Beyond Banh Mi: A Guide to Finding Western Cuisine in Vietnam

A traditional Vietnamese breakfast plate featuring grilled pork, egg meatloaf, sunny-side-up egg, rice, pickled carrots, cucumber, and tomato.

 

Vietnam has a rich culinary history, with traditional Vietnamese cuisine being the highlight of the country’s food scene. However, in recent years, there has been a rise in the popularity of Western cuisine in Vietnam. This can be attributed to the increasing number of expats and tourists visiting the country, as well as the growing interest among locals in trying new and diverse flavors.

The introduction of Western cuisine in Vietnam can be traced back to the French colonial period, when French influences heavily influenced Vietnamese cuisine. French dishes such as baguettes, pâté, and croissants became popular among the locals and are still widely enjoyed today. Over time, other Western cuisines such as Italian, American, and Mexican have also made their way into Vietnam, offering a wide range of options for food enthusiasts.

The popularity of Western cuisine in Vietnam is not limited to expats and tourists. Many locals have developed a taste for Western flavors and enjoy exploring different cuisines. This can be seen in the increasing number of Western-style brunch spots, Italian restaurants, steakhouses, and other establishments that cater to the growing demand for Western food.

The Best Western-Style Brunch Spots in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is known for its vibrant food scene, and when it comes to brunch, there are plenty of options to choose from. Some popular brunch spots in the city include The Vintage Emporium, L’Usine, and The Deck Saigon.

The Vintage Emporium is a cozy café located in District 1 that offers a wide range of brunch options. Their menu highlights include classic dishes such as eggs benedict, pancakes, and avocado toast. They also offer a variety of freshly brewed coffee and refreshing smoothies. Prices at The Vintage Emporium are reasonable, with brunch dishes ranging from 100,000 to 200,000 VND.

L’Usine is another popular brunch spot in Ho Chi Minh City, known for its stylish interior and delicious food. Their menu features a mix of Western and Vietnamese dishes, with highlights including smoked salmon bagels, croque madame, and Vietnamese-style banh mi. Prices at L’Usine are slightly higher compared to other brunch spots, with dishes ranging from 150,000 to 300,000 VND.

For those looking for a waterfront dining experience, The Deck Saigon is the perfect choice. Located along the Saigon River, this restaurant offers stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere. Their brunch menu includes a variety of options such as eggs florentine, French toast, and seafood omelette. Prices at The Deck Saigon are on the higher end, with brunch dishes ranging from 200,000 to 400,000 VND.

Satisfy Your Cravings for Italian Cuisine in Vietnam

Italian cuisine has gained a strong following in Vietnam, with many Italian restaurants popping up in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City. These restaurants offer a taste of Italy right in the heart of Vietnam, with authentic flavors and traditional dishes.

One of the best Italian restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City is Ciao Bella. Located in District 1, this restaurant is known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious Italian fare. Their menu features classic dishes such as spaghetti carbonara, margherita pizza, and tiramisu. Prices at Ciao Bella are on the higher side, with main courses ranging from 200,000 to 400,000 VND.

Another popular Italian restaurant in the city is Pendolasco. With multiple locations in Ho Chi Minh City, Pendolasco offers a wide range of Italian dishes to choose from. Their menu highlights include lasagna al forno, risotto ai funghi, and panna cotta. Prices at Pendolasco are more affordable compared to other Italian restaurants, with main courses ranging from 150,000 to 300,000 VND.

For those looking for a fine dining experience, Ristorante Venezia is the perfect choice. Located in District 1, this restaurant offers a luxurious setting and a menu filled with Italian delicacies. Their must-try dishes include spaghetti alle vongole, ossobuco alla milanese, and tiramisu. Prices at Ristorante Venezia are on the higher end, with main courses ranging from 300,000 to 600,000 VND.

The Top Steakhouses in Hanoi for Meat Lovers

Hanoi is known for its vibrant street food scene, but when it comes to steakhouses, the city has plenty to offer as well. Whether you’re a meat lover or simply looking for a hearty meal, these steakhouses in Hanoi are sure to satisfy your cravings.

