Yunka - Nikkei Cuisine & Cocktails
The name "Yunka" may at first sound reminiscent of an unreleased album by Kanye West. However, this is a brand new restaurant from the talented team behind famous brands like Clay, Tinto and The Brix. Yunka marks their first foray into the vibrant area of District 1, promising unique and impressive culinary experiences.
Previously, the trio of Clay, Tinto and The Brix made a big splash in Thao Dien, District 2. Each restaurant has a distinct style: The poolside Brix with a relaxing atmosphere, Tinto specializes in unique Nikkei cuisine and riverside Clay offers a romantic atmosphere.
Photo: Yunka
Yunka's menu promises variety: ceviche and sushi rolls, yakitori and Wagyu steaks, classic cocktails with tropical flavors like Spicy Mango Margarita, a variety of sours cocktails, and sake served in glasses, tokkuri jugs, or bottles.
The interior space is uniquely designed, reminiscent of a greenhouse garden, with accents of plum-colored lampshades, emerald green ceramic tiles and gilded stools at the bar. In addition, diners can also watch the bustling flow of people on Dong Khoi and Dong Du streets right outside.
Photo: Yunka
Address: 80 Dong Khoi, Ben Nghe Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Phone: 034 580 1010
https://www.facebook.com/yunkasaigon
The Enigma Mansion
It features exposed brick walls, a mezzanine sitting area and private lounges. Co-founder Vu Ngoc and bartenders Thong Hoai and Loan Nguyen have returned to their familiar positions, dressed in elegant light orange uniforms, under a sculpture of a phoenix rising from flames suspended from the ceiling.
Don't miss the unique signature cocktails, perfectly crafted classic cocktails, and the promise of more special exchanges with local and international guest bartenders.
Address: 5H D. Ton Duc Thang, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 700000
Phone: 0867 497 455
Photo: The Enigma Mansion
Lesung
Lesung, inspired by "batu lesung" — which means pestle and mortar in Malay — is located in an airy location at the end of an alley in District 3. It has a spacious veranda and a romantically lit indoor dining room.
Malaysian chef, Eden, has kept the menu traditional. The restaurant even displays a 150-year-old "batu lesung," passed down through generations in his family, as an homage to the rustic family meals of his childhood.
Photo: Lesung
Although sometimes the dishes use more upscale ingredients, such as Rendang (curry) beef ribs and Opor (rich coconut dish with lemongrass) with beef cheeks, the menu is mainly carefully prepared and affordable Malaysian classics such as Ikan Bakar (grilled fish) and Chicken Kuzi (spiced chicken stew).
Address: 72/1 Tran Quoc Toan, Ward 8, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City 70000
Phone: 0973 097 757
Photo: Lesung
Tipsy Department
Its name — "The Tipsy Department" — says it all.
Liam, founder of modern cocktail bars Hybrid Nha Trang and Hybrid Saigon, reimagined the location where he previously worked.
Ignoring the Japanese design style from the Irusu Lounge era, Liam has transformed this place into an authentic "dive bar" style bar, even though it's not in the basement (you can find one on the 1st and 2nd floors, in an alley opposite Notre Dame).
Photo: The Tipsy Department
Their main goal is to make you "tipsy", with a menu reminiscent of the past – Screwdrivers, alcoholic slushies, fresh cocktails and shot tequila – and simple but satisfying snacks such as beef stew and bean nachos, a 3-hour Happy Hour daily (from 6-9PM) and very late opening hours. With staff often reluctant to turn over "close" signs at 3 a.m.
Address: 57 Nguyen Du Street, Ben Nghe Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
https://www.facebook.com/tipsydepartment/
Shri Lifestyle & Dining
Shri Restaurant & Bar used to be an "eternal favorite" of Saigon, combining restaurant and sky-bar. It offers spectacular views down Hai Ba Trung Street from the outdoor patio area, luxurious dining space inside and an exciting Speakeasy-style bar in the background. The overall look is a bit disjointed, but that is the highlight of this "versatile" model.
With a fresh look under the name Shri Lifestyle & Dining, the restaurant offers diners a more complete experience than ever. Stepping through the artfully designed door, you will enter the luxurious dining space, seamlessly connected to the outdoor veranda area decorated with comfy sofas.
Photo: Shri Restaurant & Bar
The cocktail menu is an impressive highlight in this refreshing combination. "Saigon By Night" with spiced rum flavors blended with Earl Grey camellia juice and rosemary, "Shri Sunset" with cool spritz style for sunset, or "Heart Of Darkness" with a unique combination of rum, tamarind and tabasco, promises to evoke all your senses.
The European-style menu offers exquisite dishes such as Grilled Oysters in Apple Sauce, Pan-Fried Foie Gras, Lobster with Black Squid Pasta, and many meat main dishes such as Grilled Beef Tenderloin with honey mustard sauce. All are beautifully presented, making it possible to temporarily forget about the beautiful view outside the restaurant to immerse yourself in the taste of each dish.
Photo: Shri Restaurant & Bar
Address: 23rd Floor, Centec Building, 72-74, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Phone: 1900 292977
https://www.facebook.com/shrilifestyledining/
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