{"id":4614,"date":"2020-09-29T13:37:38","date_gmt":"2020-09-29T05:37:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/?p=4614"},"modified":"2022-10-05T22:09:30","modified_gmt":"2022-10-05T14:09:30","slug":"hong-kong-restaurants-saigon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/hong-kong-restaurants-saigon\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Hong Kong-Themed Restaurants & Cafes in Ho Chi Minh City With Authentic Food For Old Souls"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hong Kong-themed restaurants and cafes in Saigon<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n

In a fast-paced concrete jungle like Saigon, new restaurants and cafes with innovative decorative themes pop up on a daily basis. However, despite a deluge of themed F&B venues flooding the city over the past few years, it seems that retro <\/span>Hong Kong style<\/b><\/a> still reigns the roost.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For those who are hooked on <\/span>old-school aesthetics <\/b>that are evocative of the Harbour City\u2019s vintage charm, such as flickering neon signs and pinups featuring Andy Lau and Leslie Cheung, you\u2019ll love these Hong Kong-themed restaurants and cafes<\/strong> in town.<\/p>\n


\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

1. Chinatown Saigon Cafe – looks straight out of In The Mood For Love<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

\"hong
\nImage credit: Chinatown Saigon Cafe<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Steeped in the red and yellow colors of neon lights, this 1980s Hong Kong-inspired cafe will make you feel as if you\u2019ve just walked into a scene of Wong Kar-wai\u2019s iconic movie In The Mood For Love<\/i><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"hong
\nImage credit: Chinatown Saigon Cafe<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

From the patterned tile flooring<\/b> to the white tile walls <\/b>decorated with mirrors <\/b>to the green ceiling <\/b>complete with old-school fans<\/b>, every corner here pays homage to old Hong Kong\u2019s dining culture.<\/p>\n

\"hong
\nImage credit: Chinatown Saigon Cafe<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Spanning across the 1st floor and a mezzanine are brown booths paired with green tables, on top of which are old telephones<\/b> and vintage lamps<\/b>. Hardly anyone sits down at these tables without posing for some photos with these cinematic knick-knacks.<\/p>\n

\"hong
\nHong Kong milk tea, curry fish ball noodle soup, and char siew noodle soup<\/em>
\n<\/i>Image credit: <\/span>Chinatown Saigon Cafe<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Open 24 hours, Chinatown Saigon Cafe also serves hot dishes aside from drinks. From<\/span> curry fish ball noodle soup <\/b>(VND60,000, ~USD2.59<\/strong>)<\/strong> for a flavorful midnight snack, to the milky and fluffy <\/span>Kee Wah pineapple shortcakes<\/b> (VND45,000, ~USD1.94<\/strong>)<\/strong> for breakfast<\/span>, <\/span>Chinatown Saigon Cafe has got you covered.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Address: <\/b><\/span>10 Pasteur Street, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
\n<\/span>Opening hours:<\/span> <\/b>24 hours, Daily<\/span>
\n<\/b>Telephone:<\/span> <\/b>028 3821 7845
\n<\/span>Website<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

2. Mongkok Roast & Noodles – great place to get your noodle fix<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

\"hong
\nImage credit: Nguy\u1ec5n Quang Minh<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Decked out with<\/span> red lanterns<\/b> and <\/span>neon signs<\/b> with traditional Chinese text, <\/span>Mongkok Roast & Noodles<\/b> looks like the Hong Kong-themed restaurants straight out of the \u201990s movies we grew up watching.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"hong
\nImage adapted from: MongKok Roast & Noodles<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Besides, red dividers also add a sophisticated yet chic look to the dining area.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Spanning across 3 floors with spacious dining space, this restaurant is suitable for family and business meetings.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"hong
\nSeafood noodles<\/em>
\nImage credit: <\/span><\/em>Nguy\u1ec5n Quang Minh<\/span><\/em>
\n<\/span><\/a>
\nAs the name suggests, Mongkok Roast & Noodles specialises in noodles, a stalwart favorite among Hong Kongers. From the smoky <\/span>Hokkien fried no<\/b>odles<\/strong> (VND128,000, ~USD5.53)<\/strong> to <\/span>seafood udon noodles<\/b> (VND128,000, ~USD5.53)<\/strong> with a fresh taste and springy texture, this is a great place to slurp a wide array of comforting noodles.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vegetarians will not feel out of place here, as the restaurant also serves<\/span> stir-fried noodles with mushrooms <\/b>(VND128,000, ~USD5.53)<\/strong> instead of meat for a nutty and tangy flavor.<\/span><\/p>\n

