Sweet Revolution: Vietnam's only modern dessert bar boasts local flair

restaurant reviewreviewho chi minh cityvietnam
Written By Jovel Chan

Say hello to Saigon's only modern dessert bar, where artistry and indulgence meet in an art gallery setting. Placing among culinary heavyweights on the prestigious 50 Best Discovery List, this dessert bar isn't here to play it safe. Oh no, it's leading a daring dessert revolution. It challenges conventions with its avant-garde approach to modern-plated desserts by drawing inspiration from classic Vietnamese street food samples, ingredients and flavours.

Monkey Gallery Dessert Bar’s seasonal themes extend beyond its menu to its interiors as well (Source: Facebook)

About Vietnam’s first and only modern dessert bar

The idea for this upscale dessert bar in Ho Chi Minh City came from Nick, the founder, who's a big fan of pastry and desserts. After being wowed by dessert bars around the world, he wanted to bring that experience to Vietnam. His goal? To show off his creativity and introduce locals to modern plated desserts paired with fancy drinks.

Their menu isn't just your typical desserts. They've taken traditional Vietnamese flavors and given them a modern twist. Picture classics like 'Thit kho hot vit' transformed into a dessert served in a clay pot or desserts inspired by Vietnamese coffee and street vendor smoothies. It's like a tasty trip through Vietnam's culinary scene, all in one place.

Nick's love for Vietnamese ingredients shines through in his desserts. He's all about using local fruits and flavors like coconut, lychee, and more. It's his way of showing off Vietnam's amazing produce and giving customers a taste of something authentically Vietnamese.

Creating these desserts is a fun process for Nick. It starts with an idea, then he does some experimenting until he gets the flavors just right. The best part? Seeing the finished product, all beautifully plated and ready to enjoy.

At Monkey Gallery DESSERT BAR, they don't stick to any rules. One day you might find Vietnamese-inspired treats, the next French or Japanese influences. It's all about having fun with food and giving customers something new to try. And through it all, they stay true to their roots, celebrating Vietnamese culinary traditions while exploring new flavors and techniques.

Source: Facebook

Being the first in Vietnam and engaging the local market

At first, locals were a bit hesitant about this new concept. But over time, The Monkey Gallery DESSERT BAR won them over with its seasonal themes and ever-evolving menu, building a loyal fanbase in the process.

One challenge they faced was convincing people that quality desserts are worth the price. To tackle this, they focus on using top-notch ingredients and offer discounts to regulars, making their treats accessible to all.

Vietnamese customers, in particular, have a growing appetite for desserts that not only look good but taste amazing too. That's why The Monkey Gallery DESSERT BAR puts just as much emphasis on flavor as they do on presentation, creating desserts that are as Instagram-worthy as they are delicious.

Source: Facebook

Their secret sauce? A commitment to quality ingredients, unique flavors, and creative presentations that make every visit feel like a culinary adventure. Plus, they keep things fresh with seasonal themes that keep customers coming back for more.

Even though their desserts may cost a bit more, Vietnamese customers are drawn in by the unique experiences offered at The Monkey Gallery DESSERT BAR. From bingo nights to themed events, there's always something fun happening to sweeten the deal.

To ensure everyone feels welcome, they mix local flavors with international influences, offering something for every taste bud. And with a focus on community engagement, they're not just a dessert bar—they're a sweet spot for making memories.

In the end, The Monkey Gallery DESSERT BAR's recipe for success is simple: serve up delicious desserts with a side of fun, and watch as the locals keep coming back for more.

Monkey Gallery DESSERT BAR is helmed by Head Chef Hanh and her team of mostly-female pastry chefs (Source: Facebook)

Looking to the future

Looking ahead, The Monkey Gallery DESSERT BAR plans to spice things up with more interactive experiences like workshops and pop-ups. They're all about keeping the dessert scene fresh and exciting.

For aspiring chefs, especially women, the founder has some down-to-earth advice: creativity isn't just about having genius ideas all the time. It's about showing up, trying, failing, and learning. Innovation takes time, so be patient, stay humble, and keep learning from everyone around you.

In a nutshell, The Monkey Gallery DESSERT BAR is all about shaking up the culinary world. They're not just serving up tasty treats—they're inspiring an entire new generation of chefs to think outside the box and follow their passions.

Jovel Chan
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