Discover how Ho Chi Minh City has earned its place on the global food map through Michelin-starred spots and local culinary gems. This guide walks you through top-rated restaurants, sample itineraries, and why booking a Michelin Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City with KissTour makes all the difference.
A Michelin Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh is no longer a concept reserved for the future, it is here, and it is thriving. From flavorful street bites to elegant tasting menus, Saigon is rapidly emerging as one of Asia’s top culinary destinations. With the recent inclusion of several local restaurants in the prestigious Michelin Guide, Saigon has caught the attention of international food enthusiasts. If you are a traveler who seeks not only to eat but to understand the stories behind each dish, then a Michelin food tour in Ho Chi Minh promises an unforgettable cultural and gastronomic experience.
Vietnamese dishes the MICHELIN Guide can’t get enough of – explore now: 8 Best Vietnamese Dishes Recommended by Michelin Guide
Michelin Guide: More Than Just Stars
First introduced in France in 1900, the Michelin Guide has grown into the world’s most prestigious culinary ranking system. A Michelin Star now symbolizes not only excellence in cooking but also cultural prestige and consistency. For many travelers, dining at a Michelin-rated restaurant offers more than just a meal, it’s a window into local identity and culinary heritage.
What’s New in Ho Chi Minh City with the Michelin Guide 2025?
The 2025 Michelin Guide for Vietnam continues to elevate Ho Chi Minh City as a must-visit food destination. The city’s diverse culinary landscape, influenced by centuries of cultural exchange, is reflected in the range of Michelin-starred and selected establishments now listed.
Compared to Hanoi, known for its classical style, and Da Nang, favored for its coastal freshness, Ho Chi Minh City distinguishes itself through bold fusion, fast evolution, and global openness. Chefs in Saigon are more willing to challenge conventions, creating a unique culinary atmosphere that blends East and West, street and luxury, tradition and modernity.
This spirit of experimentation makes Saigon the ideal city to experience Vietnam’s gastronomic future while staying rooted in its cultural past.
This year’s edition highlights not only a growing number of fine dining venues but also a broader recognition of Saigon’s culinary evolution where tradition meets creativity. From contemporary tasting menus that reinterpret Vietnamese classics to intimate bistros with French or Japanese influences, Michelin’s selections showcase the city’s depth, range, and relentless innovation.
In addition, a number of restaurants across Ho Chi Minh City have been newly recognized as Michelin Selected, signaling a promising future for the city’s next generation of chefs. Together, these names reflect a dining scene that is young, energetic, and increasingly confident on the world stage.
Michelin-Starred Highlights
Among the stars of the guide, CieL stands out with its modern fine dining philosophy, blending minimalist presentation with Vietnamese seasonal ingredients and French techniques. Coco Dining, a rising star promoted in the 2025 edition, represents the contemporary Vietnamese kitchen at its finest, where fermentation, texture, and tradition meet global innovation.
Meanwhile, Anan Saigon and Akuna continue to push boundaries. Their tasting menus reinterpret everyday Vietnamese dishes into modern expressions that delight both local and international palates.
>>> CHECK OUT: Michelin Guide Vietnam 2025: The Remarkable Rise of Vietnamese Cuisine
The Selected List: Rising Talent and Reliable Excellence
Beyond the starred establishments, Ho Chi Minh City features several venues under the “Michelin Selected” category. These restaurants have not yet received stars but are celebrated for their quality and potential. Among them are ST25 by KOTO, known for its elevated rice-focused menu; Nephele, a modern vegetarian haven; and Hoi An Sense, which pays homage to Central Vietnamese cuisine with an upscale twist.
Bib Gourmand and Green Star Recognition
Although the 2025 edition does not include any Bib Gourmand or Green Star restaurants in Saigon, the city is clearly moving toward broader recognition. A growing number of chefs are embracing sustainability, seasonality, and mindful sourcing, all hallmarks of Michelin’s evolving values.
Ho Chi Minh City’s Culinary Renaissance: A New Era of Vietnamese Cuisine
Ho Chi Minh City is undergoing a culinary renaissance, and it shows. Over the past decade, a generation of Vietnamese chefs trained abroad has returned home, equipped with global expertise and a passion for redefining local cuisine. Instead of mimicking Western fine dining, they are celebrating Vietnam’s rich culinary traditions through innovative storytelling and technique.
These chefs are transforming humble street food into elevated experiences. A simple bowl of pho becomes a three-part tasting flight; a Bánh Mì is reimagined with duck liver mousse and house-made brioche. The vibrant energy of Saigon, with its fast pace, openness, and constant curiosity, creates the perfect environment for culinary creativity to thrive.
