Review: Đông Dương - just another Vietnamese restaurant?
Walking into Đông Dương feels like stepping into a Vietnamese fever dream—the kind that’s drenched in nostalgia, culture, and just the right amount of theatrical flair. The moment you enter, your senses are ambushed in the best way possible. The deep reds and fiery oranges, the earthy terracotta, the textures of traditional Vietnamese textiles—it all works together to transport you.
Even the lighting, inspired by the iconic Non La hats, casts a warm glow over the space. But the real showstopper? The koi pond in the middle of the room, where floating lanterns reminiscent of the Mid-Autumn Festival hover like celestial bodies. Add to that a live stage hosting traditional musicians and performers, and suddenly, your dinner comes with a side of spectacle.
Photo credit: Đông Dương
It’s a beast of a venue, spanning two floors with seating for a whopping 450 guests. And they’re not stopping there—a third floor, still in the works, will cater to private receptions. Upstairs, a curated collection of ceramics, bronze works, spirits, and even fish sauce is on display, proving that this isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of Vietnamese heritage. Throughout the space, pickle jars, fruit baskets, and ingredient-filled glass containers serve as both decoration and a subtle reminder of the culinary traditions that define Vietnam.
Photo credit: Đông Dương
With 350 dishes on its menu, Đông Dương isn’t about reinventing Vietnamese cuisine; it’s about honouring it
Now, let’s talk food. Because, really, what’s a restaurant without its food? Đông Dương isn’t about reinventing Vietnamese cuisine; it’s about honouring it. With a staggering 350 dishes on the menu, Executive Chef Minh Hải Chung and his team have crafted a love letter to the familiar flavours of an entire nation. This isn’t the place for avant-garde fusion or foams that taste like pho. Instead, it’s where you come to relive childhood memories through food, to introduce your foreign friends to authentic Vietnamese flavours, and to revel in the comfort of tradition.
Ba rọi chiên sả ớt
Fried pork belly with lemongrass & chili
Dangerously addictive. It’s the kind of dish you absentmindedly munch on while downing a cold beer, only to realise you’ve eaten an entire plate without blinking. The combination of crispy pork belly, aromatic lemongrass, and a kick of chili? Pure genius.
Bánh khọt nước cốt dừa
Vietnamese mini pancakes with coconut milk
A bite of this and you think, "Is this dessert?" But then you wrap it in fresh greens, dunk it in fish sauce, and boom—it transforms into a savoury delight. A fun and unexpected play on textures and flavours.
Mâm cơm Sài Gòn
Saigon meal set
Chả giò nhí (Mini fried spring rolls)
Cá kho tộ (Braised fish in clay pot)
Canh chua cá bông lau (Sour soup with pangasius fish)
Giá muối xổi, dưa leo (Pickled cucumber, bean sprouts)
Cơm niêu séng cù (Seng cu clay pot rice)
This was my absolute favourite. Think of it as Vietnam’s answer to a bento box—a well-balanced meal that offers a little bit of everything: something crunchy, something fresh, something pickled, something comforting. The braised fish was a standout, rich and velvety, but the real surprise was the Seng cu clay pot rice. Slightly glutinous yet not overly sticky, it added an incredible texture to the meal. If you’re dining solo and don’t want to commit to multiple dishes, this set is a winner.
Chè chôm chôm
Rambutan sweet soup
A delicate and refreshing way to end the meal, featuring sweet rambutan and edible flowers floating in a light syrup. It’s the kind of dessert that leaves you satisfied without weighing you down.
Photo credit: Đông Dương
The final verdict: beautifully executed, deeply nostalgic Vietnamese food in a stunning setting
Đông Dương calls itself the "House of Vietnamese Cuisine and Culture," and they’re not just talking the talk. Beyond serving up comforting classics, they plan to host workshops with local artists, fostering a deeper connection to Vietnam’s rich traditions. And in a time when Vietnamese cuisine is finally getting the global recognition it deserves, it’s refreshing to see General Manager Duy Nguyễn and Chef Minh Hải Chung doubling down on heritage rather than chasing fleeting trends. By championing the past, they’re ensuring that the future of Vietnamese cuisine is built on a rock-solid foundation.
So, is Đông Dương the most groundbreaking restaurant opening of the year? No.
But is it a place where you’ll find beautifully executed, deeply nostalgic Vietnamese food in a stunning setting? Absolutely. And in a city where food is practically a religion, that’s more than enough to make it a must-visit.
Address: 26 Trương Định, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 7am to 10pm daily
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dongduongsgn/
