APEC WANDER HOTEL - Near Pink Church

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

The air-conditioned room may be tempting, but the al fresco seating by the open kitchen promises the most authentic experience. For over seven decades, regulars have been returning for its huge Vietnamese signature crêpes stuffed with mung beans, bean sprouts, pork and shrimp. Pair with pulled chicken salad, as well as chargrilled meat and seafood, among which pork, beef, squid and prawns. Be sure to arrive well before closing time.

Since 1958, this humble stall has been serving phở – Vietnam's national rice noodle soup. Now led by the second generation, it offers phở gà and phở bò with extra toppings such as chicken skin, egg yolk, brisket and tendon. The broth is freshly made daily – clear, light and savoury-sweet.

This once-humble hawker is now an iconic two-storey shop known for its delicate rice paper rolls. Made to order beside the open kitchen, they boast balanced, traditional flavours, such as pork and jicama, and vegetarian options. Be sure to try the delicious golden bean cake, a much-loved local snack.

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.

In tune with the restaurant’s name, meaning “flowing water” in the Australian Aboriginal language, the 1,200 light rods hung around the open kitchen evoke a shimmering stream at sunset. Just like flowing water, Chef Aisbett weaves and bends the rules as he casts unexpected light on familiar produce, both local and imported. In the tasting menu, creative European dishes with Vietnamese influences never fail to wow. Aussie and international wine pairing available.

Housed in one of the city’s luxury hotels, Long Trieu’s lavish dining room boasts jade stonework, traditional gold-leaf painted Chinese scenes and ornate seating. The menu offers a wide selection of à la carte and set dishes that pay tribute to Cantonese culinary heritage, while cleverly incorporating local Vietnamese ingredients into traditional Cantonese techniques. Highlights include the fried prawns with XO sauce and the hot and sour wonton soup.