The beginning of Saigon Allee started in 2007 when Rick met Lucy whilst traveling through Vietnam.

Rick’s love of Vietnamese food and an eye for business combined with Lucy’s love and knowledge of traditional food was the vision that placed Saigon Allee on Armstrong Street, Ballarat home town to Rick.

Lucy’s love and knowledge of traditional cooking was born out of the time she spent with her grandmother. Lucy grew up in Danang city, youngest daughter of a family of 4 which also included her maternal grandmother who was her teacher and inspiration. Growing up in a traditional Vietnamese family Lucy was expected to go to market and prepare meals from a young age, then grandmother would take the time to teach and nurture Lucy’s love of cooking. Grandmother’s time and nurturing did not only teach Lucy the art of cooking great Vietnamese food but also the confidence to experiment with an infusion style of cooking which is now known as Saigon Allee modern menu.

Rick was a Ballarat boy with a vision and a love of travel, both combined and having found the right partner in Lucy  the concept of Saigon Allee started in 2012.

From concept to reality it took from 2012 to December 2017.

With Rick’s experience of Vietnam with its Neon lights, lantern, murals and tropical outdoor living and Lucy’s  vision of a modern fresh take on traditional Vietnamese cooking  they turned an old building into the experience that is now known as Saigon Allee including the toilet (a must for anyone visiting).

On December the 28th 2017 the doors were open to Saigon Allee. Rick and lucy’s vision of running Saigon Allee as family dining experience along with their great team make Saigon Allee a favorite amongst locals and visitors alike.