I. Tips for eating in Vietnam

1. Eating Etiquette

When eating with chopsticks, do not leave the chopsticks in the rice bowl at the end of your meal. This resembles the incense sticks used to commemorate a death and is considered insulting.   Place the used chopsticks side by side either on the table or more commonly, on top of the bowl.

Do not tap the edge of your rice bowl with your chopsticks: The older believe that if you do such thing, next life you will not have enough rice to eat (But in fact,  because tapping chopsticks to the bowl will cause chipping to the bowl hence dangerous if you swallow it accidental when eating your rice -)

Do finish until last grain of rice in the bowl. Sometime you can see people hold the chopsticks (lay the chopsticks paraleil to the ground) and slightly bowed. That' s the gesture to thank God - Heaven and Earth - and people who work hard to produce the grain of rice to feed them.

If you are invite to a family meal, wait until the oldest member of the family eat, then you can follow after that: That' s the gesture to show your respect to them. And eat all things they put into your bowl: Your host chose the best bit to his/her guest. Is you had enough food , slightly cover your hand over your bowl and refuse politely and they will stop adding food into your bowl.

Happy eating!!!

(Source: http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk)

2. Recommended Vietnamese food

If you are in Vietnam, it would be a big pity not to try the captivating local food. Take a look into some of the suggested ones, then try, and you will bump into a big nice Shock! Deeply Delicious and cannot forget! By the way, for the safety of your stomach, we suggest you try them at the restaurants rather than food vendors on the streets. For interesting information of Vietnamese Food & Drink or Delicacies, please click here: http://www.vietnam-beauty.com/food-a-drink.html

Pho - Noodles

Banh Cuon (Rice Flour Steamed Rolls)

Nem Ran or Cha Gio (fried spring roll)

Hu Tieu (My Tho Noodle Soup)
My Tho seafood noodle soup contains soy bean, lemon, chilli, and soy sauce. This southern dish originates in My Tho town, 70 kilometres from Ho Chi Minh City. The sweet aroma of the broth comes from the meat, dried squid and special condiments.

Banh Chung (Sticky Rice Cake)
Sticky rice cakes are a traditional dish normally cooked during Vietnamese’s New Year. It is made of glutinous rice, pork meat, and green beans paste wrapped in a square of bamboo leaves, giving the rice a green colour after boiling. Nowadays, sticky rice cakes are available throughout the year. During the Tet or New Year, they are served with lean meat pie and salted sour onions.

1. In Hanoi

BOBBY CHIN
1 Ba Trieu St.,
Tel: 943 8578
Serves Fusion cuisine and offers a nice ambience for the late (evening with drinks and shisha.) >KOTO
61 Van Mieu St.,
Tel: 747 0338
Project for street kids. Very friendly and dedicated staff and real good food. Located in opposite to the Temple of Literature. Breakfast and lunch, dinner in from Fri to Sun.
Don’t miss it!

AU LAC
57 Ly Thai To St.,
Tel: 825 7807
Courtyard setting, snack and dishes from all over, reasonable prices. Located just in opposite to the Metropole Hotel.

HANOI GARDEN
36 Hang Manh St.,
Tel: 824 2402
Nice courtyard setting with water cascading down one wall. Delicious Vietnamese fare and good prices.

LITTLE HANOI –The Original
9 Ta Hien St.,
Tel: 926 0639
Located in the Old Quarter. Serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine at very reasonable prices. Good service. Don’t confuse with another place also called little Hanoi. Ask for the original!

R & R TAVERN – BARs & PUBs
Address: 47 Lo Su St, Hanoi
Tel: 04-934-4109
American-owned R & R Tavern is the best place in town for a taste of classic rock and a chance to meet up with expats who dig it. They have live music Thursday to Saturday and draw a big crowd. They're located just northwest of Hoan Kiem Lake on Lo Su, just a short walk east of the busy shoe-sellers area at lakeside.

