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10 Halal Restaurants In Ho Chi Minh For Your Gastronomic Adventure

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Cheng Sim •  Apr 25, 2016

Ho Chi Minh is known for many things: the Vietnam Independence movement, bike-congested streets, historical attractions and most importantly, the freshness of their local delicacies. We don’t know about you but our food checklist is filled to the brim with goi cuon (fresh spring rolls), bun bo hue (spicy rice vermicelli soup) and their national dish, pho (chicken or beef noodle soup).

The prime hotspot for halal foodscape in Ho Chi Minh would be District 1 where these little gems are scattered around the Saigon Central Mosque, Ben Thanh Market and Nancy Mosque. If you’re caught in the city’s hustle and looking for something to eat, let us show you around.

[Need a reason to go to Vietnam? Here are 10 reasons why you'll fall in love with the country]

Credit: giphy

1. Kampung Pandan Restaurant

1 - Begin your food journey with a bowl of hearty soup from Kampung Pandan
Begin your food journey with a bowl of hearty soup from Kampung Pandan

Credit: saigonnezumi

Just a short stroll from Ben Thanh Market, Kampung Pandan Restaurant is one of the many halal finds you’ll discover in District 1. Formerly helmed by the now-defunct Banana Leaf Saigon, the wide spread of Vietnamese, Malaysian/Singaporean and Indian cuisine is still as good as ever.

2 - Typical lunch scene at Kampung Pandan
Typical lunch scene at Kampung Pandan Restaurant

Credit: saigonnezumi

Here, the synergy of flavours from the nasi lemak and mutton varuval to grilled red tilapia and spring onion beef work harmoniously together and will surely carve a smile on every Southeast Asian foodie. If you’re on a mission to sample Vietnamese delicacies, Kampung Pandan serves up Muslim-friendly versions of pho (beef or chicken), fresh spring rolls, chicken and giang leaf soup as well as thien ly (jasmine flowers) with beef.

#HHWT Tip: Table reservation is well encouraged prior to your visit to this restaurant.

Phone: +84 9 0937 6388

Website

Opening HoursMon - Sun: 9:00am – 10:00pm

Price: The main courses are priced from VND 60,000.

Address: 53, Thu Khoa Huan street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh.

Directions: Situated on the north side of Ben Thanh market, nearby landmarks are the Independence Palace and Grand Silverland Hotel & Spa.

2. D’Nyonya Restaurant

3 - Delicious sweet and sour fish from D Nyonya
Delicious sweet and sour fish from D’Nyonya

Credit: D'Nyonya Saigon

In a foreign city like Ho Chi Minh, you can find a whole load of Penang, Malaccan and Singaporean pride in this cosy D’Nyonya Restaurant. If your itinerary happens to lead you to this side of District 1, spend your lunch and dinner hours at this spot where their cuisine is largely laced with sweet, sour and tangy flavours.

4 - People watch as you enjoy your Nyonya otak-otak and thirst quenchers D Nyonya
People watch as you enjoy your Nyonya otak-otak and thirst quenchers

Credit: D'Nyonya Saigon

Begin with typical Nyonya starters such as crispy pie-tee (top hats) and Nyonya otak-otak (grilled fish cake). Then, overwhelm your palate with everything from assam laksa to tom yam vermicelli soup. If your hunger pangs are decidedly on a Vietnamese route, the city’s signature pho is in the house, alongside the local stir fried chicken with chili and lemongrass as well as coconut prawns.

Fish curry tastes better when shared with family and friends
Fish curry tastes better when shared with family and friends

Credit: D'Nyonya Saigon

Phone:  +84 8 3822 3902

Website

Opening Hours: Mon - Sun: 7:00am - 10:00pm

Price: Main course is priced between VND 85,000 – VND 219,000.

Address: 56, Dong Du street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh.

Directions: 1-minute walking distance from Saigon Central Mosque. The nearby landmark is Starbucks Dong Du.

3. Pho Muslim

6 - Sample the countrys national dish at Pho Muslim
Sample the country’s national dish at Pho Muslim

Credit: Maraqwa

If you prefer to sign off your Ho Chi Minh travel experience with pho and only pho, there’s an unassuming eatery that delivers to your specific craving. True to its name, Pho Muslim only serves two things: pho in the morning and bun bo hue in the evening.

7 - Street food gem found within the unassuming exterior of Pho Muslim
Street food gem found within the unassuming exterior of Pho Muslim

Credit: Nazim Z.

Imagine starting your day with the locals’ breakfast for champions a.k.a. a steaming bowl of pho - a Vietnamese noodle soup that comprises of a bed of rice noodles, tender beef slices and rich beef broth - don’t forget to brighten up the flavours with mint leaves, a bit of soy sauce and chilli paste. The evening bun bo hue is also a dinner favourite where this Vietnamese spicy lemongrass noodle soup is enriched with juicy slices of beef and fresh herbs.

#HHWT Tip: The restaurant isn’t open during lunch hours, so swing by early morning and late evening.

