2 days ago
Inside Saigon: A gourmand's guide to Ho Chi Minh City's dining and drinks scene
Bread: Pick up a baguette for breakfast—traditional or modern
While it may be considered a tourist spot, there is a reason why Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa is rarely without a line outside. The banh mi here overflows with up to 13 layers of fillings—cold cuts, pate, butter, ham, pork floss, and char siu—sandwiched between a crispy baguette. One sandwich here can easily feed two.
Across in Thao Dien, Breadventure is an artisanal bakery loved by locals. Only open from Friday to Sunday, its offerings often sell out early. The classic baguette here is served with plum jam and butter; during our visit, we opt for the jamon beurre baguette and add on extra jam for sweet-savoury magic.
Cafés to visit: Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa, 26 Lê Thị Riêng, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh
Breadventure, 24 Đ. Đỗ Quang, Thảo Điền, Thủ Đức, Hồ Chí Minh Fine dining: Explore Vietnamese flavours with a modern lens through a tasting menu
A reflection of the city's dynamic spirit, these fine-dining restaurants offer a memorable journey through Saigon's heritage, thoughtfully pushing the boundaries of Vietnamese cuisine. Upstairs Tasting Room, a relatively new addition to Saigon's dining scene, is helmed by the mind behind Seroja and Gia Hanoi, Long Tran, and Truong Hiep. Thoughtful touches and attention to detail elevate the experience here, from a wooden serving plate designed to emulate the terroir of Vietnam to dishes based on local street food, like bánh xèo and hén xúc bánh da.
Tucked inside a charming private residence, Ciel Dining offers an intimate dining experience. The thoughtful menu blends French techniques with Vietnamese cuisine, and makes you feel as though you're dining in the home of co-owners Viet Hong and Thanh Liem. Dishes here are seafood forward—a standout for us was the delicately bouncy fish maw with silky egg custard, a dish that has stayed on Ciel's menu since its opening.
Having opened its doors in 2017, Anan Saigon is one of Saigon's oldest and most internationally recognised fine dining restaurants. Helmed by Peter Cuong Franklin, Anan weaves Vietnamese street food—like bánh mì and turmeric fish—into a contemporary tasting menu. Housed in a narrow, multi-level building, each floor offers a distinct experience, from open-kitchen dining and a cocktail bar to a rooftop lounge overlooking the city.
Fine dining restaurants to visit: Upstairs Tasting Room, 36 Nguyễn Bá Huân, Thảo Điền, Thủ Đức, Hồ Chí Minh
Ciel, 6/3 Đ. Số 50, Thảo Điền, Thủ Đức, Hồ Chí Minh
Anan Saigon, 89 Tôn Thất Đạm, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh Bars: Grab a nightcap and explore Saigon's bar scene
Saigon's bar scene is buzzing with creativity and talent, from the charm of Drinking & Healing to local hangout Layla Eatery & Bar. A new and exciting addition, Raw + Atelier, blends two concepts seamlessly—a sunlit café downstairs and sleek cocktail bar above.
Bars to visit: Drinking & Healing, 25 Hồ Tùng Mậu, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh
Layla Eatery & Bar, Second floor, 63 Đông Du, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, 700000
Raw + Atelier, Lý Tự Trọng/97B Ward, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh
NOW READ
10 legacy coffee shops and teahouses in Asia
Where to find the best European fusion restaurants in PJ, according to Tatler Best 2025
The best contemporary European and fusion restaurants in the city centre
