Explore the cuisine in Bui Vien street, Saigon

Bui Vien Street in Ho Chi Minh backpacker area is one of the most hustle and bustle places in the city. The crowd from all over the world gather in the street every night for eating, drinking, chatting leisurely. Eating and drinking are the things to do in this street which is overwhelmed with many budget restaurants.

Ong Cao

Ong Cao is in in Bui Vien’s top 5 the street’s first craft beer tap room, with beers from 7 of the city’s brewers. They serve decent food too. Opened by Jeremy and May, a Vietnamese couple with French origins, the goal was for a beer bar with a distinct French bistro feel. Somewhere welcoming, where locals could relax, drink a beer, snack on cold cuts.

Located at the far end of Bui Vien in a building that has been in the family for 70 years, the bar’s decor combines vintage classic design with a modern, hip ambience. Home-fashioned wood tables are set against black and white walls covered with graffiti from Vietnam’s first generation of graffiti artists. It all combines to develop a distinct and welcoming environment, appealing to mixed generations of beer drinkers.

Lost in Saigon

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Lost in Saigon is a frequently-packed dive bar along Bui Vien Street, where you can enjoy Vietnamese and Mexican-style fare as well as strong cocktails, beers, and liquor until late. Located in the bustling Pham Ngu Lao, there are plenty of tables on the open-air sidewalk with views of local vendors, street performances, and pedestrians.

Highly recommended dishes include cheese nachos (VND 79,000), pho with beef or chicken (VND 65,000), and banh mi bo ne (VND 129,000), which is a Vietnamese-style sizzling steak served with bread. For drinks, classic cocktails are priced at VND 130,000, while whiskies start at VND 70,000 per shot and VND 1,500,000 per bottle.

Chicken Coop

Home of Phat Rooster beers, this unassuming, hole-in-the-wall dive bar offers an unpretentious, no-nonsense place to sink an above average craft beer at a below average price.
As Phat Rooster’s unofficial tap room, they have a choice of 6 craft beers, including Saigon Blonde, a refreshingly drinkable session beer, and their Phat Shiv, a 7% ABV German beer with a flowery aroma and a distinct hint of berries.

Owned and run as a family business, expect to see the owners’ child and young relatives interacting with customers as they enjoy their food or beer. Managed by Don, a Chicago native who understands the meaning of customer service, the staff are friendly and welcoming.

Pho Quynh Saigon

Pho Quynh Saigon is a fuss-free dining venue that is heavily frequented by the local population thanks to its quick service and generous portions. Occupying a busy corner on Pham Ngu Lao Street, a bowl of pho costs about VND 65,000 and although it is pricier than other local venues, you get a substantial amount of beef slices, meatballs, brisket, and fresh greens. Another must try at Pho Quynh Saigon is pho bo kho, which consists of rice vermicelli with a thick and flavourful beef stew.

Sandos Restaurant Saigon

Sandos Restaurant Saigon boasts a good selection of local and western cuisine, cheap beers, fresh fruit juices, and efficient service in Pham Ngu Lao Street. Exuding a casual and cosy setting, this quaint eatery features a spacious patio section with plenty of colourful wooden furnishing while its indoor dining section is ideal for those looking to escape the city’s often scorching afternoons.

Read more: Top things to do in District 1, Saigon

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