Top 5 International Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City
The standard of international cuisine in Ho Chi Minh City is top-notch. After living there and sampling much of the food on offer, I’ve put together a list of the top 5 international restaurants I visited.
Pizza 4Ps
Japanese-inspired pizza’s, cooked in a traditional wood-fired oven, topped with the best ingredients available (including their home made artisan cheese) and made with precision and care. It’s a recipe for success.
What I recommend trying
- 5 Cheese Pizza – The twist? It’s topped with honey. An amazing combination, don’t disregard until you’ve tried it.
- Burrata Prosciutto Margherita Pizza – The perfect way to try their home made artisan cheese.
- Teriyaki Chicken Pizza – A very Japanese inspired topping. One of the many selections which strays from what a “traditional” pizza should be.
- Salmon Miso Cream Pizza – For the seafood lovers, the combination of the delicate salmon and silky miso cream works well on the oven-baked pizza base.
Where to sit
If you can, book a spot in-front of the wood fired oven. Watching the chef construct each pizza with the care and precision from a talented Japanese chef is a wonderful sight. The way the staff communicate and work together in an efficient and respectful manner is a testament to the managers.
Reservations
You will need to book. In some cases, days in advanced. If you turn up without a booking, they will try and accommodate you, but there’s normally a long wait and you may be turned away.
Bollywood Indian
As a lover of Indian food, I have very high expectations. We first found Bollywood Indian when we moved to District 7 in the outskirts of the city. It quickly become a weekly favourite and I’m yet to find Indian food I enjoy as much as I did from Bollywood.
What I recommend trying
- Mutton Masala – I couldn’t tell you what they put in the sauce, but it speaks to me on a spiritual level. Combine that with the tender Mutton and it’s a fantastic dish.
- Fish Tikka Masala – A slight twist on the ever popular Chicken Tikka Masala, the fish provides a nice contrast to the rich sauce.
- Beef Vindaloo – An Indian meal isn’t complete without a bit of heat. I like it extra spicy, but the chef will accomodate to your preference.
- Garlic Naan – When isn’t garlic naan good? This place is no exception. Couldn’t eat Indian with out.
Where to sit
If the bright Bollywood-style interior is too much to bare, find a seat outside and watch the residents of Phu My Hung pass by.
Reservations
Seating is limited and it can get popular on the weekend, so it’s recommended to make a booking if you only have one chance to visit. They also deliver if you can’t make it to the restaurant.
Boomerang Bistro
Live overseas long enough and it’s only inevitable that you will experience homesickness at one point or another. Each time I longed for home, I would head down to the Boomerang Bistro (a.k.a. The Australian Pub) for a nice meal amongst familiar sights and sounds.
What I recommend trying
- Chicken Parmigiana – What’s an Australian pub without a quality parmigiana. I like to think I’m a parmigiana connoisseur and this one is up there. It has all the hallmarks of a quality parma: large and crispy crumbed chicken, a rich tomato sauce topping with ham, chunky chips and a lovely garden salad to compliment. They’ve done Australia well.
- Cajun Barramundi Salad – A crispy Barramundi cooked in Cajun spices placed on a bed of salad, mango, grapefruit and orange. Pair it with a crisp white Australian wine and it’s the perfect lunch on a hot Saigon day.
- Slow Cooked Pork Belly – Another popular dish found in Australian pubs, this has all the trimmings one would expect: mash potatoes, cabbage and a lovely red wine jus.
- A glass of red or white wine – It’s difficult to get a nice glass of Australian wine in Vietnam. Ask for their wine list and treat yourself.
Where to sit
They have lovely large wooden tables outside with a view of the river. They also have an air-conditioned indoor area which is nicely spaced out so it doesn’t feel like you’re eating on-top of the person next to you.
Reservations
As it’s a large restaurant with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, booking isn’t required. If you can, sit outside, it will give you a lovely view of the river.
Saffron
A small bistro with friendly staff and plenty on offer. If you’re in the city and have a yearning for a taste of the Mediterranean, this is the one to try.
What I recommend trying
- Chicken Shish Tauok – A traditional Middle Eastern meal, the Sish Tauok is marinated chicken served with saffron rice, pita bread, salad and yogurt sauce. A great dish to share.
- Duck Shepherd’s Pie – Duck isn’t an obvious choice for a shepherd’s pie (it’s traditionally mince), but it works extremely well. Cooked in rich gravy with the classic mashed potato and Parmesan topping, it was the highlight of the night.
Where to sit
It’s only a small area so seating is limited. If you can, try to get a seat close to the window at the front.
Reservations
As mentioned above, it’s a small restaurant so I would book in advance.
The Refinery
I only ate here once, but the food was good enough to make the list. Quality French dining at the fraction of the price you would pay elsewhere.
What I recommend trying
- Free Range Duck Confit with Rosemary Apples and Potato Mash – It’s not a dish I often see, so I’m always on the lookout for it at restaurants. This one didn’t disappoint, crispy outside, tender meat and a lovely potato mash on the side. Match it with a classic French wine and it’s an outstanding meal.
Where to sit
When booking, ask for a seat out the front, it has a lovely view of the courtyard and a nice vibe with other restaurants nearby.
Reservations
The restaurant is in a popular area close to the centre of town, so it’s advisable to book in advance or go early.
Submitted on: April 22 2016