Address:<\/span> <\/b>108 Nguyen Van Cu, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
\n<\/span>Opening hours: <\/b><\/span>5PM-11PM, Daily
\n<\/span>Telephone: <\/b><\/span>0366 234 568
\n<\/span><\/b>Website<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

3. ChuKee Restaurant – open till 4AM daily<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

\"hong
\nImage adapted from: ChuKee Restaurant<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Taking inspiration from the vibrant \u201960s in Hong Kong, ChuKee Restaurant\u2019s <\/b>walls are covered with vintage pinups <\/b>showcasing ladies decked out in glamorous cheongsams <\/i>and classic hairdos.<\/p>\n

Hanging neon lamps<\/b> also give the dining space a vibrant color palette of red and yellow as well as a nostalgic look. The restaurant also has a <\/span>balcony<\/b>, where you can dine in a breezy space while enjoying the sights of Bui Vien\u2019s nightlife.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"hong
\nImage credit: ChuKee Restaurant<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Featuring roughly 300 dishes made by a chef from Hong Kong, ChuKee Restaurant<\/b> makes a great dining destination for those who want to be spoiled for choice.<\/p>\n

\"hong
\nImage credit: ChuKee Restaurant<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

For an indulgent breakfast or brunch dish, try the Hong Kong-style French toast<\/b> (VND70,000,~USD3.03)<\/b>, which is a specialty in Hong Kong\u2019s cha chaan teng<\/em>, or street cafes<\/b>. Dipped in egg yolk and deep fried for a crispy bite, the sandwich is then topped with butter and condensed milk for extra decadence.<\/p>\n

Situated in Bui Vien, home to Saigon\u2019s largest bars and clubs, <\/span>ChuKee Restaurant<\/b> opens till 4AM. If you\u2019ll be clubbing until late in the evening or early morning, this is an address you should keep in the back of your pocket for some midnight snacks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Address:<\/b><\/span> 266 Bui Vien, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1
\n<\/span>Opening hours: <\/b><\/span>11AM-4AM, Daily
\n<\/span>Telephone: <\/b><\/span>1800 6781<\/span>
\n<\/b>Website<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

4. Bao Bei – open-concept kitchen with a tea bar<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

\"hong
\nImage credit: Bao Bei<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Decked out in colorful neon signs, lanterns, and sophisticated use of contrasting vibrant colors for furniture, Bao Bei<\/b>\u2019s interior evokes an old-school Hong Kong vibe.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

\"hong
\nDumplings and noodles<\/em>
\nImage credit: <\/span>Bao Bei<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

While the floor tiles are black for a modern look, their hexagonal patterns also resemble traditional<\/span> Chinese room dividers<\/b>. Adding to the nostalgic feel from the wooden furniture are the unique mahjong and Chinese chess patterns on the tables<\/span>.<\/b><\/p>\n

Featuring a large capacity of <\/span>150 seats<\/b> along with <\/span>floor-to-ceiling windows <\/b>overlooking the city, Bao Bei is ideal for group dining.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"hong
\nImage credit: Bao Bei<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Putting aesthetics aside, Bao Bei is also famed for its delicious and value-for-money offerings of Hong Kong food, including a separate menu for vegetarians and vegans that most Hong Kong-themed restaurants don’t offer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For a taste of authentic Sichuan spice, check out the savoury and tongue-numbing <\/span>Mapo Tofu (VND90,000, ~USD3.89) <\/b>– we recommend pairing it with a bowl of rice to soak up the dish.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Those who look for a dish with more historical and culinary depth can try the <\/span>Sha Cha beef with green beans (VND190,000, ~USD8.21)<\/b>. A dish dating back thousands of years, this consists of tenderized beef strips cooked in spicy and flavorful Sha Cha sauce.<\/span><\/p>\n

Address: <\/span><\/b>Level 2 Viettel Building, 285 Cach Mang Thang 8, Ward 12, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City
\n<\/span>Opening hours:<\/b> <\/span>11AM-2PM | 5PM-10PM, Daily
\n<\/span>Telephone: <\/b><\/span>0901 363 388
\n<\/span>Website<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

