Vietnamese Chicken Takes Wing

Crispy Chicken Wings: Double-fried with a garlic-fish sauce glaze and topped with flash-fried red onion, sweet pepper and Thai basil

Credit: Becca Wright Creative

Vietnamese Chicken Takes Wing

Saigon Hustle | Two locations in Houston

Cassie Ghaffar and Sandy Nguyen

The Crispy Chicken Wings reflect the culinary mission at fast casual Saigon Hustle. “Our goal is to make bold Vietnamese flavors approachable and craveable” says Cassie Ghaffar, co-founder. “Guests may not expect chicken wings to steal the show, but they often leave raving about them.”

While chicken wings are a best bet for many restaurant brands, they are not an expectation at a Vietnamese restaurant. Smart flavor moves make these stand out. “Our Crispy Chicken Wings are double-fried for that signature crunch, then coated in a rich garlic-fish sauce glaze that’s sweet, savory, spicy and full of umami,” says Ghaffar. “They’re topped with flash-fried red onion, sweet pepper and a pop of fresh Thai basil, which adds an unexpected aromatic layer that balances the richness of the glaze. That single herb elevated the entire experience in a way we didn’t anticipate. Each bite is crispy, sticky, bold and balanced, bringing together Vietnamese street-food flavor with an irresistible finish.”

The shareable wings have become so popular at Saigon Hustle that they are now also featured as a protein option for rice bowls. “The wings are the kind of dish that surprises first-time visitors and keeps regulars coming back,” says Ghaffar.

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