Amidst the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City's streets, where the vibrancy of daily life blends with the scent of street food, discerning expats set out to discover the essence of Vietnamese culinary expertise. Expat Choice is not merely embarking on a epicurean journey; rather, we are actively pursuing the exceptional, searching for the unique treasures that embody Vietnam's dining legacy.
Our six top-rated Vietnamese restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City are proudly presented here as icons of taste, culture, and authenticity. These restaurants are not your typical dining establishments; rather, they are cultural havens where every meal is a work of art, created with love, soul, and history. These restaurants call with promises of sensory joy and delicious wonder, from the busy markets of Ben Thanh to the secret lanes of District 3.
Come explore the culinary gems of Saigon, each providing a distinctive window into the essence of Vietnamese cuisine. Let us help you unlock their mysteries. Get ready to go on a unique gastronomic adventure where every bite tells a story and every meal is a celebration of the colourful flavours of Saigon, featuring everything from traditional favourites like pho and banh mi to regional specialties and inventive innovations. Embrace the Vietnamese spirit. Chào mừng bạn! Main Image Credit: Anan Saigon Facebook Page
Bờm
Tucked away in the bustling centre of Saigon, Bờm captures the essence of Vietnamese customs and culture. The restaurant serves a contemporary take on elegant Vietnamese food and is housed in a stylish, softly lit setting with a mix of modern cement and bamboo accents.
Savour iconic meals like the Bờm Set, which consists of a combination of shrimp fritters, snail cakes, and fish cakes, and the bò kho pie, which is a soft braised beef wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Finish your meal with the delicious mè đen, a black sesame-filled mochi that makes for a delightfully sweet ending.
Customers gather in a laid-back and welcoming setting at Bờm, where connections are built over the ultimate culinary delight. Bờm promises a dining experience that is unmatched and unforgettable, combining the distinct flavours of Vietnamese cuisine with a variety of culinary traditions in a seamless manner. Image Credit: Bờm Facebook Page
a. 24 Đ. Nguyễn Thị Nghĩa, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
Rice Field
The Rice Field restaurant is a tranquil haven that is evocative of the peaceful countryside that serves as its inspiration, tucked away in the dynamic metropolitan backdrop of Ho Chi Minh City's busy District 1. As implied by the name, the restaurant exudes an idyllic rural appeal while providing guests with an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. From the country's northern to its southern regions, travellers can enjoy a wide variety of genuine Vietnamese dishes here.
Signature dishes like La Vong fish cakes, a harmonious medley of vermicelli, marinated fish, crisp Vietnamese vegetables and herbs, prawn paste sauce, and delicate rice paper sheets, take centre stage and tantalise the senses with their exquisite flavours and textures.
Stuffed snails infused with aromatic lemongrass and served with zesty ginger fish sauce are also popular. Rice Field restaurant offers a distinctive Vietnamese dining experience that honours the rich culinary legacy of the area with its serene setting and delicious food. Image Credit: Rice Field Facebook Page 2nd Image Credit
a. 77 Đ. Hồ Tùng Mậu, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
Vietnam House
Vietnam House Restaurant, which is led by Vietnamese-Australian celebrity chef Luke Nguyen, is a shining example of Vietnamese cuisine excellence in Ho Chi Minh City, providing a contemporary take on classic dishes.
Situated in a structure with a rich history and a refined French colonial charm, the restaurant boasts an impressive, sophisticated, and cosy atmosphere. The rich Iberico pork spring rolls, the tasty grilled five-spice pigeon, and the hearty Wagyu beef pho are among the dishes' highlights.
A vast wine list with over 500 bottles that features award-winning labels from vineyards all over the world complements the gastronomic delights. Every day, Chef Luke and his culinary team gather only the freshest products from nearby marketplaces.
Dining at Vietnam House Restaurant honours the rich tapestry of Vietnamese cuisine and is an amazing experience, whether you're indulging in a lavish dinner or enjoying a beverage with a local flair. Image Credit: Vietnam House Facebook Page
a. Đ. Đồng Khởi, P, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
Den Long
The delicious cuisine and elegant decor of Den Long - Home Cooked Vietnamese Restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City are well-known. Den Long is dedicated to providing genuine Vietnamese flavours and providing an amazing eating experience.
Great food, affordable rates, and a warm welcome await guests, creating the perfect environment for an unforgettable dinner. The restaurant has a wide selection of traditional Vietnamese meals on its menu, all of which are expertly made with the freshest ingredients from the region's culinary background.
Each dish at Den Long showcases the diverse range of Vietnamese cuisine, ranging from flavourful fried rice to delicate rice paper rolls and bright mango salad. Customers frequently compliment the mouthwatering tastes and elegant presentations.
Den Long promises a culinary adventure that satisfies the senses and creates a lasting impact, whether you're yearning for classic favourites or want to try something new. Image Credit: Den Long Facebook Page
a. 130 Đ. Nguyễn Trãi, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
Esta
Famous for its fire-cooking methods, Esta Saigon serves unique cuisine that is influenced by the terroir, flora, and seasonal richness of Vietnam. Esta Saigon promises a fantastic dining experience that highlights the essence of Asian cuisine with a Vietnamese touch, all within its "fine casual" atmosphere.
At Esta Saigon, traditional cuisine is experienced in a pleasantly novel way, as the components are refined, flavoured, and presented to new heights. Visit Esta, where gastronomic talent meets nature, to experience the harmonic interaction between authenticity and culinary elegance.
2019 saw the co-founding and opening of Esta by chef Francis Thuan, a former head chef in Saigon. Chef Thuan's culinary skills are on full display in the restaurant's open kitchen, which is a testament to his dedication to using only the best ingredients.
Respecting the ideas of sustainability, Esta places a high value on obtaining seafood from small-scale fishing vessels and vegetables from local farmers. Image Credit: Esta Facebook Page 2nd Image Credit
a. 27 Trần Quý Khoách, Phường Tân Định, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam
Anan Saigon
The name Anan Saigon Restaurant means "eat, eat," and it's located inside the famous Chỿ Cũ wet market, which is in the centre of the busy city of Saigon.
Under the direction of Chef Peter, the restaurant reinvents street food and classic Vietnamese fare, bringing them to the level of fine dining without sacrificing their authentic flavour.
Anan Saigon is a culinary philosophy that combines French cooking techniques with fresh local ingredients to create dishes that entice the palate and evoke the spirit of Vietnamese cuisine. The mini banh mi, the banh xeo taco, the bun cha bourdain, the Saigon shaking beef with Phu Quoc pepper sauce, and the fish sauce ice cream are among the menu's standout items.
Anan Saigon promises a sensory-rich dining experience that highlights the unique flavours and culinary traditions of Vietnam with its inventive approach to Vietnamese cuisine and dedication to excellence. Image Credit: Anan Saigon Facebook Page
a. 89 Tôn Thất Đạm, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
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