Last Updated: September 9, 2024
Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is famous for its historical attractions and insight into Vietnam’s heritage. You’ll also find this city to be a foodie paradise, filled with diverse Ho Chi Minh restaurants. From authentic Vietnamese dishes like banh mi and pho to international cuisine offered at a rooftop bar, you can easily find nearly every type of cuisine in this city.
Below is a list of the ten best restaurants in Ho Chi Minh you’ll want to try while visiting Vietnam. We’ve selected options ranging from affordable and family-owned to pricier food experiences you won’t want to miss in your retirement travel.
Ho Chi Minh City Restaurant Map
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Dosh Doughnuts & Coffee
You’ll find this brightly colored coffee and doughnut shop tucked away near the Saigon River. It was first opened in 2017 and brought the world of gourmet doughnuts to Ho Chi Minh City. This doughnut shop has fun flavor options like passionfruit mascarpone, honeycomb chocolate, and toasted marshmallow. It’s a great spot for a sweet treat and stunning views of the nearby river.
Anan Saigon
Anan Saigon is a restaurant that takes traditional Vietnamese dishes, like banh mi and turns them into gourmet meals. It is a real treat if you’re a foodie who enjoys trying innovative menu items. This restaurant offers options like truffle and wagyu pho that will make your mouth water. Save this eatery for special occasions, as the pricing is higher than most Vietnamese restaurants in Saigon.
Address:
89 Tôn Thất Đạm,Hồ Chí Minh
Lang Nuong Nam Bo
If you’re craving traditional Vietnamese food in a family-style setting, you’ll want to add Lang Nuong Nam Bo to your itinerary. This restaurant offers an airy, bamboo and sculpture-filled dining area that aids in creating a more authentic experience. Expect a lively atmosphere with clinking glasses, laughter, and tasty food. Lang Nuong Nam Bo is famous for its whole suckling pig, so it’s a must-try while at the restaurant. You’ll also find fresh seafood on the menu. This spot is great for large groups, though it’s popular with the locals, so expect a long wait to get in.
Address:
302A Tô Hiến Thành, Hồ Chí Minh
Secret Garden Restaurant
Head to the Secret Garden Restaurant in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam for a more relaxed meal. This rooftop restaurant features a unique dining area filled with plants and multi-colored lanterns. You’ll find authentic Vietnamese cuisine on the menu, like fresh spring rolls filled with pork and shrimp. This spot also has an assortment of teas and fun cocktail options. The door is easy to miss, as it’s tucked away in an alley only labeled with a neon sign that says Secret Garden. Once you enter, you’ll head up to the rooftop for a delicious meal and city views.
Noir Dining in the Dark
If you want a unique eating experience while exploring Saigon, Noir Dining in the Dark is a great option. This restaurant has been open since 2014 and was created with the blind/visually impaired Vietnamese community. The restaurant supports the community by hiring blind/visually impaired servers. When you arrive, your server will guide you through complete darkness to your table. The goal is to allow your other senses to be at the forefront of your experience. You can choose between two menu options – an omnivore selection of dishes or one with vegetarian food. The menu items are a surprise but include ingredients sourced from Vietnam, Asia, and other international locations.
Address:
180D Hai Bà Trưng, Hồ Chí Minh
Hum
Those in need of vegetarian options will want to visit Hum. This restaurant specializes in vegetarian cuisine, hoping others will see how diverse and flavorful it can be. The experience begins as soon as you get near the restaurant, as you’ll need to cross a small pond/garden area before entering. Once inside, you’ll find the same tranquil atmosphere ensuring a relaxing experience. Hum prides itself on using simple, wholesome foods to create nourishing yet tasty meals. Menu items include banana blossom salad and vegetarian pad thai.
Yen Sushi & Sake Pub
Conquer any sushi cravings by visiting Yen Sushi & Sake Pub. This sushi bar offers a tranquil Japanese-style decor. Seating is on the floor in the typical chabudai-style, complete with a floor cushion. The menu includes typical sushi rolls like eel tempura and a rainbow roll. However, you’ll also see twists on Japanese dishes, like fried wagyu beef.
Vina Chuoi
You may recognize this restaurant name from the show Sharktank when the restaurant/company founder appeared to request help expanding his business. This restaurant specializes in fried bananas (a popular Saigon street food) and has since added eight stalls, all offering its local specialty. If you prefer a sweeter banana dish, grilled sticky bananas, banana smoothies, and banana ice cream are also available here.
Best Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City
We have linked a great website to this button showing the weather for this location by the month. Click below to be taken to Weather-and-Climate.com.
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