Ho Chi Minh City restaurants are one of the main attractions of the city for both travelers and expats. The main draw is the great value for money for many of the city’s eateries. You can get an excellent meal in Saigon for only a few dollars. If you are willing to spend at least $30 US, you can indulge on a three-course set menu in some of the city’s best fine dining venues.
While Vietnamese food is king, you will also find a large choice of affordable to luxury Japanese, Korean, Chinese, American and French restaurants. New options and new concepts are opening almost daily and you will certainly need more than a trip to sample the best restaurants in Saigon. Wine is relatively inexpensive as import taxes are kept to a reasonable rate. A decent bottle of Merlot or Chardonnay in a fine dining restaurant should not cost you more than $50 US.
If your breakfast is not provided in your hotel, you can go to one of the popular brunch/buffet options such as L’Usine, Nineteen or Market 39. They are considere among the best restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City for breakfast. All of them are located in the heart of District 1, near famous sights like the Opera House or City Hall, and serve tea, coffee, homemade pastries, cakes and desserts.
Deciding where to eat lunch will be much more challenging. Some casual venues for a light, healthy lunch include Qui Cuisine Mixology, Au Lac, Bloom, Hum and Thai Village.
If you skipped breakfast and crave for generous portions, head to the Swiss House to share a fondue with friends, or to the New York Steakhouse for some of Saigon’s best steaks.
Options for dinner are immense. If your budget allows it, 5-star hotels serve excellent food in a splendid environment with service to match. The spectacular Japanese restaurant Sorae, on top of the AB tower is the perfect location for a romantic evening. It may be the best restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City for a date.
You can also get supper in more simple places: street food stalls around Ben Thanh Market are always crowded with tourists giving a first try at chopsticks. Cheap multi-cuisine restaurants abound in Bui Vien’s backpacker district. If you are looking for the great sushi, check Ngô Văn Năm’s street in the heart of Saigon’s little Tokyo. Lovers of spices and curries will look no further than Indian restaurant Tandoor on Ngo Duc Ke street. Some of the best Italian pizzas we’ve had in Vietnam came from the wood-fire oven of La Hostaria.
Sunday brunches are becoming increasingly popular in Saigon. While it is offered in several locations, we recommend you to try Au Parc or The Refinery.
If you are out for quality pizza, check out our article about “The Best Pizza in Saigon” and the list of pizzerias at the bottom.
Vietnam is a country of farmers and fishermen. Its varied geography, from mountains to coastal lowlands allows for the production of a huge variety of fruits, vegetables, crops, meat and fish. These fresh, authentic ingredients are one of the main reasons explaining the quality of Saigon’s restaurants.