The allure of hole-in-the-wall eateries in Ho Chi Minh City lies in their elusive nature and limited seating capacity, creating a sense of exclusivity that piques curiosity and urges diners to experience them at least once before they become too popular. This sense of exclusivity, coupled with people’s passion for discovering unique dining experiences and the fear of missing out, fuels their irresistible appeal.
The feeling of scarcity also contributes to a heightened sense of appreciation among diners for the opportunity to savor delicious meals in a private and tranquil setting. Patrons value the current “lowkey” status of these eateries because they understand that once a place gains popularity, the intimate atmosphere they cherish will inevitably change. Join us as we uncover these enigmatic dining destinations!
1 Com Tam Nguyen Dinh Chinh
Com Tam Nguyen Dinh Chinh
Restaurant Quality: 4.6/5 (Google Rating)
Address: 33/16 Nguyen Dinh Chinh, Ward 8, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:30 AM & 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Usually crowded at 8:00 AM)
Price Range: VND 48,000 – 70,000
Phone Number: 0933616230
Facebook: None
Delivery: Yes (Shopee Food)
Menu Highlights: Broken Rice with Grilled Pork, Pork Skin, and Crab Paste; Crispy Pork with Broken Rice, etc.
Signature Dish: Crispy Pork with Broken Rice (VND 55,000)
Pros: Well-known for delicious food, diverse menu, cozy atmosphere, and delivery options.
Cons: Small space, tucked away in an alley, making it a bit hard to find.
Tucked away in a small alley, Com Tam Nguyen Dinh Chinh, also known as “Com Tam Hep 33” or “Hidden Alley Broken Rice,” has become a beloved breakfast spot for many locals. With a limited operating time of just 2-3 hours in the morning, the restaurant often sells out quickly.
What sets this place apart is their signature “crispy pork” dish, made from pork jowl and seasoned to perfection. In addition to this unique offering, they also serve traditional broken rice dishes with grilled pork and pork belly to cater to a range of tastes.
For loyal patrons, Com Tam Hep 33 is the motivation to wake up early and enjoy a delightful breakfast. Despite its small size and hidden location, the restaurant consistently attracts a steady stream of customers thanks to its mouthwatering broken rice and enticing side dishes like crispy pork belly, pork floss, and crab paste, which keep diners coming back for more.
2 Op La Suon Chao Lanh Binh Thang
Op La Suon Chao Lanh Binh Thang
Restaurant Quality: 4.2/5 (Google Rating)
Address: 195 Binh Thoai, Ward 9, District 11, Ho Chi Minh City (Previous address: 21 Street No. 2 – Cua Xa Binh Thoi, Ward 8, District 11)
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Price Range: VND 45,000 – 55,000
Phone Number: 0907362810
Facebook: None
Delivery: No
Menu Highlights: Banh Mi Chao Op La (Vietnamese Bread with Fried Egg), Banh Mi Chao Dac Biet (Special Vietnamese Bread with Toppings), Noodles, Fried Rice, etc.
Signature Dish: Banh Mi Chao Op La Dac Biet (Special Vietnamese Bread with Fried Egg and Toppings) (VND 55,000)
Pros: Long-standing restaurant, unique and delicious marinated pork topping, enthusiastic service.
Cons: May need to wait at times.
Are you looking for a weekend gathering spot to enjoy a hearty breakfast with friends and plenty of laughter? Op La Suon Chao Lanh Binh Thang is the perfect destination, offering a full-topping bread dish that will tantalize your taste buds.
Order their special combination, and you’ll be treated to a sizzling pan filled with flavorful marinated pork, a fried egg, savory pork sausage, and creamy pate. Dip the crispy bread into the sweet and sour pork sauce, and you’ll understand why this dish is so popular.
The restaurant boasts a spacious and airy sidewalk seating area, bathed in natural sunlight. The owners are always busy preparing delicious meals, ensuring that your pan of bread is served hot and loaded with toppings. Located behind the Leadership Binh Thang Park, the restaurant offers a warm and intimate atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to catch up with friends and enjoy a leisurely weekend morning.
Note: The restaurant has moved to a new location at 195 Binh Thoai, Ward 9, District 11.
3 Taipu Udon
Taipu Udon
Restaurant Quality: 4.8/5 (Google Rating)
Address: 373/6 Nguyen Kiem, Ward 9, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Closed on Mondays and Wednesdays (Usually crowded at 3:00 PM)
Price Range: VND 40,000 – 95,000
Phone Number: 0933616230
Facebook: Taipu Udon
Delivery: Yes (Shopee Food)
Menu Highlights: Udon Noodles with Beef, Spicy Pork Udon, Stir-fried Udon with Beef, Kimchi Udon with Beef, Seafood Udon, etc.
