Ho Chi Minh City completely won us over with its vibrant and diverse food scene. From authentic Vietnamese comfort dishes and refined dining experiences to cozy brunch spots and world class coffee, the city offers something for every craving. Whether you are exploring bustling streets or looking for a memorable night out, this curated list features the restaurants we genuinely loved and would return to without hesitation.
Hop on a scooter food tour in Ho Chi Minh City to taste up to 10–12 local dishes while cruising through multiple districts, exploring markets, hidden gems, and the city’s real street food scene.
BRUNCHES & CAFES
1. SOKO Cake Bake & Brunch ($$-$$$)
SOKO is one of the more well-known brunch spots in Ho Chi Minh, and for good reason, offering consistently great food across its multiple locations around the city. The interiors are beautifully designed, very aesthetic but still comfortable, and the food actually lives up to the look. Think creative European style brunch plates, generous portions, and pastries that are hard to ignore.
Savory Soho Stack
2. The Running Bean ($$-$$$)
The Running Bean is a staple in the city’s coffee scene and like SOKO, they have a few locations across HCMC. The spaces are big, modern, and perfect if you want to work for a few hours or just hang out without feeling rushed. The coffee is consistently good and the brunch menu makes it more than just a quick caffeine stop. It is one of those reliable places you can always count on.
Big Bacon Eggs
3. Ollin Café ($$)
We genuinely loved Ollin Café. The coffee roast is excellent, the food is consistently strong, and we ended up ordering from them multiple times while staying in the city. It feels slightly more intimate than some of the bigger café chains. The only thing to note is that ordering can be a bit tricky if you do not speak Vietnamese, but once you figure it out, it is absolutely worth it.
Truffle Egg & Bacon Bagel
4. Acai Bliss D1 – Healthy Smoothie Addiction ($$)
Açai Bliss quickly became our go to spot when we needed something fresh. In the heat and humidity of Ho Chi Minh City, their açai bowls just hit differently. They are generous, refreshing, and actually filling. The owner is incredibly friendly, which made us love the place even more. If you need a lighter break from heavier Vietnamese meals, this is it.
5. Sipply Specialty Coffee ($$)
Sipply feels like a small coffee lab for proper coffee lovers. The focus here is clearly on quality beans and well executed brews rather than just aesthetics. It is simple, clean, and serious about coffee. If you actually care about how your espresso tastes, this is a great stop.
RESTAURANTS
6. NOIR. Dining in the Dark Saigon ($$$)
NOIR is not just dinner, it is an unforgettable experience. Guests dine in complete darkness and are guided by visually impaired staff, creating a meaningful and eye opening evening that heightens your senses. Without sight, every flavour and texture becomes more intense, turning the meal into something truly memorable. It is perfect for a special night out and easily one of the most unique dining experiences in Ho Chi Minh City.
No photos or recommendations here. Turns out it is very hard to photograph or recommend your food when you cannot see it haha.
7. Sol Kitchen & Bar ($$$)
Sol Kitchen & Bar is ideal for a social evening or a romantic date night. The menu focuses on elevated South American cuisine, offering refined flavours in a relaxed yet stylish setting. It is slightly on the pricier side, but the ambiance and quality make it worthwhile. This is the kind of place where you linger over a bottle of wine and enjoy a beautifully curated dining experience.
Enchilada & Smoked Short Ribs
8. Naked Sushi ($$-$$$)
Naked Sushi truly surprised us. The quality of the fish is excellent, and the rolls are prepared with precision and care. If you are craving Japanese cuisine after several days of Vietnamese food, this is a fantastic choice. Fresh, flavourful, and consistently well executed, it is a reliable spot for a satisfying sushi experience.
9. Cuc Gach Restaurant ($$-$$$)
Featured in the Michelin Guide, this place feels like dining in a beautifully preserved Vietnamese home, with rustic decor, vintage details, and a warm, nostalgic atmosphere. The menu is quite extensive and can feel a bit confusing at first, but simply ask the waiters for recommendations and they will gladly guide you. Honestly, this was one of our favourite Vietnamese restaurants in all of Vietnam. The food is authentic, comforting, and full of flavour, making it an absolute must when visiting Ho Chi Minh City.