SOLACE – BARs & PUBs
Location: End of Chuong Duong Do, Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi
Tel: 0912 174 730
When everything else closes, head out to sea (okay, the river) to dance until sunrise on Solace. This place used to be The Titanic and they have inherited the old bar's reputation as the final stop before the stumble home. House and techno music blasts on the weekends. On weekdays, patrons often jump behind the turntables to try their hand at playing DJ.

HIGHWAY 4
5 Hang Tre St.,
Tel: 926 0639
Vietnamese authentic and Rice wines. Sometimes really unique are the home-made liquors. A must!

THE DELI/ PRESS CLUB
59A Ly Thai To St.,
Tel: 934 0888
Fine dining. Deli also offers from Mon to Fri set lunches at very reasonable prices.
A highlight!

PHO BIEN (sea food)
Address: 14 Trang Thi St.,
Tel: 824 0060
Delicious sea food. Good service. Just try!

CHA CA LA VONG
Address: 14 Cha Ca St.,
Tel: 825 3929
Unique Vietnamese cuisine. Unique taste!

RED LANTERN CHINESE RESTAURANT
Address: Fortuna hotel, 6B Lang Ha St.,
Great Chinese food!

KHAZANA
Address: 41B Ly Thai To St.,
For good Indian food, come here!

SAIGON SAKURA
Address: 17 Trang Thi St.,
Serves excellent Japanese food with a Japanese decoration. Good!

HAN KOOK KWAN
Address:  31 Nguyen Tri Thanh St.,
Well serves Korean food.

MARCO POLO
Address:  68 Le Van Huu St.,
Very fine dining with Italian food, a romantic atmosphere!

AN LAC RESTAURANT (Vegetarian)
Address: 15 Hang Cot St.

PAN E VINO
3 Nguyen Khac Can St.,
 826 9080( Italian Restaurant and Enoteca.
Located near the Opera House.
Italian Chef Marco offers excellent food and a good choice of wines at reasonable price.

FINNEGAN’S
16A Duong Thanh St.,
Tel: 828 9065
Irish Pub. Cold beer and snacks. Very recommendable!

BAO KHANH STREET – BARs & PUBs
Most popular on Bao Khanh Street:
Funky Monkey at 31 Hang Thung (tel. 04/928-6113) for music, pool tables, pizzas, and a cool black-light menu.
Polite Pub at 5 Bao Khanh (tel. 04/825-0959; open 5pm-2 or 3am), a popular gay men's hangout, but pretty "straight friendly," too. All of these spots are open late, and the street's always hoppin'. There are lots of nearby dining options as well.

MINH’S JAZZ CLUB
31 Luong Van Can St.,
Tel: 828 7890
Hanoi’s first Jazz club. Located in the Old Quarter. Daily Live Jazz.

MOCA CAFÉ.
14 Nha Tho St.,
Tel: 825 6334
Very popular Bistro in a picturesque street closed to the Cathedral.

RENDEZ-VOUS CAFE
Address:  136 Hang Trong St.,
EMPEROR PUB
Address:  18B Le Thanh Tong St.,

VINE
3 Xuan Dieu St., Tay Ho Dist.,
Tel: 719 8000
Wine & Food. Among the best international spots in town; excellent service!

2. In Hue & Hoian

HOA MAI
51 Le Loi St., Hue
Located on the top of Huong Giang Hotel.
Good Vietnamese and Western food in a superb view.

TROPICAL GARDEN
5 Chu Van An St., Hue
Tel: 847 143
Classic Vietnam restaurant. Good price.

SONG HUONG
Le Loi St., Hue
Located at the north of Trang Tien Bridge.
Good food at reasonable price. Friendly staff.

VIEN DONG
28 Vo Thi Sau St., Hue
Tel: 830 995
With the restaurant set in a sublime, lush tropical garden, dinners are in quite romantic corners as well as fine view overlooking pool and the garden.

