Five new drinking and dining contenders in Saigon and Dalat each offer a distinct proposition: French value without compromise, Vietnamese memory reframed, cocktails that translate soup into spirits, flower-infused pop-up journeys, and an izakaya that prioritizes connection over just feeding you. Here’s five of our favorite new places to eat and drink in Ho Chi Minh City (with a special shout-out to that pop-up in Dalat).
Five new drinking and dining contenders in Saigon and Dalat each offer a distinct proposition: French value without compromise, Vietnamese memory reframed, cocktails that translate soup into spirits, flower-infused pop-up journeys, and an izakaya that prioritizes connection over just feeding you. Here’s five of our favorite new places to eat and drink in Ho Chi Minh City (with a special shout-out to that pop-up in Dalat).Saigon never stands still. While you were sleeping, five new venues opened their doors. But that’s not an excuse to sleep on them any more. This city rewards the bold and the authentic. From French bistros with pricing that defies economic logic to nomadic pop-ups redefining highland cuisine, Saigon’s dining landscape continues its breathless evolution, with a special excursion to Dalat in this episode of our beloved list of the best new places to eat and drink in Ho Chi Minh City.
We’ve tracked down five newcomers worth your time and appetite. Each brings something distinct to the table – whether it’s BA BAR’s cocktails that translate traditional Vietnamese soup into liquid form, FEN Izakaya’s neon-lit cultural programming, or 3C’s ode to times past. They’re not just feeding the city; they’re reshaping it, one dish at a time.
BÀ BAR
Occasionally you’re driving down the street and there’s a spot so head-turningly chic that you almost crash your bike. BÀ BAR, the all-day cafe with a very hedonistic soul, is that kind of place.
The project comes from the TC Group, whose co-founders have a laundry list of projects and partnerships to their name. Trang is a Strategic Partner at The Lab, the much-loved local multidisciplinary creative studio. Then there’s actress Bang Di, founder of Indigo Saigon and the Rize Battle Contest, operations director Justin Chiem, part of Urban Kitchen Bar, Glow Sky Bar, Play Night Club and Indigo Saigon, stage director Le Nghia, and art designer Tony Ong.
The name plays on the name of the traditional southern garms, ‘Áo bà ba,’ hinting at their respect for tradition even as they help elevate the bar scene in Saigon.
“BÀ BAR is a fusion of two cultures: East Asia and West Europe, between tradition and modernity. This is not simply a bar, but also a space connecting creative people, souls who are always eager to innovate and seek different experiences,” Trang explains.
By day, BÀ BAR is a relaxed coffee space for creatives and remote workers. By night, it transforms into a sophisticated cocktail bar with DJ sets that encourage actual conversation rather than phone scrolling. “You really do see people chatting with each other here, instead of just focusing o n their phones,” Trang says, looking around.
Their menu deserves attention too. The Vietnamese banh mi xiu mai and thousand-layer pate chaud are just the beginning of a cuisine focused on local flavors. Cocktails showcase the team’s innovative spirit, drinks like their bestseller ‘Canh Chua’ cocktail which brilliantly translates the sour, sweet, and spicy elements of the traditional soup into liquid form. Welcome to their house of connection and creativity.
In Short: An East-meets-west Thao Dien creative hub where cocktails fuel real conversations.
Location: 15 Nguyen Cu, Thao Dien, District 2
FEN Izakaya
FEN is even more eye-catching, like a scene from Akira. A bright red building with IZAKAYA splashed across the building in all-capitals. It’s hard to stand out in a city awash with izakayas but FEN grabs you from the get-go. This, after all, isn’t your average Japanese restaurant.
“It’s a vibrant social hub where modern design meets traditional izakaya culture,” the founders tell us – a group of friends with a shared passion for Japanese drinking culture, who wanted to create a space that blends authenticity with innovation.
Besides the splashy exterior, inside are dynamic visuals, and red neon-lit walls that create an atmosphere that feels like Tokyo nightlife transported to Saigon. It’s deliberately Instagram-worthy without sacrificing substance. Cozy seating arrangements encourage the communal dining experience central to izakaya culture. And their menu balances tradition and creativity. Flavorful grilled skewers and umami-packed small plates dominate the food offerings. The drinks menu shines with signature cocktails infused with sake, shochu, and Japanese whiskey. And everything is designed for sharing, reinforcing the community focus.
Their events – Social Gatherings and International Women’s Day celebrations – have quickly established the venue as a cultural meeting point. And the founders envision FEN as an evolving concept with ambitions beyond restaurant status. Future plans include new locations, exclusive collaborations, and more curated cultural events. Their mission remains consistent: redefining the izakaya experience while fostering genuine connections.
But, for now, for first-timers, the owners recommend grabbing a seat near the bar or at a communal table to absorb the energetic atmosphere. “Order a mix of yakitori skewers, crispy karaage, and one of our signature highballs infused with umeshu or yuzu,” they recommend. “It’s the perfect formula for an evening that’s both laid-back and electric.”
In Short: Akira-style neon-lit nightlife energy.
