It’s a bit after midnight in Ho Chi Minh City and your stomach is grumbling. As you look around, you see nothing but shuttered security gates, sidewalk cafes and taxi drivers waving frantically. But where’s the grub? Don’t worry, we’ve found the best late night eats just for you.
Dìn Ký Restaurant
Restaurant, Vietnamese, Asian, $$$
When it comes to round-the-clock dining in Ho Chi Minh City, Din Ky Restaurant – known locally as Nhà hàng Dìn Ký – has been the place to go for many years. They have dishes from all around the world, but it’s their seafood that keeps bringing back customers. They even have fish tanks where you can choose your meal. If you believe in the old adage that you should eat where the locals eat, then this is the spot for you.
Phở Hà is famous for their late night eats in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, located right underneath the mammoth Bitexco Tower. Just look up and and walk in the direction of the giant glass lotus. When the bed is calling you, sometimes there are only deep fried options left open. But with phở, you can get your late night fill without any morning after guilt.
King Kebab has three very important things going for it: flavor, location, and prices that are way more than reasonable. For starters, their food is just wonderful – whether you’re vegetarian or a meat eater. They’re also right on Bui Vien Street, which is the epicenter of backpacker tourism in Saigon. And since they’re open until 2am, they’re one of the best late night options in the city.
Even when Gotcha! was located down a quieter side street on Bui Vien, they were packed night after night with people enjoying one of their hearty late night dishes – but now that they’ve moved right into the thick of the action on Bui Vien, they’re more popular than ever. When the night’s winding down, swing by for a falafel or a tasty kebab before going to sleep. And it doesn’t matter how late you’re out, because they’re open all day.
May Restaurant and Lounge features some of the finest dishes you’ll find in Ho Chi Minh City. They say their menu represents contemporary Saigon, with international flavors in a high end local setting. You may wish to make a reservation, though, as they are a popular spot. This is more of a spot to spend an evening rather than one you stumble into late at night.
Quán Ăn Hùng Xíu is another venerable late night destination in Ho Chi Minh City – one of the few places where you can still find excellent food at three in the morning. This is a good place to bring friends, as the dishes are big and meant to be shared.
We’re kidding, right? Nope. Sometimes you just need to mow down on a Big Mac and fries, even if you know you’ll probably regret it the second you finish. This is Vietnam’s flagship McDonald’s, located just a short stroll from the Pham Ngu Lao backpackers area, and while you should check out some amazing local places instead, we know the temptation. Maybe just this one time, right?