DMZ BARS AND CLUBS
44 Le Loi St., Hue
Popular spot for travelers in the evening for eating, playing pool and dancing

MANDARIN CAFÉ.
12 Hung Vuong St., Hue
Geared to the small budget travelers, vegetarian dishes and famous banana pancakes.

AN NAM
1 Cua Dai road, Hoian
Tel: 927 040
Located at Victoria Hoian Resort. Excellent food and good value fro money. Vietnamese delicacies and good service.

BROTHER CAFÉ.
27 Phan Boi Chau, Hoian
Tel: 914150
Daily buffet lunch and dinner in the courtyard of an old house.
Very recommendable.

SONG DO
Hoian Riverside Resort, Cua Dai road
Very nice restaurant offers the superb view of Hoian river and green field. Good Vietnamese and International cuisine. Price is a bit expensive but worth.

HOI AN HAI SAN
Address: 64 Bach Dang St, Hoi An
Tel: 05100-861-652
Cuisine: Asian/Pac Rim
Hai-san means "seafood" in Vietnamese and "hello" in Swedish. The owners, longtime Swedish expat Calle and Hoa, his Vietnamese wife, offer just that: "Hello, seafood!" This is one of the few spots on Hang Bac that doesn't need to try to drag you in because it's the food that brings folks here. I had a delicious grilled, marinated tuna filet with ginger, garlic, and lemon grass and served in a light coconut milk. The sea scallops in cream sauce are a favorite. Everything's good here, and it's a good place to linger, enjoy the Swedish lingonberry (a kind of cranberry) ice cream, and watch the goings-on on busy Bach Dang.

THE MERMAID (NHU Y) RESTAURANT
Address: 02 Tran Phu St, Hoi An
Tel: 0510/861-527
Website: www.hoianhospitality.com
This quiet spot in the heart of downtown is an ivy-draped, unassuming storefront that serves some of the best authentic Vietnamese food in town (for next to nothing). If you like what you eat, stick around and take a cooking class in the large adjoining kitchen that's open to the street: Here's a unique chance to bring some of Vietnam home to your kitchen. I had a scrumptious tuna filet cooked in a banana leaf with turmeric. The spring rolls are light and fresh, with a whole jumbo shrimp in each, and they serve the most unique dish, called white eggplant: It's eggplant covered in spring onion, garlic, and chili, and then pressed, sliced, and served in a light oil. Everything is good. The staff members also teach the class and are very friendly and can explain it all.

MANGO ROOMS
Address: 111 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Hoi An
Tel: 0510-910-839
You found it! The hippest little restaurant between Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi. Owner and chef Duc spent his formative years in Texas before earning his stripes in hotels and fine-dining establishments. He brings to Hoi An his own blend of cuisines, putting words like salsa and Vietnamese nuoc mam (fish sauce) in jarring juxtaposition, and serving up cool combinations of California cuisine, down-home barbecue, and Pacific Rim -- all stylishly presented in a fashion that would make the grade among the finest bistros of New York or San Francisco (he calls it "Vietnamese with a twist served California-style"). Duc runs the show from an open central kitchen and greets guests with a flamboyant, "Oh man, we're rockin' tonight!" as he steps out from behind the grill to see if he can help you find a seat and tempt you with some new idea. Try the likes of La Tropicana, a chicken breast with lemon grass and garlic, the "Asian Sins" of rice noodles pan-fried with vegetables, garlic, onion, and sweet basil, or seared tuna in rice paper. There are fresh-fish specials daily. The drink list is long, and you can't stump the Italian barman. Try the delicious sticky rice with mango for dessert.

