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

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Apr 8

*Source: Facebook*
**Alibaba Kitchen & Bar**
Tucked away in the lesser-known corners of Binh Thanh, Alibaba is a spot that's as mysterious as it is charming. Here, you'll find a fusion of Asian and European flavours, all wrapped up in Persian-inspired décor that sets the scene for something truly special.
But let's talk about the food – it's like a journey around the globe right on your plate. Start off with some Fresh Japan Oyster Cocktail Sauce for an Asian kick, then switch gears with some Grilled German Sausages straight from Europe. Don't forget to come back home with a classic Bamboo Shoot Rice dish, and finish things off with a lip-smacking selection of western-style smoked and BBQ meats. Best enjoyed together, opt for Alibaba’s combo boasting prices as low as 890k to extravagant party-size combos up to 2.490k.
**Address:** 1143 Bình Quoi, Binh Thạnh, Ho Chi Minh City
**Facebook:** https://www.facebook.com/alibaba.kitchenandbar
**Opening Hours:** 5:30 PM - 11:00 PM

*Source: Facebook*
**I HATE MONDAY**
From the folks that brought us Dotori Dining, Pigmakers Company is making a comeback with their brand new All Day Dining Bistro - I Hate Monday. It's neither a brunch spot, a cafe, nor a regular dining venue, **but its identity lies within a captivating fusion, of each concept, elevating them with the glitz and glam of artistry through its visually tantalizing décor.**
Behind the facade of its industrialist charm are fun and quirky dishes such as Cheetos Cheese Tomato Spaghetti, Ugly Choco Mousse, Anchovy Lemon Pasta, or their offerings of “Naked Sandwiches”. Their ambiguous approach to the bistro identity means it is perfect for any occasion, whether an all-day workation or a charming evening date.
**Address:** 25A Nguyễn Duy Hiệu, Thao Dien, Ho Chi Minh City
**Facebook:** https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554798010985
**Opening Hours:** 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Anatolia Turkish Cuisine

Anatolia Turkish Cuisine brings together a classy atmosphere and authentic Turkish dishes, all the way from Danang to the heart of Saigon's District 1.

Here, start your meal with a bowl of their fresh Caciki – it's got the creamiest yoghurt, crunchy cucumber, and a hint of garlic, perfect for scooping up with warm pita bread. Then, dig into their tender, flavorful kebabs with your choice of meat. And if you're not into meat, don't worry – they've got plenty of hearty veggie options too.

But here's where Anatolia shines: for those special occasions, they've got private dining rooms that'll make any celebration feel extra swanky.

*Opening mid-April 2024

Address: 63/13 and 65 Pasteur, Bến Nghé, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557748473852
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Robin Mouquet

Housed under the same roof as Herve Dining Room and Masa Tapas in Thao Dien, both helmed by culinary French maestro Chef Hervé Rodriguez, you'll stumble upon the well-loved Robin Mouquet (both the brand and the person), an online-to-offline-brand that has captivated pastry aficionados across Vietnam.

As soon as you step inside, you're hit with the irresistible smells of freshly baked treats – think buttery financiers, soft-as-cloud madeleines, flaky croissants, and heavenly pain au chocolat. And the mastermind behind it all? None other than the charming and quirky Robin himself.

Robin's love affair with pastries started way back in his childhood, spending hours in the kitchen with his grandmas, soaking up all their baking secrets. Fast forward to today, and he's a bona fide pastry wizard, with skills honed by Michelin-starred training. Whether he's whipping up classic pastries or putting his spin on them, Robin's creations are always top-notch. Get the Mielle Feuille, trust us you won’t regret it.

Address: 204/20 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien, Ho Chi Minh City
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robinmouquet.shop/
Opening Hours: 7:30 PM - 6:00 PM (5:30 PM on Sundays)

Sushi UTAGE

Step right up to Sushi UTAGE, Saigon’s latest social hotspot where folks gather to gab and mingle over the freshest, most budget-friendly sushi in town. Picture this: Premium nigiris like Otoro, Uni, and Ikura for a mere 40k, sashimi sets starting at 150k, and Gunkan rolls that won't empty your wallet, all boasting fish straight from the shores of Japan.

And, to wash it all down, think ice-cold Shochu, Sake, and Japanese brews like Sapporo, kicking off at just 99k. At UTAGE, conversations may not come cheap, but the food sure is.

Address: 8A/E1 Thái Văn Lung, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/utagevietnam
Opening Hours: 6:00 PM - 1:00 AM

KAKU Izakaya

Replacing the now-defunct Umenomoto is Kaku Izakaya (short for Kakuuchi, a Japanese dining concept where customers stand and eat at the counter). Brought to you by the talented folks behind Sush Tiger and Tiger Omakase, they offer a selection of over 30 unique and colourful Obanzai (bite-size tapas dishes) alongside delicious and refreshing Japanese-style drinks.

Starting as low as 30k, you can enjoy a delicious serving of Salmon Taco or a bite of crispy and soft Takoyaki Sesame with a side of warm Oden soup. At 50k more adventurous options can be found such as Grilled Stingray or a bowl of Clam and Sake. That is to say, you don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for a flavorful experience at KAKU Izakaya.

Address: 15B/12A Le Thanh Ton, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1 Ho Chi Minh City
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaku.izakaya
Opening Hours: 5:30 PM - 12:00 AM

Hungry for more? Check out my tried-and-tested guide to the best restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City

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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.