Signature Dish: Seafood Udon (VND 95,000)
Pros: Diverse menu, delicious and authentic Japanese udon, beautifully presented dishes.
Cons: Small space with limited seating.
Taipu Udon, nestled in an alley on Nguyen Kiem Street, exudes the charm of a simple home-turned-restaurant. True to its name, which translates to “lowkey restaurant,” Taipu Udon offers an intimate dining experience with limited seating, creating a sense of exclusivity that appeals to young udon enthusiasts.
Despite its modest size, Taipu Udon pays meticulous attention to branding and presentation. From its impressive logo to the artful arrangement of dishes like seafood udon, curry, and tempura, the restaurant evokes a sense of curiosity and temptation that draws diners to its hidden location in the alley.
4 Here and Now Vegetarian
Here and Now Vegetarian
Restaurant Quality: 4.4/5 (Google Rating)
Address: 220/12 Nguyen Trong Tuyen, Ward 8, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Closed on Mondays (Usually crowded at 7:00 PM)
Price Range: VND 20,000 – 260,000
Phone Number: 02862926669
Facebook: Here & Now Vegetarian
Delivery: No
Menu Highlights: Tofu Fried with Lemongrass and Salt, Banh Xep (Vietnamese Pancake), Cha Gio (Spring Rolls), Pomelo Salad, Summer Rolls, Miso Ramen, Seaweed Fried Rice, Curry, Hot Pot with Fish Sauce, Thai Hot Pot, Black Sesame Sweet Soup, Banana Sweet Soup, etc.
Signature Dish: Miso Ramen (VND 90,000)
Pros: Diverse vegetarian menu, beautifully presented dishes, spacious and green surroundings.
Cons: Small space.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of Saigon, Here and Now Vegetarian offers a refreshing oasis with its vegetarian menu. Tucked away in an alley on Nguyen Trong Tuyen Street in Phu Nhuan District, the restaurant provides a peaceful atmosphere with a touch of greenery.
Step into Here and Now, and you’ll be enveloped in a cozy and soothing ambiance. Despite its modest size, the restaurant takes great care in preparing its dishes, ensuring a memorable and wholesome vegetarian dining experience.
5 Enya Izakaya
Enya Izakaya
Restaurant Quality: 4.2/5 (Google Rating)
Address: 15B 21 Le Thanh Ton, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: 5:00 PM – 11:30 PM (Usually crowded at 7:00 PM)
Price Range: VND 100,000 – 250,000
Phone Number: 0938902098
Facebook: ENYA – Japanese Pub
Delivery: No
Menu Highlights: Udon Noodles, Yakiniku Grilled Skewers, Various Hot Pot Options, Japanese-style Bar Snacks, etc.
Signature Dish: Udon Noodles
Pros: Authentic Japanese ambiance, delicious food, attentive staff.
Cons: Small space, located deep in the Japanese Town, a bit hard to find.
Nestled in the vibrant Le Thanh Ton alley, Enya stands out like a miniature Japanese oasis in the heart of Saigon. The restaurant is often bustling with customers, and at times, there’s even a waitlist despite reservations. What is it about Enya that makes it so alluring?
Stepping into Enya is like being transported to a traditional and cozy Japan. The space is tastefully adorned with floating lanterns, unique ukiyo-e paintings, and soothing Japanese music, creating a relaxing and intimate atmosphere.
The highlight of Enya is its diverse menu, featuring carefully crafted Japanese dishes that preserve the traditional flavors of the cuisine. Their signature udon noodles, served hot with a sweet and savory broth, are a must-try. Additionally, the restaurant offers Japanese-style bar snacks like Yakiniku grilled skewers and hot pots for those chilly Saigon nights.
6 B3 Steakhouse & Craft Beer
B3 Steakhouse & Craft Beer
Restaurant Quality: 4.5/5 (Google Rating)
Address: 1st Floor, 14 Nguyen Hue, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Usually crowded at 8:00 PM)
Price Range: VND 700,000 – 1,500,000
Phone Number: 0365199846
Facebook: B3 Steakhouse & Craft Beer
Delivery: No
Menu Highlights: Beefsteak, European Dishes
Signature Dish: Wagyu Beef Steak
Pros: Prime location, cozy and relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of a European beer pub, delicious food, beautifully presented dishes.
Cons: Not a large space.
Step into B3 Steakhouse & Craft Beer, and you’ll immediately sense its uniqueness—a vibrant space filled with lively conversations among diners, mostly foreigners. It’s like discovering a peaceful sanctuary in the midst of the bustling city, ideal for enjoying exquisite cuisine and exceptional