HOI AN CARGO CLUB & PATISSERIE
Address: 107-109 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Hoi An
Tel: 0510-910-489
Website: www.hoianhospitality.com
Ms. Vy expands her Hoi An empire with a unique, open-air patisserie and French cafe. This stylish storefront serves light meals in a lounge bar on the first floor and, upstairs, is a refined restaurant specializing in contemporary Vietnamese cuisine. There are good seafood dishes like the crab in five spices or jumbo shrimp with tamarind sauce. Sandwiches, soups, and salads are good and served with fine fresh bread that's baked on-site. Upstairs seating is on a cool balcony overlooking the river or a chic indoor space, and the first floor offers casual bar or lounge seating. Curries and good veggie dishes round out a good, affordable menu. They've also got the best pastries in southern Vietnam. Cargo Club is a good place to reconnoiter if traveling in a group or to meet other travelers.

SONG HOAI, THE SAIGON TIMES CLUB
Address: 119-121 Nguyen Thai Hoc (riverside), Hoi An
Tel: 0510-910-369
Set in the most picturesque period building in town, on a corner overlooking riverside Bach Dang, this Saigon-managed restaurant is as much about atmosphere as it is about dining. Rivaled only by Brother's, the two open floors here reflect true old Hoi An elegance. The second floor has great views of the river and is dramatic, with a high, exposed tile ceiling and languid ceiling fans. I had the Vietnamese-style ravioli, the local white rose specialty, and enjoyed fresh pan-fried shrimp. They serve regional dishes like Hanoi cha ca and mi quang wide noodles. Presentation is arguably the classiest in town, with fine china, stemware, and lacquered dishes on linen, and the service is professional if a bit hovering. A good choice for a romantic evening of fine dining, Hoi An-style.

TAM-TAM CAFÉ
Address: 110 Nguyen Thai Hoc St, Hoi An
Tel: 0510/862-212
Tam-Tam is the place to be in Hoi An. The brainchild of three French expats, it is historic and laid-back, serving good, familiar food. The decor is authentic local-style, with hanging bamboo lamps, a high wooden ceiling, and fantastic wooden figurines. The dinner menu, served in a separate restaurant room with checkered tablecloths, is simple - featuring generous portions of homemade pastas, steaks, and salads - but the food is delicious. The dessert menu includes flambéed crepes, sorbet, and hot chocolate. There are two bar rooms: The bigger one to the left of the entry has a pool table, a book-swap shelf, comfortable lounge chairs, and sofas, and is the place to hang out in Hoi An. The extensive drink menu features all kinds of bang-for-the-buck rum specials, and there's even a small counter on the balcony where you can sip a cocktail and watch life go by on the street below. Even if just for a coffee, don't miss this place.

BROTHER’S CAFÉ
Address: 27 Pham Boi Chau St, Hoi An
Tel: 0510/914-150
Serving similar fine Vietnamese fare as its sister restaurant in Hanoi (but here it's a la carte, not buffet), Brother's Café is the town's top choice for cuisine and atmosphere. A bland street-side facade gives way to the lush, garden sanctuary formed by this grand U-shape colonial by the river. Indoor seating is upscale Indochina of a bygone era, and the courtyard is dotted with canvas umbrellas to while away a balmy afternoon or enjoy a candlelit evening riverside. The fare is gourmet Vietnamese at its finest, with great specials; be sure to ask for a recommendation. It's a good place to try local items like the white rose, a light Vietnamese ravioli, or cao lao noodles. Set menus are great here and change daily. With a group, this is a great spot to order up family-style and sample it all. They also feature a cooking school (just ask the staff). Everything's good, the atmosphere is great, and the staff couldn't be friendlier.

CAFÉ DES AMIS
Address: 52 Bach Dang, Hoi An
Tel: 0510/861-616
What's on the menu? There isn't one. It's your choice of a set menu, either seafood or vegetarian, and the details are, well, a surprise. And the surprise is always good; one of the best meals in Vietnam, if you ask me. But don't ask me. Read the straight dope from the many guests who come and sign their endorsements in Mr. Kim's lengthy guest book (you'll be asked to sign, too, of course). I enjoyed a leisurely meal starting with a savory clear soup, fried won tons with shrimp, broiled fish, stuffed calamari, and scallops on the half shell. Sit back and surrender yourself to the surprises of the effusive Mr. Kim and his attentive staff. He is careful to explain the intricacies of each dish and even demonstrates how to eat some of the more unique entrees. The food is great, and a meal here makes for a memorable evening.