One of the best steakhouses in Hanoi is El Gaucho. Located in the heart of the city, this Argentinean steakhouse offers a wide selection of premium cuts of meat. Their menu highlights include ribeye steak, tenderloin steak, and grilled lamb chops. Prices at El Gaucho are on the higher side, with main courses ranging from 500,000 to 1,500,000 VND.

Another popular steakhouse in Hanoi is JW Café. Located in the JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi, this restaurant offers a luxurious dining experience and a menu filled with delicious steak options. Their must-try dishes include wagyu beef tenderloin, tomahawk steak, and Australian grain-fed ribeye. Prices at JW Café are on the higher end, with main courses ranging from 800,000 to 2,500,000 VND.

For those looking for a more casual dining experience, The Fat Pig is the perfect choice. Located in the Old Quarter, this steakhouse offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu filled with mouthwatering dishes. Their menu highlights include ribeye steak, T-bone steak, and grilled pork chops. Prices at The Fat Pig are more affordable compared to other steakhouses, with main courses ranging from 300,000 to 800,000 VND.

Where to Find Authentic French Cuisine in Vietnam

French cuisine has had a significant influence on Vietnamese cuisine, and it is no surprise that there are many French restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City that offer authentic flavors and traditional dishes.

One of the best French restaurants in the city is La Villa French Restaurant. Located in District 2, this restaurant offers a charming setting and a menu filled with classic French dishes. Their must-try dishes include escargots de Bourgogne, coq au vin, and crème brûlée. Prices at La Villa French Restaurant are on the higher side, with main courses ranging from 400,000 to 800,000 VND.

Another popular French restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City is L’Herbanyste. Located in District 1, this restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu filled with delicious French fare. Their menu highlights include foie gras terrine, duck confit, and tarte tatin. Prices at L’Herbanyste are more affordable compared to other French restaurants, with main courses ranging from 200,000 to 400,000 VND.

For those looking for a fine dining experience, Le Corto is the perfect choice. Located in District 1, this restaurant offers a luxurious setting and a menu filled with French delicacies. Their must-try dishes include lobster bisque, beef bourguignon, and chocolate mousse. Prices at Le Corto are on the higher end, with main courses ranging from 500,000 to 1,000,000 VND.

The Best Mexican Restaurants for Spicy Food Lovers

Mexican cuisine may not be as well-known in Vietnam as other Western cuisines, but there are still some great Mexican restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City that offer authentic flavors and spicy dishes.

One of the best Mexican restaurants in the city is La Fiesta. Located in District 1, this restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere and a menu filled with traditional Mexican dishes. Their must-try dishes include tacos al pastor, enchiladas verdes, and churros. Prices at La Fiesta are more affordable compared to other Mexican restaurants, with main courses ranging from 100,000 to 200,000 VND.

Another popular Mexican restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City is El Camino. Located in District 2, this restaurant offers a cozy setting and a menu filled with delicious Mexican fare. Their menu highlights include guacamole and chips, burritos, and tres leches cake. Prices at El Camino are on the higher side, with main courses ranging from 200,000 to 400,000 VND.

For those looking for a more casual dining experience, Taco Bich is the perfect choice. Located in District 3, this restaurant offers a laid-back atmosphere and a menu filled with mouthwatering dishes. Their must-try dishes include fish tacos, quesadillas, and churros. Prices at Taco Bich are more affordable compared to other Mexican restaurants, with main courses ranging from 50,000 to 150,000 VND.

Discovering the Best Burgers and Fries in Vietnam

Burger culture has become increasingly popular in Vietnam, with many burger joints popping up in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City. These burger joints offer a wide range of options for burger enthusiasts, from classic cheeseburgers to gourmet creations.

One of the best burger joints in Ho Chi Minh City is BiaCraft. Located in District 2, this restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere and a menu filled with delicious burgers and craft beers. Their menu highlights include the classic cheeseburger, the bacon avocado burger, and the truffle mushroom burger. Prices at BiaCraft are more affordable compared to other burger joints, with burgers ranging from 100,000 to 200,000 VND.

