Ngoc Xuyen Saigon, the authentic Vietnamese restaurant in the 13th arrondissement, a safe bet

Ngoc Xuyen Saigon is the place to go for pho and traditional Vietnamese cuisine in Paris's 13th arrondissement , at 4 rue Caillaux, at the corner of avenue de Choisy.

As soon as we enter, we find ourselves immersed in a warm atmosphere reminiscent of Vietnamese canteens. From morning to afternoon (note that the restaurant never opens in the evening), the spot is never empty.

Here, priority is given to fresh ingredients, selected daily from the nearby market. The result: richly flavored dishes prepared just like at home. The menu is kept short to avoid going off in all directions. Here, we want to do the right thing and treat ourselves. For the uninitiated, the menu shows images of the dishes, which helps you make the right choice if you're not familiar with them.

Menu and prices :

Phở" soup is a comforting delight. We tested its classic version, enhanced by the addition of marrow bone broth, which intensifies its aromas. The other great discovery is the shrimp soup "Bún suông tôm", virtually impossible to find anywhere else in Paris. This subtly flavored dish combines a mild, spicy chicken broth with homemade Vietnamese pâtés, a unique experience for the curious.

• To be read
• Good restaurants where to eat a phở in Paris? Good Vietnamese addresses
• Vietnamese restaurants in Paris and Ile-de-France, our top addresses
• Restaurants in Paris's 13th arrondissement: Where to eat in the district? Our best addresses

Each day features a different specialty: on Tuesday, bamboo and chicken soup; on Wednesday, crab soup Huế style; on Thursday, crab soup; and from Friday to Sunday, fish brine soup.

Starters include nems and Vietnamese "bánh cuốn" ravioli. Spring rolls come in different versions: beef, shrimp and fragrant sausages. Pascal, the owner, tells us that he mainly uses beef, shrimp, sausages and salad, without the usual vermicelli filling. It's a more digestible and less filling option, giving the whole dish more flavor. They are served with the traditional brown peanut sauce.

For lovers of more substantial dishes, the three treasures rice or the "Bò bún chả giò" beef vermicelli and egg rolls are sure to please. Last but not least, it's hard to leave without tasting a three- or seven-color dessert (with durian for connoisseurs), an explosion of flavors and textures typical of Vietnam. And of course, there's no getting away from good Vietnamese coffee (cà phê sữa đá), served in the traditional way.

With its friendly atmosphere, tasty dishes and affordable prices, Ngoc Xuyen Saigon is a must-try address if you're looking for one of the capital's best Vietnamese restaurants, right in the heart of Paris's 13th arrondissement.

In summer, from April 1st onwards, a wooden terrace is added, allowing not only dining in the sun, but also a larger dining area.

Please note, however, that like all successful restaurants in the 13th arrondissement, it is often full. So be sure to come early or expect to wait a while. We don't come here to sit for hours on end, but just to eat good Vietnamese food, and traditional too, so it turns over pretty quickly.

This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please mention it in the comments.