Saigon's Gems
The places we actually send guests to — starting with our own alley.
Around the house — on foot
Bún Thang 50- Miến Gà -Bún măng
Just 1-min walking from Duhaus, Bún Thang 50- Miến Gà -Bún măngClick to open side panel for more information offers a cozy, authentic Northern Vietnamese breakfast experience run by a welcoming local family. Must-try: Their signature Bún Thang (Hanoi-style chicken noodle soup) featuring a delightfully clear, sweet broth.
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Miến Gà 22
Just a 2-minute walk from Duhaus, Miến Gà 22 is a highly-rated, casual eatery beloved by locals for its comforting and authentic chicken dishes. Must-try: Their signature Miến Gà (Chicken Glass Noodle Soup), featuring perfectly chewy noodles, tender chicken, and a fragrant, savory broth.
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Basta Pasta
a small Italian place two minutes from the gate, tucked into an alley that hides half the neighbourhood's good food. Proper pasta, seasoning that gets it right, and a room quiet enough to talk over. Somehow the Thai milk tea is also excellent.
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Lê Văn Sỹ – Trần Quang Diệu fashion strip
The local fashion strip — young Vietnamese labels, vintage racks, tailors who'll fix your backpack strap. Five minutes on foot.
Open in Maps ↗Lẩu Bò Cư Xá
Beef hotpot on our own lane — the pot arrives bubbling and doesn't stop. Best with a group.
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Ministop (Convenience store)
Groceries for the shared kitchen — fruit, eggs, late-night snacks.
Open in Maps ↗(And yes — a Starbucks and a Highlands sit five minutes away on Nguyễn Văn Trỗi, when you need the familiar.)
Ten minutes out
Cơm Tấm Ba Ghiền
The Michelin-listed cơm tấm just a few minutes away by bike. The grilled pork chop people cross the city for — you cross the street. Go before 9pm, it sells out.
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Phở Miến gà Kỳ Đồng
the Michelin-listed chicken phở, hidden in an alley off Kỳ Đồng about ten minutes away by Grab. Free-range chicken, a broth so clear you can read the bowl, and the miến gà — glass noodles — is what regulars actually order. Go early; the queue is locals, which tells you everything.
Open in Maps ↗When you wander further
Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa
The famous one. Worth the queue once; 15 minutes by Grab.
Open in Maps ↗The Workshop Coffee
Where we go when we miss Đà Lạt coffee weather. Loft light, serious pour-overs.
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Jasmine IPA after a hot afternoon. Trust us.
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For the late-night phở emergency — open when almost nothing else is.
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Quán ăn Thuận Phát
Quán ăn Thuận Phát is an always-packed Chợ Lớn (Chinatown) favorite for authentic, smoky Cantonese comfort food. My family usually visit here for dinner or small party. Must-try: Salted egg yolk shrimp, Singapore noodles, and squid in XO sauce—all featuring incredible wok hei (breath of the wok). Vibe: Casual, bustling, and wonderfully flavorful.
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