CAFETERIA 22
Address: 22 Nguyen Hue St, Hoi An
Tel: 0510-861-603
You're greeted by the kind proprietor herself, Miss Ly, always dressed to the nines and welcoming. The menu is limited, but that means everything is always available and fresh in this little hole-in-the wall cafe in the heart of the old town. Cafeteria 22 is the best place in Hoi An to try the town's famous fried won tons, a rice pastry stuffed with meat, shrimp, and onion and topped with Ly's special sauce, onion, and tomato - messy and delicious. Ly has been at it for over 10 years now and has just the right formula. There's nothing fancy here, and that is the appeal for folks who tire easily of trumped-up atmosphere and overpriced, altered versions of local fare. Come meet Ly and try the real deal.

THE WHITE LANTERN
Address: 810 Nhi Trung St, Hoi An
Tel: 0510/863-023
This is a very popular tour group stop, so try to get there early (or late); if you see buses parked out front, head for the hills. Everyone's here for good reason, though: delicious, affordable Vietnamese cuisine and a mellow atmosphere. Strumming guitarists roam the tables playing old Beatles melodies and some nice local numbers, and the large open area on the first floor, with long tables for groups, and the second-floor balcony space are dimly lit and romantic. Owned by the same folks that run Nhu Y, above, this is a slightly upscale version. Set menus are a great bet; I had a fine meal of a delicate won-ton soup, spring rolls, and chicken in a light curry. It's a good find just north of the town center.

BALE WELL
Address: 45-51 Tran Hung Dao St, Hoi An
Tel: 0510/864-443
Bale Well is the epitome of local dining, but they're quite used to foreign visitors and make you feel right at home. This is your chance to experience squat stools and dining at street-side, but with a good standard of cleanliness ensured. The meal is simple: a set menu of nem nuong, the kind of spring rolls that you make yourself, rolling chicken, beef, or pork with fresh greens and condiments into sheets of rice paper. A set for one costs just 35,000 VND ($2.35/£1.30). You might also want to try the good pork satay, savory banh xeo (pancakes), or good fried spring rolls. The restaurant is in a little alley just off of Tran Hung Dao Street. The sign is more or less hidden, as if to say "If you know where you're going, you're here."

GODA
Address: 308 Cua Dai St, Hoi An
Tel: 051-923-644
A crossroads of Vietnam and the West, this locally owned cafe offers a good host of specials: papaya salad, hot pots, local stews, and stir-fries, as well as burgers, pasta, and pizza. But because it's Vietnamese-owned and -run, it's best to stick with local dishes (though locals who come here all eat the very average pizza). The place is a contemporary, chic, two-story cafe with a big winding staircase and good jazz music piped in. Located on Cua Dai Street about halfway between the town and beach, it's a good stop on the way back from the beach for coffee. Bad English writing on the menu about the philosophy of the place, with far too many adjectives, begs for editing. Offer to do it and they'll buy

NAN LONG
Address: 103 Cua Dai St, Hoi An
Tel: 0510/923-723
The owners of Brother's Café stake out a claim on Cua Dai road. This is the place to come for a secluded, riverside view. A hostess greets you out front, and leads you through the front garden, past wild lilies, palm trees, and orchids floating in water vessels. The indoor seating is nicer than Brother's, with dark wooden chairs with double happiness symbols carved into the back, and subdued lighting throughout. However, it's still better to stake out a table on the outdoor patio, next to the river. Food and staff are as fabulous and friendly as at Brother's.

