Nhu’s Ultimate Guide to Saigon Experience
Food scene (Part 1) - Vietnamese
Simply put, must-have gastronomic experience.
This place offers not only authentic vietnamese food but also the ambience of the traditional dining experience. It's only steps away from L'Indochine, hidden in an alley and 5 flights of stairs up, and you will have the whole city view to yourself at the rooftop
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Mountain Retreat Vietnamese Restaurant
36 Đ. Lê LợiThis place offers not only authentic vietnamese food but also the ambience of the traditional dining experience. It's only steps away from L'Indochine, hidden in an alley and 5 flights of stairs up, and you will have the whole city view to yourself at the rooftop
Secret House
55/3 Lê Thị Hồng GấmAnother option authentic vietnamese food
Banh Mi! Have it once and you will forever be mesmerized by this true taste of overstuffed Vietnamese Banh Mi. Just note that this place is only open from 3PM onward
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Huynh Hoa Bakery
Banh Mi! Have it once and you will forever be mesmerized by this true taste of overstuffed Vietnamese Banh Mi. Just note that this place is only open from 3PM onward
Craving for pho? Here's one of my go-to Pho shops. They are open for 21 hours every single day, starting from 6AM-3AM, so if you need a hangover cure, this is it!
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Pho Hung
243 Đường Nguyễn TrãiCraving for pho? Here's one of my go-to Pho shops. They are open for 21 hours every single day, starting from 6AM-3AM, so if you need a hangover cure, this is it!
My favorite childhood pho place.
https://goo.gl/maps/hkMeop9bGcYT18ap8
415 Nguyễn Trãi, Phường 7, Quận 5, Hồ Chí Minh
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Pho Le
My favorite childhood pho place.
https://goo.gl/maps/hkMeop9bGcYT18ap8
415 Nguyễn Trãi, Phường 7, Quận 5, Hồ Chí Minh
Secret Garden Restaurant
158 PasteurThis restaurant is a leading authentic vietnamese restaurant not just for what they can do with your taste buds but also the vibe, the architecture and the music...
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Cuc Gach Quan Restaurant
10 Đặng TấtThis restaurant is a leading authentic vietnamese restaurant not just for what they can do with your taste buds but also the vibe, the architecture and the music...
Sh Garden Restaurant
BA GÁC nướng & bia Lê Quý Đôn
31 Lê Quý ĐônVNMese BBQ & beer garden, good for group
Second most known and loved vietnamese noodle dish, Bun Bo Hue, known for its strong spicy beef flavor
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Bún Bò Huế Nam Giao
248 Bùi ViệnSecond most known and loved vietnamese noodle dish, Bun Bo Hue, known for its strong spicy beef flavor
Bánh Canh Cua 87
87 Đ. Trần Khắc ChânVietnamese udon crab soup, this shop has been around for 40 years
Ever heard what Obama tried with Anthony Bourdain in his trip back in 2016? Bun Cha! And I know it's in Hanoi, but trust me, this place is the bomb, it's wayyyyy better, try it and thank me later! Make sure to order a special and their fried egg rolls with crab meat ^^V
Bún Chả Sen Vàng
56 Hồng HàEver heard what Obama tried with Anthony Bourdain in his trip back in 2016? Bun Cha! And I know it's in Hanoi, but trust me, this place is the bomb, it's wayyyyy better, try it and thank me later! Make sure to order a special and their fried egg rolls with crab meat ^^V
Netflix Street Food - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
If the Netflix Series Street Food gets you here, so here you go a dedicated list for just that.
Here are some of my favorite quotes from this particular episode
"When you talk about Saigon, you talk about a very unique culture, it is chaotic, it's changing constantly but it is also laid back at the same time. It is the culture of eating outside, drinking outside, hanging out outside.... SO STREET FOOD IS A VITAL PART OF SAIGON, it feeds the people"
"The history and culture form our cuisine"
If this small shop has been around for 81+ years, I think that reason alone is enough for you give it a try.
"Most people know that Banh Mi didn't originate from Vietnam. French colonists brought bread and pate to Saigon, mostly to cater to French people's taste. But Vietnamese people have a way of absorbing things and make them their own"
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Bánh mì 7 Hổ
148 Huỳnh Khương NinhIf this small shop has been around for 81+ years, I think that reason alone is enough for you give it a try.
