Rough Guide to Vietnam - Jan Dodd [72]
Liberty 80 Dong Khoi. Popular place – with musicians playing romantic tunes from 7– 9.30pm – which serves well-prepared Vietnamese dishes. 10am–midnight.
Mali Thai 37 Dong Du. Most central of the few Thai restaurants in town, with spicy curries and tom yam soup that are sure to bring tears to your eyes. Set lunches under $4. 11am–10pm.
Mandarine 11a Ngo Van Nam 08/3822 9783. This established upmarket restaurant, beautifully decorated in traditional Vietnamese style, serves well-prepared Vietnamese standards. It’s not cheap, though a range of set menus starts from $30. Live traditional music in evenings; reservations essential. 11.30am–2pm & 5–10pm.
Miss Saigon 86 Le Thanh Ton. This establishment offers reasonably priced Vietnamese and seafood specialities in a pleasant garden restaurant backing onto the grounds of the Ho Chi Minh City Museum. Noon–11pm.
Mogambo 50 Pasteur. Fish and chips, bangers and mash and big burgers are the attractions of this small but cosy place. 10am–10.30pm.
Nam Giao 136/15 Le Thanh Ton. Excellent Hué food served in this hugely popular but simple place tucked away down an alley behind Ben Thanh Market. 7.45am–10pm.
Nam Kha 46–50 Dong Khoi 08/823 8309. Probably Dong Khoi’s swankiest spot to eat, with a sunken pond bordered by columns. Emphasis is on Imperial cuisine, and customers are made to feel special. Main dishes cost around $15–25. 10.30am–2pm & 5.30–10pm.
Ngon 138 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia 08/3825 7179. An experience not to be missed – delicious regional specialities served in and around a delightful colonial building at very reasonable prices. It’s extremely popular, so book or be prepared to wait for a table at peak eating times. 7am–11pm.
Pho 24 5 Nguyen Thiep. If the thought of eating from a street stall makes you shudder, sample your first bowl of pho, the nation’s signature dish, in this spotless café. It has several other branches near the centre, including 89 Mac Thi Buoi and the third floor of Diamond Plaza. 6.30am–10pm.
Refinery 74/7c. This cute little bistro set back from busy Hai Ba Trung has a relaxing vibe and serves an appealing range of dishes such as barbecued lamb ($12) as well as beers and cocktails. Occasional live music in the evenings. 10am–late.
Restaurant 13 15 Ngo Duc Ke. Simple but clean and air-conditioned spot which serves some of the cheapest food downtown – a seafood or meat and rice dish will set you back around $3, and the beers are relatively cheap too. 6.30am–11.30pm.
Santa Lucia 14 Nguyen Hué. Classic and stylish Italian venue, serving traditional pizzas and pasta; two can dine for around $25. 9.30am–11pm.
Seoul House 37 Ngo Duc Ke. Bulgogi (marinated beef, barbecued at the table), pork with kimchi (vegetables in chilli sauce) and other good-value, authentic Korean dishes, can be eaten sitting on the floor or, if you prefer, Western-style in utilitarian but friendly surroundings. 7am–10pm.
Skewers 9a Thai Van Lung. Mediterranean cuisine using simple and healthy ingredients. Try the pan-fried salmon with nicoise salad ($15). 11am–2pm & 5–10pm.
Sushi Bar 2 Le Thanh Ton. Highly rated sushi or sashimi mix for around $16, plus Japanese beer and sake. Delivery service too. 10am–11.30pm.
Tandoor 74/6 Hai Ba Trung. An excellent range of Indian dishes, from biriyani to vindaloo, with several vegetarian options, in a convenient central location. Set lunches from around $6.10am–11pm.
Temple Club 29 Ton That Thiep. Excellent Vietnamese food at around $20 a dish is served in a wonderful, relaxed atmosphere with tasteful decor. There’s also a comfy lounge bar out back. 11.30am–10.30pm.
Underground Basement of Lucky Plaza, 69 Dong Khoi. Better known as a night spot, it also turns out some of the tastiest and most imaginative Western food in town. Try the succulent New Zealand grilled steaks, as thick as your fist, for around $12.
Vietnam House 93–95 Dong Khoi. Occupying a splendid louvred colonial building, this is a cracking introduction to Vietnamese food, featuring staff in traditional garb. There’s a pianist on the ground floor