It took me over half an hour to reach this restaurant in Thảo Điền, and I hadn’t eaten in 25 hours after partying. I arrived exhausted, hungry, and aching all over like a deprived zombie, yet everything that followed made the trip entirely worthwhile.
When I arrived, the electricity happened to be out, likely for maintenance. The waiter kindly brought me a complimentary perilla and lemongrass tea while I waited. It was delicately sweet, soothing, and easy on the stomach, the perfect prelude to the meal.
I started with the bulot snails wrapped in betel leaves, and the aroma immediately reminded me of a rainy afternoon in Đà Lạt, passing by bò nướng lá lốt stalls. The flavor was exceptional: the bread crisp yet soft, the snails beautifully seasoned, the leaves juicy and aromatic. Everything, from portion to presentation, was done with care and intention.
For the main course, I chose the garlic-seared duck (medium rare) with garlic oil sauce. I had initially wanted the pepper elder salad with crab, but the waiter thoughtfully suggested baked vegetables instead since the portion might be too large for one person. It turned out to be a wonderful choice. I was pleasantly surprised to find winged beans among the vegetables, a lovely touch that reflected both creativity and cultural awareness. Even the okra was tender yet lightly crisp, with no excess gel, which speaks volumes about their attention to detail.
Dessert was a strawberry choux and a mango choux, both airy and subtly sweet, the kind of balance I prefer after a full meal. My strawberry matcha latte tasted beautifully fresh, with what seemed to be a homemade syrup that complemented the matcha perfectly.
In the end, both the tea and vegetables were on the house, and I received a 20% discount due to the temporary power cut, even though the wait was reasonable. Service throughout was warm, attentive, and unhurried. The waiter also gave me a 10% voucher for their spa upstairs; a graceful touch that left a lasting impression.
Everything about this restaurant from the food, the thoughtfulness, to the quiet refinement speaks for itself. The cherry on top: I’m writing this review voluntarily, not because anyone...
Read moreTucked away in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, An's Saigon offers an unforgettable dining experience that goes beyond just a meal. Here, I had the privilege of indulging in Chef Cuong Nguyen's "Dong" menu at his exclusive Chef's Table.
The Chef's Table is an intimate setting, perfect for a special occasion or a truly unique dining experience. Chef Cuong Nguyen himself acts as your host, guiding you through the intricate flavors and stories woven into each dish of the "Dong" menu. This specific menu, named after the Vietnamese word for "land," focuses on showcasing the finest local ingredients and traditional cooking techniques.
Each course was a revelation. Chef Cuong Nguyen passion for Vietnamese cuisine shone through in his masterful execution and innovative reinterpretations of classic dishes. The combination of textures and flavors was simply divine.
Beyond the exceptional food, the true magic lies in the interaction with Chef Cuong Nguyen. He shared personal anecdotes about the inspiration behind each dish, creating a truly immersive experience. The conversation flowed effortlessly, making the evening feel more like a gathering with a dear friend than a visit to a restaurant.
An's Saigon Chef Table with Chef Cuong Nguyen is more than just a meal; it's a culinary journey that celebrates Vietnamese heritage and artistry. If you're looking for an unforgettable dining experience in Ho Chi Minh City, I highly recommend booking a seat at this intimate table.
And not forget to shout out to the FOH team, Chị My did a very well job to introduce and take...
Read moreFirst I want to say that the recommandation of this restaurant is so well made. My friend find this place from the Korean search engine and me from the Michelin guide.
We had a la carte menu. Staff are so into details, very reliable, courteous and so attentive. They are everything you expected from a top quality staff. Clearly, how they twist the Vietnamese cuisine to bring the traditional Vietnamese cuisine to a modern interpretation is a blast!
I have to give extra credit to the staff. To give context, I have Vietnamese roots and my friends are Korean and German. I have many allergies and one is vegan. Usually in specific place other it’s all in English or all Vietnamese explanation and I have to translate. I love how they let me speak in Vietnamese and give me explanation in Vietnamese and my friends in English. The level of attention is crazy. To the extend when we ask to have the bill split it was personalized. Experience wise. I love how they accommodate my friends and I.
I am obviously not an expert and I don’t think I will have the correct vocabulary to describe the foods! I am so happy that I get to enjoy that food. The details the chef put into his creation is so precise. Everything we eat was without any doubt melting. I was so happy being there.
I was so focused on foods that I forgot to take pictures. It’s how good it was! Incredible experience! This place is a must....
Read more