From fine dining to mouth-watering street food, Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is home to some of the best restaurants in Vietnam–and the options are endless. Our Vietnam expert and Condé Nast award-winning travel specialist Nathan Lane shares a few of his secrets on where to get the best food in town.
Fine Dining
Cuc Gach Quan
Hidden away on a small street at the edge of District 1, Cuc Gach Quan bursts to life as soon as you walk through the doors. Set in a heritage building that has been beautifully maintained, the restaurant meanders through different rooms, courtyards, and ponds of the ancient house. The overall atmosphere is that of sophistication and simplicity. The food follows suit—it’s simple, fresh, traditional, and refined. You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, all of which showcases what makes Vietnamese cuisine so incredible.
Anan (Michelin-starred)
For over a century, vendors have sold produce, meat, fish, flowers, and countless other products in Ton That Dam Street market. Visionary chef Peter Cuong Franklin has acquired a historic building overlooking the market and filled it with Saigon-inspired art and ambience to create Anan. Here, he serves his high-end interpretations of market classics, with fresh ingredients taken right from the vendors’ stalls.
The varied menu has something for everyone, including fun shared-tasting platters. The desserts are not to be missed either–enjoy signature cocktails on the rooftop bar and look at the bustling market below, with the Saigon skyline as the backdrop.
Nen Light
Summer Le made her name in Da Nang with her original Nen restaurant, drawing rave reviews from luminaries such as Dominique Crenn (the world’s first Michelin-starred chef) and Jacinda Ardern. In 2021, she entered the Saigon scene with Nen Light, a sleek, stylish venue in an innocuous alleyway where she serves her themed “story menus.” Le meticulously sources her ingredients to create innovative dishes that deftly weave the flavour with the philosophical. If this sounds heavy, don’t be intimidated. Above all, Le’s creations are delicious and pair well with excellent wines.
Esta
Chef Francis Thuan creates fusion dishes, drawing influence from Japan, Korea and China to mingle with his Vietnamese culinary background. With a wood fire and open kitchen as the focal point, sit at the 10-seat bar to watch the food being prepared, or book a table for a more private experience.
The Truffle
In an opulent setting on the 73rd floor of Saigon’s tallest building, Landmark 81, The Truffle offers a variety of set menus, all of which include truffle as a main ingredient. Enjoy the awe-inspiring panorama of this burgeoning metropolis while dining on sumptuous cuisine.
Hoa Tuc
Its name means ‘poppy’ in Vietnamese; an apt name for a restaurant housed in an old opium factory. Hoa Tuc is known for its high-end cuisine in a casual setting. Its prime location in frenetic Saigon features a tucked-away courtyard surrounded by greenery. Sit inside for air-conditioned comfort or outside for a European vibe, with big fans and lots of chitter-chatter from the other four restaurants sharing the courtyard. My favourite dish is the green mango salad with crispy soft-shelled crab and crushed cashews.
Bom Kitchen and Wine Bar
Bom Kitchen and Wine Bar offers interpretations of ingredients from all over Vietnam and is the perfect spot for a relaxed yet refined dining experience. Whether you’re there for a quick bite or a multi-course meal, you’ll notice how their energetic dishes come to life through their take on traditional ingredients. The nice bar and wine list might even keep you here for a while after dessert!
Casual Bites
Banh Xeo 46A
For delicious street eats, look no further than Banh Xeo 46A, a small District 3 eatery that has maintained its charm for decades. Sitting on plastic stools and rubbing shoulders with smiling locals is all part of the fun here, and you’ll quickly understand why this is a favourite when a banh xeo, or savoury pancake, is served to you.
A lightly crisped turmeric rice flower crepe is filled with pork, shrimp, sprouts, and spring onions. Take a big slice of the crepe and place it in a lettuce leaf, top it off with basil, mint, coriander, and cucumber, then give the whole thing a roll. Welcome to the greatest wrap in Asia.
Propaganda Bistro
Only steps away from the Independence Palace, Propaganda Bistro embodies modern Vietnam. Young urban Saigonians flock here for cocktails in the evening and brunch on weekends. The restaurant is decorated in colourful war-era propaganda art, with the slogans altered to sentiments about healthy eating and lifestyle. The food here is just as fresh and colourful as the décor–try the fresh spring roll with tempura prawn & avocado, and the bun thit nuong (vermicelli noodle bowl with grilled pork, herbs, vegetables, and fried spring roll).
La Moi Plant-Based Restaurant
This casual plant-based restaurant serves delicious fare that will also please non-vegans. From Vietnamese classics like vegan seafood spring rolls to Western standards like vegan cheese spaghetti, you can find it all here, served by the very attentive staff.
Hotel des Arts Social Club Rooftop Bar