A Curated Journey Through Sai Gon's Hidden Gems

Van Tu

13 June 2025

They say one day isn’t enough for Saigon. But if that’s all you’ve got, make it count. Beneath the city’s surface of buzzing motorbikes and colonial facades lies a dynamic heart best revealed through its lesser-known addresses—intimate, inspired, and unmistakably local. This is your curated guide to experiencing Saigon like an Epicure insider, from dawn to midnight.

The Quintessential Bite: Cơm Tấm Số 1 Nguyễn Trãi

Forget phở and bánh mì—cơm tấm is Saigon’s true breakfast icon. At Cơm Tấm Số 1 Nguyễn Trãi, bà Lan has perfected her signature plate: smoky grilled pork chop, shredded pork skin, sunny-side-up egg, and her standout chả cua (crab loaf) - a rich alternative to the usual chả trứng (pork and egg loaf). Sides may include xíu mại (pork meatball), caramelized quail eggs, or lạp xưởng (sweet sausage), plus comforting soups like canh khoai mỡ (purple yam soup) or khổ qua nhồi thịt (stuffed bitter melon soup). Topped with pickled vegetables, scallion, drizzled with a splash of house-blended nước mắm, and every bite sings of Southern soul.

150/1 Nguyen Trai Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, HCMC, Vietnam.

A Quiet Coffee Break: Gốm Sài Gòn x Nicotin

Tucked away off Tú Xương Street, Gốm Sài Gòn is a peaceful ceramic workshop/coffee hideout, a sanctuary where Saigon slows down. A few steps through the entrance reveal a wabi-sabi interior, open backyard, and the scent of clay lingering from the upstairs ceramic studio. Downstairs, there’s Nicotin open bar where guests linger over coffee in a setting that blends stillness and texture—concrete, greenery, and sun-dappled wood. The menu is a quiet celebration of Vietnamese identity, from familiar favorites like cà phê sữa đá (Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk), bạc xỉu (a milkier, lighter version of Vietnamese coffee), and salted cream coffee, to refreshing new creations made with local ingredients like starfruit and apricot—paired with cold brew or tea. Sip slowly, chat softly, and watch each step of the brewing process unfold before you. It’s the perfect interlude—unhurried, calming, and effortlessly beautiful—before your next meal awaits.

6C Tu Xuong Street, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3, HCMC, Vietnam.

An Homage to the Past: Lunch at Cục Gạch Quán

Step into another era at Cục Gạch Quán, a Saigon icon that has quietly charmed generations through word of mouth. The restaurant feels like visiting a curated version of an old Vietnamese home—complete with koi ponds, vintage rice jars, antique enamelware, and mismatched family relics spread thoughtfully throughout the space. The menu is just as nostalgic: home-style Southern Vietnamese dishes like canh chua cá lóc (sour soup with snakehead fish) and thịt kho trứng (caramelized pork belly with braised eggs), served in terracotta bowls, clay pots, and banana leaf parcels that evoke the warmth of a country kitchen. Lemongrass stalks stand in for plastic straws, and reusable hand towels instead of napkins —a quiet nod to care and sustainability. At Cục Gạch Quán, the food speaks softly, the surroundings whisper memories, and the experience lingers long after the last bite.

10 Dang Tat Street, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1, HCMC, Vietnam.

Dinner on the Saigon River: Saigon Princess Cruise

As dusk falls, let the city unfold from a new vantage point: aboard the Saigon Princess. This French Colonial-inspired 5-star cruise boat glides down the river from Nha Rong Harbor, passing iconic silhouettes like Landmark 81, Bitexco Tower, and the golden stretch of Vinhomes Central Park. On deck, white tablecloths flutter and crystal glasses catch the last of the sunlight. Choose from seven exquisite menus—Asian or Western—crafted by seasoned chefs, and toast the moment as the skyline glows in watercolored reflection. Whether you're celebrating a milestone or simply savoring the now, this is a dinner to remember.

Saigon Port, 05 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, Ward 13, District 4, HCMC, Vietnam.

Last Light: Dot Bar

Tucked on the third floor of an old apartment building, Dot Bar offers a nightlife experience rooted in Vietnamese tradition. From its opening earlier this year, the space has been shaped by a clear vision: to reimagine bar culture through a local lens—from interior design to entertainment and even the drinks themselves. The cocktail menu reflects this ethos with creations that spotlight Vietnamese ingredients from north to south, stand out drinks include bánh mì, shiso tea, đá me and Ms. Saigon.

On select evenings, hát bội—Vietnam’s classical opera—takes center stage. The bar transforms into a vibrant tribute to this time-honored art form, with embroidered stage backdrops and theatrical props used to set the scene. Other cultural touches include Mid-Autumn lion dances, cô Ba Sài Gòn-inspired evenings, and staff wearing traditional áo dài on weekends. At Dot, the night ends not with noise, but with nuance—where heritage meets hospitality, and the familiar becomes something entirely new.