In its latest issue, the renowned American travel magazine, Travel & Leisure, has unveiled its list of the top 7 new restaurants and bars in Vietnam, all of which are situated in Ho Chi Minh City.
Curating this selection was no small feat; the criteria involved spotlighting venues with fresh concepts, elegance, top-tier chefs, and bartenders consistently receiving stellar reviews or the highest ratings.
Here are the seven culinary destinations that have captured the attention of discerning travelers for the year 2024, all nestled within the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City.
1. Bambino
Described as "bringing a slice of Melbourne to Ho Chi Minh City," Bambino takes the lead in the magazine's list. Hailing its chefs and mixologists from Melbourne, the restaurant boasts timeless recipes that have been refined over time. Among the highly recommended dishes is the beef tartare tart.
After 10 p.m., diners are invited to embark on a new experience as they indulge in a dinner under enchanting lights accompanied by lively DJ music.
2. Little Bear
Despite its name, Little Bear, located on Nguyen Ba Huan Street, is anything but small, according to Travel & Leisure. Founded by Long Tran, co-founder of the Michelin-starred GIA restaurant in Hanoi, and Chef Nhật Duy, recipient of the James Beard culinary award, this establishment promises a remarkable dining experience. One of the recommended dishes to try is the fried rice with beef jerky.
3. Pot au Pho
Led by Perter Cuong Franklin, the chef behind Anan Saigon, the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City, Pot au Pho aims to elevate Vietnam's national dish, pho, to new heights. With an intimate setting of 14 seats by the counter, a spacious bar counter, and an open kitchen, guests can witness the chefs at work. The black chicken pho comes highly recommended.
4. Akuna
Renowned international award-winning chef Sam Aisbett has ventured into Ho Chi Minh City to establish Akuna. Translated from the indigenous Australian language, Akuna means "flowing water," reflecting the restaurant's philosophy of culinary freedom and the ups and downs of Aisbett's 20-year culinary career.
With 50 seats located on the 9th floor of Le Meridien Hotel, some of the recommended dishes include steamed garlic egg custard, swagman bread, and broken rice porridge.
5. ST25 by KOTO
Bringing a modern twist to Vietnamese cuisine, ST25 by KOTO is a collaboration between Chef Bao La, former head chef at Le Garcon Saigon in Hong Kong, and Heath Gordon, former executive sous chef at Park Hyatt Saigon, hailing from Australia.
The menu features innovative dishes like grilled grouper with betel leaf and stir-fried noodles with marinated lamb. The restaurant also celebrates the ST25 rice variety, which was crowned "The World's Best Rice" in 2019.
6. Xao Xac Bar
Nestled within a villa with a spacious garden and outdoor seating, Xao Xac Bar stands out for its classic cocktails infused with local herbs like lemongrass, kumquat, and basil. The mixology skills here are hailed as "some of the best in the city" by the American magazine.
7. Dot Bar
Situated in District 1, Dot Bar has reopened with a bigger space, brighter neon signs, and bolder cocktails featuring homemade spirits with flavors like jackfruit and young corn.
The bar is praised for its wallet-friendly atmosphere, with classic cocktails priced from 190,000 VND, and during happy hours from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., some drinks are discounted to 99,000 VND. Meanwhile, the aforementioned six establishments have prices starting from 75 USD per person, according to their respective websites.
As Ho Chi Minh City continues to evolve as a culinary destination, these seven establishments stand out as must-visit destinations for those seeking exceptional dining and drinking experiences in Vietnam's vibrant metropolis.
Theo vnexpress
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