Feasting during Tet: Restaurants, bars and cafes in Ho Chi Minh City that will stay open

If you’re staying (or visiting) Ho Chi Minh City during Tet, don’t let restaurant-hunting stress you out. Here is a round-up of restaurants - from casual to fine - and cafe brunch spots open throughout Tet (8th to 14th February) in the city.

During this time, also be prepared to pay extra as restaurants and bars pass on the additional costs of labour to customers (i.e. service workers get paid three times higher to work during the public holiday by law) And, if you’re still looking for a last-minute Tet gift or simply about what the most popular traditional Tết snacks consumed and what they mean - we’ve got you covered. Happy Tet!

Source: Melbourne Cafe

Coffee, breakfast and brunch spots

District 1 / 3 / 4

• Au Parc: A cafe serving tasty brunch staples, and coffee (Western and local Vietnamese) with both an indoor and al fresco dining area facing a park. Conveniently located near the Notre Dame Cathedral and Independence Palace. (730 am - 1030 pm; 23 Hàn Thuyên, Bến Nghé)

• Chanh Rooftop Bistro: A rooftop boozy brunch and casual breakfast spot, in the evenings Chanh also whips out a delicious classic European menu featuring steaks etc. That’s if the romantic panoramic views alone aren’t enough to entice you to make a visit. (4pm to 12 midnight from 10th to 12th Feb, business as usual on other days; Rooftop level, 215 Lý Tự Trọng)

• Eddie's - New York Deli and Diner: Yes, your favourite American diner remains open throughout Tet. From hot fluffy pancakes to delectable cinnamon buns, milkshakes, a full vegetarian menu and comforting American Chinese food, Eddie’s got you for both dine-in, delivery and takeaway every, damn, day. (8am - 10pm; 73 Pasteur, Street)

• Dosh Doughnuts & Coffee: Satisfy your sweet tooth with over 20 flavours of chef-made artisan doughnuts (830 am - 10 pm, 152 - 154 Vo Van Kiet)

• fuAsian Café & Restaurant - Halal Food: A mix of East meets West as well as Indian and Middle Eastern favourites such as kebabs, shawarmas and even beef stroganoff and Pierogi - this halal-friendly food joint is ideal for everyone and anyone. Plus, it’s also kid-friendly. Coupled with reasonable prices and friendly service, it’s pretty much your one-stop shop.

• Tartine Saigon: Your favourite neighbourhood brunch spot is here for you this Tet. With 8 locations in Saigon (District 1, Binh Thanh, Thao Dien and District 7), Tartine’s got you covered. (For timings and locations, click here).

• The Melbourne Cafe: Specialty coffee, fluffy pancakes and savoury breakfast dishes set in a cosy family-friendly space in District 3. (6 am - 10 pm on weekdays, 8 am to 10 pm on weekends; 30 Bà Huyện Thanh Quan, Phường Võ Thị Sáu, Quận 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)

District 2

• Bin’s Coffeehouse: A popular go-to for many expats living in Thao dien, Bin’s is known for its relaxed and rustic ambience as well as above-and-beyond creamy coconut coffees. (630am to 9pm, 40 Thao Dien)

• Dolphy Cafe: Get your coffee fix at all Dolphy locations in District 2. Just a note, there will be a 15% surcharge on all orders to reward all baristas working during this time! (Closed on the first day, 7 am to 7 pm, full list of locations here)

• L’Usine: Often referred to as “Saigon’s OG cafe brunch spot”, L’Usine’s open-air two-storey outpost in Thao Dien will remain open during Tet dishing out much-needed cuppa’ coffees, lemon meringues and brunch staples - what a relief. (For timings and locations, click here)

• Paris Baguette: Just like it says on its tin - baguettes, freshly-baked bread and beyond. (For timings and locations, click here)

• Tartine Saigon: Your favourite neighbourhood brunch spot is here for you this Tet. With more than 7 locations in Saigon (District 1, Binh Thanh, Thao Dien and District 7), check out the newly-opened alfresco locations in District 2 and 7 for a slow relaxing morning. (For timings and locations, click here).