"Most people know that Banh Mi didn't originate from Vietnam. French colonists brought bread and pate to Saigon, mostly to cater to French people's taste. But Vietnamese people have a way of absorbing things and make them their own"
Hẻm 171 Cô Bắc Cô Giang, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
https://goo.gl/maps/8esLyYZ3ay5zpyzW6
Daring to try some snails?
Truoc’s Snail Stall
171 Đường Cô BắcHẻm 171 Cô Bắc Cô Giang, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
https://goo.gl/maps/8esLyYZ3ay5zpyzW6
Daring to try some snails?
Though this is not exactly the Com Tam (Broken Rice) place mentioned (the episode doesn't mention exactly where either), but I just want to throw in my favorite Com Tam place.
If you are lost by many options and don't know what to order, here is my favorite Combo: Cơm tấm sườn bì chả
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Cơm tấm Ba Ghiền
614 Đặng Văn NgữThough this is not exactly the Com Tam (Broken Rice) place mentioned (the episode doesn't mention exactly where either), but I just want to throw in my favorite Com Tam place.
If you are lost by many options and don't know what to order, here is my favorite Combo: Cơm tấm sườn bì chả
Phở Miến Mì Kỳ Đồng Anh Mạnh (Since 1975) - address: 14/5Bis Kỳ Đồng, Phường 9, Quận 3, Hồ Chí Minh
Best known for: Chicken Pho, Vermicelli noodles
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Miến gà Kỳ Đồng
14/5Bis Kỳ ĐồngPhở Miến Mì Kỳ Đồng Anh Mạnh (Since 1975) - address: 14/5Bis Kỳ Đồng, Phường 9, Quận 3, Hồ Chí Minh
Best known for: Chicken Pho, Vermicelli noodles
Coffee Shops
Let's skip Starbucks and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf entirely and dive right into what locals have to offer.
One unspoken truth about the survival skill in Vietnam is to learn how cross the road while thousands of vehicles are coming at you (including trucks o.O). It is a daunting challenge but once you have it, you have it for life!
Coffee shops are often within walking distance, across the street or located in a busy street corner. So here is the list of coffee shops to put your new found skill to practice ;)
A modern coffee in a small hideaway street of Tu Xuong, district 3
Là Việt Coffee Saigon (57A Tú Xương)
57A Tú XươngA modern coffee in a small hideaway street of Tu Xuong, district 3
Padma de Fleur
89/12 Hàm NghiA refreshing combination of coffee and exotic floral shops
The Hummingbird Cafe
5h Đ. Tôn Đức ThắngA perfect industrial coffee shop for a self-identified Coffee Snob
A rare find with a combination of good drink and ambiance
They often have floral arrangement workshops host every or so weekend.
The Running Bean
115 Hồ Tùng MậuA rare find with a combination of good drink and ambiance
They often have floral arrangement workshops host every or so weekend.
They really know what they are doing with coffee, so aside from that, I would also recommend to try out their chocolate cake, served warm, soaked in chocolate sauce. Heavenly!
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Corked Tales - The Cocktail Bar & Lounge
6 Lê Thánh TônThey really know what they are doing with coffee, so aside from that, I would also recommend to try out their chocolate cake, served warm, soaked in chocolate sauce. Heavenly!
A locally sourced and manufactured chocolate that is having presence all over the world.
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Drama Saigon
167 - 169 CalmetteA locally sourced and manufactured chocolate that is having presence all over the world.
One of local's favorite local chains, interior design theme colors are mainly black and white. I personally think their drinks aren't the best, but the atmosphere does compensate for that
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Trung Nguyên Legend Café
80 Đồng KhởiOne of local's favorite local chains, interior design theme colors are mainly black and white. I personally think their drinks aren't the best, but the atmosphere does compensate for that
If ever you find the noise level in local coffee shop unbearable, come find a place to escape into your favorite book, to The Hidden Elephant Books & Coffee for its specialty, silence.
The Hidden Elephant Books & Coffee
35 Phan Chu TrinhIf ever you find the noise level in local coffee shop unbearable, come find a place to escape into your favorite book, to The Hidden Elephant Books & Coffee for its specialty, silence.
