Sip of Saigon - A Must Try Modern Vietnamese Restaurant & Cafe with Some of the Best Vietnamese Food, Drink, Desserts, and Service in Sparks, Nevada

Updated 3/2024

Combination Pho: sliced rare beef, beef brisket, and meatballs.  Don't forget to dunk your meat in hoisin and siracha sauce. 

Saigon Bahn Mi Sandwich: Vietnamese Ham, Pate, Mayo, Jalapeno, Cucumber, Cilantro, Green Onion, House Pickles on a Toasted French Baguette. My Favorite.

Macarons imported from France.  They're amazing.  Raspberry is my current favorite. 

1272 Disc Dr. 

Sparks, NV 89436

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More Reviews and Photos on Yelp

Vietnamese cuisine is among one of the most popular cuisines around the world.  

It is known for its perfectly balanced, aromatic, and unique flavor profiles that are subtle, yet bold, and its usage of fresh and bright ingredients.

Here in Reno, we're fortunate to have a good amount of options, including an amazing and more modern one called Sip of Saigon, with "Sip" representing the various coffees and coolers offered here, and "Saigon" representing the area of Vietnam that influences their style of cooking.  

Sip of Saigon is recognized on Yelp for its delicious and comforting eats, unique and tasty drinks, quality desserts, and friendly and responsive service.

Pork Belly Bahn Mi is FIRE.  You will not find a better one in town. 

Tofu, Pork, and Shrimp available Spring Rolls.  They are some of the best in town, with the freshest ingredients and quality sauces. 

At Sip of Saigon, get a taste some of the most popular dishes known in Vietnamese Cuisine:

*Bahn Mi - a unique Vietnamese style sandwich that traditionally calls for a French baguette filled with a protein, or combination of (ham, sausage, BBQ pork, pate), pickled vegetables (carrots and daikon), fresh ingredients (cilantro, fresh jalapenos) and topped with a vinaigrette.

*Pho (puh) - a savory and light noodle soup that traditionally comes with a choice of meat (thinly sliced), rice noodles, and is topped with loads of fresh ingredients (usually mint, basil, cilantro, bean sprouts, fresh sliced jalapenos, thinly sliced onions, and fresh lime), all in a savory bone broth base. 

*Spring Rolls - a roll made of rice paper, protein (tofu, shrimp, pork, beef), vermicelli rice noodles, and fresh veggies (lettuce, carrots), served with a sauce (peanut sauce or  a classic Vietnamese dipping sauce made of vinegar, fish sauce, sugar, lime, and sweet chili sauce).

Strawberry Yuzu Lemonade 

Egg Rolls: available in Chicken, Pork, and Vegetarian

Much of Sip of Saigon's success can be attributed to its owner, Kate, who prioritizes quality food and her customers. She's often found at the restaurant, hands on in food preparation and delivery. 

Kate's ever expanding menu and seasonal and holiday offerings keep things exciting and keep her customers keep coming back for more.

Not only does Sip of Saigon serve some of the best and most authentic Bahn Mi and Pho in town, but it also offers the an impressive non alcoholic menu of hot and cold drinks.  Vietnamese coffees, specialty matcha based drinks, yuzu, ube, and pandan drinks are only a handful of killer drinks you'll find on the menu.  

Highlight - Vietnamese Coffee

If you're not acquainted with this style of coffee, it's renowned for its robust flavor and distinct sweetness from condensed milk. For coffee aficionados who haven't tried it yet, it's a must. And if you're looking to enjoy the flavor without the caffeine kick, they offer decaf coffee.

To satisfy your sweet tooth, the restaurant offers an array of quality desserts, including authentic tiramisu, chocolate truffles, madeleines, and more. 

Every dish I've tried here has been amazing. While I could go into depth about each one, I'll spare you the details and let you discover the magic of this hidden gem on your own.

If you're searching for one of the best spots for authentic Vietnamese cuisine, impeccable service, and a menu filled with unique offerings, look no further than Sip of Saigon.

I hope you have the chance to visit this gem and show them some love by following them on social media and spreading the word to friends and family.

Peace, Love, & Respect,

Kat

Ube Latte - strong coffee flavor with subtle hints of ube 

Notes

*Stay updated with their latest menu items, seasonal and holiday offerings by following them on Instagram

*They serve one of the only authentic Bahn Mi in town made with Vietnamese ham and pate

*Don't forget to grab a side of hoisin and sriracha from the front counter next to the utensils and water to dunk your meats and spring rolls or slather on your sandwich for an added kick of flavor

*While there are some vegetarian/vegan options available, please note that there is no vegetarian pho broth (though this may change in the future)

*Customize your Pho according to your preferences

*Plenty of parking available 

*Outdoor seating available during the summer

Spring Drinks Menu 2022. Pandan Dreams is my current favorite.