10. Bếp Mẹ Ỉn ($$)
Bếp Mẹ Ỉn is another excellent spot for authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Featured in the Michelin Guide, it is incredibly popular and has very limited seating, so we strongly recommend booking at least two to three days in advance. There is almost always a queue outside, and walk ins are not guaranteed. While it feels slightly touristy, the food is still very good and well worth the visit.
11. Ocean Palace ($$)
Ocean Palace was our go to destination when we were craving dim sum. Just like in every major city we visited across Southeast Asia (Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur), we made it a tradition to find the best dim sum spot, and this one delivered. The menu offers an extensive selection, the quality is excellent, and the huge setting is Chinese traditional (like every good dim sum restaurant around the world haha).
VIETNAMESE CLASSICS
12. Quán Ngon – Bún Chả Hà Nội ($)
We were craving a classic Hanoi dish, bún chả, so we decided to try this spot. While it is not quite as good as the versions we ate in Hanoi, it is still a very solid choice. The flavours are beautifully balanced, smoky, savoury, and incredibly satisfying. If you are looking to enjoy this Northern Vietnamese specialty in Ho Chi Minh City, this is a great option.
13. Phở Việt Nam ($)
Phở Việt Nam was our favourite phở spot in all of Vietnam. We tried several places in Hanoi, and while they were good, this one truly stood out for us. We loved it so much that we went twice during our time in Ho Chi Minh City. We even tried to buy one of their bowls as a souvenir, but unfortunately, they were not for sale. So if you manage to sneak one out for us, we would really appreciate it.
14. Bánh Mì Bà Huynh (Madam Win) ($)
Bánh Mì Bà Huynh, also known as Madam Win, serves a delicious and well-balanced bánh mì. The baguette is perfectly crisp, the fillings are generous, and the flavours are fresh and satisfying. It is a fantastic stop for a quick and authentic Vietnamese bite on the go.
15. Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa ($)
Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa is one of the most famous bánh mì spots in Ho Chi Minh City, and it absolutely lives up to the hype. Known for its generously stuffed sandwiches, it delivers a rich and indulgent take on the classic. Expect a queue, but the bold flavours and crispy baguette make it well worth the wait.
16. Cơm Tấm Dì Út ($)
We discovered this spot on social media and were eager to try cơm tấm, the beloved Southern Vietnamese dish known as broken rice. The flavours are comforting, authentic, and deeply local. Trust us, you will not find many Westerners here, which makes the experience feel even more genuine and memorable.
BARS
17. STIR – Modern Classic Cocktail ($$$)
STIR is one of the best cocktail bars in Ho Chi Minh City and a must visit for anyone who appreciates expertly crafted drinks. The atmosphere is intimate and sophisticated, making it perfect for a date night or an elegant evening out. The bartenders elevate classic cocktails with modern techniques and premium local ingredients, creating a memorable experience from start to finish.
18. Blank Lounge Landmark ($$$)
Located in Landmark 81, Blank Lounge is the highest café and bar lounge in Vietnam, offering breathtaking panoramic views over Ho Chi Minh City. Instead of paying the same price for the observatory deck, we chose to enjoy a drink here and take in the exact same views. It is an elevated experience in every sense, and we definitely recommend it for sunset or a special night out.
19. Pasteur Street Brewing Co. ($$)
Pasteur Street Brewing Co. is a must visit for craft beer lovers. One of the highlights is that you can order tasting flights with mini versions of different beers, allowing you to try a variety of flavours in one sitting. We loved this, as it reminded us of similar experiences in Germany, Belgium, and the Czech Republic. The atmosphere is lively and relaxed, making it a great spot to unwind and explore Vietnam’s creative craft beer scene.
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