After a 3-year “lock-out” from Vietnam due to Covid 19 restrictions, Hai and I are back in Saigon! We’re traveling and eating as fast as we can in order to update all of our favorite neighborhood eateries and Saigon street food vendors here in town and in a few other locations in Vietnam.
Here are a few of our preliminary findings.
Phở Hà
Still serving great phở gà and the absolute best, most moist and delicious chicken meat anywhere!
Cafe’ Tartine Saigon
When a break from classic Vietnamese food and cà phê becomes necessary, and a taste from the West is desired, Cafe’ Tartine continues to offer a great cappuccino and tasty breakfast and lunch treats (I haven’t tried their dinner menu yet).
Cơm Tấm 43
Still open – thank goodness! I’m already on my 3rd breakfast here. Small, simple, authentic, and classic. And very delicious cơm tấm (love the pork!)
Pizza 4P’s
Open and expanding to multiple locations across Saigon and beyond. Hai & I enjoyed lunches here with our friends Tan and Tung several times. As good as any pizza in Napoli, Italy! When will they come to California??
Bún Thịt Nướng
In spite of massive development on all sides, this traditional Saigon street food vendor hangs on to provide delicious bún thịt nướng and the best chả giò around. We’re hoping she can continue to survive and thrive.
The O’Palm Cafe
(formerly The Fly Cupcake Garden)
They have a new name. They’ve lost their yummy dessert selection of cakes & cupcakes, but still serve one of the best cappuccinos in Saigon. And a very lovely, classy, relaxing setting – both indoors and in their outdoor garden.
Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang – Đạt Thành
Open, extremely popular and still an excellent bowl of hủ tiếu nam vang (but, now our second best in Saigon. Watch for an upcoming post about our new favorite #1 hủ tiếu nam vang in town)!
That’s it for now. Off to lunch!
We promise we’ll keep eating to keep you updated on Saigon’s street food scene.
Our work is never done! 🙂
Thanks for the great work and update.I was wondering how the pandemic and lock down has affected Viet Nam’s tourist industry and street food scene.I shall be going to Saigon and Ha Noi later on in the year to satisfy my thirst of Pho.Keep eating but do watch your blood pressure and chloresterol level.I have to now because I am getting on a bit!
Seems Vietnam is fully back in business now. So, I hope you will have a great visit this year. And thanks for the “health tips” – they’re exactly on target!! 🙂