Ho Chi Minh City, which is tucked away in the country's centre, is known for its exciting nightlife, which draws both expats and residents. For those of us who have made this vibrant city our home, the city's gastronomic scene transforms into a second dining room where people from all backgrounds and tastes come together to share food, stories and cultures.
With the help of this listicle, we'll go through the eyes of an expat and discover the 6 Top-rated Dining Experiences In Saigon that contribute towards an essential part of our daily lives - eating!. Each experience on our list has made a name for itself in Ho Chi Minh City, from prominent rooftop spots giving panoramic views of the city skyline to secret gems buried away in alleyways.
We invite you to join us as we raise a glass and share a meal to the venues that have made Saigon associated with wonderful evenings and vibrant social connections, regardless of your level of experience as an expat looking for new haunts. Prepare to explore the city's foodie scene, find distinctive settings, and take in Ho Chi Minh City's growing maturity as a leader in Vietnam for farm to table cuisine. Main Image Credit: 86 Proof Facebook Page
Layla - Eatery & Bar
Inside an ancient colonial apartment complex, Layla epitomises artful cocktails, delicious nibbles, and a laid-back vibe. Curated by Jay Moir, Layla boasts a shabby-chic entryway that opens out to reveal the cool big sister of Summer Experiment. The lively drink list reflects innovation and workmanship.
Though it departs from a concept-driven approach, Moir's trademark spices and botanicals are included in the menu. The location has one of the longest bars in the city, measuring 11 metres, which serves as a striking focal point in the middle of the industrial area. Several intimate alcoves featuring floor-to-ceiling windows entice guests to stay and take in the indoor-outdoor atmosphere.
Delights like the Nutella Negroni and East & West, a mouthwatering concoction of Pepe Lopez, green tea liqueur, handcrafted pandan bamboo syrup, and freshly squeezed lime and pineapple juice, are among the creative cocktail menu offerings. Layla invites guests to discover the delight of flavour, assuring them that the finest drink is still to come. Image Credit: Layla - Eatery & Bar Facebook Page
a. Second floor, 63 Đông Du, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, 700000, Vietnam
Kohei's Bar
Perched on the first floor above the Art Gallery Arcade, which dates back to the colonial era, Kohei's Bar coexists harmoniously in a fortuitous collaboration with the upscale Brothers barbershop, Saigon Cigar Club, a custom tailor, and Lacaph, an espresso café. Comfortable leather couches and bar stools provide seating options for small gatherings and chats at the bar in this cosy environment.
Kohei's Bar has unveiled a new menu with drink highlights that include inventive takes on traditional cocktails, a wide range of 'My Friends Choices', and recently launched concoctions that feature Mashed Up Craft Gin from the nearby Brewstillery.
The Mashed-Up Craft Gin is made with repurposed mash from nearby Furbrew craft beer. It goes through two stages of distillation to give it a deeper malty flavour that complements the typical botanical and citrus notes of gin. Kohei's Bar welcomes guests to enjoy a lovely experience in this collaborative haven, where the essence of craftsmanship and creativity flourish. Image Credit: Kohei's Bar Facebook Page
a. 151 Đ. Đồng Khởi, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
w. koheisbar.vn
Clay Saigon
Explore Clay Saigon, a secret gem tucked away in Ho Chi Minh City's expat community, located in District 2. This Mediterranean bar and restaurant, tucked away at the end of an alley, welcomes guests looking for a sophisticated dining experience in a magnificent, beautiful, and vibrant setting.
Using vibrant colours, regionally produced materials, verdant surroundings, and an awe-inspiring panorama of the Saigon River, Clay Saigon creates a thoughtfully crafted environment that visitors may savour, share, and commemorate. Lively entertainment is provided via nightly artist shows, DJ sets throughout the week, and live bands on the weekends.
With a focus on local and seasonal ingredients, Clay Saigon's food blends Western and Asian influences to create a communal dining experience. The star of the show is the wood-fired oven, which produces delicious roasted vegetables, fish, poultry, and meats. The menu is designed to encourage sharing and group tasting of the flavours through communal eating. Image Credit: Clay Saigon Facebook Page 2nd Image Credit
a. 18 Đường Số 6, Thảo Điền, Quận 2, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
Breeze Sky Bar
Breeze Sky Bar, which is located on the fifth floor of the Hotel Majestic Saigon, provides guests with a wide-angle view that spans the Saigon River, fostering an upbeat and cosy atmosphere. In the centre of Saigon, Breeze Sky Bar is a prominent, exceptional attraction that is well-known for its abundant and lavish buffet.
Breeze Sky Bar turns into a culinary utopia for foodies every Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. with their weekend BBQ and seafood buffet. The freshest seafood options, such as lobsters, prawns, oysters, and scallops, are served to guests, along with perfectly grilled steaks that are prepared and served right there.
Breeze Sky Bar is the ideal spot for people looking for a delicious getaway with their loved ones following a long workweek and has an extensive menu of mouthwatering options. Breeze Sky Bar is the ideal place to spoil oneself while taking in Saigon's alluring atmosphere. Image Credit: Breeze Sky Bar Facebook Page
a. 1 Đ. Đồng Khởi, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar
The Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar, a renowned Ho Chi Minh rooftop location, is perched on the 10th story of the famous Hotel Caravelle and offers breathtaking views of the city skyline, including the neighbouring Opera House and Notre Dame.
A pleasant atmosphere is created by the large wooden tables and chairs that adorn the main patio as well as the 'balconies' that encircle the interior bar. With Saigon as the backdrop, guests may take in the glory of a magnificent sunset.
The extensive drink menu at the Saigon Saigon Bar includes house-brewed beer, dubbed Caravelle Terrace Draught, as well as masterfully mixed creative cocktails that honour the hotel's heritage and the essence of Saigon.
The Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar has established itself as a mainstay among the best rooftop bars in Ho Chi Minh City thanks to its prompt and welcoming service, chic yet laid-back ambiance, and nightly entertainment with a live Cuban band or DJ. Image Credit: Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar Facebook Page 2nd Image Credit
a. 19-23 Lam Son Square, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
86 Proof
Discover Rochelle Nguyen, an enterprising spirit with a desire to create something entirely her own, by venturing into the world of incredibly cool and creative people. This dynamic combination, in partnership with Jason Pham, has created 86 Proof, the ultimate 'unpretentiously boujee' whisky and cocktail bar located in Thao Dien, Ho Chi Minh City.
The atmosphere at 86 Proof is relaxed and low-key, but the cocktails are phenomenal. With one of Vietnam's biggest whisky collections, Rochelle and Jason have assembled an amazing selection. There's something for everyone, regardless of your level of whisky expertise or preference for Saigon's favourite whisky sour.
Sit outside on the patio and enjoy the ambience while taking in the vibrant bustle of Xuan Thuy Street. A power couple committed to crafting exceptional cocktails and creating an environment that epitomises effortlessly chic has created 86 Proof, which is more than just a bar. Image Credit: 86 Proof Facebook Page
a. 109 Xuân Thủy, Thảo Điền, Quận 2, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
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