5. A M\u00c0 Kitchen – owned by comedian Tran Thanh
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

\"hong
\nTran Thanh (on the left) and his wife Hari Won<\/em>
\nImage adapted from: Hari Won<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Owned by the family of Vietnamese-Chinese comedian Tran Thanh, <\/span>A M\u00c0 Kitchen<\/b> always sees long queues of guests which include his fans and fellow celebrities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"hong
\nImage adapted from: A M\u00c0 Kitchen<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Situated in the heart of District 1, this playful yet vintage space features rustic furnishings, <\/b>wallpapers portraying Hong Kong\u2019s old cityscapes<\/b> in vibrant colors<\/b>, lanterns encased in birdcages<\/b>, and old photographs<\/b> of Hong Kong celebrities.<\/p>\n

\"hong
\nImage adapted from: A M\u00c0 Kitchen<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Playing host to a variety of Cantonese dishes with nostalgic visuals and flavors, A M\u00c0 Kitchen<\/b>\u2019s menu mirrors the diversity of Hong Kong\u2019s culinary culture.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nCustard bun (Liu Sha Bao)<\/em>
\nImage adapted from: <\/span>A M\u00c0 Kitchen<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

For breakfast or appetizers, you\u2019ll want to try the <\/span>b\u00e1nh bao kim sa<\/i><\/b>, or <\/span>custard buns (VND60,000, ~USD2.59 each)<\/b>, with charcoal powder dough and filled with squidgy, sweet salted egg custard.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"hong
\nImage adapted from: A M\u00c0 Kitchen<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

For a nutritious meal with a unique taste, try the unique pairing of braised spinach and meat with a runny egg yolk (VND148,000, ~USD6.40)<\/b>. Rich in calcium, iron, proteins, minerals, vitamins, and low in calories, this dish is suitable for people of all ages.<\/p>\n

Address: <\/b><\/span>23 Ton Duc Thang, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
\n<\/span>Opening hours:<\/b> <\/span>10.30AM-10PM, Daily
\n<\/span>Telephone: <\/b><\/span>028 6291 3139
\n<\/span>Website<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

6. San Fu Lou – dai pai dong<\/em>-style street dining furniture<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

\"hong
\nImage adapted from: San Fu Lou<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Furnished with red lanterns with muted lighting, vintage pinups, and tables and chairs reminiscent of Hong Kong\u2019s <\/span>dai pai dong<\/span><\/em> street eateries, <\/span>San Fu Lou<\/b> brings everyone an authentic Hong Kong dining experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"hong
\nImage adapted from: San Fu Lou<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Offering nearly 1,000 dishes from <\/span>dim sum<\/i><\/b> to <\/span>roast meat to stir-fried dishes to desserts<\/b>, San Fu Lou is like a living museum of authentic Hong Kong food in Saigon.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"hong
\nSteamed buns, scallop dumplings, roasted pork belly, mapo tofu<\/em>
\nImage adapted from <\/span>San Fu Lou<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

You can start your day with the bright-tasting and tender<\/span> scallop and prawn dumplings<\/b> (VND68,000, ~USD2.94 <\/b>for 3 pieces) and warm your stomach with the crispy <\/span>roasted pork belly (VND188,000, ~USD8.13)<\/b>.<\/p>\n

Once you\u2019re full, cap off your meal on a sweet note with 3 bite-size pieces of <\/span>Chinese herbal jelly (VND48,000, ~USD2.07) <\/b>for a fresh and cooling aftertaste.<\/span><\/p>\n

Address: <\/b><\/span>Multiple locations in District 1, District 7, and District 3. View location list <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.
\n<\/span>Opening hours:<\/b> <\/span>7AM-10PM, Daily
\n<\/span>Website<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

7. An Duy\u00ean Ch\u1ee3 L\u1edbn – retro Hong Kong-style interiors with a food cart<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

\"hong
\nImage credit: Ti\u1ec7m c\u01a1m n\u01b0\u1edbc – An Duy\u00ean Ch\u1ee3 L\u1edbn<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Graced with a food cart decked out in classic Chinese style with bar seats at the entrance, <\/span>An Duyen – Cho Lon<\/b> is the ideal place for a round of post-meal drinks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"hong
\nImage credit: @hanhtinhso23<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