• The Loop: If you’re looking to get your brain juices working during the Tet holiday, check out the loop for WiFi as good as its coffee. (8 am - 5 pm; 49 Đ. Thảo Điền, Thảo Điền, Quận 2, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh)

• The Vintage Emporium: Housed inside a villa, Vintage Emporium is for those craving an Instagram-friendly “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” brunch with friends and family. (8 am to 5 pm; 1 Đường số 39, Thảo Điền, Quận 2, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh)

• Villa Song: A quaint riverside spot with both indoor and outdoor seating, Villa Song’s in-house cafe cum restaurant dishes out both Western and Vietnamese classics. Though, we recommend checking out the Indonesian dishes here by its talented Indonesian kitchen team! (7 am to 11 pm; 197/2 Đường Nguyễn Văn Hưởng, Ward, Thảo Điền)

• Voelker Bakery: A patisserie and bakerie in one place. From freshly-baked bread (sourdough, baguette and Campagne) to French traditional Galette des Rois, Voelker (Districts 1 and 2) will be delivering freshly baked goods throughout Tet. (7 am to 1 pm; 37 Đường Thảo Điền, Thảo Điền, Quận 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)

District 7

• L’Usine: Regarded as one of Saigon’s “OG” cafe brunch spots, L’Usine’s outpost in Phu My Hung will remain open during Tet to dish out much-needed cuppa’ coffees, lemon meringues and brunch staples. (For timings and locations, click here)

• Tartine Saigon: Your favourite neighbourhood brunch spot is here for you this Tet. With more than 7 locations in Saigon (District 1, Binh Thanh, Thao Dien and District 7), check out the newly-opened alfresco locations in District 2 and 7 for a slow relaxing morning. (For timings and locations, click here).

Casual Dining Restaurants

District 1

• 7 Bridges: A generous selection of craft beers on tap, reasonable prices, friendly service and lip-smackingly good truffle fries - what more can you ask for? For a cosier vibe, head to the third floor of its Le Than Ton location in District 1. (11 am to 12 am, opens from 4 pm on Sunday the 22nd; 15B/12 Đ. Lê Thánh Tôn, Bến Nghé, District 1, HCMC)

• BIG PIG Bar - BBQ - Beer: For big groups and families, here’s where you can get your “nhau” on and tuck into platters of BBQ chicken wings, pork ribs and more. Of course, beer towers are also available to wash it all down. (11am - 10pm; 84 Ngô Đức Kế, District 1, HCM)

• Cocotte: French comfort food including escargots, chicken cordon bleu, country terrine as well as cheese and charcuterie boards. The service is friendly and there’s a generous selection of wine - of course. (11 am–2:30 pm, 5:30–10 pm; Hẻm 18A/67 Nguyễn Thị Minh, Đa Kao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City)

• Propaganda Vietnamese Bistro: Bright and playful murals depicting the sights, scenes and sounds of Vietnam, this urban Vietnamese bistro serves your usual Vietnamese classics - Pho, Banh Mi and Bun Bo Hue - as well as fresh crunchy salads and healthy “tri-coloured” rice bowls. (7 30am to 11 pm; 21 Hàn Thuyên, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh)

• The Refinery: A favourite of mine for classic French food, this charming al fresco spot tucked away from the hustle of District 1 is perfect for a sunset glass of wine followed by a thick onion soup or duck Parmentier. (11 am - 11 pm; 74 Hai Ba Trung, District 1 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)

• MamaPho - Homemade Vietnamese Pho: All-natural Pho sans MSG or preservatives. MamaPho uses 100% Australian beef and an 18-hour simmered broth for its signature soup-based bowls of Pho. With over 13 different types of Pho, I recommend the Satay beef Pho and deep-fried Pho (Pho Phong) for something different to your usual! (134 Lê Thánh Tôn, Ben Thành, District 1 as well as Sun Avenue and Saigon Pearl, 11 am to 11 pm)

