Dahi Handi Indian Restaurant — Restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City

During our honeymoon, my wife and I decided to have Indian cuisine prior to our flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, we were greeted courteously by a staff member and promptly seated. At that time, there were three parties present in the restaurant. We placed our order in both English and Vietnamese to ensure accuracy.

Unfortunately, the experience began to deteriorate shortly thereafter.

We ordered Vegetarian Samosas as our appetizer, followed by Chicken Tikka Masala and Chicken Vindaloo as our main courses, accompanied by Matar Pulao, Saffron Rice, Plain Naan, and Tawa Roti. Given the heat, we also ordered fresh coconut drinks.

The drinks arrived within approximately five minutes, after which we experienced an extended period without any further service. Ten minutes passed, then twenty, then thirty, yet no appetizers arrived, and no staff member checked in to provide an update or inquire whether we needed additional drinks. Meanwhile, other parties arrived and placed their orders. We noticed that a nearby table that ordered the same appetizer received theirs within 5–10 minutes, while we continued to wait.

After approximately 35 minutes, we finally received our appetizer. Observing the staff, it did not appear that they were overwhelmed, as several were standing idly rather than attending to tables.

We finished our appetizer and continued waiting for our main courses, which arrived only after an additional 10–15 minutes, accompanied by a single piece of roti. We were so hungry by this point that we began eating immediately without verifying whether any items were missing.

Regarding the food, the Chicken Vindaloo was notably bland and contained only 2–3 small pieces of meat. The Chicken Tikka Masala had three small pieces of chicken, with the remainder of the dish consisting of sauce. We thought the sauce would pair well with the naan, only to realize the naan had not been served. When we inquired, we were informed that the naan had run out, but we had not been notified earlier. At this stage, it was clear we were being overlooked.

Upon receiving the bill, we noted that we had been charged for Plain Rice instead of Plain Naan. We did not receive either item. When we raised this issue with the staff, they offered to provide the naan for takeaway, but by then we were ready to leave due to the overall neglect.

In summary, the dining experience was highly disappointing. We observed a clear disparity in service quality, as Western patrons appeared to receive significantly more attentive service compared to us as Asian Americans. The food itself was mediocre, lacking in both quantity and flavor. Communication among the staff was poor, and there was a notable absence of accountability, with staff shifting blame rather than addressing customer concerns.

I would not recommend this restaurant based on our experience. Be prepared to wait for a very long time for...

Delicious Indian cuisine with unique to the area options in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.

This is a highly rated, compact, two-floor restaurant with max seating of about 50. The upstairs is great for a largish group of around 25-30x. It is worthy of the high rankings and large number of reviews. I recommend seeking out some of the less common chef specialities on the menu (currently indicated with a tiny chef’s hat icon) that are not often found in Indian restaurants in North America. I ordered the namesake Handi Masala Chicken entree and the corn sheek kabab appetizer were ordered with tawa roti sans butter and masala chai - everything was flavorful, colorful, and served warm. The corn sheek kabob was particularly wonderful and fun with a bit of zing and was served with fun shredded carrot and beet(?) garnish which I happily scarfed down.

A handi is a deep traditional cooking pot that is meant to infuse an earthy aroma into the cuisine being prepared. The chicken was tender and savory with a bit of smokiness - I ordered it spicy though as I am a firangi I suspect that I received a milder version though I was quite happy with the spice in my order.

My server was the kind Bibek who was very attentive to my needs and agreed to allow me sit upstairs in a less crowded area in the restaurant as it was fairly empty at the time due to the late dinner time and the earlier rain.

Note that this restaurant proudly serves this chicken entree and a number of very traditional dishes “Haddi wala” style as bones are essential to the authentic Indian cooking tradition, adding significant depth, flavor, body, and richness to the stew during the slow cooking process. If you’re shy about this style of cooking, make sure to inquire and the server may recommend an alternative dish or a special...

Location Dahi Handi enjoys a prime spot in the heart of District 1 , making it extremely convenient for both locals and tourists. It’s close to major attractions like the Opera House and easily accessible, perfect for a meal after exploring the city’s highlights.

Ambience The restaurant boasts a warm, inviting atmosphere with cozy seating and elegant décor that reflects authentic Indian culture. The interiors are thoughtfully designed, featuring unique touches that create a relaxing and memorable dining experience. The lighting and layout make it ideal for both intimate dinners and group gatherings.

Staff and Service The staff at Dahi Handi are consistently praised for their hospitality and professionalism. Guests frequently mention the team’s welcoming attitude, attentive service, and genuine smiles, which make diners feel right at home. The service is quick and efficient, ensuring a pleasant experience from start to finish.

Special Mention: Vivek A special shoutout to Vivek for his exceptional service. He stands out for his attentiveness, friendliness, and dedication to making every guest’s visit memorable. Many customers appreciate his warm approach and willingness to go the extra mile, which truly enhances the overall dining experience.

Summary For anyone craving authentic Indian cuisine in Ho Chi Minh City, Dahi Handi is a must-visit. With its excellent location, beautiful ambience, and outstanding staff, especially Vivek—you’re guaranteed a delightful meal and...