If you’re in the mood for hidden bars and cafes, must-visit shops, or unforgettable street food, District 0 is ready to take you to Saigon’s hidden gems. These locations are recommendations from people who live in Ho Chi Minh City that we've recently profiled.
Hidden Nest Cafe: A cafe tucked away in a repurposed apartment building in District 1.
Recommended by Max.
About Hidden Nest: Located on the 3rd floor of a classic apartment building, Hidden Nest is a peaceful retreat from the busy streets of District 1. It lives up to its name, offering a cozy atmosphere perfect for those looking to relax or get some work done. The cafe is known for its specialty coffee beans sourced from around the world and its quality matcha drinks. It shares a building with other unique shops, making the entire apartment a destination in itself.
Try: The imported matcha, the featured specialty coffee beans, and the rest of the apartment complex the cafe is located in
Price Range: Specialty coffee (70k - 110k), matcha (60k-90k)
Address: 35 Nguyễn Văn Tráng, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, District 1
Hear more from Max here.
Bánh Canh Cua 14: For those that want thick chewy noodles in a crab and seafood broth in District 5.
Recommended by Mike.
About Bánh Canh Cua 14: In a district usually known for its Chinese and Dimsum fare, you'll find one of the best noodle dishes in the city. Expect chewier noodles than most other Vietnamese dishes, and a delicious seafood broth with all the fixins'. English menu available!
Try: Đặc Biệt Giò Heo- crab, shrimp, crab cakes, fish cakes, and pork knuckle in a delicious seafood broth.
Price Range: 50k - 70k / bowl
Address: 221 Đường Trần Bình Trọng, Phường 2, District 5
Hear more from Mike here and here.
Bluish: A music lover's dream cafe in Thảo Điền.
Recommended by Ivy
About Bluish: One of District 0's favourite cafes. Located in the heart of Thảo Điền, the space is owned by a music, coffee, and baked goods lover. Also a passionate record collector, Anh, designed a laid-back and cozy space perfect for a quiet afternoon on your own or with a date.
Try: Drink their cà phê sữa đá (ice coffee with condensed milk) or one of their speciality drinks, pet the cat, browse their record selection upstairs.
Price range: 50k-60k for a caffeinated drink, 60k-90k for a beer.
Hear more from Ivy here.
Curious about the best cafes to visit in the city? Here's our list of the best cafes in Saigon, recommended by locals.
OhiOhi.Shop: A charming shop in Bình Thạnh with unique ceramics, bonsai, and matcha tastings.
Recommended by Nhi.
About OhiOhi.Shop: Tucked away in Bình Thạnh district, OhiOhi.Shop is a hidden gem for those looking for unique, handcrafted Japanese inspired items. The shop offers a curated selection of ceramics, glassware, and books, along with beautiful kusamono bonsai and other art pieces. Check their page for upcoming Japanese inspired events like sake tastings.
Try: Buy their unique handcrafted items, and make sure to book a matcha tasting.
Price range: Matcha tastings 350k+ , free to browse!
Address: 195/26 Nguyễn Văn Thương, Phường 25, Bình Thạnh
Hear more from Nhi here.
RetroSaigon Cafe: The ultimate Phạm Viết Chánh hangout for board games, retro consoles, and craft beer.
Recommended by Louis and Dat.
About RetroSaigon: For those that are bored by usual bars, RetroSaigon is perfect. The bar features a large imported and craft beer selection, three floors of board games, video games, darts and billiards, as well as a spacious rooftop area. Perfect for groups, or to get a bit adventurous on date night.
Try: The old school consoles downstairs, the rooftop with a view of Landmark 81, the dart board, billiards, and shuffle board, and the vintage style karaoke room (book in advance!)
Price Range: Craft beers 95k+ , Cocktails 150k+, Local beers 50k+
Hear more from Louis here and here.
Hear more from Dat here and here.
Chợ Thiếc: A historic market in District 11, famous for its bustling jewelry stalls and incredible Chinese-Vietnamese street food.
