New food and drink spots in Ho Chi Minh City to check out this month

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Dec 2

These days, new bar, restaurant and cafe openings in Saigon are happening on the regular. Below are a handful of new openings to dine at during the month of December!

An's Saigon

Nestled in the ever dynamic Thao Dien neighbourhood, An's is a multi-functional concept that combines a cafe, restaurant and spa under one roof. Housed inside a quaint and cosy villa, An’s bills itself as a “serene and peaceful destination” where you can unwind, dine and sip on a cup of coffee (or glass of wine) while surrounded by lush greenery from An’s sunny garden to the backing of beautiful piano music.

Not to be mistaken for a wellness concept though, An’s intimate 8-seat Chef’s counter helmed by Executive Chef Cuong Nguyen (ex-Sous chef of Anan Saigon) promises refined Vietnamese cuisine that brings out a “modern spirit while respecting the cuisine’s traditional values”. What that exactly means? Only one way to find out. Doors officially open on the 11th of December and trust us, this is not one to be missed.

**An’s has a no children (below 12) policy and accommodates only two seatings - 6pm and 8pm.

Address: 5A Tống Hữu Định, Thảo Điền, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ans.saigon

Nomu Omakase

From the good guys who brought you well-loved Japanese-tapas concept Nomu Izakaya comes Nomu Omakase - its formal (just a tad) omakase sister concept located just above. Equal parts sleek and sophisticated, diners are greeted with marble countertops, sultry neon light and colourful graffiti beautifying the restaurant’s walls. Helmed by Executive Chef Kong from Malaysia (ex-Roka Fella), omakase lovers can look forward to a playful twist on the traditional omakase concept. Come hungry as menus are 18 courses long and start from 2,800,000 VND (add 700,000 VND for an uni top-up).

Address: 152 Nguyễn Công Trứ, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/nomu.vn

Sol Butcherant

Re-opening with a bang, Sol Butcherant Steakhouse is every meat lovers dream. Here, besides the usual Australian and American prime cuts and beef wellington, Sol also caters to those looking for the finer things in life. Here, you’ll find sections of the menu such as “Luxury”, “24 K Golden Gliding” and “Chef Highlights” where dishes such as Champagne granita Miyagi oyster with Rosée Champagne Granita as well as Russian Sturgeon Black Caviar debut. Fret not for the uninitiated meat lover, Sol’s also got a couple of simple and straightforward options such as the Dry-aged wagyu bagel (298,000 VND) and Wagyu Don (268,000 VND). In a nutshell, you can’t go wrong with Sol as they’ve truly got something for everyone. Plus, the stunning new interiors and generous wine selection help.

Address: 57 Nguyễn Đức Cảnh, Mỹ Khánh 4, Phú Mỹ Hưng, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/solbutcherant/

Iberico Tapas and Wine

There’s an endless choice of Spanish restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City but there is one that has been winning the hearts of both expats and locals alike with classic tapas staples and wine - Iberico Tapas & Wine. Opening its doors in 2021, the success of Iberico’s flagship in Thao Dien quickly led to dynamic Spanish founder-duo Donato and Pedro opening up another in the heart of District 1.

Besides a solid range of classic tapas that go beyond the quintessential Iberian ham and Patatas Bravas, they also offer cold cut and cheese as well as tapas and wine party platters (4 to 6 people) starting from 1,200,000 VND delivered straight to your doorstep. Make sure to make room for Iberico’s stunning Manchego Cheesecake, it’s a must have.

Address: 20A Thi Sach St, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Ibericosaigon

Fries Fries Saigon

Fries, fries and more fries. It’s a very simple concept - thick cut fries laden in different sauces and toppings from Parmesan cheese, bacon and cold cuts to sautéed beef, pho sauce and vegetables. It isn’t exactly a novel idea especially amongst those familiar with Canadian poutine or “cone fries” from Amsterdam and Belgium made from premium grade potatoes. But, what’s not to love about hearty and savoury fries dressed in your favourite sauce? Nothing. And while there are many fries, fries Saigon to choose from (literally), there’s one that’s a cut above the rest - Pho-bulous with sauteed beef, Pho sauce, vegetables and Mizuna (89,000 VND).

