Cơm niêu Thiên Lý - Hàm Nghi — Restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City

I recently brought a few friends to Cơm Niêu Thiên Lý - Hàm Nghi for their last dinner in Saigon, hoping to treat them to some authentic Vietnamese flavors in a cozy setting. Having dined at Cơm Niêu Thiên Lý - Phu Nhuan many times before, I was confident in the food and as expected, it didn’t disappoint. The dishes were delicious, rich in flavor, and beautifully presented. It’s this consistency in taste that keeps me coming back and was the very reason I recommended it to my friends.

That said, this visit was unfortunately marked by a series of service missteps that made the overall experience less enjoyable.

From the moment I stepped inside, I felt slightly uncomfortable. There was a noticeable shift in attention, whispers, giggles, and the sense of being watched. While I tried to brush it off, my friends noticed it too. We were seated near the entrance and quickly realized the restaurant only had three English menus, a surprise, considering its location in District 1 and the size of the establishment. We had to share and supplement with Vietnamese menus, relying on Google Translate to navigate the rest.

The ordering process was more frustrating than it should have been. We clearly stated the dishes, reconfirmed everything twice and pointing to the pictures in the menu to ensure we got it right, especially more important since one of my friends doesn’t eat pork. He ordered two dishes, including a grilled mackerel, which never came until we followed up halfway through the meal. Even then, we received mixed messages: first, we were told it was sold out, then suddenly it was “on the way.” When it finally arrived, the fish was overcooked and dry, clearly rushed. Sadly, it was barely touched.

There were also other minor issues like an orange juice that was ordered but never served, only to be informed later (after following up) that it was out of stock. Ironically, the staff had no issue using Google Translate to inform us earlier that the tofu wasn’t available, so the inconsistency in communication felt frustrating.

Toward closing time, the atmosphere became increasingly uncomfortable. Several staff members lingered downstairs, watching us eat. It didn’t feel like casual observation, it felt more like we were being monitored, and a few of my friends found it hard to relax. I kept encouraging them to focus on the food, but I can understand how unsettling it can be when your every move feels scrutinized.

When the manager came to take payment, I did bring up the fish issue, but nothing came of it beyond a quick check and no follow-up. It felt like a missed opportunity to address a genuine concern.

In summary: ✅ The food was wonderful, especially for anyone wanting a true taste of Vietnam. ❌ The service and communication were lacking, especially in handling out-of-stock items and guest comfort. ❌ The atmosphere, especially near closing, felt tense and awkward.

I still appreciate the culinary experience this restaurant offers, but for it to truly shine, more attention needs to be paid to guest communication and ensuring a welcoming, respectful environment for all diners, locals and...

I went to this place and other branches several times but everytime I'm not satisfied with service quality. Today we arrived around 11am to avoid busy time, restaurant was filled 30% only. As soon as we told staff we are 2 people, staff tried to make us sit in narrow table which are surrounded by other customers (they make all the customers to sit on same side) We asked her to sit another small table for 2 people and she said it's already reserved blah blah which was a lie. Because after 30mins another couple came and she was OK for them to sit in that table. She is the only one has name tag so she must be a manager or whatever. ( She has super thick eyebrow too.) I understand the shop wants to make sure many people can have table in busy time, but we came much earier and now still 50% of tables are available. This is not cafe so of course we don't stay for 2-3 hours, so table will be vacant in busy time later. Make sense right? Please stop telling obvious lies and making fools of your customers. Also we were sweating a lot because staff don't turn on AC. Saving money and saving hospitality and now you lost...

Ordered the Crispy Rice with Half Roasted Chicken (price around 180,000vnd or $9) and it was the most decent dishes out of them all! The things that I feel like this restaurant deserves a Star rating is because of its staffs, their customers service and the flavor of the food. During our experience here with our family, we encountered some unpleasant moments between one of the staff with a delivery driver. It could be their policy but it was unpleasant. The food was fairly extra-small size comparing to the market price of the same types of food that you can find in a similar restaurant in the other district. We requested extra the white rice but the rice delivered was so dry and cool (seem like it was left out for some time) and the size of “ca kho to” and “kho quet” DISAPPOINTED! So value your money and your taste! There are better restaurants in...