Shibui Concept
176 Lê LaiA new concept of coffee/tea shop in town with minimalistic style
La Cafe Lê Thánh Tôn
15B4 Lê Thánh TônLekima - Tea, Shop & Tree
A tea house, local house, and mini garden all in 1 place, have a escape from the baking heat of Saigon
Lekima
6 Thi SáchLekima - Tea, Shop & Tree
A tea house, local house, and mini garden all in 1 place, have a escape from the baking heat of Saigon
Touch Saigon
167 Đường Ngô Tất TốNightlife
Some local speakeasies, live music bars
if you are a true fan of GOT, :) check this out. Order their signature that is served in a Cup-sized barrel
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The Iron Bank - Cocktail Vault
47 Tôn Thất Đạmif you are a true fan of GOT, :) check this out. Order their signature that is served in a Cup-sized barrel
I personally think they can put in more works on improving their drinks, but you they have quite a nice place to kick back. They have 4-5 small private balconies/designated smoking area looking straight out to Bitexco Tower, and water on the right
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Drinking & Healing
25 Hồ Tùng MậuI personally think they can put in more works on improving their drinks, but you they have quite a nice place to kick back. They have 4-5 small private balconies/designated smoking area looking straight out to Bitexco Tower, and water on the right
Layla - Eatery & Bar
63 Đông DuA modern bar with a pool table
A couple doors from L'Indochine, Smog is obviously not a cozy place for dinner. Perhaps when you realize your stomach is full but you’re still sober as young as the night, they have kunsei snacks & alcohol for that, a place to carry on your stories.
SMOG
120 Đ. Lê LợiA couple doors from L'Indochine, Smog is obviously not a cozy place for dinner. Perhaps when you realize your stomach is full but you’re still sober as young as the night, they have kunsei snacks & alcohol for that, a place to carry on your stories.
Rabbit Hole
138 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩadecent place with good drinks
Iris Lounge
57 Nguyễn DuFriends Bar
20 Mạc Thị BưởiHow does draft beer sound in this humid weather of Saigon? ;) This please has the entire brewery inside the facility
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East West Brewing
181 Lý Tự TrọngHow does draft beer sound in this humid weather of Saigon? ;) This please has the entire brewery inside the facility
Pasteur Street Brewing Co.
Finger food and Beer Craft
Belgo - Belgian Craft Beer Brewery
159A Đường Nguyễn Văn ThủA Belgian Craft Beer place
A busy rooftop bar overlooking Saigon city view. Make sure you book a table in advance to secure a spot
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SOHY
74 Nguyễn Thị Minh KhaiA busy rooftop bar overlooking Saigon city view. Make sure you book a table in advance to secure a spot
If you are looking for a place to celebrate your last night with a view of calming sunset, this is it! A new hype in the city, locating on top of an A+ class office building, best sunset view from here as the building faces West.
Make sure you reserve a table in advance, and last time I checked, they don't allow flip-flops, but you can double check with them on the attire requirements
Prime XXI - Steak and Seafood
33 Lê DuẩnIf you are looking for a place to celebrate your last night with a view of calming sunset, this is it! A new hype in the city, locating on top of an A+ class office building, best sunset view from here as the building faces West.
Make sure you reserve a table in advance, and last time I checked, they don't allow flip-flops, but you can double check with them on the attire requirements
Qui Dining Lounge
22 Đường Lê Thánh TônApparel shops
LIBÉ is Vietnamese clothing label with an aim to create fashionable basics that are wearable, timeless and effortlessly cool. We design for the girls/women who love simplicity with a twist and basics with character.
LIBÉ
26 Lý Tự TrọngLIBÉ is Vietnamese clothing label with an aim to create fashionable basics that are wearable, timeless and effortlessly cool. We design for the girls/women who love simplicity with a twist and basics with character.
POXI Fashion
268 270 PasteurMagonn knows that true womanhood needs to stand the test of time and to do that, us ladies need a dash of class, a spoonful of sassiness and a teacup of confidence. This is why their designs pull out the best from vintage 40s, 50s, and 60s fashion and culture and stitch it into the modern woman's story.
Magonn Saigon
105 Nguyễn TrãiMagonn knows that true womanhood needs to stand the test of time and to do that, us ladies need a dash of class, a spoonful of sassiness and a teacup of confidence. This is why their designs pull out the best from vintage 40s, 50s, and 60s fashion and culture and stitch it into the modern woman's story.
The New Playground
26 Lý Tự TrọngUnderground Shopping center
Dottie
170 Nguyễn TrãiShopping Destination/Food court
Make sure to check out their FB page for weekly events
Nestled in the middle of the emerging area of Ho Chi Minh City, Thao Dien, BLOQ is your new dining and shopping destination: a vibrant place where people can eat, shop, work, live and play.
