New restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City to check out this January

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Jan 5

Saigon’s food scene kicks off the new year with some serious flavour

Mapalé brings Colombian street vibes, King Poutine delivers Canadian comfort, Nha Eatery serves bold fusion dishes, and La Transat keeps it effortlessly French. Cool, global, and just the right kind of indulgent—January’s looking tasty. As and always, happy dining, Saigon!

Upstairs Tasting Room

From the talented team behind Little Bear (a MICHELIN Selected restaurant led by Chef Nhat Duy, MICHELIN Vietnam's Rising Chef of the Year), along with Gia (one-star) in Hanoi and Seroja (one-star) in Singapore—thanks to F&B visionary Long Tran—comes the Upstairs Tasting Room, located just above Little Bear in Saigon.

With its sights set on being a standout in the city's dining scene, this cosy space features just 10 seats, a chef’s counter for one, and three private dining rooms with 12 seats. To top it off, there’s a wine cellar right in the dining room. Here, Chef Hiep serves modern Vietnamese cuisine through a tasting menu in a sophisticated setting. Expect inventive dishes that blend Vietnamese staples with Chef Hiep’s creative flair, honed through years of experience in renowned kitchens.

Address: 1st floor, 36 Nguyễn Bá Huân, Thao Dien, Ho Chi Minh City
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upstairs.sgn

Namo

Say ciao to the all-new Namo whose name itself (short for Andiamo or “let’s go!” in Roman dialect), hints at the energy and movement that defines the experience here.

At the helm is Chef Ivan Barone, a maestro with 30 years of culinary know-how and over a decade spent soaking up Saigon's rich flavours. What he’s bringing to the table? Italy’s beloved traditions mixed with the finest ingredients from the Asia Pacific and Mekong. Menu must-tries include Cold Angel Hair Pasta: Hokkaido scallop carpaccio, sea urchin, salmon roe, sturgeon caviar, and a pop of kumquat (490k), Jumbo Tiger Prawn Linguine: A seafood medley in a spicy, fresh tomato sauce (650k) and Sausage Ragu Cavatelli: Italian sausage ragu, tomato sauce, and grana padano (390k).

And if you remember the old Namo, you’ll notice it’s had a serious glow-up. The vibe is chic, the space is sleek, and yes, the prices have gone up too, but Chef Ivan’s elevated dishes and top-tier ingredients are worth it.

Address: Upstairs, 34 Le Loi, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Contact: https://www.facebook.com/namoitalian

Nha Eatery

Tucked away in a cozy alley near the Eastern Bus Station, Nha Eatery is the kind of spot that’s easy to miss—but trust us, you don’t want to. This hidden gem is run by a Canadian-Vietnamese chef with serious fine dining cred, and it shows in every dish. The space? Small and homey, with just ten seats, making it feel like you’re dining at a friend’s place.

Get ready to fall in love with the Vietnamese Tartare, a funky twist on beef that’s so good you’ll want to order a second plate (we won’t judge). And let’s not forget the Bonito Crudo—salty, tangy, fishy goodness that’ll have you hooked. It’s all served up with super chill, personal service that makes you feel like you’re part of the family. With prices around 600K–700K VND, you’re getting fine dining without the snobbery.

Address: 363/23 Đinh Bộ Lĩnh, Bình Thạnh, Ho Chi Minh City
Contact: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567825844624

Livannah Sip & Bites

Livannah is where you go when your cravings can’t decide what they want, and honestly, neither can you. The name might give off grunge-y Nirvana vibes (we see you, Instagram aesthetic), but it’s actually named after the chef-owner’s daughter—surprise! Billed as a “multi-culture culture club,” Livannah takes you on a globe-trotting food tour with nori tacos, baked oysters, phá lấu paired with pani puri, and even bò kho served as paté chaud.

The portions are tapas-sized to let you graze your way through the menu without breaking the bank, and the prices are refreshingly reasonable for Thao Dien. The vibe? Cool, casual, and just attentive enough—no stuffy service here. And while the food leans authentic rather than fusion, the bold presentations make every plate look camera-ready. Pro tip: Bring a plus-one who loves to share so you can try everything. Bonus: Birthday cake perks if you play your cards right.