2022

***Menu subject to change.  Placed here to give readers and idea of what they offer.  Please visit their website for their most current menu.  5/10/2022 . Click to enlarge. 

***Information subject to change.  All opinions are my own. 

Photography

© Katherine Fung,

All rights reserved.

Categorized Under "Good Eats" ---> "Vietnamese"

Chocolate Nugget Candy Factory - A Sweet Escape & Bite into History

Washoe

*611 US-395, New Washoe City, NV 89704

Directions

Mound House 

(near Virginia City/Carson City)

*56 NV-341, Carson City, NV 89706

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If you frequently find yourself on the highway 580/395 heading toward Carson City from Reno, you may have spotted the roadside sign on the side featuring the Chocolate Nugget Factory. Being the wandered that I am, you know I couldn't resist taking the exit to see what this place was all about. That little detour led me to discover a true local gem. Consider the highway sign your sign to check it out yourself. Trust me, you'll thank me later.

Growing up watching Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, I had pretty high expectations for what a chocolate factory should aim to be, and after fter my first visit to the Chocolate Nugget Factory, it did not disappoint. Upon walking into the shop on my first visit many years ago, I was welcomed to a video playing on the wall featuring scenes from the classic film of Willy Wonka inviting us in to a world of "pure imagination."  I don't know what's more imaginative than candy and the scientific processes it undergoes.  Most people may see it as pure sugar & trouble,  but I see balancing acts, candy thermometers, elastic revels, and edible art pieces. 

Today, you’ll find the iconic “I Love Lucy” chocolate factory scene playing on the screen, where visitors can relive one of television’s most unforgettable comedy moments. The famous scene shows Lucy and Ethel working on a chocolate conveyor belt, desperately trying to wrap chocolates as they come faster and faster. When they realize they can’t keep up, they resort to hiding the candies wherever they can, creating a hilarious moment of chaos that has been loved by generations.  You must absolutely give it a watch on YouTube.  

The Chocolate Nugget Factory is the story of a family tradition that began generations ago and made its way from Ohio to the heart of Washoe Valley.

The roots of this sweet local treasure date back to 1936, when Frank, the grandfather of the current owners, began making candy in Akron, Ohio. Frank had a knack for candy making and started a small homemade candy business that eventually grew into a family legacy known for quality ingredients, handmade chocolates, and his famous light and crispy peanut brittle.

In 1983, Dan and Caroline Saltzwimmer brought that tradition to Northern Nevada when they opened the Chocolate Nugget Candy Factory. Since then, this charming roadside stop between Reno and Carson City has become a beloved local landmark, welcoming generations of families looking for a little sweetness along the way.

After decades of being lovingly operated by the Feriance family, the Chocolate Nugget Candy Factory began a new chapter when third-generation candymaker Eddie Feriance stepped away and entrusted the future of the business to Cesar Acosta, the founder of Champagne & Chocolate. The transition brought together two local chocolate traditions. While the candy-making roots remain at the heart of Chocolate Nugget, the addition of Champagne & Chocolate has introduced new ways to enjoy the longtime Nevada favorite through elevated pairings, events, and a renewed appreciation and love for handcrafted sweets.

At Champage & Chocolate in Reno, visitor's can enjoy many of the Chocolate Nugget Factory's classic favorites while experiencing a fresh, glamorous, modern lounge feel that comes with entertainment, specialty alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages & brunch weaved in.  

If you're feeling especially adventurous on your visit, the build-your-own candy bar experience lets guests create a custom treat starting with either a dark chocolate or milk chocolate base and adding their own favorite toppings.

Part of what makes the Chocolate Nugget Factory so special is that the experience begins before you even walk through the doors. The Washoe Valley location has a charming Old West feel, with its rustic log cabin design, welcoming porch, and the famous giant miner standing guard outside.  Inside, the shop continues that cozy, old fashioned charm with vintage touches, sweet displays, and the smell of handmade sweets filling the air. And when you find it hard to determine whether the service or the candy is sweeter, you know you’ve discovered something special.  At the Chocolate Nugget Factory, you can always count on a sample, a smile, and a little taste of nostalgia waiting for you every time you stop by.

Must Try Treats

*Their caramel popcorn is always so fresh, delicious, and addicting.  Ideal for those with sweet tooths.

*Their roasted nuts are always fresh and taste like the holidays

*All of their taffies are true to their flavors, great in texture with just the right amount of sweetness 

*Their Chocolate-dipped pretzels are super crunchy, well-balanced, and not too sweet.  

