I just got back from a 3-week vacation in Vietnam, and even though I’m still jet lagged and recovering from the journey, I couldn’t wait to start sharing my recommendations with you!
More Vietnam posts are on the way, however, Ho Chi Minh had to be the first one as I was so impressed with the culinary scene there – very diverse and high-quality food is all around.
This one is dedicated to some great European places you just have to try – as always, I’m here for any questions 🙂
BRUNCH AT L’USINE LE LOI
If you’re in the mood for an eggy breakfast/brunch and some good coffee, this is your spot.
I went for the veggie Avocado toast, with some delicious poached eggs, Quinoa and Feta cheese, or in other words – happiness on toast 🙂
Note: there is construction work on this street and some of it is blocked. I recommend to take a right at Liberty Central Saigon Centre Hotel and walk straight until you get here. Also – the first floor is a store, the restaurant is located on the second floor.
BUSINESS LUNCH AT LE CORTO
Le Corto is highly recommended in almost every Ho Chi Minh restaurant guide, so I just had to come here to see what it’s all about. I booked a table in advance for lunch – it was pretty easy to go through the website, and I got a confirmation shortly after that.
I was prepared to spend some extra money here, however to my surprise they had the most affordable business lunch menu.
Including the 3 courses below, a glass of wine and an espresso – the bill was only 500,000 VND, a little less than 20 EUR!!
And as expected from a Chef restaurant, the food was absolutely delicious and service was handled to perfection. The setting of the restaurant is very French, to the point I was forgetting I’m in Vietnam 🙂
HIGH TEA AT TWG
Finding this place on a rainy day was an absolute blessing!
Located on the 2nd floor of the Takashimaya department store (next to the Saigon Center mall), it was nice to land here after a long day of walking around.
There are hundreds of teas to choose from – I asked for a recommendation and my waiter suggested the #10 blend with Chamomile and Honey.
Along with Tiramisu and Passion Fruit macaroons, it was a very pleasant way to spend the afternoon.
BURGER AT MARCEL
Sometimes you just want to keep it simple.
To me, this combo of a quality beef burger (Big Marcel without cheese) with some great toppings, French fries and Tiger beer on the side, was a great lunch choice on a day when I just wanted something familiar and comforting.
Some of the reviews I read commented on the size of the burger, however, to me it was just enough, especially with the dessert that came right after 🙂
CHOCOLATE TREATS AT MAISON MAROU
A few minutes’ from Marcel, you can find this magical place – and I highly recommend keeping it in mind.
As soon as you walk in, you will be intoxicated by the smell of chocolate and coffee.
Good luck with choosing your dessert here – I went for this mouth-watering chocolate pie, which to my surprise wasn’t too sweet, and an espresso on the side. Too bad I only found this place on my last day, I would definitely come back here!
The Hungry Chick Journeys 
It’s wonderful to see places like these embracing European traditions while putting their own Vietnamese spin on things.
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