WAN LU
Address: 27 Tran Phu, Hoi An
Tel: 0510/861-212
Pull up a chair and try the special, cao lau, a thick but tender white noodle in light soy with fresh vegetables, garnish, and croutons. This is where the locals eat it, and if it's not your cup of tea, then you're out only 6,000 VND (40¢/£0.20). It's an open-air place, and the atmosphere is a little rough, but they serve a nice selection of local favorites, too, all for next to nothing. The portions are big and everything's authentic, right down to the kindness in this little mom-and-pop. There are no touts here -- it's the food that brings 'em in.

LY CAFETERIA 22
22 Nguyen Hue St., Hoian
Tel: 861603
A true Hoian institution. Good local food at reasonable price. Close very late.

CAFÉ DES AMIS
52 Bach Dang St.,
Tel: 861616
Offers both seafood and vegetarian menus at good price.

HAI’S SCOUT CAFÉ
98 Nguyen Thai Hoc St.,
Tel: 863210
Located in a pleasant courtyard. It serves sandwiches, light meals, real cappuccinos, lattes, and cocktails.

3. In Da Nang

Indochine Garden
Address: 18 Tran Phu, Danang
Tel: 0511/887-007
Cuisine: Asian/Pac Rim
Frog, fish, eel, pigeon? Go for it! Housed in a dolled-up faux colonial (a 1960s-era bank building), the Indochine Garden is the only restaurant that draws tourists in Danang. The staff is friendly and greets you at the door in flashy ao dai dresses for the women and snappy local costume for the lads. Nobody speaks English, but everyone smiles and nods and the good English menu does most of the talking. The high ceilings with rattan ceiling fans swirling is a nice effect, and the Vietnamese classical music is soothing. The good Vietnamese fare, served with fresh ingredients, is very affordable. Cover the table with your choice of stir-fries and curries. The spring rolls are tops.

4. In Nha Trang

CASA ITALIA
72 Tran Phu St.,
Tel: 826528
An authentic Italian ristorante, serves( excellent pasta and fine wine. Fresh seafood menus can be found there.

RED STAR
14 Biet Thu St.,
Tel: 812790
Excellent seafood in a pleasant atmosphere.

CAFÉ DES AMIS
2D Biet Thu St.,
Tel: 813009
A popular spot with excellent vegetarian fare. The restaurant is decorated with many Vietnamese paintings.

JACK’S BAR
96A Tran Phu St.,
The bar boats a roof terrace overlooking Nha Trang bay, two pool tables, good music and cheap cold beer.

NHA TRANG SAILING CLUB
72 Tran Phu St.,
Tel: 826528
This is an open- air beach bar. It is best known for thumping music, wild dancing, flowing shots, pool and general mayhem. It also offers Vietnamese food.

5. In Da Lat

LE CAFE DE LA POSTE
Address: 12 Tran Phu St, Dalat
Tel: 063/825-444
This cozy, colonial gem, part of the Dalat Palace Hotel, is located in an open, airy corner building across from the post office (go figure). It's more a restaurant than cafe, really, and has a great selection of light choices, sandwiches, and desserts in addition to hearty entrees like spareribs, T-bone steak, and fresh pasta. The salads are big and fresh, and they have a great French onion soup. Don't miss the cheesecake for dessert. It's slightly pricey for Dalat, but it's worth it in a way that the Dalat Palace's fine-dining venue, Les Rabelais, is not.

LE RABELAIS
Address: 12 Tran Phu St, Dalat
Tel: 063/825-444
Dining here is an experience in genuine fine dining, French colonial style. Prices are high for this region, but so is the standard of preparation and service. The Sofitel people work closely with local organic farms, and all dishes are prepared with the finest fresh produce. In the tradition of the original 1922 Langbian Palace Hotel, Le Rabelais serves from a limited menu, which ensures that everything is done just right. Dinner is a slow progression of delicious courses. I had a divine crab flower that was crisped to perfection. The wine list is long and, unique in the region, the staff knows the right suggestions for any given meal; in fact the staff here is uniquely efficient and professional, attentive without either fawning or hovering. Certain things do get missed, but overall, a great place to take that special someone for an evening of candlelit opulence.

