Café Central Pasteur — Restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City

Café Central Restaurants Try, But Do Not Succeed, To Cook Western Cuisine

I suppose that some tourists want a change of pace from Vietnamese cuisine, so tour groups often send visitors to one of several of Café Central’s restaurants. On our last night before heading to Cambodia, our group went to Café Central Pasteur Restaurant. Thankfully, we would have a terrific Vietnamese meal when we returned to Ho Chi Minh City prior to our departures back to North America.

While the atmosphere is lovely, the food is less than stellar.

The “trio starter” course included crab-and-avocado salad, salmon rolls, and creamy pumpkin soup. I’m glad that I took a photo of the menu because I would not have been able to identify anything other than the avocado in the wilted salad. The pumpkin soup was OK, but not great. Fortunately, the salmon roll was fresh and tasty – and the most Vietnamese dish of the three.

There were six choices for the main course, including sea bass, roasted chicken, BBQ pork ribs, a vegetable tortilla wrap, or wok-friend vegetables. I had the BBQ pork ribs, with fries, and small salad. The dish was edible, but not delightful.

Dessert included a small portion of chocolate lava cake (with very little molten chocolate in the center), (melted) gelato, and fresh fruit.

In short, avoid any of the Café Central Restaurants. Even if the meal is included in your tour price, just skip the dinner and find a local...

Café Central Pasteur is conveniently located on Pasteur Street in District 3, making it easy to access from key attractions and business areas. The ambiance is pleasant and spacious, perfect for groups, with a modern, relaxed vibe. I had the Eggs Benedict, which was nicely presented—decent, though not extraordinary. The service was good, and I appreciated the quiet atmosphere on a Sunday morning. They offer free WiFi, and accept credit cards but not Apple Pay. Be aware that some Google Maps photos show the old location across the street. Overall, a solid choice for a pleasant environment and...

Love it!!

The Crispy fried chicken with fried lemongrass, served with fresh herbs and chili sauce. The golden, crunchy coating pairs beautifully with the aromatic lemongrass, creating an irresistible combination.

The Tonkatsu (Japanese-style pork cutlet), accompanied by sesame sauce, shredded cabbage, and steamed rice garnished with a small flower. The crispy golden crust and rich sauce make it incredibly appetizing.

Both dishes are visually appealing and well-balanced, with crispy textures complementing the freshness of the herbs and vegetables. They are absolutely...