• Natraj Indian Cuisine: Known for its authentic Indian flavours at reasonable prices, Natraj offers tons of vegetarian and vegan-friendly options as well as South Indian classics including samosas, chicken biryani and mutton masala. (41 Đ. Bùi Thị Xuân, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh)

District 2

• Baba’s Kitchen: Housed inside a villa with a generous outdoor seating area, besides the food (we highly recommend the Thali and grilled tandoori chicken), the service here is top-notch. Besides Indian cuisine, Baba’s also serves up Sri Lankan and Thai cuisine, which are both equally delicious. (11 am - 1130pm; 35 Le Van Mien, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)

• Banana Leaf Saigon Indian Restaurant: Sure, Banana Leaf is an Indian restaurant where you can get your Thaili and Biryani fix BUT it’s also where all your favorite foodie gems of Malaysia are as well (one of very few in the city). Think Mee Mamak, Asam Laksa, and Nasi Lemak as well as Nasi Campur at very reasonable prices - extra belachan, anyone? (7am to 10pm, 29 Nguyen Dang Giai, Thao Dien)

• Belgica: Sleek and modern Belgian restaurant and craft brewery. Besides its famous Belgian craft beer, it also serves a mix of Spanish, Belgian and Western dishes for breakfast, brunch and dinner. And yes, they do have thick-cut Belgian fries! (198A Nguyen van Huong, Thao Dien Ward, Thu Duc, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)

• Biryani House: Go on, order the biryani at this biryani institution. Opt for the mutton if you’re a fan. According to some, it is the “only Indian restaurant that serves it the right way”. (11 AM–2:30 PM, 5–10:30 PM; 08 Nguyễn Cừ, Thảo Điền, Ho Chi Minh City)

• Buddha Bar: One of the longest-standing bars in Ho Chi Minh City. Here you can find pool tables, sports games as well as live music catering to a mixed crowd of both locals and expats. Perfect for a chilled and laid-back afternoon or evening with an ice-cold pint of beer. (2 pm - 4 am; 7 Đ. Thảo Điền, Thảo Điền, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City)

• Heart of Darkness: Ice-cold pints of craft beer, burgers and lip-smacking snacks right in the heart of District 1. (11am to midnight, 31D Lý Tự Trọng, Ben Nghe, District 1)

• Hem Chill: A great place to chill out, and enjoy the stunning views of the Landmark 81 along the river with an ice-cold pint of beer and snacks. (3 pm to 2 am, happy hour from 4 to 7 pm; 8/13 Đường số 49B, Thao Dien, Ho Chi Minh City)

• MAD Wine Bar: Here’s a familiar name to any wine drinker in Ho Chi Minh City. With one of the biggest wine lists both by the glass and bottle mostly focused on old-world wines and classic charcuteries, the atmosphere is cosy and intimate indoors and slightly more lively outdoors in the large Courtyard adjunct to MAD Wine bar. (11 am - 11 pm; 63 Xuân Thủy, Thảo Điền, Ho Chi Minh City)

• Pasteur Street Brewing Company: One of the first craft beer brands and the “most award-winning” in Saigon, the taprooms are modern and edgy with a cool vibe with a wide selection of IPAs, lagers and pale ales. They’ve got both seasonal and year-round classics, my personal favourite is the Bia Chanh Muối! (3 pm to 11 pm; Tet hours for each location here)

• Quan Bui Garden: Warm and inviting decor, the Thao Dien location has a quaint and relaxing outdoor space with colourful lanterns, lush greenery and even kids playing area. The menu features comforting and nostalgic home-cooked Vietnamese dishes. (730am - 11pm; 55A - 55B Ngô Quang Huy, Thao Dien, Ho Chi Minh City)

• Terraviva: Do not be fooled by Terraviva’s low-key furtive location off the road of Thao Dien at the end of a street. Its handmade woodfired-oven pizzas, pasta and stunning setting draw crowds of people in every night - perhaps why they have to stay open during the holidays lest they disappoint their raving fans of ‘Pizzafarians’. (2C Đặng Tiến Đông, An Phu, Thu Duc)

