Gallery Residence - Metropole Thu Thiem

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.

After working abroad in Hong Kong, Chicago and Bangkok, chef-owner Peter Cuong Franklin returned to Vietnam to open this restaurant in a lively market. He applies modern cooking techniques to authentic street food recipes to create enticing flavours. Whether it’s the foie gras spring roll, Ha Noi turmeric fish or Wagyu beef mini bánh mì, every dish is a masterclass in well-balanced flavours and textures.

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

Now run by the third generation, this simple shop prides itself on its double-boiled silkie chicken soup, which it has been making the same way since it opened in 1948. The flavoursome clear broth is MSG-free, with mild aromas of Chinese herbs. Another must-try is their steamed rice bowl with beef, chicken or Cantonese preserved pork sausage. Seafood cooked in various ways is also popular. Check with the owner for recommendations.

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.

It may be tucked away down a narrow alley, but Phở Minh has been attracting hungry Saigonese with its traditional beef noodle soup since 1945. Choose between beef tenderloin, brisket and a variety of different cuts available on the day. With its flaky puff pastry and piping-hot meat filling, their freshly baked pâté chaud is a must. They close at 10am, so come early before the food runs out.

Each bowl of phở is prepared with the utmost care. The herb garnishes are carefully trimmed and cleaned for ultimate freshness. The house special is a selection of beef cuts. The standout is the oxtail, which is braised for 40 hours until tender and has a delightfully gelatinous finish.