Review: House Of Merlin Eatery & Cocktail Bar
Tucked away in a cosy alley off the bustling Pasteur Street in District 1, House of Merlin (HoM) is not easy to find but it is well worth the visit amidst Ho Chi Minh City's vibrant nightlife. Here, it’s more than just a place to grab a drink; it’s an immersive journey into a world where steampunk meets the adventures of Merlin, all meticulously crafted and brought to life through a series of cocktails by Head Bartender Thanh and Co-Founder Nguyen.
A steampunk wonderland based on a whimsical character
When you step into HoM, you're transported to a fantastical steampunk realm that blends classic elegance with sci-fi flair. Think intricate brass fixtures, vintage leather furnishings, and a myriad of handcrafted details like its paintings, menu (we’ll talk about it later) and a stunning 200-kg globe that hangs from the ceiling. This cocktail bar is adorned with retro-futuristic art and illuminated by antique-style light bulbs and mechanical contraptions - a testament Nguyen’s imaginative vision, creating a space that feels both nostalgic and otherworldly, reflective of the adventures of Merlin.
“But, who’s Merlin?”, I asked Nguyen who then introduced me to Head Bartender Thanh and his love for storytelling, movies and books. Born from this passion is Merlin - an English explorer of Indian descent from the 1700s who travelled from the East to the West.
As for Merlin’s stories?
You can feel it in the space and read it in HoM’s handcrafted menu, which reads like a book, with each page featuring a cocktail that captures a part of the journey. This is Volume 1, and Head Bartender Thanh is already working on Volume 2 (so keep an eye out!). He’s even dreamt of turning it into a movie someday.
If you’re a cocktail person, opt for a signature HoM cocktail (there are 8 of them) based on Merlin’s story featuring local ingredients from Vietnam like soybean foam, sticky rice, handmade mango syrup and soursop from the Mekong Delta - reflecting the rich tapestry of local flavours and the creativity of the bartenders at this cocktail bar.
As a fan of Umeshu, I opted for the White Noise (Umeshu, Ancho Reyes Mexican Chili Liquor, Basil, Lemon and Egg White - 299,000 VND), which arrived in a simple martini glass garnished with Basil powder and was the perfect balance of sweet, refreshing, spicy, zesty from the lemon and frothy from the egg white, a similar texture to a nice Whiskey Sour.
A rum lover’s paradise: HoM is home to more than 60 types of rum including Trinidad and Tobago, Nicaragua and of course, Vietnam
For something stronger - I highly recommend HoM’s impressive rum collection with over 60 different types from around the world, including the rare Caroni from Trinidad and Tobago that Nguyen hand-carried from Italy, or Vietnamese award-winning Vietnamese Rhum Belami, which adds a distinctive touch to their extensive collection. Besides Caroni & Belami, there are Foursquare from Barbados, and Hampden from Jamaica, both of them are very famous in the rum lover community, HoM also has special rum experiments from Japan where they put Demerara into Springbank or Caol Ila cask.
According to owner Nguyen, the emphasis on premium-aged rum highlights a burgeoning trend from Europe where rum is celebrated with the same reverence as whiskey. Beyond his love for rum, he wants House of Merlin to be the first cocktail bar to bring this trend to Vietnam.
Pair with moreish Asian bar snacks like Century Egg spring rolls and Prawn crackers with a curry clam sauce dip
I’m a big fan of bar snacks with Asian flavours, which are thankfully becoming popular amongst bars in Ho Chi Minh City.
At House of Merlin, I tried Century Egg and Mushroom Spring Rolls for the first time and loved their creamy, umami-rich flavour combined with a satisfying crunch. Another standout is the Sheeled Clams with Curry Sauce served in a martini glass with prawn crackers—savoury, crunchy, and slightly spicy. It’s a perfect bar snack and a must-try at this cocktail bar.
With its creative Asian-inspired food and cocktail menus, House of Merlin opened just 9 months ago and is quickly becoming a favourite. Even on a Monday night, it’s busy with tourists, expats (like myself) and local Vietnamese, it’s clear this cocktail bar is captivating visitors with its enchanting stories, unique decor, and affordable prices, especially during its daily Happy Hour from 6 pm to 8 pm offering 50% off your second drink.
Perfect for a nightcap along Pasteur Street in District 1 or for showing out-of-town friends around. House of Merlin is a cocktail bar that offers more than just drinks; it offers an experience. The cosy atmosphere and detailed decor make it an ideal spot to unwind.
Address: 178/1 Pasteur Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
The average price for a cocktail: 219k for a classic and 299k for a signature
Weekly happenings:
𝐀𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 ~ Every Tuesday & Thursday, 9 PM - 11 PM
𝗟𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 ~ Every Tuesday, A Bespoke Cocktail for every lady
𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝗿｜𝗕𝘂𝘆 𝟭 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝟮𝗻𝗱 𝟱𝟬% 𝗼𝗳𝗳. ~ Everyday from 6 PM - 8 PM
