As I was sketching on my iPad in a cozy café in Saigon’s Japan Town, a girl came over and showed me a drawing she had made of me.

I am already her fan for the full head of hair. I love this city for its spontaneous and happy people. Thanks Annie Yuki. My number one reason for loving Saigon is how easy it is to connect with people—whether in cafés, small bars, university campuses, or even during elevator rides. My only tip: explore the alleys, especially when you reach the end of the road and discover a new one.

International Food Recommendations

CCCP Cafe & Restaurant (Russian and former Soviet Republic cuisine) 📍 48a Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, Đa Kao, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh 700000 🔗 https://goo.gl/maps/rxSpQtzyF2T1MLsR6

Al Sham - Middle Eastern Restaurant 📍 300 Võ Văn Kiệt, Phường Cô Giang, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh 🔗 https://goo.gl/maps/YiKJURvtqMkSsArc9

Baba’s Kitchen (Indian, South Asian) 📍 274 Bùi Viện, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh. They have another branch in district 2.

Cocotte (French) 📍 136 Đ. Lê Thánh Tôn, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh 700000 🔗 https://maps.app.goo.gl/KMHb8fkn6NVkLXYq9

Curry Shika (Japanese) — Try the water mochi here. 📍 1/4 Nguyễn Văn Tráng, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh 🔗 https://goo.gl/maps/1eVwckcXYG5EERgz6

Vi Du — Perhaps one of the most unique restaurants in Saigon. They serve only one dish at lunchtime—curry. 📍 8a/6c2 Thái Văn Lung, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh 🔗 https://goo.gl/maps/5GKL1W3yWjqs15Vo7

Vietnamese Food Recommendations

Do Do Restaurant (Central Vietnamese dishes hidden in an alley) 📍 10/14 Lương Hữu Khánh, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh 🔗 https://goo.gl/maps/skuKxJDJurQgEPsX9

Bánh Cuốn Hồng Hạnh (Central Vietnamese cuisine) (I keep bringing people here ever since Thao introduced me to this place about a decade ago. It’s inexpensive, and the whole lane and side alleys are filled with affordable food since they are near universities.) 📍 17A Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Bến Nghé, Hồ Chí Minh 🔗 https://goo.gl/maps/6SAebxhg2Bxzrfn69

Quán Nướng Giấy Bạc (DIY grilled meat rolls) (A great place to take your friends. It gets busy in the evening, so go early!) 📍 96/1 Lê Thị Riêng, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh 🔗 https://goo.gl/maps/DrWhHXRMXd7Z355e7

Quán Chè Lâm Vinh Mậu (Chinese-style dessert sold by an elderly gentleman) 📍 31 Nguyễn Thái Bình, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh 🔗 https://goo.gl/maps/PxSEZZ5KpwqCXYK78

Neighborhoods with great food

Saigon’s First Japanese Town — Too many good food options to list, and new places pop up all the time. Visit around 8 PM when the lights are on. Several alleys are filled with Japanese restaurants. *Be cautious of bars with sirens outside; they are Japanese-style hostess bars where you might end up with a hefty bill.* 15b Le Thanh Ton.

Saigon’s Second Japanese Town (Pham Viet Chanh) — Known for great international food and a more family-friendly atmosphere. *(See my separate post: “For a Free Giraffe”)*

42 Nguyễn Huệ Café Building — Explore dozens of cafés and boutiques. 🔗 https://goo.gl/maps/utzL8RCkfCqMtbZB7

Turtle Lake — A spot for local street snacks and young people hanging out. 🔗 https://goo.gl/maps/HU2EXcZKLqRULTtM6

Bars & Cafés

Saigon has an abundance of cafés and quirky little bars. I don’t drink alcohol anymore but still visit some bars with friends or to meet new people.

Secret Bar at the Café Building 📍 HCMC, 2nd Floor, Nguyễn Huệ, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh 🔗 https://goo.gl/maps/sM1qzUx1JVhGjNh1A

The Hermit Bar (Pham Viet Chanh) 🔗 https://maps.app.goo.gl/ze9UMPgQQKuNFnBm7?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy

Kura Sake Bar — A favorite of well-travelled Japanese folks. 🔗 https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZL9U9tRCsbEZKdZR7?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy

Aviation Chamber — Moved from Pham Viet Chanh to near Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai. Another of my favorite places. 🔗 https://maps.app.goo.gl/P62j9zd8QamgNr2o9

Reading Cabin Stationary shop, cafe and a small bar at night. 🔗 https://maps.app.goo.gl/BMBoJxRVMvz6SG7FA?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy

Flair Bar — Hidden inside a ramen shop. The staff is fantastic—one in particular always makes me a unique non-alcoholic drink. The ramen is also good. 🔗 https://maps.app.goo.gl/RqmwTFiNmSbGG6CV6?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy

Rika’s Bar and Cafe (Japanese Town) — A local Japanese hangout. Great for finding out about upcoming Japanese music events. 🔗 https://maps.app.goo.gl/UN9NKxeQE43FboYA9

Tokyo Moon Café Noir — A great place to rest after exploring Japanese Town. Inviting host. This is where I invite people who contact me seeking “love advices.” 📍 8a/1c2 Thái Văn Lung, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh 700000 🔗 https://goo.gl/maps/odxtysQLiKwdQUkC8

Maison Marou Saigon — Buy chocolates and watch them being made. 📍 167-169 Calmette, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh 🔗 https://goo.gl/maps/f9gJ8ZiiX7jspuN18

Other Districts (Such as District 2)

District 2 has excellent international food, though I rarely visit. *Just wander around, and you’re bound to find something great—just like in any other part of Vietnam.*