Recommended by Tung.
About Chợ Thiếc: Tucked away in the heart of District 11, Thiếc Market is an authentic glimpse into old Saigon. While it’s known as the city’s largest gold and jewelry market, the real treasure lies in the food stalls that surround it. The area is a hub for Chinese-Vietnamese cuisine, with decades-old family-run spots serving up time-honored dishes.
Try: Hủ tiếu mì (wonton noodles) from one of the many famous stalls nearby, bột chiên (fried rice flour cake), and chè tàu (a Chinese style sweet soup dessert).
Price range: 20k-50k per dish
Address: 129 Phó Cơ Điều, Phường 7, District 11
Hear more from Tung here.
Bar Commune: A cozy, hidden bar in Japan Town with live DJs and an extensive Japanese liquor selection.
Recommended by TK.
About Bar Commune: Hidden on the third floor within the labyrinth of Saigon's Japan Town, this bar is the definition of hidden gem. With its intimate, dimly lit space, and mural filled walls- come for any one of the excellent DJs lined up (genres vary from hip hop to house to disco), stay for the lemon sours and great conversation with the Japanese owner.
Try: A shochu soda lemon (lemon sour), the Japanese beer selection in their fridge.
Price range: imported or craft beer 100k+, imported shochu 150k+
Address: 3rd / 4th Floor, 8a/2b1 Thái Văn Lung, Bến Nghé, District 1
Hear more from TK here and here.
Curious about the best bars to visit in the city? Here's our list of the best bars in Saigon, recommended by locals.
Phạm Hữu Chí Street: A bustling street of workshops and sidewalk vendors in District 5.
Recommended by Thomas
About Phạm Hữu Chí Street: As Thomas from Bằng describes it: It's a narrow, bustling alleyway filled with workshops and manufacturing. Navigating it is an adventure in itself, as the tight space is best experienced on a motorbike, squeezing past vendors and skilled workers. It’s a raw, authentic slice of Saigon life—noisy, energetic, and a true testament to the city's industrious heart. "It's the reason I came here [to Saigon]" says Thomas.
Try: Experience the street's unique energy on a motorbike or on foot, observe the craftsmen at work in their open-front workshops
Price range: Free!
Address: Phạm Hữu Chí, Phường 12, District 5
Hear more from Thomas here and here.
Kaiseki Hanabi: A traditional Japanese dining experience in District 2 specializing in Tempura and a menu that changes every month.
Recommended by Anh
About Kaiseki Hanabi: This is a small, intimate restaurant led by Chef Taka, a seasoned chef with experience at the Japanese consulate in Ho Chi Minh City. The restaurant has limited seating, including a private room and a counter where guests can watch the chef prepare each dish. It is known for its cozy and friendly atmosphere, and monthly changing menu based on seasonal ingredients. Reservations are recommended.
Try: The multi-course Kaiseki menus, the tempura which is prepared and fried one piece at a time right in front of you.
Price Range: Kaiseki set menus range from 700k - 1,500,000 per person.
Address: 18 Street 41, Thao Dien Ward, District 2.
Hear more from Anh here.
Curious about the best international cuisine restaurants to visit in the city? Here's our list of the best international restaurants in Saigon, recommended by locals.
Bò né Khánh Nghĩa: A delicious, affordable, and no-frills spot for bò né in District 1.
Recommended by Phat
About Bò né Khánh Nghĩa: It may be a little tricky to find, but that's part of its charm. This small, authentic shop offers some of the best food in the city, run by two incredibly kind and welcoming ladies. The atmosphere is cool and feels very clean and fresh, providing a quiet and intimate experience away from the bustling streets.
Try: The traditional bò né (tender beef, a fried egg, pate, sausage, and a hot, sizzling pan of sauce, always served with a crispy bánh mì for dipping).
Price Range: 40k+ for a sizzling plate
Address: 417 Chợ Cầu Muối, Phường Cầu Ông Lãnh, District 1
Hear more from Phát here.
