Dong Nguyen Chicken Rice 東源雞飯 — Restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City

Nestled in the heart of downtown Cholon, Đông Nguyên is a renowned Chinese-style restaurant that has built its reputation on the iconic Hainanese chicken rice. Yet, what makes this place special is not only that signature dish but also the wide range of delicacies, each thoughtfully prepared to retain its authentic traditional flavors.

Dining here, I could truly sense the owner’s passion and dedication poured into every plate, turning a simple meal into a heartfelt experience. The atmosphere blends the vibrancy of Cholon with a touch of nostalgia, making it a perfect spot for both locals and visitors seeking genuine culinary heritage.

The staff deserve a special mention as well—warm, enthusiastic, and carefully trained, they are always attentive and quick to respond to guests’ needs, ensuring a dining experience that feels both welcoming...

Delicious Chicken Rice with Cool Perks (and a Small Paper Napkin Fee!)

Dong Nguyen Chicken Rice is an absolute gem! The food? Simply amazing! Juicy, flavorful chicken paired with perfectly cooked rice—it’s a match made in culinary heaven. The environment is clean, cool (thank you, air conditioning!), and hygienic. Bonus points for a tidy restroom where you can freshen up or wash your hands before diving into your meal.

One quirky little detail: paper napkins here aren’t free—they cost 2,000 VND per pack. While that’s barely the price of a breeze, it adds a fun twist to the experience. Who knew paper napkins could make dining so memorable?

Overall, this place is a winner for great food, a welcoming atmosphere, and the kind of little quirks that make you smile....

I’m from Singapore and I’m a Hainanese. This chicken rice was SO AVERAGE and EXPENSIVE at VND$98k per plate ‼️ The rice has NO FLAVOUR. The chicken is a bit tough. The chili is sweet type with a thick consistency (thicken with starch), NOT NICE. Only the grated Ginger is nice. If the food is expensive and delicious, I can accept it but it is so average only.

Steamed soup is ok but at VND$65k it’s expensive.

Parking at next door shop is VND$10k, more expensive then most major shopping centres and malls. Good Grief 🙄

2 plates + 1 lotus root soup + 2 iced tea = VND$269k (OUCH!!!) 😱

Our first visit and we...