Signature Dishes That Define the Michelin Experience
When it comes to experiencing a Michelin Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City, what lingers in the hearts of diners isn’t always the most elaborate dish. Sometimes, it is the humble Vietnamese classics, those found on street corners or in everyday family meals, that carry the deepest sense of culture and local identity.
Take Bò Lá Lốt, for example. Aromatic beef wrapped in wild betel leaves and grilled over charcoal, served with fresh vermicelli, herbs, and a sweet-sour fish sauce, is a familiar part of family dinners and vibrant street food scenes alike.
Similarly, the crispy golden Bánh Xèo, filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, then wrapped in fresh greens and dipped in fish sauce, offers more than flavor. It offers a vivid glimpse into the spirit of southern Vietnam.
These dishes require no elaborate presentation, no complicated technique – only care in preparation and honesty in taste. And it is exactly that simplicity that makes them proud representatives of Vietnamese cuisine on the Michelin journey.
Sample Itineraries: Curated Michelin Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh
Whether you have just an evening or a full day in the city, the following suggested itineraries offer a glimpse into what a Michelin Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh could look like. These sample routes highlight the diversity and depth of Saigon’s evolving dining scene, from street-style snacks to refined tasting menus, and can be customized based on your interests, timing, and dietary preferences.
Half-Day Evening Tour
Begin your evening with a street-style snack at Ốc Bà Cô Lốc Cốc, a venue celebrated for its bold flavors and local charm. Move on to a refined multi-course dinner at either CieL or Akuna, both of which hold Michelin stars. Conclude your night with craft cocktails and dessert at a rooftop lounge that offers panoramic views of the city.
Full-Day Michelin Experience
Start your morning with a bowl of pho or a creative rice-based breakfast at ST25 by KOTO. Continue with lunch at Coco Dining, where each course is a surprise rooted in Vietnamese fermentation and artistry. In the afternoon, take a coffee break at Hoi An Sense, and as evening falls, indulge in the innovative tasting menu at Anan Saigon – a true showcase of new-wave Vietnamese gastronomy.
Thematic Routes for Special Interests
- Modern Vietnamese Cuisine: Coco Dining → Anan → ST25
- Seafood Exploration: Akuna → Hoi An Sense → Mam Saigon
- Vegetarian Fine Dining: Nephele → Okra FoodBar → plant-based dessert cafés
Want more inspiration? Explore this list of Michelin-recognized restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City: Top 10 Must-Try Michelin Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City
How to Explore the Michelin Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City?
Once you’ve decided which restaurants you’d like to try, you can book directly through each venue’s website, Instagram page, or by calling their reservation line. But if you’d rather skip the hassle, just let KissTour handle everything for your Michelin Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh.
We’ll take care of reservations, confirmations, and any special requests so all you have to do is show up with an appetite and an open mind. From start to finish, we make your Michelin food journey in Ho Chi Minh smooth, personalized, and stress-free.
Why Book a Michelin Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh with KissTour?
At KissTour, we believe a great meal isn’t just something you taste, it’s something you remember. That’s why our Michelin Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh is designed for travelers who seek more than just fine dining. We curate meaningful journeys that blend the city’s most acclaimed restaurants with its vibrant street food culture, all through the lens of local storytelling.
Led by guides dressed in traditional Áo Dài, you’ll ride through Saigon on the back of a motorbike or relax in a private vehicle whichever suits your style. Along the way, we’ll introduce you to Michelin-starred chefs, hidden neighborhood gems, and dishes that reflect Vietnam’s culinary heritage and creative future.
With KissTour, you get:
- Access to Michelin and Michelin-worthy restaurants
- Thoughtfully crafted routes tailored to your interests
- Guides trained in gastronomy and cultural insight
- The flexibility to go off the beaten path and experience real Saigon flavor
This is not just a food tour. It’s an immersive, story-rich journey that connects you with the soul of the city, one unforgettable dish at a time.
Ready to experience a truly immersive Michelin Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh? Book your journey today with KissTour.
FAQs:
Is table booking included in the Michelin Food Tour?
Yes. KissTour arranges all reservations.
Can the tour accommodate special diets?
Absolutely. We cater to vegetarian, halal, gluten-free, and other preferences.
Do I need to speak Vietnamese?
Not at all. Our guides are fluent in English and provide full language support.
Is this a group or private tour?
We offer both. Most of our Michelin Food Tour are private for a more personalized experience.
Still have questions? Feel free to reach out, we happy to help you plan the perfect Michelin experience in Saigon.
