The Vietcetera team won’t be found outside in the growing heat but we have come up with a list of places in The Directory to visit when the nights are cooler. Chill at these spots as you pray for a breeze.
Do something new this month? Did we forget you? Drop us a note.
Where to eat and drink
Banana Mama
Catch a breeze on this rooftop bar on the tenth floor of WMC Tower in District One. This is a perfect beach escape (is that sand between your toes?), as you recline back on the painted white wood chairs layered with colourful pillows. This laidback escape just had its soft opening at the end of last month. Reviewers have commended this rooftop as boasting the best views of the city, with great food and cocktails to enjoy throughout the night. The signature “Banana Mama” cocktail has dark rum, malibu coco, fresh pineapple and more among the mix that makes it to the list of summer drinks. The food menu itself features burgers from Marcel Gourmet Burger “Le Smash” and “Le Smokey” that sound filling and pair well with the venue’s soft opening drink menu. Although less than a month old, this rooftop bar already feels like the perfect escape for part of our July Directory.
Location: 10th floor – WMC Tower – 102 ABC Cong Quynh, Ho Chi Minh City
Dim Tu Tac
Dim Tu Tac is a must-go for any Cantonese cuisine fan out there. It seeks to bring contemporary Cantonese cuisine and classic Dim Sum to Vietnam. At each of its four branches, you will experience the Cantonese culture not only through the food but also the space of the restaurant. The menu itself features over 200 Cantonese dishes prepared by a team of professional chefs from China. A visit from Dim Tu Tac is not complete without ordering the classic Steamed Shrimp Dumpling, Braised Whole Abalone, and Peking Duck. Finish your meal with a glass of Hong Kong style milk tea. Definitely look out for its monthly specials; each branch will have its own. Come to any of Dim Tu Tac’s locations to enjoy the Cantonese vibe in the heart of Saigon!
Location: 55 Dong Du, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Lai Day Refill Station
The name itself seems to beckon us to come by again and again, so we’ll give it a rating of 4.5/5 for creativity. Echoing the name, the mission of the store is to cultivate a sustainable and green lifestyle in all of its customers. The 5R slogan — Reduce, Re-use, Recycle, Repair, Refuse — not only calls for the use of recyclable items, it also educates on the importance of rejecting consumerism in place of treasuring and repairing what we already have. Lai Day introduces a new way of shopping, BYO (Bring-Your-Own bottles or jars), to refill on your favourite products without relying on the traditional single-use plastic shopping bags. Lai Day also offers a range of home care and personal care products with the same philosophy of environmental friendliness.
Location(s): 83 Xuan Thuy, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
100 Ha Huy Tap, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City
Sol Kitchen & Bar
After several months of construction, Sol Kitchen & Bar recently held a soft opening at the end of June. Now, customers can spend a Saturday evening in Sol Kitchen & Bar’s airy dining area, characterized by its high ceilings and sophisticated design. Known as a Latin American escape in Saigon, Sol Kitchen & Bar serves Latin American cuisines from Mexico, Argentina, and Peru, such as elotes, empanadas, chorizos, tostadas, and ceviche. For those craving churros or other Latin American desserts, Sol Kitchen & Bar is the place to go. Their menu’s signature desserts include churros, conchas, and apple roses. If you’re not looking for a full meal, Sol Kitchen & Bar also serves cocktails and other drinks, making it the perfect place to relax and catch up with friends on the weekend. Make sure to review their reservation guidelines and place a reservation ahead of time for a smooth dinner date.
Location: 115 Ly Tu Trong, Ho Chi Minh City
SUGAR
With its recent soft opening in June, SUGAR has attracted many sweet lovers for its unique take on desserts accompanied by a chic atmosphere. SUGAR proudly serves housemade baked goods including baguettes, croissants, and danishes. In addition, this sweet location also has unique takes on their coffee drinks such as the Palm Sugar Macchiato. For those early birds out there, SUGAR is an ideal spot to grab a fresh baked tiem while enjoying a balcony view of the busy District 1. Grab some friends or family to try their unique Tiramisu, the signature dessert at SUGAR.
Location: 100 Mac Thi Buoi, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Related Content:
[Article] Vietnam Guide, The Directory June 2019: Eat and Drink, and See
[Article] Vietnam Guide, The Directory May 2019: Eat and Drink, and See