Hoi An on a Plate

Spice Viet Restaurant serves up lighter, fresher fare One of the joys of Hoi An is uncovering its surprisingly robust culinary scene. While part of the foodie experience is wandering down alleyways in search of a single-dish food stand that may or may not be open or even uncovering your own hole-in-the-wall find, sometimes you just want to enjoy it all with minimum … Read more

Recipe for Succes

In conversation with Zsuzsanna Rozsa, founder of restaurant consultant group Art of F&B, on troubleshooting problems and maximizing profits Tell us how you established a career in restaurant consultancy and why you felt there was a need for it here? I have been living and working in HCMC for over five years, after spending six … Read more

Fire Power

Quince Saigon serves up simple, smoky goodness The dictionary lists at least ten definitions for the word “simple”. Some carry a negative connotation (think: stupid, unsophisticated, or basic) whereas others are more positive (humble, unpretentious, the opposite of what kids mean when they say “extra”). Quince Saigon (37bis Ky Con, D1) embraces everything good about … Read more

Family First

Sun-drenched memories made at Novotel Phu Quoc Resort Looking to beat the winter blues, we find ourselves on a short flight from Saigon to Phu Quoc in search of sand, sea and sun. Once ensconced in our bungalow set among lush gardens conveniently located between Novotel Phu Quoc Resort’s main building and the beach, we … Read more

Anything But Simple

Located on one of Saigon’s most coveted downtown streets, a new bistro pairs romance with fusion fare The Little DOOR Bistro (49 Ton That Thiep, D1, www.facebook.com/thelittledoorbymrsimple) welcomes diners with a soft, warm glow from inside. Stark white tables illuminated by vintage bulbs, a sleek espresso bar and a display of delicate baked goods greet us … Read more

Juicy Grilled Glory

Meat-lovers will not want to miss the beer and barbecue at The Rooftop BBQ in District 1 Opened in June, what sets The Rooftop BBQ (2nd floor of M Plaza at 39 Le Duan, D1; www.facebook.com/therooftopbbq or therooftopbbq.com) apart, an open-air restaurant, are a few distinct features. First, unlike other BBQ places where you cook … Read more

Rediscover A Classic

A long-time favorite, Xu is still going strong with its ambitious, mostly assured nouvelle Vietnamese cooking Xu Restaurant Lounge (71-75 Hai Ba Trung, D1) is in the heart of the upscale area of District 1. Xu is trendy and a place filled to the brim with the hopes that something story-worthy will happen that night—similar … Read more

Garden Of The Senses

From Montpellier to Saigon, the three-Michelin starred Pourcel brothers have recreated their famed fine dining experience at Jardin Des Sens Saigon Within a 100-year-old French colonial villa, on the corner of Dien Bien Phu and Le Quy Don, is the latest gastronomic venture of twin brothers Jacques and Laurent Pourcel, bringing Vietnam its first fine … Read more

Small is The New Big

Saigon’s newest restaurant serving creative Italian cuisine and big dreams It’s often true that the most memorable dining venues aren’t the ones that are easiest to spot. You won’t walk past Small Vacancy – Lounge & Dining —it’s hidden away in the corner of the alley at 178/4B Pasteur, D1—but this striking venue with its intimate lighting, discrete seating, bold teak color scheme and melding of traditional British … Read more