Est. April 2018 · Hamilton, New Zealand
Saigon Noon
Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine · CBD & Rototuna
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Est. April 2018 · Hamilton, New Zealand
Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine · CBD & Rototuna
Our Story
Saigon Noon opened its first doors in Hamilton's CBD in April 2018, bringing bold, unfussy Vietnamese street food to the heart of Waikato. Built for the lunchtime office crowd, it quickly became a fixture of the city's food scene.
The Rototuna branch followed — a warmer, more relaxed setting with an expanded menu, welcoming families and neighbourhood regulars for lunch and dinner every day of the week.
Both locations share the same commitment: fresh ingredients, honest recipes, and food that tastes like it was made for someone you care about.
What Our Guests Say
Real words from our regulars. We cook with heart — and it shows.
"One of my lunch faves! My go-to is the roast pork belly noodle salad and a mixed combo bánh mì. Sooooo yummy! Delicious Vietnamese flavours through all their dishes — never been disappointed, and I eat here once, sometimes twice a month. Food came out quick, staff are friendly. Prices are reasonable too! Highly recommend!"
"Absolutely love this place. The bánh mì is the best in Hamilton — crispy baguette, perfectly seasoned fillings and so fresh. Staff always greet you with a smile. Been coming here for years and it never disappoints. A Hamilton institution!"
"The phở is incredible — rich, aromatic broth and generous portions. Feels like proper Vietnamese home cooking. Quick service even at peak lunch. Rototuna branch is super convenient and just as good as the city location."
"Best Vietnamese in Waikato, hands down. The kawakawa beef skewers are something special — you won't find that anywhere else. Fresh spring rolls with peanut sauce are a must. The Rototuna team are always so warm and welcoming."
"The Vietnamese curry with beef brisket and coconut is next level. Ordered the prawn fresh paper rolls as a starter — came with an amazing peanut sauce. Great value for the quality. This is our family's favourite restaurant in Hamilton."
Loved your meal? Leave us a review — it means the world to our team.
Some chefs find their cuisine. Erik Au Duong was born into his. Growing up in Saigon, he was shaped by a city that eats with urgency and cooks without compromise — simmering broths before dawn, herbs piled high, woks loud and unapologetic. Those early years didn't just teach him what food tastes like. They taught him what food is for.
Part I — The Roots of Saigon
In 2001, Erik left Saigon on what would become a twenty-year culinary journey across three continents. His first stop was Paris, where the legendary kitchens of Europe gave him precision, discipline, and a deep respect for technique. Yet no matter how refined the cooking, his heart stayed anchored to the street food of his childhood.
He crossed the Atlantic to the United States, earning a degree in Hospitality Management from Northern Arizona University and a Culinary Arts degree in Tucson, Arizona. Then he took the leap every chef eventually faces — he opened his own place.
Snow Peas Modern Asian Kitchen in Tucson became a beloved neighbourhood anchor, proof that bold, honest Asian flavours could find a home in the American Southwest. He even brought his recipes to local television, sharing the food he loved with a community hungry for something real.
Part II — Landing in the Waikato
After nearly two decades abroad, life brought Erik to the Waikato. He founded Saigon Noon in Hamilton's CBD in April 2018 with a clear, uncompromising mission: serve authentic Vietnamese street food exactly as it deserves to be served. No adaptations. No shortcuts. Custom baguettes for the crunch of a proper bánh mì. Broth slow-simmered for hours. Meat prepared fresh every single morning.
Authentic Vietnamese flavours get lost in the Western world. At Saigon Noon, that doesn't happen. Today, with two branches serving Hamilton, the mission hasn't shifted a millimetre.
Part III — Culture, Community & the Kitchen Grind
Every Lunar New Year, Erik cooks bitter melon soup and caramelised pork belly — a tradition rooted in the belief that you eat the bitterness of the past year to welcome a sweeter future. It is a ritual he proudly passes down through his family.
And when the doors lock at the end of a long, chaotic service? The music goes up, the stress melts away, and the team shares a laugh over a hard day's hustle well done.
When you eat at Saigon Noon, you're tasting all of it — twenty years of adventure, cooked with grit, love, and absolute authenticity.
Our Branches
Hamilton CBD
The original. Fast, flavourful, and always buzzing — this is the lunch spot that Hamilton's office workers built their routines around.
Rototuna
Warmer, cosier, and with a wider menu. The neighbourhood spot for a proper sit-down meal — families, regulars, and everyone in between.
Live from Facebook
We post daily specials and limited-time offers on our Facebook pages. Follow both branches to stay up to date.
Follow Us
Daily food photos, specials and behind-the-scenes moments from both branches.
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View @saigonnoon on Instagram ↗Ready to Eat?
Order directly, or through your preferred delivery app. Pickup and delivery available at both branches.
CBD Branch
Mon 11am – 3pm · Tue – Sat 11am – 7:45pm
Visit Us
Walk-ins always welcome — booking recommended for dinner and weekends.