A Vietnamese Spirit Uncorked: A Deep Dive with Daniel Nguyen of Song Cai Distillery
To celebrate World Gin Day, I pay tribute to Song Cai Distillery, Vietnam’s first-ever gin founded by Daniel Nguyen in late 2018. This is not your typical ‘rags-to-riches’ story but rather one of grit, tenacity and a diehard daringness to create a first-of-its-kind Vietnamese spirit that bottles the spirit and quintessence of what it means to be Vietnamese.
Exploring Saigon’s Cafe Scene and Trends with Tri from @coffee.saigon
I deep dive with Tri from @coffee.saigon about all things cafe culture and trends in Ho Chi Minh City, gathered from his two years of combing through more than 100 cafes and interacting with over 65,000 cafe lovers and coffee aficionados in the city.
10 Wine bars in Ho Chi Minh City for a Sipping Good Time
From al fresco hangouts to fine wine havens and charming Italian wine bistros, there's even an underground cave wine bar inspired by the romantic blue grottos in Europe for the whimsy. Here's my list of 10 wine bars for a swirling good time in Ho Chi Minh City - take your pick.
How Quince Saigon still reigns supreme after four years
I put on my marketing lenses and dive into the pillars of success that underpin one of Saigon’s most noteworthy dining institutions - Quince Saigon.
Maguro Studio: A premium Japanese seafood supplier that opened its doors to the public
A modern omakase concept slash fish butchery opened by premium Japanese seafood supplier, Yamanaka Vietnam.
Celebrating 10 Years of World Class Vietnam with a Bang
This year’s 10th anniversary of World Class Vietnam, the prestigious bartending competition, saw industry tastemakers, pioneering bartenders and previous champions gather in Danang to celebrate and crown this year’s winner - Vang Hieu Trung from The Dot Bar.
What to expect at Kuusi by TUNG, a first-of-its-kind modernist mixology experience in Vietnam
T.U.N.G Dining, a Nordic fine dining restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, and one of only two restaurants in Vietnam included in last year’s Asia’s top 50 Best (51-100) list is welcoming a new addition this summer and it’s not what you think.
Pickles Eatery: A Mediterranean food and wine haven nestled in a heritage shophouse
Restaurant openings are a dime a dozen in Ho Chi Minh City and almost every other week, I find myself dining in the company of a new chef. However, one that has fast become a favourite of mine is Pickles Eatery helmed by Lucas Fays, a serial F&Bpreneur and no stranger to Saigon’s ever-changing food and drink scene (ex-owner of now-defunct 31 Degrees).
Vietnam’s best-kept secret is an award-winning illustrated cocktail art menu
A timely tribute as Saigon slowly reopens to the world, The Studio Saigon welcomes thirsty drinkers from around the world for an evening of bespoke cocktails, art and stories of Ho Chi Minh City’s mercantile past through its award-winning illustrated cocktail menu.
Meet chef Steve Nguyen of Indochine - MENA 50 Best’s only Vietnamese Restaurant
2022 marked MENA’s inaugural 50 Best Awards with a list of some of the region’s most noteworthy and deserving establishments. One such restaurant is Indochine, a chic and trendy dining spot serving up big and bold plates of French-Vietnamese dishes helmed by Executive Chef Steve Nguyen.
Healthy Snack Brand Lecka Launches Vietnam’s First NFT Charity Campaign
Lecka, a leading healthy and eco-friendly snack brand based in Hanoi, Vietnam, has launched one of Asia’s first charity campaigns and the best part is it’s yummy too.
Saigon’s cosiest wine bar is inside a cave
Cool, classy and clandestine with an impressive wine cellar carrying more than 70 types of wine, Grotto might just be Saigon’s cosiest (and possibly coolest) wine bar.
How The Cocoa Project is changing the narrative of chocolate in Vietnam
Instead of championing Vietnamese chocolate around the world, founder Khanh-Linh and her team are on a mission to catalyse a culture of chocolate appreciation in Vietnam.
Top 10 Work-Friendly Cafes with WiFi in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City’s top 10 study and work-friendly cafés with free Wi-Fi, charging ports and a good cup of coffee to get your productivity game on.
10 Rooftop bars and restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City to take your drinking to the next level
With new restaurants and bars popping up all the time, one category that has become increasingly popular is rooftop bars and restaurants. Thankfully in Ho Chi Minh City, one is spoilt for choice with rooftop bars and restaurants to enjoy. Here is my list of top 10 in Saigon.
15 Covid-Friendly Outdoor Dining Spots in Ho Chi Minh City (2022)
From rooftop bars to al fresco dining areas, here are 15 covid-friendly outdoor dining spots in Ho Chi Minh City to wine and dine in a safe, spacious and sanitised environment.
12 Plant-based alternatives redefining what it means to be meat/dairy-free in Vietnam
Plant Power Day is celebrated every March 7 and this year, I’m choosing to highlight 12 plant-based alternative brands in Vietnam redefining what it means to be ‘meat/dairy-free’
50 Must-Know Women-Owned F&B Businesses in Ho Chi Minh City
To celebrate International Women’s Day and this year’s theme of #BreaktheBias - here are the top 50 must-know women-women F&B businesses in Vietnam.
Review: Il Muro Italiano, Salinda Resort Phu Quoc Island
Helmed by Executive Chef Simone from Sicily in Italy, Il Muro Italian serves up Italian cuisine with a nod to Vietnamese influence in a lush and romantic restaurant surrounded by deep verdant green trees.
Chef Bao La Adds a Burst of Flavour and Character to Madam Kew
Vietnamese-Australian Chef Bao La joins Madam Kew, sister-concept of Quince Saigon, to debut an elevated menu featuring creative and inventive takes on traditional Asian street food classics.