Opening Hours: Mon - Sun: 6:00am – 1:00pm (pho) / 4:00pm - 10:00pm (bun bo hue)

Price: VND 40,000 (a bowl of pho and a drink)

Address: District 1, Nancy Mosque, Ho Chi Minh.

Directions: The restaurant is located across the Trang Huang Do street from Ho Chi Minh City Police Headquarters.

4. Baba’s Kitchen

8 - Refuel with this carb-loaded dish from Babas Kitchen
Refuel with this carb-loaded dish from Baba’s Kitchen

Credit: asiasoutheast

While we all love to enjoy a bowl of pho every now and then, Ho Chi Minh is also brimming with Indian eateries in the likes of Baba’s Kitchen. The flavourful curries to the crisp tandoori are the main draws of this unassuming place.

Here, it’s a norm to order a mountain of steamed Jasmine rice to complement the medley of curries such as mutton vindaloo, chicken tikka masala, butter chicken and malabar fish curry.

9 - Crispy naan with a side of tandoori chicken Babas Kitchen
Crispy naan with a side of tandoori chicken

Credit: travelworld97

Vegetarians can also enjoy just as much as we do thanks to the array of meat-less delectables: navrathana korma (vegetable with creamy cashew nut sauce), malai kofta (ball-shaped paneer and vegetables cooked in tomato gravy) and aloo palaak (potato and spinach cooked with tomato and spices)

#HHWT Tip: The restaurant offers delivery to all districts in Ho Chi Minh. However, deliveries to District 2 and 7 will be charged with additional VND 20,000.

Phone: +83 8 38 6661 / 6662

Website

Opening Hours: Mon - Sun: 11:00am – 10:30pm

Price: The main courses are priced between VND 70,000 – VND 135,000.

Address: 164, Bui Vien street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh.

Directions: Although walking to Pham Ngu Lao Ward is doable, we encourage you to take a 5-minute taxi ride to the restaurant from Ben Thanh Market instead.

5. Saigon Green House

The charming interior of Saigon Green House
The charming interior of Saigon Green House

Credit: Saigon Green House - Halal Restaurant

If you need to break away from the city heat, swing by Saigon Green House for a bit of air-conditioning and a whole load of Malaysian and Vietnamese cuisine. They’re all about giving a good first impression that is easily translated through the wooden furnishing and mural-themed interiors to the neat menu selections.

Hearty lunch with a side of watermelon juice
Hearty lunch with a side of watermelon juice

Credit: linabun

Aside from Malaysian favourites such as nasi goreng kampung to mee mamak, the Muslim-friendly twist of the Vietnamese classics is something you shouldn’t miss. Pho ga (chicken noodle soup) and canh chua ca (sour soup with fish) are delicious choices and not forgetting the goi trai buoi (grapefruit prawn salad). The best way to round off your meal is with a cup of local tra tac (Vietnam tea).

#HHWT Tip: If you’re interested to go for a quick manicure, the restaurant also shares the same space with Harmony Nail Spa.

Phone: +84 8 3825 0457

Website

Opening Hours: Mon - Sun: 10:00am – 10:00pm

Price: The main courses are priced between VND 70,000 – VND 110,000

Address: 52, Truong Dinh street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh.

Directions: 3-minute walking distance from Ben Thanh Market and the restaurant is located opposite Mariamman Hindu Temple.

6. Salima Halal Vietnamese Restaurant

Go for fresh spring rolls instead of fried ones
Go for fresh spring rolls instead of fried ones

Credit: Zul Aiman Z.

If you’re back for a second round of shopping at Ben Thanh Market, rest and refuel at another Muslim-friendly eatery named Salima Halal Vietnamese Restaurant where a medley of Vietnamese, Malaysian and Cham selections are on the menu.

Noodle treat with a side of tangy dressing
Noodle treat with a side of tangy dressing

Credit: Ct Zara Salihan

Fried rice in coconut and sweet and sour fish are both yummy selections for lunch. For foodies who have fallen hard for Vietnamese cuisine, you guys may satiate their cravings with fresh spring rolls, pho ga and bun thit nuong (cold rice vermicelli noodle with grilled beef) at Salima Halal. Be sure to mentally calculate your bill as menu prices here is slightly higher than average.

#HHWT Tip: The Nguyen An Ninh street also has a few halal restaurants to try like Warung Malaysia, Hajah Basiroh Restaurant and Kedai Muslim Halal Al-Amin.

Phone: +84 8 3827 1232

Opening Hours: Mon - Sun: 7:00am – 10:00pm

Price: The main courses are priced between VND 90,000 – VND 120,000.

Address: 22, Nguyen An Ninh, Ben Thanh Market, District 1, Ho Chi Minh.

Directions: 1-minute walk from Ben Thanh Market. Just turn left after the Vietinbank on Phan Chu Trinh street.

