Your insider guide to Vietnam’s food and drink scene

The new kid on the block, Coucou brings a playful mishmash of modern Asian flavours to Saigon, drawing inspiration from Thai, Japanese, Singaporean and Malaysian cuisines. Taking over the former Extraordinary wine bar, this chef-led concept offers a refreshing departure from the city's modern Vietnamese dining narrative.

But is Saigon ready for something this different?

This month’s hottest new restaurants and bars in Ho Chi Minh City to check out.

Lunar New Year is a time of celebration, tradition, and thoughtful gift-giving for Vietnamese families. The most meaningful Tết gifts symbolise luck, abundance, and prosperity, especially when they spotlight local artisans and makers. Here’s our round-up of Tết gift boxes from Saigon that caught our eye.

Muội is quietly redefining the idea of a modern Vietnamese wine bar. Intimate, confident, and refreshingly unfussy, it sits comfortably between fine dining and casual chaos. Read on to see why this low-key newcomer is already finding its footing in Saigon.

Ring in the new year at these 10 NYE happenings happening in Ho Chi Minh City. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.

Saigon is never static. Just when it starts to feel familiar, the city shifts. A new restaurant opens, a chef returns with a sharper idea, a pop-up decides to stay. These moments of change define The most memorable openings of the year.

With the holidays right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking of gifts for your loved ones. Luckily, we’ve compiled a round-up of gourmet gifts by local makers and artisans from Vietnam.

Vietnam’s first and only non-alcoholic bar, Med rolls out over 30 drinks — and that’s not even the headline. They’ve gone one better with food pairings, turning cocktails into full-on experiences. A Bún Bò Huế in NA cocktail form? Yes, please.

Saffran Saigon, Vietnam’s first Iranian restaurant, is serving up saffron rice, smoky eggplant dip, and melt-in-your-mouth lamb from a 12-seat terrace above a flower shop in Thảo Điền. Intimate? Yes. Soulful? Absolutely. The only question—how fast can you book a seat before the specials sell out?

Chef Khang, best known for his smoked brisket pho at Roast and Smoke, is back—this time reimagining pho at his newest venture, Chị Mơ. Here, you can mix and match soup bases and even pair your pho with cocktails. Too bold? Only one way to find out.

Meet Minkyu Lee, founder of IIUM, Vietnam’s first craft Makgeolli. Originally from Korea, she has been living in Ho Chi Minh City for 3 years.

She discovered makgeolli five years ago and turned a homebrewing hobby into a passion. After getting certified in Korea, she launched iium in 2024, offering fresh, unpasteurized makgeolli with a local Vietnamese twist.

No, ‘NAMO is not new. From Neapolitan pizzas to Tuscan steaks, now it’s back as ‘NAMO Modern Italian & Grill, mixing Italian flavors with top-notch Vietnamese ingredients. Tucked above L’Usine, it’s sleek, moody, and made for good vibes. After all these reinventions, is this the best one yet?

From the team behind Da Dining, Coco Dining, and Hop, this three-story stunner seats 450 and serves 350 dishes. Contributor Gilda dives into the menu to see if the food lives up to the theatrics—think glowing lanterns, a koi pond, and a live stage. Style or substance?

Tucked away down a small alley in Thao Dien, Pingu is proof that fast food doesn’t have to be junk food. With top-notch ingredients, no seed oils, and burgers that let the beef do the talking, this hidden gem in Thao Dien is worth the hunt.

Tatler Vietnam’s ‘Best of Vietnam’ event, held on January 18, 2025, unveiled the top 100 hotels, restaurants, and bars in Vietnam, carefully curated by Tatler’s team and industry experts, celebrating excellence in hospitality.

Upstairs by Long Tran and Chef Truong Hiep is redefining modern Vietnamese cuisine with an intimate 11+1 course tasting menu.

Located above Little Bear, the minimalist and intimate space highlights dishes like wagyu Goi Bo Ca and oyster ice cream with beetroot salad, offering an experience that’s already generating buzz in Ho Chi Minh City.

The Macallan’s limited edition Vibrant Oak offers rich flavors and sustainable packaging, celebrating craftsmanship through a collaboration with Cirque du Soleil

Gone are the days when local East Asian spirits were synonymous with moonshine and cheap beer. Today, craft spirit distilleries in Vietnam are redefining what it means to be a ‘Vietnamese spirit’ and heralding a new wave of first-of-its-kind artisanal spirits.

While delicious street food stalls and fine dining eateries seem to be the norm in Ho Chi Minh City, sometimes it’s worth venturing off the beaten path for that one-of-a-kind culinary experience. Here’s a list of unique dining experiences in Saigon to satisfy even the most adventurous eater.

All Seasons Buffet Danang has launched the city’s first-ever unlimited lobster buffet, brimming with fresh and locally sourced lobster, for just 1.55 million++ VND

For the first time in history, Vietnam is set to compete on the world’s biggest culinary stage—the Bocuse d’Or Grand Finale in Lyon, France, in January 2025.

Usher in the most wonderful time of the year with our top 20 festive food picks featuring decadent Christmas brunches to indulgent set menus.

This November, The Albion by Kirk Westaway of the award-winning 2-Michelin Star restaurant Jaan by Kirk in Singapore, will open its doors, taking the next step in his mission to elevate British cuisine.

Mien Saigon’s had a major glow-up, ditching its old Euro-fusion vibe for a fresh mod-Viet approach with a revamped menu, new dishes, and an updated look. But the big question is—will it be better than the last?

The inaugural industry event brought together leading wine experts and emerging talents from Vietnam, culminating in a Gala Dinner, awards ceremony, and expert-led masterclasses.

I love sharing stories about new chefs like Chef Arnaud, exploring Vietnamese cuisine for the first time, and Chef Hau Ninh, redefining local flavors.

With both at Michelin-selected award-winning Square One, I chat with both Chefs to discuss bold new menus, ‘everyday luxury’ and how they’re settling in.

Last week, Wine Australia, in partnership with the Australian Trade and Investment Commission, held wine tastings across Southeast Asia, including Vietnam. Over 250 trade and media attendees participated in events held in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, featuring more than 100 wines and masterclasses led by Wine Australia’s Mark Davidson.

To celebrate Women’s Day in Vietnam, here are the top 10 inspiring females shaking up Vietnam’s F&B industry in their own ways. From chefs to barista champions and entrepreneurs, the future is female!

With its top-rate quintessential Italian fare, Opera at the Park Hyatt Saigon has earned a spot on Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Restaurants list two years in a row—so yeah, it’s one of the best brunch spots in Saigon, hands down. 

Got a sweet tooth that needs satisfying? Ho Chi Minh City has it all—from cozy bakeries with gooey cinnamon rolls to chic cafés serving tiramisu. Whether you prefer a casual spot or a dessert delivered, here's our top dessert go-tos in the city.