When the Disney-animated movie Aladdin hit the silver screen, global audiences were enchanted by the protagonist’s foray into the vast desert. The movie made us want to travel to a faraway land, ride a camel along sun-soaked dunes, and spend a night on a magic carpet under a blanket of stars.
Exotic in every sense of the word, Leha’s Home Cactus Garden Cafe & Food in District 7 offers sand-washed corners to chill at with actual cacti, or for ‘gram photos that’ll transport you into a whole new world.
Image credit: Võ Duy Anh
Just a stone’s throw away from Korean Town lies Leha’s Home Cactus Garden Cafe & Food in District 7.
Although District 7 has no lack of beautiful cafes, this garden bistro is in a league of its own. If you’re living in the eastern or western part of Saigon, we guarantee a 15 to 30-minute ride here is worth it.
The moment you reach the gate of the venue, what jumps out at you is a deluge of luscious cacti and palm plants.
Image credit: Võ Duy Anh
Home to a spacious venue with outdoor and indoor seating, the cafe is perfect for both small and large functions for any occasion.
Image credit: Leha’s Home Cactus Garden Cafe & Food
The entire space is bathed in orange hues and warm tones, complemented by an assortment of plants that conjure up images of a West African desert. In the evening, the garden is illuminated by strings of bulb lights that will cast a warm glow on you and your companions as the sun sets.
Image credit: Võ Duy Anh
Inside, the dining space is designed with Moroccan motifs, featuring arched doorways, ornate wood carvings, and colorful tile work. While the arches help broaden the space and give it a palatial look, the subtle yet characterful tiles create a soothing ambience.
Image credit: Leha’s Home Cactus Garden Cafe & Food
Rustic furniture, bohemian cushions, terracotta plant pots, and low tables also add a Mediterranean charm to the place.
Image credit: Leha’s Home Cactus Garden Cafe & Food
A few steps away from the bakery’s display, stands a weathered mahogany piano. While waiting to be served, consider taking a seat to entertain yourself and your clique with a few classic tunes.
Fried fish patties served with rice vermicelli
Image adapted from: Leha’s Home Cactus Garden Cafe & Food
At this unique cafe, you’ll find a dizzying array of international fares ranging from Japanese cuisines to Vietnamese classics.
Snails stuffed with meat
Image credit: Leha’s Home Cactus Garden Cafe & Food
Fans of Vietnamese food will be delighted to find familiar delicacies such as tender and flavorful Fried Fish Patties with Rice Vermicelli (VND300,000, ~USD13.03), or the meaty and buttery Snails Stuffed with Meat (VND125,000, ~USD5.43).
Sashimi set
Image credit: Leha’s Home Cactus Garden Cafe & Food
Fresh-tasting and aesthetically pleasing, the delicate and fatty Sashimi Set (VND265,000, ~USD11.51) will make your taste buds dance.
Grilled octopus seasoned with salt and paprika
Image credit: Leha’s Home Cactus Garden Cafe & Food
For a crispy, succulent, and smoky dinner dish, try Grilled Octopus with Salt and Paprika (VND135,000, ~USD5.86).
To quench your thirst, you can order from the restaurant’s curated selection of juice, tea, and cocktails.
Image credit: Leha’s Home Cactus Garden Cafe & Food
For VND115,000( ~USD4.99), you can beat the summer heat with the refreshing and fizzy mojito.
Sweet and milky with a flowery scent, the Oolong Milk Tea (VND80,000, ~USD3.47) is an inviting break from the scorching heat of Saigon.
Image credit: Leha’s Home Cactus Garden Cafe & Food
Nothing beats a refreshing cup of yogurt dolloped with fruits (VND65,000, ~USD2.81) after a meal during the summer months. Not only is this fusion tasty, but it’s also filled with healthy properties such as antioxidants, probiotics, and whey protein.
Summer is around the corner, and many of us are itching to pack our bags and head to sun-and-fun beach destinations. Unfortunately, traveling and partying are off the table for now, as the regional COVID-19 situation is escalating. However, you can still play tourist when in town and create stunning snapshots that look straight out of a foreign land.
Aside from its fair share of photogenic spots, the place also offers a myriad of food and drinks to satisfy your tummies. Situated in District 7, this enchanting desert bistro will give Saigon residents pining for summer trips overseas a chance to visit a ‘whole new world’.
Address: 404 Le Van Luong, Tan Hung Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 8AM-11PM, Daily
Telephone: 028 2250 8824
Also check out:
Cover image adapted from: Võ Duy Anh
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