Source: MaSa French Eatery by Hervé

Upscale Dining Spots & Bars

District 1

• Bom Kitchen & Wine Bar: A modern Vietnamese restaurant in District 1 by the same guys behind Sono Grill Bar. Check out bestsellers such as Tôm rim pasta, Bot Loc with Mantis shrimp and truffle and Scallop Risotto. I for one am particularly excited about the Bo Kho Tart with braised beef ‘bo Kho’ flavour, beef jus, seasonal vegetables, and green onion oil. (11 am to 11 pm; 24 Nguyễn Thị Nghĩa, P. Bến Thành, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)

• Basilico Italian Restaurant: Located in the lobby of the Intercontinental Saigon right in the heart of District 1, this rustic and charming Italian restaurant is a favourite for many long-term residents and expats in Saigon. Known for its reasonably-priced Italian classics and cosy atmosphere, look out for specials of the day and wine of the month on the restaurant’s chalkboard. (630am - 1030pm; Lobby Level, Corner Le Van Huu Street & Nguyen Du Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)

• Laang: The sister concept of Quan Bui, Laang is a modern Vietnamese vegetarian-friendly (and focused) restaurant in Thao Dien with a calm and quaint outdoor dining area ideal for large groups and families. (7 am - 11 pm; 55A - 55B Ngô Quang Huy, Thao Dien, Ho Chi Minh City)

• Le Corto: Exquisite French fine dining in the heart of District 1 helmed by Chef Sakal Phoeung, here you can indulge in decadent dishes including foie gras, lobster with black ink tagliatelle and Beef wellington. Paired with top-notch service and refined interiors - it’s no surprise Le Corto is a favourite amongst many in the city for fine dining. (11 pm – 2 pm, 5:30 – 10 pm; 5D Đ. Nguyễn Siêu, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh)

• MaSa French Eatery by Hervé: Helmed by renowned Chef Hervé Rodriguez, MASA (which means “Manipulator of savors") will be serving up “exquisite tapas, tantalizing mains, and delightful desserts” and of course, lots of wines, throughout the holiday. (6 pm to 9 pm, 204/20 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien)

• ROS - Yacht Club: Unparalleled views of Landmark 81 and Thu Thiem tunnel along the Saigon River. Dine on a parked yacht and enjoy a selection of “modern Asian” and European dishes including Wagyu beef, crab and lobster. Or simply enjoy an ice-cold beer or cocktail at sunset. (8 am –11:30 pm; Bach Dang Waterbus Station, 10B Đ. Tôn Đức Thắng, Bến Nghé, District 1, HCMC)

District 2

• 86 Proof Whiskey Bar: Your neighborhood cocktail bar serving up the ‘best happy hour in town’ with 50% off all drinks (cocktails and beers) from 4 pm to 7 pm will remain open during the holidays! (4pm to 2am, 109 Xuan Thuy, Thao Dien)

• Coastal Saigon: Located along the river and nestled inside one of the oldest and most peaceful enclaves in Saigon, Coastal Saigon offers a much-needed respite away from the hustle and bustle of the city with its lush greenery, scenic views, and rustic chic tropical interiors inspired by Bali. Don’t miss its happy hour on both food and drinks from 4 to 7 pm daily. (630 am to 1030 pm; 53 Võ Trường Toản; Thao Dien, Ho Chi Minh City)

• CLAY: A riverside open-air casual dining concept with stunning interiors, a live DJ and a happy hour from 4 to 7 pm and 10 pm to late featuring 100k sangrias - what is there not to like about Clay? For food, I recommend pork ribs or chicken but make sure to order multiple plates to fill up your bellies. (Closed on the 9th of February, 8 Duong so 6, Phuong Thao Dien)

• Zumwhere: A modern Japanese izakaya with a chic, sleek and modern setting. Perfect for celebrations, date nights and special occasions, there’s also live DJ music on selected evenings. With multiple locations in Districts 1 and 2, Zumwhere is a favourite amongst young Saigonese looking for a casual yet elegant night out. (For full list of locations and timings)

Read more: Tết in Vietnam: Traditional Tet snacks and food myths debunked

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