Saigon Market in Columbia: Vietnamese Groceries and Prepared Foods

What you'll find at Saigon Market

Saigon Market is a Vietnamese grocery and prepared-food shop in Columbia located at 2129 Devine Street, in the Five Points neighborhood. The store stocks fresh produce, frozen seafood, rice varieties, sauces, and spices used in Vietnamese cooking, alongside a small prepared-food counter where you can order dishes like pho, bánh mì sandwiches, and spring rolls to eat there or take home.

The shop is family-run and has served the Columbia community for years. It's a working grocery first—the prepared food is secondary—so the inventory reflects what Vietnamese cooks actually need rather than what a tourist might expect. You'll find multiple brands of fish sauce, fresh herbs like Thai basil and Vietnamese coriander, and frozen items like shrimp and squid that rotate based on what's in stock.

Key Takeaways

• Saigon Market stocks ingredients for Vietnamese cooking that are difficult to find at mainstream grocery stores, including fresh herbs, multiple fish sauce brands, and specialty rice.
• The prepared-food counter serves pho, bánh mì, spring rolls, and other Vietnamese dishes daily, with options to eat in or take out.
• The store is located at 2129 Devine Street in Five Points and is independently owned and operated.
• Hours and specific menu items vary, so calling ahead is wise if you're looking for something particular or want to place a larger order.

Fresh produce and herbs you won't find elsewhere

The produce section changes with the season and supplier availability, but typically includes items like Vietnamese eggplant, bitter melon, water spinach, and fresh turmeric root. The fresh herb selection is where Saigon Market stands out most—you'll find Thai basil, Vietnamese coriander, sawtooth coriander, and mint varieties that grocery chains rarely stock or stock inconsistently.

These herbs are central to Vietnamese cooking, not garnishes. If you're making a proper bowl of pho or a plate of bánh mì, the herb bundle matters. Saigon Market assumes you know this and prices accordingly—the herbs are fresh and the selection is serious.

Frozen seafood and pantry staples

The freezer section holds shrimp, squid, tilapia, and other seafood used in Vietnamese dishes. Stock rotates, so what's available on one visit may not be there the next. The store also carries multiple brands of fish sauce—the ingredient that defines Vietnamese cooking—in different grades and price points.

Rice varieties include jasmine, short-grain, and specialty types. You'll find canned coconut milk, tamarind paste, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chili pastes from Vietnamese and Thai brands. Instant noodles and dried rice noodles line the shelves. If you're cooking Vietnamese food at home, the pantry section will have what you need or can order it for you.

Prepared food counter and daily specials

The counter serves pho in beef and chicken versions, bánh mì sandwiches with various fillings, spring rolls (both fried and fresh), and rotating daily specials. Portions are generous and prices are low—a bowl of pho typically costs less than $8. You can eat at a small table in the shop or take food to go.

The prepared food is made fresh, not reheated from a warming case. If you arrive during lunch rush (roughly 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.), you may wait. Calling ahead to order is an option if you want something specific or are feeding a group.

Hours, location, and how to contact them

Saigon Market is at 2129 Devine Street in the Five Points neighborhood of Columbia. The shop is closed Sundays and Mondays. Tuesday through Saturday hours typically run from late morning through early evening, though hours can shift seasonally or for holidays.

There is no website, so calling ahead is the best way to confirm hours, ask about specific ingredients, or place a prepared-food order. The staff speaks Vietnamese and English and can help you find items or suggest dishes based on what's fresh that day.

What to bring and what to expect

Saigon Market is a cash-friendly neighborhood shop, though it may accept cards—call to confirm payment methods before you visit. The space is small and can get crowded during lunch. Parking is street parking on Devine Street or in the Five Points lot nearby.

If you're new to Vietnamese cooking or ingredients, the staff can point you toward what you need and suggest how to use it. If you're looking for a specific brand or item and don't see it, ask—the store can often order things that aren't on the shelf. Prices are fair and competitive with other ethnic groceries in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order prepared food ahead of time?

Yes. Call the shop to place an order for pho, bánh mì, spring rolls, or other items. This is especially helpful if you're ordering for multiple people or want to ensure something specific is made fresh for you.

Do they have vegetarian options?

The prepared-food counter can make vegetarian versions of many dishes, including vegetable bánh mì and vegetable spring rolls. Ask what's available when you call or visit, as options depend on what produce is in stock that day.

What if I can't find a specific ingredient?

Ask the staff. Many items not on the shelf can be ordered for you, though it may take a few days. Having a Vietnamese name for the ingredient or a photo helps, but the staff can usually figure out what you need from a description.

Is there seating to eat inside?

Yes, there are a few tables inside the shop where you can eat prepared food. The space is small, so seating fills up during lunch hours. Taking food to go is always an option.

Do they accept cards or only cash?

Call ahead to confirm current payment methods. Many neighborhood shops are primarily cash-based but may accept cards—it's worth checking before you visit.