An Duyen Cho Lon is decked out with a velvet booth sofa, red metal chairs, and room dividers plastered with vintage movie posters under warm lighting, evoking memories of Hong Kong in the bygone days.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"hong
\nSandwich and boiled egg combo<\/em>
\nImage credit: <\/span>@hanhtinhso23<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Boasting a vast selection of both Hong Kong and Chinese food, this Hong Kong-themed restaurant’s guests can enjoy a H<\/strong><\/span>ong Kong-style breakfast <\/b>with a toast filled with butter,<\/span> coated with a sweet paste made of coconut cream and egg yolk,<\/span> served with boiled eggs and a cup of tea.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Vegetarians and vegans can order the fresh and healthy stir-fried <\/span>Hong Kong bok choy (VND55,000, ~USD2.37<\/b>) to go with rice, while noodle fans can chow down on flavorful <\/span>Fujian noodles fried with shrimps (VND115,000, ~USD4.95).<\/b><\/p>\n

Address: <\/b><\/span>15 Tran Dien, Ward 10, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
\n<\/span>Opening hours:<\/b> <\/span>7AM-1PM | 5PM-10PM, Daily
\n<\/span>Telephone: <\/b><\/span>028 6298 8668
\n<\/span>Website<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

8. Dim Tu Tac Restaurant – arguably the best Cantonese restaurant in Saigon<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

\"hongImage credit: Dim Tu Tac<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Dim Tu Tac<\/b>\u2019s interiors may not exude streetside dining flair with <\/span>dai pai dong<\/span><\/em> furniture and muted lighting, but it sure looks like the kind of place where <\/span>God of Gamblers<\/i><\/b> characters and the Axe Gang in <\/span>Kung Fu Hustle<\/i><\/b> would sit down for a fancy meal before a duel.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"hong
\nImage credit: <\/span>Dim Tu Tac<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

With sophisticated velvet chairs surrounding round tables, bird-motif murals, vintage partitions, and large windows, Dim Tu Tac pulls off a <\/span>contemporary look<\/b> inspired by Cantonese fine dining.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"hong
\nImage adapted from: Dim Tu Tac<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

While its elegant visuals are sufficient for business meetings or special events, it\u2019s the <\/span>excellently crafted Cantonese cuisine <\/b>here that makes a fine dining experience here unforgettable.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"hongSesame roles with gold flakes<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit: <\/span>Dim Tu Tac<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Whether you go for the savory and moist <\/span>chicken brai<\/b>sed with soy sauce<\/strong> (VND280,000, ~USD12.10)<\/strong> or the buttery <\/span>baked abalone past<\/b>ry<\/strong> (VND88,000, ~USD3.80)<\/strong>, every menu item looks stunning and tastes fresh, and rich with quality ingredients from Cantonese cuisine.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Remember to save room for the silky smooth <\/span>black sesame <\/b>rolls (VND68,000, ~USD2.94).<\/strong><\/p>\n

Address: <\/b><\/span>Multiple locations in District 1, District 5, and Phu Nhuan District. View location list <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.
\n<\/span>Opening hours:<\/b> <\/span>7AM-10PM, Daily
\n<\/span>Website<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

9. BAOZ DIMSUM – contemporary dining space<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

\"hong
\nImage credit: <\/span>BAOZ DIMSUM<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Decorated with murals reflecting ancient Chinese street life, calligraphy, partitions with classic motifs, and brightly lit lanterns, BAOZ DIMSUM<\/b> is a Hong Kong-style dining space with a contemporary twist.<\/p>\n

Decked out with mostly round tables with 6 seats each, BAOZ DIMSUM is <\/span>suitable for large gatherings.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

\"hongImage credit: <\/span>BAOZ DIMSUM<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

As the name of the restaurant suggests, BAOZ DIMSUM\u2019s main focus is <\/span>dim sum<\/span><\/i>, roughly translated as small dishes that make up a traditional Chinese breakfast in many Hong Kong-themed restaurants. This includes as steamed buns called <\/span>bao<\/span><\/i>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"hongImage credit: <\/span><\/em>BAOZ DIMSUM<\/span><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Brace yourself for over 30 types of <\/span>dim sum <\/span><\/i>to choose from, from <\/span>shumai <\/i><\/b>dumplings with crab meat (VND60,000, ~USD2.59) <\/b>to <\/span>char siew <\/i><\/b>buns baked to a golden crisp (VND60,000, ~USD2.59).<\/b><\/p>\n

Addresses:\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n