Sophisticated dining in Saigon according to Chef Peter Cuong Franklin

Chef Peter Cuong Franklin - Photo: MICHELIN GUIDE

Peter Cuong Franklin is the owner of Anan Saigon restaurant - the only representative of Vietnam to make it into the list of Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2023.

In 2017, when he returned to Vietnam from Hong Kong to open Anan Saigon, he noticed a clear change in the culinary scene in Ho Chi Minh City.

This dynamic city is emerging as one of the world's top culinary destinations.

Here, one can find anything, at any time - from outstanding street food, bustling snail shops to beer gardens with delicious grilled food with international flavors.

Peter Cuong noticed that “young people in Saigon are switching from traditional coffee shops and juice bars to cocktail bars at night”.

"For those who want to experience a new Vietnam, Saigon is the right place," the 61-year-old chef added.

Peter Cuong often orders hot black coffee with a ratio of 70% Arabica beans to 30% Robusta beans - rich, aromatic but not too sour or bitter - Photo: FBNH

Morning at E-Paso Coffee

Peter Cuong's go-to place for his first cup of coffee in the morning is E-Paso Coffee. "Unlike most coffee shops in Saigon, this is a small, intimate Hanoi-style shop that only sells coffee, with a simple style," he describes.

According to this famous chef, here as well as many cafes in Vietnam, sitting by the roadside, sipping a cup of coffee and watching the world go by is an experience not to be missed.

Broken rice - a typical dish of Saigon - Photo: TRAN MAC

Authentic Saigon in broken rice

Broken rice originated from the Mekong Delta, the rice and agricultural granary of the South, and then developed into a traditional dish in Saigon that you must experience when visiting this city.

Since the 1990s, Ba Ghien Broken Rice, a Bib Gourmand award-winning establishment, has been serving the best broken rice in the area.

The signature dishes here include broken rice, grilled pork ribs over charcoal and served with pickled radish and fragrant fish sauce.

Cocktails at BOO SG

After work, Peter Cuong often goes to BOO SG Cocktail Bar - founded by bartender The Vinh, the winner of the highest prize at Diageo World Class Champion Vietnam 2016.

BOO SG Cocktail Bar - a special place - Photo: FBNH

It's a minimalist bar, offering craft and classic cocktails with a twist.

The head bartender and owner are usually there to serve you if you want something special.

An unforgettable night at Oc Dao

Peter said that when chef Shunsuke Shimomura of Resonance in Bangkok asked where to go after a long busy day, Peter took him to snail street in District 4. There is a branch of the famous Oc Dao restaurant in District 1.

“I think snail restaurants are one of the must-try experiences in Saigon,” he said.

Oc Dao - Photo: Eat Up Saigon

There are many kinds of seafood here, which can be processed into grilled, stir-fried, steamed dishes...

Additionally, street vendors selling other food items also add to the fun and make for a memorable experience.

Avoid the hustle and bustle at Things Livingroom

Things Livingroom, hidden deep in an old building at 14 Ton That Dam, is the ideal place for anyone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle of Saigon.

Quiet space, good music. Peter said, that open feeling made him feel like he was in one of the artistic cafes in Dalat.

Things Livingroom space is so chill - Photo: FB Things Livingroom

He believes that in a culture where coffee is so important, Things Livingroom is more than just a place to sell coffee.

Guests are encouraged to bring manuscripts of their creative works, from poems, essays, stories... to screenplays. It is a space where reading, discussing and appreciating each other's writing comes together, creating a stimulating and inviting atmosphere.

Go2 Wine Bar Saigon watch the world go by

There are many local beers, lively atmosphere, reasonable prices.

With a rich history spanning over a decade, this establishment is one of the top destinations on Bui Vien Street, according to Peter Cuong.

At Go2 Wine Bar Saigon, watch the world go by - Photo: Go2 Wine Bar Saigon

It attracts both locals and international tourists, who come here to enjoy a cold beer and watch the world go by.

Come to Pham Viet Chanh to meet everyone

Peter Cuong enjoys exploring Pham Viet Chanh Street in Binh Thanh, or "Little Japan" with countless Japanese restaurants, ramen shops and sake shops.

A corner of Pham Viet Chanh street - Photo: MICHELIN

He said it was close to District 1 but still felt like a different world. Birdy, a cocktail bar, was a great place to start the evening.

This neighborhood is a great place to explore and experience the diverse culture of this city.

Eat delicious pho late at night

Long-standing pho restaurants such as Pho Le and Pho Hoa Pasteur are popular pho restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City.

According to Peter Cuong, with pho, each person will have their own preferences as well as a specific pho restaurant where they often go.

Pho - a must-try dish when coming to Saigon - Photo: MICHELIN

His current favorite spot is a pho restaurant that’s only open for a few hours in the morning. It serves Hanoi-style pho, in which beef is stir-fried with garlic and poured over a bowl of pho, garnished with a generous amount of green onions.

Peter also tells of a chicken pho restaurant that's open until 4am - a great place to "enjoy delicious food late at night".

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/an-uong-tinh-te-o-sai-gon-theo-gu-chef-peter-cuong-franklin-2024061512495902.htm