LONG HOA
Address: 6 Duong 3 Thang 2 (Duy Tan), Dalat
Tel: 063/822-934
On a busy street just opposite the hilltop cinema, this small bistro is a Dalat institution. Having just completed a major renovation, the new Long Hoa is bright and tidy but sacrifices none of the old charm. The cozy dining room has checkered tablecloths and an atmosphere that attracts passersby. The owner, a vivacious, self-taught speaker of many languages, is very welcoming and will walk you through any menu choices, travel recommendations, or local lore in the language of your choice. You'll feel like a regular or will become one even if you are in Dalat for only a few days. The menu is categorized by ingredient (chicken, beef, fish, and so on), and they have various sautéed or steamed dishes, as well as a variety of hot-pot dishes and soups that are great on cold Dalat nights. It's inexpensive, excellent local fare with a French flare.

ART CAFE
Address: 79 Truong Cong Dinh St, Dalat
Tel: 063/510-089
In the heart of the backpacker area along Truong Cong Dinh, ART Cafe serves up local cuisine at prices just a tick above the local standard, but in an intimate, semiformal dining room with white linen tablecloths and rattan tables and chairs. The owner (the artist himself) is very friendly and a good source of local information. They serve great stir-fries and have excellent vegetarian options. I had delicious fresh spring rolls and an order of savory tofu cooked in lemon grass with a side of steamed vegetables. Portions are large and ingredients fresh. Packed with young travelers nightly.

DALAT HOUSE
Address: 34 Nguyen Du, Dalat
Tel: 063/811-577
It's out of the town center, so you'll have to take a cab, but that somehow adds to the experience of this dolled-up new Western restaurant, a place where local businessmen go to impress clients -- it evokes the theme to The Godfather. It's a mix of Asian and Western cuisine served on fine white china on candlelit, linen-draped tables. The best local choices are the good stews that take the chill out of a cool Dalat evening: hot-pot dishes great for sharing, or baked clay-pot specials. Western meals are all country-club standbys: meat and potatoes, fish filet, and pasta.

6. In Hochiminh City (Saigon)

MANDARINE
11A Ngo Van Nam St.,
Tel: 822 9783
Fine selection of traditional dishes of southern, central and also northern cooking style. The food is superb and the pleasant decor and traditional music performances make it an all–round good bet.

QUAN AN NGON
138 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Dist 1
A good Vietnamese restaurant in Saigon.

LEMON GRASS
4 Nguyen Thiep St.,
Tel: 822 0496
This is one of the best Vietnamese restaurants in the city center.

HARBOR VIEW SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
2A Ton Duc Thang, Dist 1
Excellent seafood at good price.

TU DO (Liberty)
80 Dong Khoi St.,
Excellent and affordable Vietnamese food, expensive Chinese and Western food.
RESTAURANT 13
13 Ngo Duc Ke St.,
This is highly popular with locals and expats alike. Fresh and good food.

AUGUSTIN
10 Nguyen Thiep St.,
Tel: 829 2941
Popular French food and many consider it the city’s best cheap French restaurant.

MISS SAIGON
86 Le Thanh Ton St.,
Tel: 823 8174
Famous for seafood and Vietnamese dishes.

GIAO CAFÉ
11 Mac Dinh Chi St.,
Tel: 822 9796
Good Pizza and Sandwiches at good price in nice atmosphere.

GLOBO CAFÉ
6 Nguyen Thiep St.,
Tel: 822 8855
One of the trendier bar – restaurants in the Dong Khoi area, offering good French and Italian dishes, including praiseworthy pizza.

BASARA
28 Thai Van Lung, Dist 1
Tel: 825 6310
Popular for Japanese food, Japanese alike decorated rooms. Good service.

