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Let me just put it out there, I think I have officially found my favourite restaurant in Jozi. From karaoke booths to flavour-packed Vietnamese-inspired dishes, Saigon Suzy in Fourways delivers a dining experience that is hard to forget. With vibrant décor, generous portions, and standout dishes, this restaurant is everything you want and more.
First impressions
There is a hidden gem tucked away in the heart of Fourways, and it goes by the name of Saigon Suzy. When I first decided to visit, I had no idea what to expect. My colleague Andrew Hallett saw the massive burger that vlogger Joe Fleming had posted on Instagram. One look at it and our team knew that this had to be our next restaurant review.
From the moment you arrive, the restaurant makes a striking first impression. The entrance alone sets the tone - the space is large, stylish, and beautifully designed.
Decor and vibes
The décor blends modern elements with nostalgic touches, creating an atmosphere that feels both vibrant and welcoming.
One of the most eye-catching design features is the colourful umbrellas hanging from the ceiling. These were specially sourced from overseas, and they instantly elevate the space, giving the restaurant a playful yet sophisticated look. One particularly beautiful design detail is a glass display shaped like a tree, where glasses hang delicately - a small touch that adds a lot of character to the space. Did I mention the gigantic decorative trees that are absolutely stunning? The walls are decorated with striking imagery that adds to the sense of nostalgia, while a bold red feature wall adds a dramatic splash of colour. At one point, you almost forget you’re still in Johannesburg - the space feels like stepping into a completely different world.
The lighting also deserves special mention. During the day, the restaurant feels bright and inviting, but I’m told that at night the lighting transforms the venue into a lively gem.
The amazing private karaoke booth
While waiting for the food, I decided to take a walk around the premises, and I got to see the amazing private karaoke booths. These rooms are designed for guests who want to create their own party experience. You get a cosy private space equipped with karaoke, lighting effects, and a screen to perform your favourite songs. That space was absolutely amazing - ideal for birthdays or a fun night out with friends.
The meals
While the decor and atmosphere are impressive, the real star of the show was the food.
One of the first dishes I tried was the famous KFC (Korean Fried Chicken) bao bun. This dish features crispy fried chicken thigh tucked into a soft, fluffy bao bun and topped with a secret hot-and-sweet sauce. The chicken was incredibly flavourful - crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, with a perfect balance of sweetness and heat. The spicy kewpie mayo gave it a kick.
Next up were the pork and kimchi dumplings, which were just as impressive. Packed with flavour and perfectly steamed, the umami drizzling sauce was so delicious - not too spicy. The taste reminded me of Atchaar.
I also tried the bun cha, another classic Vietnamese dish. This hearty meal includes vermicelli noodles, patties, caramelised pork belly, and a crispy pork-and-prawn spring roll served with a sweet and sour umami dipping sauce. I also added the chilli oil. The meal was incredibly filling and perfect if you arrive hungry. It looked yummy and the taste delivered.
Another highlight was the shaking beef, a traditional Vietnamese dish served sizzling hot. The tender beef cubes are fried over extremely high heat and served with rice and fresh herbs. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water, and the flavours deliver on every level.
Then came the dish that originally brought me to the restaurant: the legendary fried chicken burger. The chicken breast is marinated in buttermilk and secret spices for 24 hours before being coated in crunchy cornflakes and deep-fried. Topped with spicy mayo and pineapple, the result is a burger that is bold, juicy, and absolutely massive. If you’re a light eater, this is definitely a meal you might want to share. At under R150, it’s also incredible value for money.
And then there were the prawn crackers. Light, crispy, and incredibly addictive, they were the kind of snack you could easily finish an entire bowl of without realising. I kept thinking, if these were packaged and sold in stores, they might do incredibly well competing with other crackers on the shelves. They are just that good.
To wrap up the meal, I had a fortune cookie and a much-needed coffee. After such a generous feast, the caffeine was definitely welcome before heading back onto the road.
Of course, I couldn’t leave without mentioning the drinks. My favourite was the piña colada - easily one of the best I’ve ever had. Big credit to the bartender for that one.
Why go?
Overall, Saigon Suzy delivers on every front: atmosphere, service, flavour, and value. Whether you’re looking for a place for a fun night out, a casual dinner, a work function or even a karaoke party with friends, this Fourways hotspot ticks all the boxes.
And if you’re a Joburger looking for something new, this is one spot that deserves a place on your must-visit list. Honestly, every single dish could have its own review - that’s how good it was.