Must go to Pho Minh, Ba Ghien broken rice, Cuc Gach and Michelin-standard paradise in District 11

Vo Thanh Vuong, head chef of Coco Dining, a 1-Michelin-star restaurant, shares his favorite places in Ho Chi Minh City in his latest post on Michelin Guide.

Chef Vo Thanh Vuong - Photo: Michelin Guide

Sharing with Michelin Guide, Vo Thanh Vuong said that Ho Chi Minh City is a place where the lights never go out. That is what attracted Vuong to live here in 2009 and start pursuing his " culinary dream".

After the COVID-19 pandemic, the F&B industry went in an uncertain direction, but for this chef, it became a rare opportunity to slow down and look deeper.

“Initially, I was obsessed with technique. Our first four seasonal menus focused on fermentation, salting, and aging, which are techniques that require time, patience, and precision. I loved the process, but something was missing,” Vuong shares.

To find the answer, Vuong decided to return to his roots, combining childhood flavors with modern processing techniques.

He said that was the turning point that reminded him that Vietnamese cuisine was not something he needed to modernize but something he needed to honor and develop.

And after 10 years here, Vo Thanh Vuong calls Ho Chi Minh City his home. He invites us to "go for a spin" around his favorite places that make this city special.

80-year-old Pho Minh Restaurant

Vo Thanh Vuong said if he has time in the morning, he will go to Pho Minh, an 80-year-old pho restaurant hidden in a small alley. The broth is light but rich, you can see the care in it.

80-year-old Minh Pho restaurant - Photo: Michelin Guide

"It reminds me why simple dishes, when prepared well, don't need to be complicated," he said.

Here, in addition to pho, the restaurant also serves pate chaud, a meat-filled pastry that can only be found in the city's most traditional pho restaurants.

Come to Brick House to have a home-cooked meal

“I love meals that feel like home… I often go with friends and family to share food and stories,” Vo Thanh Vuong said.

Fried tofu at Cuc Gach - Photo: Michelin Guide

Accompany the rice with meat, fish, tofu, and vegetables. The best meals always have a balance of sweet, salty, and sour flavors.

Although there are countless rice shops throughout the city, one of Vuong's favorite places is Cuc Gach restaurant.

Best of luck, come to District 11

District 11 has a unique blend of Central, Southern and Chinese Vietnamese cuisine. Part of the giant Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh City, District 11 spans across Districts 5, 6, 8, 10 and 11, Vuong said.

Front of Binh Tay market - Photo: Michelin Guide

Vietnamese-Chinese cuisine is found everywhere, especially around the community center: Binh Tay Market (District 6).

District 4 has Oanh Oc

Vinh Khanh Street in District 4 is a famous culinary street with sidewalk eateries selling snails and seafood until late at night.

Oanh Oc restaurant stands out in District 4 - Photo: Michelin Guide

Late at night, this chef sometimes stops by Oc Oanh. It’s noisy, a bit chaotic, but full of Saigon-like energy. The snails are always fresh, the dipping sauce is rich, and goes great with a cold beer.

Traditional Ba Ghien Broken Rice

Vo Thanh Vuong also often visits Ba Ghien Broken Rice. The grilled ribs are fragrant, juicy and just the right amount of burnt. The rice is fluffy, the pickles are crunchy and everything is just right.

Ba Ghien broken rice is one of the destinations.

This broken rice restaurant has been a favorite in Ho Chi Minh City since the 1990s. While grilled ribs are the most popular choice, the restaurant also sells chicken, meaning you have a reason to visit at least twice a week.

Head to Elgin or Coco Dining for the best views

If you want a drink and something good to eat, you go to Elgin. It's peaceful, the food is exquisite. Or Coco Dining - not only because I work there, but it feels like home.

A corner of Elgin - Photo: Han Phan/ Michelin Guide

Both Elgin and Coco Dining are located on the border between District 1 and District 3, where tree-lined boulevards become pleasant green spaces, and one of the best restaurant and bar scenes in the country.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/phai-den-pho-minh-com-tam-ba-ghien-cuc-gach-va-thien-duong-quan-11-an-ngon-theo-michelin-20250724155212891.htm