Another popular burger joint in the city is Relish & Sons. Located in District 1, this restaurant offers a cozy setting and a menu filled with mouthwatering burgers and sides. Their must-try dishes include the bacon cheeseburger, the blue cheese burger, and the sweet potato fries. Prices at Relish & Sons are on the higher side, with burgers ranging from 200,000 to 300,000 VND.

For those looking for a more casual dining experience, Burger Oi is the perfect choice. Located in District 3, this burger joint offers a laid-back atmosphere and a menu filled with delicious burgers and milkshakes. Their menu highlights include the classic cheeseburger, the BBQ bacon burger, and the Oreo milkshake. Prices at Burger Oi are more affordable compared to other burger joints, with burgers ranging from 50,000 to 150,000 VND.

The Best Pizza Places in Vietnam for a Slice of Heaven

Pizza has become a staple in Vietnam’s food scene, with many pizza places offering a wide range of options for pizza lovers. Whether you prefer thin crust or deep dish, there are plenty of places in Ho Chi Minh City that serve up delicious pizzas.

One of the best pizza places in the city is Pizza 4P’s. With multiple locations in Ho Chi Minh City, this restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu filled with gourmet pizzas. Their must-try pizzas include the margherita, the truffle mushroom, and the prosciutto and arugula. Prices at Pizza 4P’s are on the higher side, with pizzas ranging from 200,000 to 400,000 VND.

Another popular pizza place in Ho Chi Minh City is Pizza Hut. With multiple locations in the city, this restaurant offers a casual dining experience and a menu filled with classic pizzas. Their menu highlights include the pepperoni pizza, the Hawaiian pizza, and the BBQ chicken pizza. Prices at Pizza Hut are more affordable compared to other pizza places, with pizzas ranging from 100,000 to 300,000 VND.

For those looking for a more authentic Italian experience, Pizza 1+1 is the perfect choice. Located in District 1, this restaurant offers a cozy setting and a menu filled with traditional Italian pizzas. Their must-try pizzas include the margherita, the quattro formaggi, and the capricciosa. Prices at Pizza 1+1 are more affordable compared to other pizza places, with pizzas ranging from 100,000 to 200,000 VND.

Where to Find the Best Seafood in Vietnam

Vietnam is known for its fresh seafood, and there are plenty of seafood restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City that offer a wide range of options for seafood lovers. From grilled fish to seafood hotpots, these restaurants serve up delicious dishes that highlight the flavors of the sea.

One of the best seafood restaurants in the city is Nha Hang Ngon. Located in District 1, this restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere and a menu filled with traditional Vietnamese seafood dishes. Their must-try dishes include grilled squid, seafood hotpot, and stir-fried clams with lemongrass. Prices at Nha Hang Ngon are more affordable compared to other seafood restaurants, with dishes ranging from 100,000 to 300,000 VND.

Another popular seafood restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City is Quan Ut Ut. Located in District 1, this restaurant offers a casual dining experience and a menu filled with mouthwatering seafood dishes. Their menu highlights include grilled prawns, seafood gumbo, and fish and chips. Prices at Quan Ut Ut are on the higher side, with dishes ranging from 200,000 to 400,000 VND.

For those looking for a more upscale dining experience, The Crab Shack is the perfect choice. Located in District 2, this restaurant offers a luxurious setting and a menu filled with delicious seafood options. Their must-try dishes include crab cakes, lobster thermidor, and seafood paella. Prices at The Crab Shack are on the higher end, with dishes ranging from 300,000 to 600,000 VND.

The Best Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in Vietnam

Vegetarian and vegan culture has been growing in Vietnam, and there are now many restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City that cater to those following a plant-based diet. These restaurants offer a wide range of options for vegetarians and vegans, from traditional Vietnamese dishes to international cuisine.

One of the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in the city is Hum Vegetarian. Located in District 1, this restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu filled with delicious plant-based dishes. Their must-try dishes include pho chay (vegetarian pho), banh xeo chay (vegetarian crepes), and mango sticky rice.