Saigon - Traiteur Vietnamien Travel Guide

Tucked within the lively covered market at 13 Rue des Écoles, Saigon - Traiteur Vietnamien brings the vibrant street food scene of Vietnam to Colmar. This unpretentious traiteur prepares dishes fresh to order, from steaming pho soups and crispy nems to generous poke bowls loaded with shrimp tempura. The open kitchen allows diners to watch as ingredients are stir-fried and assembled, capturing the essence of Vietnamese culinary speed and simplicity. Surrounded by the market's hum of vendors and shoppers, it offers a genuine escape from Alsatian choucroute.

Expect a focused selection of crowd-pleasers: daily soups bursting with herbs and spices, fresh spring rolls stuffed with vegetables and shrimp, brochettes, and tempura platters. Vegan options like bun bowls shine with crisp veggies and light sauces, while classics such as pho provide comforting noodle slurps—though some note variations in spice levels. Portions are hearty, prices reasonable around 8-10€ per dish, and everything is made with market-fresh produce for that unmistakable authenticity. Takeaway is popular, with options to heat chilled items for 1€.

The no-frills setup matches its traiteur style—think counter service in a compact space with a terrace for shaded seating. Service stands out as warm and attentive; staff often cook extras like fresh shrimp on request, earning loyalty from locals and visitors. It gets busy during lunch rushes, reflecting its popularity, but the efficient pace keeps lines moving. Perfect for a quick, flavorful bite amid Colmar's old-town charm.

Open weekdays 9am-5pm (later Fridays) and Saturdays till 5pm, closed Mondays and Sundays. Delivery via apps adds convenience. In Colmar's pedestrian-friendly core, it's ideal for market explorers seeking affordable Asian contrast to regional fare. While decor is basic, the focus on quality food and hospitality makes it a repeat-worthy gem.