Sensational fusion food at Saba

Authenticity and ambience

Co-founder of Saba, Taweesak Trakoolwattana, AKA Tao, is quoted as saying “the key to Saba’s success lies in the authenticity.” This is exactly what you can expect when walking beneath the pink tarpaulin that makes Saba stand out on Baggot Street. You’ll be greeted with a contemporary and sleek interior, with moody lighting and a comfortable atmosphere. 

During the summer months, we’d highly recommend booking a spot in Saba’s secret garden. The fantastic Asian murals and fairly lights bring a party-like atmosphere, almost as if you’ve been whisked into a swanky restaurant in the heart of Bangkok. 

Co-Owner Tao believes that “the right ingredients are crucial… That’s why we bring in the best. We owe that to our customers who really appreciate ‘real’ food. We mix local Irish produce with the spices I grew up with. It works so well!” 

Tao and the team from Saba have committed to bringing traditional recipes to the streets of Ireland’s capital city. Where possible they work with genuine, Asian-sourced ingredients to create great dishes just like back home. They fly fresh herbs and vegetables direct from Bangkok once a week. Otherwise, they source from Irish producers of quality.

What makes Saba special, especially for an evening out with friends, is that there’s food for just about everyone. The herbs, spices, vegetables and fruit are highly nutritious and packed with antioxidants, which are powerful natural medicines. Coconut is rich is fibre, vitamins and minerals and it features in many of their dishes, while all Thai and Vietnamese cuisine is dairy-free and often gluten-free. Now, let’s get into the offerings that Saba brings to the table. 

Sweet and special food offerings

When visiting Saba, we’d recommend you show up with full eyes and an empty stomach, because it has a vast number of dishes available, and you won’t want to miss a single course. For the appetisers, we’d suggest kicking off with the Smoked Trout Mieng Kam, featuring Goatsbridge smoked trout with shredded roasted coconut, peanuts, ginger, shallots, lime and birds eye chilli with shrimp paste, fish sauce and a palm sugar sauce for €12.95. It’s an awe-inspiring combination of Irish fish and Asian cooking. The BBQ pork skewers are another fantastic starter, best shared among friends. 

Moving onto Saba’s mains, the Crispy Aromatic Duck served with pineapple, ginger, woodear mushrooms, onions, peppers and spring onion with a rice wine and soy sauce is undoubtedly one of the most special dishes at €26.95. If you’re in for a vegan dish, the Vegan Bangkok features flat rice noodles with babycorn, carrot, broccoli, bok choy, Chinese leaf, onions, peppers, chillies, spring onions and sweet basil for €18.95.

Saba’s curries are truly works of art, and something that cannot be ignored when weighing up your options. The Massaman Chicken curry is truly one of the best in Dublin and one of the most authentic curries about, served with onions, potatoes, peanuts and crispy shallots for €21.95. 

If you’re planning on a big night with friends or family, the Saba group dinner offerings are well worth a look. With a three-course dinner for €47 per person, it’s some of the best prices available considering the quality of Saba’s dishes. 

Saba’s chicken wings are a great way to kick off this meal, and the chargrilled 9oz sirloin marinated with fish sauce and served with Asian slaw and Saba home fries is a truly special steak. Be sure to ask your server for the dessert of the day, it’s worth it. 

Drinks to desire

No restaurant spotlight would be complete without some insight into its drink offerings, and you’re in for a real treat here! Expect a combination of some Asian cocktail favourites alongside some classics. The Phuket Passion combines passionfruit purée charged with Prosecco and a dash of Chambord. Or why not try out the Floating Market featuring Bacardi Carta Blanca, Maraschino liqueur, lime leaf infused sake, lime juice, ginger syrup, and pea aubergines. All of Saba’s cocktails come in at €10.95! Enjoy.