pho is comforting, with a tasty home-made broth and tender, non-gristly meat, in both beef and chicken versions.  It comes with consistently fresh basil and sprouts.  On previous visits, I have had a respectable stir-fry, with a sauce reminiscent of too-thick Chinese food sauces.  As a GF eater who eats Chinese food very rarely, this is not a problem. 
 
The service is straightfoward, friendly, and enthusiastic.  I have always talked with the same gentleman, and he is patient with questions.  The restaurant itself is simple and kitchy but comfortable.
 
Despite having a limited selection, the fresh food and enthusiasm of the owners keep us coming back to this little bit of Saigon.