Gia Bao Hotel Binh Thanh - by BayLuxury

Despite expanding, Phở Chào has lost none of street-side charm. Choose between a rich three-day beef-bone stock and chicken broth. Top dishes include phở bắp hoa with medium-rare beef, crispy fried chicken gà tôm mắm sốt, and phở tine – a fusion of beef noodle soup, French fries and cheese.

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.

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.

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

Set above a wine bar, this intimate spot has just four tables in its calm interior of curved lines and a palette of soft pinks and beige tones. Chef Hiep Truong's modern Vietnamese tasting menu, rooted in Central traditions, puts an elegant spin on classics such as gỏi bò cà, in which Wagyu tartare meets aubergine purée and egg yolk in a crisp shell. The wine list features boutique wineries, with a selection by the glass recommended by a savvy sommelier.

Two dining rooms face each other on the same street, flanked by a relaxing koi pond and leafy garden. Sourced from their own farm, a diverse range of fresh produce goes into a mostly traditional Vietnamese menu, e.g. đậu hũ chiên sả ớt (deep-fried tofu with finely chopped lemongrass) and the signature canh chua cá hú fish soup, with its tangy sweetness. Save room for dessert – deep-fried banana or the intensely herbal-flavoured sương sâm jelly.

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.