Anan Saigon Review: Reinventing Vietnamese Cuisine

Anan Saigon is all about striking a balance between the traditional and modern. It’s located in the center of Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1—smack dab in the middle of one of the city’s oldest street markets. With a unique location and juxtaposed approach to its menu, Chef Peter Cuong Franklin is taking Vietnamese cuisine to the next level, and doing so with polished mastery.

Anan Saigon’s concept and cuisine

Chef Peter Cuong Franklin (who famously started Chôm Chôm in Hong Kong) returns to his home country to introduce “Cuisine Moi” or “New Vietnamese Cuisine”, at Anan Saigon.

The concept is about embracing new trends, while employing traditional techniques and local ingredients with a deep connection to Vietnam. Think of it as gourmet dining meets street food.

Our Vietcetera staff pick, the street-style Dalat pizza, is based on a regional dish from the chef’s hometown in Dalat. The Vietnamese-style pizza is made with local artisanal cheese, pork sausage products from an expert French charcutier based in Dalat, and is topped with a bouquet of local fresh herbs—a distinctive feature of Vietnamese gastronomy.

Highlights

The location is one its fine points, as visitors get a taste of local life in the buzzing, traditional markets surrounding.

From the gorgeous rooftop, you can take in Ho Chi Minh City’s neon-studded skyline providing a glimpse into the cosmopolitan cultivation taking place in modern day Vietnam. Unlike other rooftops in Ho Chi Minh City, Anan Saigon’s rooftop offers a true urban ambiance making way for a great place to sip a few cocktails and enjoy a few delectable dishes.

The Anan Saigon experience includes the restaurant on the ground and first floor, an outdoor deck area with a “bia hoi” and street food vibe, and the picturesque 6th floor rooftop bar.

Dishes like the Banh Xeo Taco and Dalat Style Pizzas pair well with the signature cocktails including the Phojito and the Tra Da, a gin-infused black tea.

If you’re keen on a full dinner, check out one of the four set menus cleverly named Anan Mot, Hai, Ba, Yo (which is a way to say ‘cheers’ in Vietnamese). Each set menu comes with an additional suggested drink pairing.

Insider tips

Make your visit a bit earlier in the evening for a chance to take in the full Anan Saigon experience. Start at the rooftop for happy hour which features a row of throwback bar stools.

Don’t forget to take a peek at the cozy rooftop backside which is perfect for dates or smaller groups. For a seat inside, head downstairs to the ground floor where you’ll get views of the chefs in action via the open kitchen.

What to know

Location: 89 Ton That Dam, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Hours: 5pm–Midnight, Tuesday-Sunday
Price: $$-$$$
Most popular menu items: Lemongrass Porkchop, Banh Xeo Tacos, Tra Da cocktail, Dalat-style pizza
X-factor: Anan Saigon’s rooftop. Enjoy a drink before or after dinner and take in the 360-degree panoramic view
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