A week in Saigon-1/19- 1/25/2025

Day 6- Dinner at Nha Tu-1/24/2025

In the evening we headed to Nha Tu Restaurant, a spot featured in the Michelin Guide and tucked away in one of Saigon’s small alleys, already giving it that sense of being a hidden gem.

From the outside, it feels modest and a bit discreet, but once inside, the space opens up into something much more refined.

We were led on the second floor and this waitress is getting our table ready. From the outside, it feels modest and a bit discreet, but once inside, the space opens up into a cozy atmosphere. On the second floor, where we were seated, the atmosphere becomes even more intimate. It’s quieter, with a nice balance between openness and coziness, making it perfect for a relaxed dinner with friends.

The food at Nha Tu focus on refined Vietnamese dishes, often presenting familiar flavors with more care in technique and presentation. Ingredients are fresh, flavors are balanced, and dishes are plated with a bit more finesse than what you might find in casual eateries. yet still very recognizable and comforting.

We started with steamed stuffed snails with lemongrass, fragrant and deeply savory.

Followed by sautéed corn with caramelized onions and green onions, a simple dish elevated by its sweetness and aroma.

The bánh xèo stood out, perfectly crispy, golden, and full of flavor, served with fresh herbs for wrapping. .

So far all the dishes we ordered were delicious!

Alongside were comforting, homestyle dishes: boiled pork belly with pickled eggplant, pickled mustard greens sautéed with tomato,

A vibrant plate of sautéed sea beans, fresh and slightly briny.

Altogether, the meal felt very communal, meant to be shared, with a mix of textures and flavors that complemented each other.

Enjoying the food and the company.

After dinner, walking down from the second floor, the staircase itself became part of the experience, lined with softly glowing hanging bamboo lamps, casting warm light and adding a final touch of charm to the evening.

We are now on the first floor of the restaurant. The decor leans toward a modern interpretation of traditional Vietnamese style.

The space feels thoughtfully designed, clean and polished, but not flashy.  We were glad to stop by here for dinner. The ambiance is calm and inviting, quiet enough for conversation, with a gentle buzz of other diners enjoying their evening. It feels like a place where locals and visitors alike come for a more elevated dining experience without losing the soul of Vietnamese cuisine.

Saigon at Night

We are now heading to Minh and Loan's apartment located on the corner on Vo Van Tan and Ba huyen Thanh Quan

The rooftop offers a completely different perspective of the city, elevated, calm, and quietly stunning. As you step out onto the rooftop, the space opens up into a modern, airy terrace.

At night, the skyline feels vibrant and alive, especially at night. In the distance, a cluster of modern high-rise buildings dominates the scene, each outlined with colorful neon lights, purples, greens, reds, and warm yellows, giving the city a lively, almost festive glow.

One tall tower stands out with a sleek, slightly curved top, brightly illuminated, while nearby buildings display vertical light strips that emphasize their height and modern design.

To the left, you can see a more classic, tiered skyscraper silhouette, its bright white lighting contrasting with the more colorful buildings around it. Lower buildings sit in front of the skyline, forming darker layers that gradually rise into the brighter, more densely lit core of the city.

From this height, the noise of the streets fades, replaced by a gentle breeze and a sense of calm above the busy energy below

In the foreground, the scene softens with dark tree canopies and quieter streets, where only a few scattered lights peek through. This creates a strong contrast, the calm, shadowy foreground against the brilliant, energetic skyline beyond.

View below the streets.

The view captures a city that is modern, fast-growing, and full of energy, yet still layered with quieter residential pockets, especially when seen from above at night.

A beautiful view at night.

The rooftop experience was a perfect way to end the evening. The space itself feels expansive and welcoming, with rows of chairs and tables set along the edges, giving everyone a place to sit, relax, and take in the sweeping views of Ho Chi Minh City glowing at night.

It’s the kind of rooftop that invites you to linger, open, breezy, and designed for both quiet moments and shared experiences.

There’s a swimming pool set against the skyline, its surface reflecting the city lights and adding a soft glow to the surroundings.

 Around it, there are open walkways and seating areas, giving residents and guests room to stroll, pause, and take in the view.

Taking a group photo with the city lights as your backdrop was a special moment, capturing not just the skyline, but the memory of the day together. Then, heading back down to the lobby, the atmosphere shifts once more into something festive and elegant. The decorations of bright yellow orchids, symbols of prosperity and happiness, and red envelopes for the New Year bring in that unmistakable sense of celebration and good fortune. It adds a warm, cultural touch to the farewell, making the ending feel both meaningful and beautifully timed. t’s a lovely closing scene, city lights above, festive traditions below, and a quiet goodbye among friends.

NEXT... Day 7-A walk in Saigon(coming soon)

Filed under: Restaurants