For a country that borders Vietnam, China has an awfully difficult time producing authentic Vietnamese food. In fact, we've found more authentic Vietnamese cuisine on the streets of Montreal and Sydney. Nevertheless Saigon Blue makes an honest effort, with good service and a lovely night-blue decor.

The chef, though trained in Vietnam, hails from Japan and touts a lighter and less oily fare. The deep-fried spring rolls were bursting with savory pork, though at RMB 22 per plate, were somewhat small. The ph (RMB 45), though passable, felt somewhat naked without the heaps of basil, sriracha and hoisin. The chocolate cake was made from an "authentic Japanese recipe", one which economized on chocolate (RMB 30).

And though the Vietnamese coffee (RMB 20) was excellent, the food is definitely more Hiroshima than Hanoi.

Saigon Blue 
Location: 129 Yan'an Xi Lu, by Huashan Lu
Tel: 021-62487386
Open: 11:30am-2am.
Cost for two excluding drinks: RMB 200.