Address: 12 Nguyen U Di, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Contact: https://www.facebook.com/livannah.sipsnbites/

King Poutine

King Poutine has officially landed in Saigon, and trust us, this isn’t just another expat trying to recreate their homeland’s cuisine—this is Chef Rang’s love letter to Canada, served piping hot on a plate. With homemade 9-hour gravy, legit cheese curds, and fries that are crispy perfection, his poutine tastes like it came straight out of a Montréal diner.

Not into poutine? The maple-glazed chicken wings and creamy, perfectly cooked mac and cheese are already building their own fanbase. But it’s not just the food stealing hearts—Chef Rang himself works the room like a pro, sharing stories and making diners feel right at home. Add in attentive service (we’re talking baby-carrying-level care) and a cozy vibe, and you’ve got yourself a new go-to for comfort food in Saigon. Poutine cravings, meet your match.

Address: 61 Phan Xích Long, Phu Nhuan
Contact: https://www.instagram.com/kingpoutine.official/

Sticky Rice

Say hello to Sticky Rice, a new Thai concept in Thao Dien, courtesy of the same folks behind Quan Bui and Laang. This is their first foray into Thai food, and trust me, it’s good. The menu is packed with all the Thai classics you know and love but with a bit of extra flair that’ll make you want to come back for more like zesty Tom Yum, fiery Pad Kra Pao that’ll get your taste buds tingling, rich and creamy Massaman Curry, and of course, that oh-so satisfying sticky and sweet Pad Thai.

At the helm is Chef Noy, a Thai native with over 35 years of experience, that’s serving up dishes that stay true to tradition while adding his own twist. The space is just as inviting—stylish yet laid-back, with a warm, cozy vibe that makes you feel right at home. And the fun doesn’t end with the meal. After you’ve devoured every last bite, head next door to Café’In, their sister coffee spot, for a perfectly brewed coffee or a cheeky dessert.

Address: 14Q Quốc Hương, Thao Dien, Ho Chi Minh City
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StickyriceVN.ThaiRestaurant

La Transat

Transat in Thao Dien is the kind of spot where you can indulge in French comfort food without the hefty price tag – think salmon blini, crêpes (both sweet and savoury), wine-cooked mussels, and of course, classic fish & chips. All served up in an airy, relaxed space that's perfect for long lunches or casual dinners.

Plus, there's a billiards table, darts, and even a kids' play area – because what's better than eating your weight in delicious food while the kids have a blast? Parking? No problem. The restaurant has plenty of space with free, safe spots for your ride. With its chill alfresco area, this place has all the ingredients for a fun, laid-back Sunday afternoon.

Address: 258 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien, Ho Chi Minh City
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Crepesrie

Mamma Mia Piadina

Mamma Mia Piadina is the place to be if you're craving an Italian sandwich that hits all the right notes. Word on the street is, it's already the talk of the town for food-loving Italians in the city, and it’s easy to see why. Start with a base of piadina or ciabatta bread (from 55k), then load it up with mouthwatering fillings like Mortadella, Parma Ham, and Roasted Coppa, or choose from cheeses like Brie, Manchego, and Fresh Mozzarella (from 45k).

Veggies? Think sun-dried tomatoes, grilled eggplant, and marinated artichokes, all from just 10k. The best part? It’s totally DIY – build your own perfect sandwich or cold cut board. Sure, there are fries and a few simple sides, but let's be real, the sandwich is the star. Tucked away in a little spot in Thao Dien, it’s easy to miss, but trust us, you don’t want to.

Address: 28A street 46, Thao Dien, Ho Chi Minh City
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566985112616

Mapalé

Mapalé has quietly set up shop at the ever-breezy al fresco Funk Factory in An Phu, bringing a slice of Colombian flair to Saigon. Handmade chorizo, creamy queso costeño, Colombian flatbreads, and burgers make up the heart of the menu, all crafted with premium ingredients and plenty of love. The lineup keeps getting better—crispy empanadas, smoky Pinchos skewers, and Choripapas (fries loaded with house-made chorizo) are perfect for your snack cravings. But the real star? Patacones con Hogao: crispy fried plantains topped with a rich, tangy tomato-onion sauce that hits all the right notes.

Address: 10 đường An Phú, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mapale.vn

For this month's food and drink events, including Saigon Supperclub dinners

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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.