I have lived in Sai Gon for 4 years, from 2nd to 5th grade. Then I came back to Hanoi and live here since then. Of course I’ve travelled back there quite some time, but I didn’t really have the time to scoot around freely. This time, I stayed for 10 days, solely to hang out with my friends and to treat myself.

Today I’m gonna introduce to you some of the places I’ve been to in Sai Gon!

1. L’USINE: 70B Lê Lợi St, District 1 & 151 Đồng Khởi St, District 1.

Probably the most popular cafe/restaurant in HCMC. If you google “L’usine Ho Chi Minh city“, you’ll find loads of images of the place. They have 2 cafes/restaurants in HCMC, and both of them are great in terms of food and style.

We had Madame Breakfast or something, which is simply fabulous looking ham and cheese sandwiches.

And we had Brekki Burger. Their Brekki Burger is full of flavours and is definitely a must-try.

I also tried their Iced Chocolate and Strawberry Smoothie, all very creamy and tasty.

2. TOKYO DELI: 31 Ngô Đức Kế St, District 1.

As you can tell, it’s a Japanese restaurant. The price here is very cheap compare to other quality Japanese restaurants (trust me I’ve been to many). And surprisingly, although not very pricey, the food and services here are great.

Every time I went there I have to order this Crab & Egg Soup. It’s super delicious. It’s only around £1. Shocking, isn’t it?

We also ordered some Salmon & Tuna Sashimi, fresh and tasty.

Their Beef Udon is mouth watering as well. Ahh I want to go back there. Why don’t they have one in Hanoi??

3. CORIANDER THAI RESTAURANT: 1 Bùi Viện St, District 1.

Common Thai dishes, spicy and sweet, tasty, have reasonable price but not so much of an impression.

I wanted to try Thai mango rice so give the restaurant a try. It’s surprisingly yummy!

4. CỤC GẠCH QUÁN: 10 Đặng Tất St, Tân Định Ward, District 1.

Literally means “Brick Restaurant”. This place is reminiscent of Vietnam in the old days or in the countryside, with simple Vietnamese dishes in intentionally broken bowls and uneven cups.

The food is OK, a bit too salty and spicy to my taste. The thing that impressed me the most was how they serve your drink: you’re giving the full ingredient to mix it yourself.

5. SHI-FU DIMSUM HOUSE: Level B3, Vincom Centre A, Đồng Khởi St, District 1.

Delicious delicious dimsum dishes with reasonable prices. Take-away available.

I absolutely love EVERYTHING on their menu. Wish I have it here so I can show you the name of my favourite dishes :( This place is a must-go.

6. TEA COFFEE TREE:  86 Nguyễn Du, District 1.

A relaxing place where there are plants everywhere, even on the walls. It’s like a huge tree house but more modern. Love the place, super green.

Even their menu is bounded in green cover.

A gorgeous place.

Their lemon tea with lemongrass is THE drink you look for in these hot days.

These are only half of the places I planned to go and try the delicious food. I’ll be back to Sai Gon soon and will definitely update you with all the cool places. Stay tuned!