Heal and Celeb Vegan Restaurant — Restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City

EDIT: The restaurant's manager has reached out to discuss the incident below with me. I really appreciate what they have done for the individual mentioned below (in their response to this review) and the fact that they took customer's concerns seriously and tried their best to resolve the situation. My suggestion to the team was to invest in more training so the staff can handle similar future situations, should they have the time, energy, and effort. I will keep the original comment below for transparency.

I came in with quite high expectations given the great ratings that I have read about this place. My review has little to do with the food but more with the way the restaurant staff treated a (seemingly) homeless man who came in for a drink. The incident happened quite fast and I was also unsure of what to do, but I think in general the staff should have been trained to handle it better. Here’s what happened.

The man came in with no shoes on. He looked very thin and was asking to order some water. The waitress immediately told him that the bartender was not at work today (which wasn’t true because I was able to order drinks). He then asked who she was, to which she responded that she was the manager (she was not to my knowledge). The waitresses then proceeded to call for the owner/manager, and told the man to wait. When the owner came, he asked for some lemonade, which they said was not available. When he asked what drinks they had, they said they did not serve drinks and that he could buy it elsewhere off the street, despite him offering to pay.

The whole incident felt very discriminatory to me. I would have expected a place praised for customer service to at least offer him a seat and a glass of water. Furthermore, he wasn’t begging, he was offering to pay. Now, I want to note that he did not have all of his faculties, but he was not disruptive. He was quiet and polite. The only disruption was the staff’s reactions, as they were trying their best to kick him out.

The whole incident, along with the fact that the waitress forgot our order, made the visit...

Heal and Celeb is a remarkable vegan food shop that strikes an exquisite balance between culinary delight and healthful living. Entering its doors, one is immediately welcomed by an atmosphere that exudes warmth, well-being, and the spirit of ethical food practices.

The assortment of products available at Heal and Celeb is astounding, showcasing a broad spectrum of plant-based food, from fresh organic fruits and vegetables to an array of vegan cheeses, meats, and other ready-to-eat options. A dedicated section for pantry essentials is a treasure trove for home cooks, brimming with a variety of grains, nuts, seeds, plant-based milks, and spices. It's easy to appreciate their commitment to offering only cruelty-free, environmentally-friendly products, while never compromising on taste and quality.

What sets Heal and Celeb apart is its selection of gourmet vegan goods that cater to those with a sophisticated palate. Their innovative offerings such as artisanal vegan cheeses, indulgent plant-based pastries, and a unique range of vegan wines are a testament to their dedication to push the boundaries of vegan cuisine.

The staff is knowledgeable, passionate, and always ready to help guide you through their selections. Whether you're a seasoned vegan, just starting on your plant-based journey, or simply a curious food enthusiast, you'll find their advice invaluable.

Heal and Celeb also champions a strong community spirit. From informative workshops to cooking classes, they regularly host events that encourage customers to delve deeper into the world of veganism.

In conclusion, Heal and Celeb is not just a food shop - it's a comprehensive vegan experience. With its friendly atmosphere, wide-ranging inventory, and a commitment to ethical food practices, this shop serves as an oasis for those seeking to nourish their body, satisfy their taste buds, and heal the planet. A definite must-visit for anyone...

There's a sign for this on the corner of the t-intersection. I sat down (mostly sidewalk seating), but it turned out that wasn't the correct place. The worker was kind enough to guide me to the correct one, though. You go down the street, and it's first (?) place on the left side.

Because I'm not a vegetarian, perhaps my palate isn't the best choice for judging. I was kind of mixed on the food, but the quality of everything was very high.

The fried abalone mushrooms (70K/$2.75) were a first for me. I'm not sure how many times I've had abalone mushrooms, period; fried like this, never. These might be the best tasting mushrooms I've ever had, definitely the best I've had in Vietnam so far. When I bit down, it broke off easily. It chewed easily. It's a delicate, crispy batter.

The pesto pasta (95K/$3.70) didn't quite look like I expected. I also thought it would be more of a creamy, Alfredo sauce. The sauce it has is on the dry side. However, I still liked it overall. The pesto flavor was good.

The quang noodles (85K/$3.35) was also much different than I expected (that's just my lack of knowledge of Vietnamese food). On the menu, it looked like a Pad Thai or a dry version of hu tieu noodles, which is what I wanted. It's a noodle soup, which I thought was just ok. That being said, the portion size was great (much more than the pasta) and the quality of the soup (ingredients and broth) is high. I believe other people would like it much more than I did.

There's 8% VAT.

The service is great. The workers are proactive and use their intuition. For instance, I didn't need to ask for more tea water. They just saw it was low and...