Address: 4A Đường Số 4 Làng Báo Chí, Phường Thảo Điền, Quận 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/friesfriessg

Baozi Thao Dien

Quirky buns anyone? Hip casual Taiwanese concept Baozi founded by Chris Huynh is expanding once again and this time to popular expat enclave Thao Dien. Situated along the eclectic Trần Ngọc Diện street amongst other high-profile F&B concepts - Aalto, Kashew Cheese, Cala by Mia and the new Runam Bistro - Baozi is hard to miss with its majestic imperial exterior and red walls engulfed in sultry red light. On the food front, Baozi serves up rice buns with moreish fillings such as pulled pork, crispy tofu and sweet beef as other playful renditions of culinary classics such as beef noodle soup with spice truffle, lobster with onion sauce and stir fried cumin beef.

**Doors open on the 9th of December so don’t miss out!

Address: 28 Trần Ngọc Diện, Thảo Điền, Quận 2. Ho Chi Minh City
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/baoziVN/

Bar Son

Located in the Le Meridien Hotel on Ton Duc Thang Street and named after the historic Ba Son Shipyard, Bar Son is the latest concept by HYLO Hospitality Group (Roka Fella, Bam Bam and Aalto). Inside the sleek new tropical-themed bar, you’re greeted with lush greenery and cool summer vibes while you sip away on fruity libations such as Tropical Margarita (cilantro tequila, mango syrup, lime juice and passion fruit and lemongrass foam) and Lotus Negroni (lotus-infused gin with Mancino Bianco, Vermouth Aperol). The walls are wrapped in tropical print, and set off with vintage rattan furniture, comfy sofas and gold-coated furnishing. Best part? When the evening comes, expect toe-tapping hip hop beats and a relaxing good time in Bar Son’s comfy “Sunken Lounge”.

Address: 3C Tôn Đức Thắng, Bến Nghé, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Barson.sgn/

U Bar

With a guest shift at Hybrid Nha Trang (#96 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2021) in its back pocket even before its opening, safe to say U Bar is not your ordinary bar.

one to watch on the list. Anchoring U Bar’s concept is a strong focus on “Vietnamese culture, ingredients and memories”, U Bar is a labour of love founded by a team of seasoned Vietnamese F&B professionals - Vicky Lam (operations maven previously at the helm of the well-loved CTY Kitchen), Peter Nguyen (sharpened his knives in award-winning kitchens in Singapore, Australia and London), Khanh Hung, (budding bar apprentice on the path of re-discovering the world of flavours) and Son Nguyen (culinary mastermind and flavour U Bar’s flavour-developer).

Here, cocktails are the main stars of the show and broken down into starters, mains and dessert, much like a tasting menu and paired with U Bar’s selection of cleverly-executed Vietnamese bar snacks - Prawn Sour (fresh and fermented prawn, toasted rice, kumquat) and Pho Carpaccio. Indulge in an evening of storytelling of Vietnamese culture and memories and watch it come to life in a Dong Du Highball (vodka or gin, strawberry mead and chocolate mint) inspired by a famous strawberry tea stand on Dong Du Street, amongst others.

Address: Second Floor, 50A Đặng Dung, District 1, HCMC, Vietnam
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ubarsaigon

Sixty Bar

Drinks have a flavour scale - sour, sweet, salty and even umami. Expect not-your-ordinary concoctions that include things like Fermented Dracontomelon, Ginseng Pandan Shrub and Shrimp salt amongst other eyebrow-raising garnishes. Not for the faint of heart and cocktail purists though Sixty does have a “Classic Twist” section dedicated to cocktails classics - old fashion, daiquiri, margarita - but with a slight twist. The menu is cosy with only 16 cocktails (average 220,000 VND per cocktail) so don’t be surprised if you find yourself going through the entire menu on your first visit!

Address: 63 Hồ Tùng Mậu Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 700000
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/sixtybar.saigon

The Living Room

Know a new restaurant, cafe or bar opening? Get in touch to be added to my list.

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Hi, I’m Jovel Chan, a Singaporean food and drink blogger and F&B consultant📍Ho Chi Minh City.

Over the past two years, I’ve had the pleasure of dining in more than 150+ restaurants across Vietnam and judging multiple competitions. Here, I share the industry through my eyes and I hope it inspires you to discover, learn and explore Vietnam’s exciting food and drink scene.