Five attention grabbing restaurants in HCMC

Five attention-grabbing restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City 

Ho Chi Minh City is a city on the move. A rapidly developing economy has meant an explosion of options when in comes to shopping and dining, and while the city is full of amazing cultural stops, the city's real attractions are its restaurants and bars. Its no wonder that Saigon is making a bold claim of being the culinary capital of Vietnam. 

Make sure to take the time to visit some of these culinary when you next spend time in Saigon. 

The Chopsticks

A meal at Chopsticks is like taking a step back in history. The restaurant is set in the former villa of South Vietnam’s vice president, Tran Van Huong, who sided along with the US until Vietnamese reunification in 1975. Many of the original features of the villa have been retained in the renovation with beautiful wrought iron gates and windows, a grand staircase, earthy timber work and soft, natural light.

Set and a la carte menus deliver beautifully prepared dishes and fresh ingredients, showcasing the best of traditional Vietnamese cuisine and providing a unique dining experience in the history-soaked atmosphere of this beautifully restored vintage villa. 

If you’re interested in exploring Vietnamese food further, the Chopsticks also offers daily cooking classes, taught by their world class chefs so you can impress family and friends back home.

Address: 216/4 Dien Bien Phu, Ward 7, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

Tel: (+84) 28 393 22 889

Website: https://www.thechopsticksaigon.com/

Di Mai

This new entrant to the Ho Chi Minh culinary landscape is conveniently located in the heart of bustling Ho Chi Minh City, adjacent to Ben Thanh Market.

From the iconic and refurbished Xe lam (commonly known as Tuk Tuks) cashier counter attached to a communal dining table, the crockery and sauces that pepper the shelves, to the large open kitchen, Di Mai is a visual feast that will keep diners captivated throughout their meal.

Address: 136-138 Lê Thị Hồng Gấm, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bìn, Quận 1

Tel: +84 28 3821 7786
Website: https://www.lesamisgroup.com.sg/di-mai

L’Escale

One of the first restaurants in all of Vietnam to be opened by a revered chef, L’Escale was created by Thierry Drapeau, the creative force behind Two Michelin-star Relais & Chateaux in Saint-Sulpice-Le-Verdon.

Whilst the famed chef may not be on premises at all times, diners are in good hands; the resident chef being the charming Joanna d'Anglet, who has worked with culinary star Paul Bocuse. This fine dining restaurant celebrates local ingredients, creating some of the best French cuisine in Vietnam and indeed all of Indochina. All dishes are created using top-quality local fare, finished with an artistic flourish to create a fragrant, brightly coloured, floral cuisine.

L’Escale is open for lunch and dinner, offering a huge selection of wines and the first walk-in cheese cellar in Vietnam. Reservations highly recommended well in advance as space is limited. 

Address: 90 Quốc Hương, Thảo Điền, Quận 2
Tel: +84 28 3636 0160
Website: https://www.restaurant-thierrydrapeau.asia/

Propaganda Bistro

Located a stone’s throw from the Independence Palace, Propaganda Bistro embodies modern Vietnam. Since January 2014, this buzzing joint on Han Thuyen has been serving up superb modern Vietnamese cuisine to both young, trendy Saigonians and hungry foreigners alike.

Set in a strikingly colourful decor, the trendy yet relaxed urban setting is accompanied by a retro soundtrack so cool they could probably do away with the air-con. Make sure to try the bun thit nuong - (vermicelli noodle bowl with grilled pork, herbs, vegetables, and fried spring roll) or go for the the fresh spring roll with tempura prawn & avocado.

Address: 21 Hàn Thuyên, Bến Nghé, Quận 1
Tel: +84 28 3822 9048
Website: http://www.propagandabistros.com/

Home Finest 

Awkward name, amazing food. With floors of intimate balconies, secluded enclaves, relaxing water features and lush greenery, the interior of Home Finest Saigon is a spectacle to behold.

With a choice of a la carte, set menus and unique Vietnamese afternoon teas, diners have a wealth of options to choose from whilst being entertained by live music from the in house band. 

Make sure to call ahead to book as tremendous ratings (hovering around the top place) on Trip Advisor have elevated this restaurant into becoming an institution within the Saigon food scene.

Address: 252 Dien Bien Phu Street | Ward 7, Dist 3, Ho Chi Minh City

Tel: +84 28 3932 2666

Website: https://www.homefinestrestaurant.com/