Coolabah Saigon — Restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City

Visited Coolabah D7 enticed by the promise of roast chicken (280k for 1/2), and I wasn't disappointed. The wait is about 30 minutes, during which I tried the salt and pepper squid (180k), which was also quite satisfying.

For the chicken, you can opt for the kitchen to cut it (Vietnamese style with a butcher knife) or receive the whole half bird to carve yourself. If you're adept at carving, I recommend doing it yourself for a more enjoyable experience.

The location is pet-friendly, and the owner, Kevin, is incredibly welcoming. Service from the staff is decent; some of the younger staff might be a bit shy, but I never lacked assistance throughout the dining experience. A...

A proper Aussie pub. Not a theme pub.......a proper Aussie pub in Saigon. Decently priced and excellent food. Friendly staff with fast service but I would add that they need some training on how to pour beer. Massive heads and wasteage (still a good pour for the customer but a lot of spillage because they aren't tilting the glass or controlling the flow. Also pouring behind the bar then walking all the way round the bar behind the customer to deliver a pint. Easier to hand directly to customer across the bar I think. Definitely need bar tending training. Still a great place and I would continue...

What a wonderful and surprising little gastro sports pub. The free range half roast chicken with rosemary would hold its own on any fine dining menu. Succulent and cooked to perfection. The homemade squid ink fettucini with fresh seafood in a white wine sauce was sublime. The seafood was incredibly fresh and flavorful, the pasta al dente and the sauce perfectly balanced. Did I mention this is a sports pub? England NZ world cup cricket final, Wimbledon Mens final and the Silverstone GP all to come. No need for me to move anywhere. Well done team Coolabah....