Where To Eat In Ho Chi Minh City Right Now: 5 Restaurants Everyone Is Talking About

Anan Saigon - Street food gone sky-high

Anan Saigon helped kick off the city’s modern Vietnamese wave, and it is still one of the hardest reservations in town. Housed in an old wet market building in District 1, it turns classic street dishes into witty, high-impact plates.

Why it is trending now

• Keeps landing on regional awards lists, which fuels fresh waves of visitors.
• Constantly updated tasting menus and playful specials keep locals coming back.
• Rooftop bar with neon-lit views makes it a favorite for food-focused nights out.

What to try

• Elevated banh xeo tacos and creative takes on market snacks.
• Tasting menu for a full tour of the kitchen’s ideas.
• Cocktails at the rooftop before or after dinner.

Good to know

• Book ahead, especially for dinner and weekends.
• Dress is smart casual but still relaxed.
• Located near Ben Thanh Market, easy to combine with a night walk.

Summer Experiment - Cocktail lab with serious food

Summer Experiment looks like a cocktail bar but behaves like a flavor lab. Hidden above street level in central District 1, it is known for wildly inventive drinks built with house-fermented ingredients and garden herbs.

Why it is trending now

• Social media buzz for its photogenic, experimental cocktails.
• Strong review momentum and loyal regulars make it a go-to for pre and post dinner.
• The kitchen has stepped up, so people now come for full meals, not just drinks.

What to try

• Signature cocktails that highlight Vietnamese botanicals.
• Bar snacks and sharing plates that change with the seasons.
• Ask the bartenders to riff on a classic using local flavors.

Good to know

• Ideal for small groups or date nights.
• Reservations recommended for peak evening hours.
• Expect a lively, music-filled vibe rather than a quiet lounge.

Bếp Mẹ Ỉn - Comfort Vietnamese that feels like home

Bếp Mẹ Ỉn has become many travelers’ first sit-down Vietnamese meal in Ho Chi Minh City. With several branches and more than 9,000 reviews, it focuses on familiar, home-style dishes that are easy to love.

Why it is trending now

• Huge review volume and steady recent ratings make it a reliable first stop.
• Ideal for mixed groups who want approachable menus and clear English descriptions.
• Feels like a gentle introduction to regional Vietnamese cooking.

What to try

• Claypot dishes, caramelized fish, and braised pork.
• Fresh spring rolls and grilled meats for sharing.
• Iced drinks and desserts that are friendly to first-timers.

Good to know

• Great for families and larger groups.
• Menus usually have photos, which helps if you are new to the cuisine.
• Central locations make it easy to pair with sightseeing in District 1.

Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa - The city’s most famous sandwich line

Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa is the banh mi shop everyone talks about. Known for its overstuffed baguettes loaded with cold cuts, pate, and pickles, it often has a line that snakes down the sidewalk.

Why it is trending now

• Longtime favorite that keeps pulling in new fans through word of mouth and viral videos.
• High growth score and consistent recent reviews show it has not slipped despite the hype.
• The sheer volume of fillings makes it a must-try food challenge for many visitors.

What to try

• The classic house banh mi with everything on it.
• Ask for extra chili if you like heat.
• Grab a drink from a nearby stall and eat on the go.

Good to know

• Mostly takeaway, not a sit-down restaurant.
• Expect queues at peak hours; lines usually move quickly.
• Bring cash and be ready to order fast, service is brisk.

Å by TUNG - Nordic-style tasting menu in Saigon

Å by TUNG brings a minimalist, Nordic-influenced tasting menu to Ho Chi Minh City, with a focus on precise plating and seasonal Vietnamese ingredients. With a near-perfect rating and intimate setting, it is a destination for serious diners.

Why it is trending now

• High rating and strong growth score despite a smaller review base show strong word of mouth.
• Appeals to food travelers looking for something beyond classic Vietnamese.
• Tasting menus change regularly, which keeps locals returning.

What to try

• Full tasting menu to experience the story and pacing.
• Wine or pairing options if you want the complete experience.
• Expect a slow, thoughtful meal rather than a quick bite.

Good to know

• Reservations are essential due to limited seating.
• Dress code leans toward smart and polished.
• Plan extra time to enjoy each course and presentation.

How to use this list

Ho Chi Minh City’s restaurant scene moves fast. Use these 5 spots as anchors: mix a fine dining night at Anan Saigon or Å by TUNG with a casual banh mi run and a cocktail session at Summer Experiment. Then branch out to nearby alleys and side streets to find the next wave of hidden gems.

MapsBuddy is here to help you spot trending places before they blow up, so you can eat like a local and a tastemaker at the same time.