Ngoc Trinh Hotel

Since the 1990s, this unassuming stall has been serving what many locals consider to be the best cơm tấm (broken rice dish) in town. Their most popular version is steamed broken rice topped with pork chop marinated in a secret sauce and perfectly grilled over charcoal, along with pickled radish and sweet and sour fish sauce. There is a chicken version as well.

At this true gem in the bustling city, the chicken phở is nothing short of amazing. The essence of its deliciousness lies in the rich, aromatic broth, made by slow-cooking chicken and pork bones for 3-4 hours. The tender chicken slices and rice vermicelli are also divine.

This chic establishment, part of CoCo Saigon, boasts a whisky bar, a private party villa, and a stylish dining room with a kitchen counter and black granite tables. Chef Thanh Vuong Vo presents contemporary cuisine that blends Vietnamese recipes with creative flair. A seasonal tasting menu is built around a unique theme, offering a culinary journey through thoughtfully crafted dishes. Each course follows a storyline that unfolds gradually, with flavours designed to complement one another in perfect balance. While the set menu provides a comprehensive dining experience, the à la carte menu is a

This phở shop has been around since 2008 and the owner Mr Hoang is justly proud of his clear beef broth that takes over 12 hours to make. Feel free to customise your beef noodle soup by ordering tendon, flank, minced beef or even a raw egg on the side. Every bowl comes with garnishes like coriander, basil, lime wedges and onions. For drinks, try their monk fruit herbal tea made with over 10 different herbs.

The meeting of Chaozhou and Khmer cultures gave rise to Hủ tiếu hồng phát noodles. The chả giò tôm cua (shrimp and crab spring rolls) and sủi cảo chiên (fried shrimp and pork dumplings) are great appetisers. The soft rice noodle soup comes with minced meat, liver, tiger shrimps or braised blood curd.

Its famous beef stew known as bò kho is served in a stone bowl. Diners may choose to pair it with bread, noodles or rice. The broth is sweet and tasty, with a robust meaty flavour. Help yourself to condiments and sauces.

An oasis amid the hustle and bustle of the city, Nhà Tú is depicted by green plants and a nostalgic vibe with the bonus of a lovely top-floor balcony. In terms of food, the owner captures the essence of her childhood with home-style cooking rarely found elsewhere. Steamed snails stuffed with minced pork seduces with umami and lemongrass fragrance. Mixed veggies dressed in a fish sauce reduction with pork crackling are simple, but addictive.