BODHI TREE (Vegetarian)
174/6 Pham Ngu Lao
Tel: 837 1910
Located in a narrow alley, two streets east of De Tham St.,
The food is excellent and very cheap. Don’t confuse with a neighbor restaurant has the same name.

KEM BACH DANG (Ice -cream)
28 Le Loi St.,
Tel: 829 2707
Famous since a long time, you can find some of the best ice cream in Vietnam. A specialty is ice cream served in a baby coconut with candied fruit on top (Kem Trai Dua)

ALLEZ BOO – BARs & PUBs
Address: 187 Pham Ngu Lao, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: 08-837-2505
Now a part of the Liberty 3 Hotel, Allez Boo is a popular hangout for young travelers. Set up like a little bamboo beachfront bar draped with icicle lighting, the place has seen an upgrade in recent years and the outdoor seating area on either side of this corner bar is always full of fellow wanderers.

GO 2 BAR
Address: 187 De Tham St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: 08-832-2389
This bar is in the backpacker district but you'll find everyone from backpackers to businessmen in this place. Why? It's the only place serving alcohol 24 hours a day. The terrace spills onto the street and the party regularly rocks on until 4 or 6 in the morning.

LEVEL 23 – Club & Music Scene
Address: 88 Dong Khoi St, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: 08-827-2828
Level 23 is a rotunda with two-story high ceilings overlooking town that hosts an all-out disco scene on the weekends. They feature good live bands. Imagine Indochina meets the Hard Rock Cafe. The bar is pretty dead on weeknights, so opt instead for the outdoor patio, a great place to have a chat over late night drinks.

MANNA – Club & Music Scene
Address: 1/F 26 Ho Huan Nghiep, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: 08-823-2978
This is the city's newest, grooviest little lounge bar. The music is a mixture, most weekends they host local bands (Vietnamese rock and rollers and expat jammers alike) in the early evenings. During later hours, it's thumping house and electronic music that makes your ears ring. A good place to mix and mingle with Saigon's young crowd!

Q BAR – Club & Music Scene
Address: 7 Cong Truong Lam Son, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: 08-823-3479
Website: www.qsaigon.com
Set in the cool, labyrinthine basement of the central opera house is the town's hippest club. This funky catacomb has good music, cozy private nooks, and an eclectic mix of people.

SAIGON SAIGON - Club & Music Scene
Address: 19 Lam Son, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: 08-823-4999
On the top floor of the old wing of the Caravelle Hotel, this very popular spot features live music (usually a Filipino cover band) and a terrific view from the balcony seating area. This is undoubtedly the most classic of Saigon experiences (journalists hung out here during the Vietnam War), with great views through heavy wooden shades and under slow-turning ceiling fans of Lam Son Square and the Opera House.

SAXN’ART – Club & Music Scene
Address: 28 Le Loi St, Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: 08-822-8472
Website: www.saxnart.com
This place hops, and jazz fans come special to get their fix from charismatic owner and mad horn blower Tran Manh Tuan, a classically trained musician who's traveled far and wide and always has good stories to tell.

XU – Club & Music Scene
Address: 71-75 Hai Ba Trung, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: 08-824-8468
This is a groovy place with big comfy couches and urban lounge tunes playing in the background. It's not so loud that you have to yell, and not so slow that you fall asleep. The cocktails are excellent - the coconut martini is near addictive. This is the perfect evening lounge spot in the hotel district.

BLUE GECKO BAR
31 Ly Tu Trong St.,
Tel: 824 3483
Is a major Aussie hang-out with the coldest beer in town. The music is good if you like Australian music – and you can shoot pool or watch sport on the haft-dozen or so TVs.

APOCALYPSE NOW
2B Thi Sach St.,
Tel: 825 6124
An exception to the rule. It’s been around forever and leads the pack for those seeking a naughtier aged one. The music is loud and the patrons are from all walks of life and apocalyptically rowdy.