7. Halal @ Saigon

Start your meal right with nasi lemak rendang at Halal Saigon
Start your meal right with nasi lemak rendang at Halal Saigon

Credit: thesimplestaphrodisiac

Straight forward deliciousness and strategic location have made Halal @ Saigon a popular spot for lunch and dinner. Situated across the street from Saigon Central Mosque, you will find locals and tourists visiting this unassuming eatery for their Muslim-friendly menu.

More delicious yums to enjoy
More delicious yums to enjoy

Credit: isyayy

Because they’re all about ‘celebrating borderless halal food’, expect Malaysian and Singaporean dishes to be served closely with a variety of Vietnamese classics. Apart from the fiery tom yam and nasi lemak rendang, the Vietnamese foodie in you would appreciate the servings of goi dua tom (young coconut shoot salad with shrimp), ngheu kho to (claypot baby clams) and goi cuon tom (fried shrimp spring rolls). Vegetarians, fret not, there is an array of meat-less delicacies for you too.

#HHWT Tip: Online or phone reservations are best advised as the restaurant is popular among locals and tourists.

Phone: +83 8 24 6823

Website

Opening Hours: Mon - Sun: 10:00am - 10:00pm

Price: The main courses are priced between VND 68,000 – VND 279,000

Address: 31, Dong Du street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh.

Directions: 1-minute walk from Saigon Central Mosque. The nearby landmark is Starbucks Dong Du.

8. Saigon Seri Penang Restaurant

Everyday dining scene at Saigon Seri Penang
Everyday dining scene at Saigon Seri Penang

Credit: naakamaruddin

Saigon Seri Penang is all about fuss-free and easy dining and that makes them the perfect place for a quick lunch break. Helmed by a Malaysian owner, you can expect the menu to pay homage to the owner’s home country and Singaporean fare.

Singapore fried noodle, Hai Nam chicken rice, fish head curry and Penang char kuay teow are teasers to the array of delectables serve here. The Malaysian/Singaporean menu may outweigh the humble Vietnamese selections but Saigon Seri Penang is also a good spot to introduce your palate to the local pho.

Website

Opening Hours: Mon - Sun: 8:00am - 10:00pm

Price: The main courses start from VND 85,000.

Address: 29, Luu Van Lang street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh.

Directions: 1-minute walk from Ben Thanh Market. The nearby landmark is City Hotel.

9. Nabil Biryani House

Stuff yourself with a plate of fragrant chicken biryani
Stuff yourself with a plate of fragrant chicken biryani

Credit: By Garrett Ziegler from New York, United States (Hyderabadi chicken biryani, Deccan Kabab) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Like most parts of Vietnam, the halal foodscape has fostered a growing popularity of Indian cuisine and Nabil Biryani House is not spared. Everyone who dines at Nabil has one thing in common: a craving for the restaurant’s signature biryani.

With heaps of fragrant biryani rice as your table arsenal, spice up your lunch and dinner with a variety of curries from the spicy chicken masala and fish vindaloo. If you have a busy itinerary and only have a quick lunch to spare, opt for Malaysian stir-fry such as nasi goreng kampung or mee mamak for a lightning refuel.

Phone: +84 8 3822 5494

Website

Opening Hours: Mon - Sun: 6:30am – 10:00pm

Price: The main courses are priced between VND85,000 - VND110,000

Address: 31, Truong Dinh street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh.

Directions: 3-minute walking distance from Ben Thanh Market. The nearby landmark is the Fimexco building and Grand Hotel Ho Chi Minh.

10. The Daun Restaurant

Fresh spring rolls make the perfect starters at The Daun
Fresh spring rolls make the perfect starters at The Daun

Credit: gobok-lama

Now that you have developed a budding fondness for restaurants with a balance of Vietnamese and Malaysian/Singaporean dishes, The Daun is another recommendation on our list.

21 - Simple yet well-presented fried rice for lunch The Daun
Simple yet well-presented fried rice for lunch

Credit: Zulkiflee Abdullah

While you utilise their complimentary Wi-Fi, equalise your focus on the Vietnamese side of the menu where local delicacies such as bong thien ly xao bo (stir fried thien ly flower), banh xeo (savoury fried pancake), fresh spring rolls as well as the city’s classics: pho and bun bo hue are served. Like all satisfying meals, remember to finish off with a cup of Vietnamese filtered coffee like the locals do.

Phone: +84 12 6424 3229

Website

Opening HoursMon - Sun: 7:00am – 10:30pm

Price: The main courses are priced from VND 70,000 onwards.

Address: 194, Le Thanh Ton street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh.

Directions: 1-minute walking distance from Ben Thanh Market. The restaurant is located between Lavender Hotel and Ngan Ha Hotel.

Now that you have your fill on Muslim-friendly restaurants in Ho Chi Minh, it’s time to take on the historically-rich city with a renewed perspective on Vietnamese cuisine. Whether it’s the famous pho or the underrated bun bo hue, there’s always a dish in the city that will unleash the Southeast Asian foodie in you.

[If you're heading to Hanoi, here are 7 halal eateries you can't miss!]