Location: 240 Ly Tu Trong, District 1
Dong Duong Restaurant
The restless team behind CoCo Saigon, DẠ夜 Dining, and HỢP合 Rooftop are at it again. Although this massive renovation project is anything but an overnight success. It’s taken almost two years to flip the Indochine space on Truong Dinh into Dong Duong, and it’s the team’s most nostalgic concept yet.
Duy Nguyễn and his all-stars have crafted something that transcends typical restaurant labels. The space immediately transports you. Wood, terracotta bricks, folk art, and traditional patterns recreate Vietnam’s architectural past. Old houses along narrow alleys. Early morning markets. The rhythms of bygone eras. It’s meticulously designed to evoke memories etched in the Vietnamese collective consciousness.
Chef Minh Hải stands as guardian of authenticity. Every dish celebrates Vietnamese culinary heritage while maintaining contemporary relevance. The phở simmers with patience and precision. Aromatic specialties burst with carefully balanced flavors. Nothing feels contrived or reimagined for foreign palates.
Dong Duong has an unwavering commitment to cultural preservation through gastronomy. It balances the comforting embrace of home cooking with the vibrant energy of street food. The result is both sophisticated and deeply familiar.
This isn’t just another Vietnamese restaurant. It’s a poetic time capsule where dining becomes cultural immersion. For visitors, it offers genuine insight into Vietnam’s culinary soul. For locals, it’s a tasteful reminder of what makes their food heritage extraordinary.
In Short: A poetic culinary time capsule.
Location: 26 Truong Dinh, District 3
D’Lang Dining Dalat
It’s good to get out of town sometimes. Away from the fumes. Into the fresh air. So, we’ve headed to Dalat, for this next pick, where the highland hub’s dining scene has a new nomadic player.
D’Lang Dining isn’t settling for a permanent address just yet. This pop-up concept comes from three young talents: Chef ‘Ryan’ Cuong Nguyen, Stella, the sommelier and F&B manager, and Mr. Hai, their passionate, empowering partner.
Their pop-up strategy is deliberate. It’s giving them freedom to experiment, gauge customer reactions, and deeply explore highland culinary traditions before committing to a fixed location. And they’re testing ideas out, like incorporating elements of K’Ho people’s food culture, which features prominently in their menus and future plans.
In fact, D’Lang’s menu shifts with the seasons and market availability. Their upcoming pop-up draws inspiration from Dalat’s famous flowers. Every dish incorporates edible blooms – not merely as garnish, but as integral flavor components that tell a story.
Early mornings find the team at local markets, sourcing the freshest ingredients and gathering inspiration. They’ve cultivated direct relationships with farmers, giving them access to premium local black pig, pheasant, venison, and even caviar. “It’s truly heaven!” they exclaim about Dalat’s bounty.
What sets them apart is their commitment to surprising diners. “Each seat tells a different story, and every visit is a chance to taste something unexpected,” they explain. New venues bring fresh journeys – ensuring no two experiences are ever the same.
Their most treasured feedback came, they remember, from a local couple who described the flavors as “unusual—but in the best possible way.”
As for the future? It’s deliberately unscripted. More pop-ups and deeper cultural explorations come first. Eventually, they envision their own space where each dish narrates a story of highland culture. For now, catching D’Lang Dining means following their social media closely – they appear and disappear like Dalat’s morning mist.
In Short: A nomadic pop-up celebrating Dalat’s bounty through ever-changing menus.
Location: Various
Contact: Instagram
3C Downtown Restaurant Français
After all that dazzling modernity, here’s something reassuringly traditional to finish. French bistros are the best. Nothing fancy, just serving the classics along with serving pastis or a good bottle of wine. 3C Downtown Restaurant Français does just that. It’s a reminder of traditional values on eclectic Dang Thi Nhu Street with its boutiques and spas.
3C Downtown Restaurant Français is a cozy twenty-seat haven of French culinary tradition run by Pierre Relave from Provence and his Vietnamese wife, Hoa. As for the name 3C? They’re keeping that explanation for in-person guests, Pierre smiles mischievously
.The space is intimate and understated. Blue, white, and red tones dominate, with posters of French authors adorning the walls. There’s even a romantic outdoor table for those who prefer dining al fresco.
Their menu reads like the greatest hits of French cuisine. Œufs mayonnaise, goat cheese salad, boeuf bourguignon, and steak frites all make appearances. The Poulet 3C with its secret wine sauce has quickly become a signature dish. Then there’s their Moelleux au chocolat, rumored to be the best chocolate cake in the entire city. Every meal begins with homemade bread and mayonnaise – so good that most guests request seconds, Pierre notes.
Then there’s the wine – a well-priced selection from a proprietor who knows his Burgundy from his Beaujolais. Despite its proximity to Ben Thanh Market and the tourist district, 3C has already cultivated a loyal local following because this newcomer, with its Gallic je ne sais quoi, delivers authentic French flavors without breaking the bank.
In Short: Provence transplanted to Saigon, where they play France’s greatest hits.
Location: 27 Dang Thi Nhu, District 1
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