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BLOQ - Lifestyle Retail Park
19 Đ. Trần Ngọc DiệnNestled in the middle of the emerging area of Ho Chi Minh City, Thao Dien, BLOQ is your new dining and shopping destination: a vibrant place where people can eat, shop, work, live and play.
Asiana Food Town (Chợ Ẩm Thực Dưới Lòng Đất)
4 Phạm Ngũ LãoUnderground Asian food town
An alternative events venue, creative space, magical craft beer garden and graffiti paradise. Think skateboarding, workshops, climbing & music.
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Saigon Outcast
188/1 Nguyễn Văn HưởngAn alternative events venue, creative space, magical craft beer garden and graffiti paradise. Think skateboarding, workshops, climbing & music.
벤탄시장
Đường Lê LợiThis place is lit up and you cannot resist but check it out
Food Scene (Part 2) - Non-Vietnamese
If you are a true foodie, I hope you would share the same view as me that having non-authentic non-local gastronomic experience is no less important.
"Getting pizza in Vietnam, seriously?" Yea, it is seriously good, and originated from Vietnam. Have you had Cheese Pizza with Honey? It does sound odd but your taste buds are going to like it, whether or not you have a sweet tooth.
Vegan options are also available
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Pizza 4P's Le Thanh Ton
Đường Lê Thánh Tôn"Getting pizza in Vietnam, seriously?" Yea, it is seriously good, and originated from Vietnam. Have you had Cheese Pizza with Honey? It does sound odd but your taste buds are going to like it, whether or not you have a sweet tooth.
Vegan options are also available
A Café, Eatery and Shop in 1 place. People see Saigon as a culturally rich city that the world does not yet fully know. This historically cosmopolitan city is an inspiration for this place to come to be, and in return this place is an embodiment of the urban life of Saigon
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L'Usine Shop
70B Đ. Lê LợiA Café, Eatery and Shop in 1 place. People see Saigon as a culturally rich city that the world does not yet fully know. This historically cosmopolitan city is an inspiration for this place to come to be, and in return this place is an embodiment of the urban life of Saigon
This brunch place is the new hype of Saigon, serving good old American brunch, in-house baked goods and the popular Axil Coffee Roaster Melbourne. Make sure you have a reservation prior to avoid the waiting.
Ah, I forgot to mention that the food display and the place itself are super ig-worthy. Instagram godmother.vn to see for yourself and start building up excitements :)
6 명의 현지인이 추천하는 곳
Godmother Bake & Brunch
70B Đồng KhởiThis brunch place is the new hype of Saigon, serving good old American brunch, in-house baked goods and the popular Axil Coffee Roaster Melbourne. Make sure you have a reservation prior to avoid the waiting.
Ah, I forgot to mention that the food display and the place itself are super ig-worthy. Instagram godmother.vn to see for yourself and start building up excitements :)
Modern eat, among the many Poke shop in Saigon, this is my favorite place for its wide range of topping selections and ambience. Oh did I mention, this will also be in an old apartment building and a couple flights of stairs up? You can skip Stairmaster for a while after being back from Vietnam trip ;) More to climb for...
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Poke Saigon Ly Tu Trong
42 Bis Lý Tự TrọngModern eat, among the many Poke shop in Saigon, this is my favorite place for its wide range of topping selections and ambience. Oh did I mention, this will also be in an old apartment building and a couple flights of stairs up? You can skip Stairmaster for a while after being back from Vietnam trip ;) More to climb for...
A Hong Kong cuisine eatery that specializes in Bao, dumplings, noodles...
Must try: Hong Kong Milktea, Fried runny eggs, caramelized pork over rice...
40 명의 현지인이 추천하는 곳
Baozi
165 Nguyễn Thái HọcA Hong Kong cuisine eatery that specializes in Bao, dumplings, noodles...
Must try: Hong Kong Milktea, Fried runny eggs, caramelized pork over rice...
Golden Elephant
34 Hai Bà TrưngThis will satisfy ur thai food craving
My go-to Indian food restaurant. They have a very wide selections
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Ganesh Indian Restaurant
38 Hai Bà TrưngMy go-to Indian food restaurant. They have a very wide selections
Café Marcel
96 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa
Basta Hiro Pasta & Pizza
65 Đ. Lê LợiItalian and Japanese Fusion Pasta and Pizza shop
Pasta Fresca
Hẻm 28 Thảo Điền