*Their Peanut Brittle is amazingly thin and fresh: a brittle like no other that will not break your teeth.  It's one of their best sellers that comes in different flavors.

*Their fudge is so delicious and always made fresh in house.  Favorites: chocolate walnut, divinity (marshmallow + nuts), peanut butter chocolate

*Chocolate dipped ice cream.  Dipped in real chocolate and topped with toppings of your choosing.

Notes:

-Apple Pay/Samsung Pay for contact free transactions.  You can download these apps on your phone and connect them to your cards.

-Interested in trying out a certain fudge flavor?  Don't be shy.  Ask for a sample.

-Local family owned business. Visit their site for their amazing history. 

-Tables and seating available on front porch

-great for photos

-Pick-up and delivery available.  Call in for pick-up orders. Online orders are shipped through USPS.

-Their candy is manufactured at their Mound House location.  Viewing window available. 

-Sodas available for floats.

-The drive on 395 from Reno to the shop is scenic and relaxing.  Alternatively, you can take side streets. Take South Virginia all the way down toward Carson City.  Shop will be on your right.

-Nearby: Davis Creek Regional Park, Bower's Mansion, Washoe Lake State Park, and Anneke Shat's Bakery

-The Washoe Lake/Little Washoe area features plenty of wildlife, including wild mustangs.  Please enjoy them from afar.

***Information subject to change. All opinions are my own.***

Photography

© Katherine Fung,

All rights reserved.

Categorized under "Good Eats"

Dazzle Your Taste Buds at Icecycle Creamery & Pedaler's Deli in Reno

6147 Lakeside Dr. Suite 102
Reno, NV, 89511

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Icecycle Creamery is the place to go if you’re looking for some of the most adventurous ice cream flavors in town. The unique flavors were inspired by Jeremy, the original owner, who combined his love of the culinary world with his appreciation for different cultures to create fun and unexpected flavor combinations. In addition to ice cream, they also serve fresh and tasty sandwiches made with house-made bread, along with salads, soups, and a variety of drinks.

Some crowd favorites for ice cream include Cookie Roulette, Chocolate, & Home Means Nevada, staples you're more than likely to find on hand on any given day. Some of their unique flavors include Lemon Lavender, Horchata, Earl Grey, Salted Pretzel, Apple Pie, Mango Cardamom, & a variety of Asian inspired options.  I love a good classic flavor as much as the next person, but I also love venturing out and trying new and innovative flavors.  There's just so many cultures to borrow from and so much potential for flavor combinations that could work.  I'm just thankful to have both traditional and adventurous flavors to look forward to on every visit.

The original owner of the shop, Jeremy, started out selling this ice cream from the back of his bike out of a cooler. After a ton of encouragement from friends & family, he opened a brick and mortar shop in South Reno. When it was time for him to focus on other goals, he passed the business to Juan, who's still keeping Jeremy’s bold, amazing flavors alive with just as much passion. Juan has even added his own twist introducing flavors inspired by his Mexican culture, like a mango Tajin flavor that will remind you of those delicious and highly sought after mangonada drinks from Mexican snack shops.

Juan is awesome... the kind of local business owner that helps make Reno into the loveable city that it is.  One visit, he kept my three high energy kids entertained for quite a while without being phased and was happy to share a little about his story.  And Juan is just a genuinely nice & down to earth kind of person, dedicated brightening everyone's day with flavorful ice cream and good food.  Fun Fact: Juan used to work for De La Rosa in Mexico when he was a kid.

Everything here is made in house, and I love the deli and ice cream combo because it satisfies both hot and cold cravings year round.

With so many unique ice cream flavors to choose from, you might find yourself unsure of what to get. In that case I recommend trying their six flavor flight.  Why get one flavor when you can get six at one time?  #FoodieLogic.  Plus, they're happy to give you samples.

Hope you enjoy this one. 

Notes
*Pints available for purchase
*Some people have mentioned having an issue with the texture, which can occasionally be a little gritty or have a rich, fatty quality that lingers on the tongue. While I agree that the texture could be improved with certain flavors, I still enjoy the ice cream overall and find myself coming back for more.
*They have an actual espresso machine on hand. Affogato anyone?
*Deli closes an hour before closing
*Deli features hot and cold sandwiches, salads, & soups
*Bartley Ranch Park is just a minute drive away - the perfect outdoor spot to enjoy your food and drink. Grassy areas, picnic tables, restrooms, nature trail, visitor center, and views included.

***All opinions are my own.  Information subject to change.***

Photography

©Katherine Fung,

All rights reserved.

Categorized under Good Eats