Each June, the Michelin Guide updates its recommendations for dining establishments in Vietnam. For 2026, Ho Chi Minh City sees five new additions to its 'Michelin Selected' category. This designation highlights restaurants that inspectors consider genuinely worth a visit, offering quality food across various price points. The recent selections are notable for their breadth, including a zero-waste vegan restaurant alongside a long-standing Hue eatery, reflecting the city's dynamic and varied culinary identity.
These new entries demonstrate why Ho Chi Minh City maintains a strong reputation for exceptional food within Vietnam. They represent a spectrum of dining experiences, from ambitious tasting menus to comforting, traditional dishes prepared with generations of expertise. Understanding these five establishments provides insight into the current state of Saigon's food scene.
Introducing Ho Chi Minh City's 2026 Michelin Selected Restaurants
The Michelin 'Selected' category recognizes restaurants offering high-quality cooking, distinct from the starred establishments or the more casual Bib Gourmand options. In Ho Chi Minh City, this tier encompasses a wide array of culinary styles and settings, from sophisticated contemporary kitchens to beloved local spots. The 2026 additions underscore the city's ability to blend innovation with tradition, offering something for every palate.
These selections are not merely a list of places to eat but a reflection of the city's culinary narrative. They invite diners to explore different facets of Vietnamese cuisine and international influences, all held to a standard of quality recognized by a global authority. For those planning a trip, considering these venues can enrich your culinary journey through Vietnam.
NÔM: A Culinary Tour of Vietnam
Located on Trần Nhật Duật Street in Tân Định, NÔM presents an ambitious tasting menu designed to take diners on a gastronomic journey across Vietnam's regions. The experience begins with flavors from the North, transitions through Central Vietnamese cuisine, and concludes with a dessert inspired by the South. Dishes familiar to many are reinterpreted with refined techniques, such as an elegant, multi-layered bún bò Huế and a rich fish soup enhanced with herb oil and a touch of caviar.
The restaurant's interior is thoughtfully designed, featuring areas that resemble 'mini-museums' adorned with traditional handicrafts, allowing the meal to also serve as an exploration of Vietnamese culture. Chef Chris Fong received the Michelin Opening of the Year Award for 2026, a testament to NÔM's distinctive approach to fine dining that tells a story through its cuisine. Reservations are advised for this experience.
Tales by Chapter: Sustainable Plant-Based Dining
Tales by Chapter, situated on Nguyễn Thành Ý Street, is a particularly noteworthy addition, not only making the Selected list but also earning a Michelin Green Star for its commitment to sustainability. This establishment features a completely plant-based and seasonal menu, operating on a closed-loop system. Ingredients are sourced from a collaborating eco-farm in Đà Lạt and the restaurant's own rooftop garden.
The kitchen minimizes waste by fermenting trimmings into ingredients like mushroom garum and corn koji, and organic waste is composted for soil enrichment. Guests can engage with the restaurant's ethos through interactive installations and a seed-matching game. For travelers seeking responsible dining options that do not compromise on quality, Tales by Chapter represents a significant advancement in Ho Chi Minh City's sustainable culinary offerings. This fine-dining venue requires advance booking.
Sóno: Modern Techniques, Authentic Vietnamese Flavors
Since its opening in 2022, Sóno on Nguyễn Văn Hưởng Street in An Khánh has cultivated a dedicated following. Chef Kiên Phan's culinary philosophy combines contemporary techniques with a deep respect for Vietnamese heritage. The resulting dishes are precise and modern while retaining their foundational, traditional flavors. Sóno exemplifies the direction of a new generation of chefs in Saigon, who are both globally informed in their methods and firmly rooted in local culinary traditions.
This restaurant offers a taste of evolving Vietnamese cuisine, appealing to those who appreciate both innovation and authenticity. While specific booking requirements were not provided, general reservations are typically recommended for establishments of this caliber.
Apero: An International Touch with Italian Classics
The inclusion of Apero on the Michelin Selected list highlights Ho Chi Minh City's status as a truly international dining destination. This restaurant, featuring an open kitchen, specializes in rustic Italian cuisine with a focus on handmade pasta. Michelin inspectors specifically recommend their rich carbonara, prepared with crispy bacon and ample parmesan, followed by a homemade tiramisu. Apero serves as a reminder that the city's top culinary experiences extend beyond Vietnamese dishes, encompassing international cuisines executed with genuine care and skill.
While no address was provided in the source material, its recognition by the Michelin Guide suggests a high standard of quality. For dining at Apero, it is advisable to check for reservation policies.
Quán Ăn Ngự Bình: Decades of Hue Home Cooking
Quán Ăn Ngự Bình, located within the old Nguyễn Văn Trỗi apartment quarters in Phú Nhuận, holds a special place among the new selections. This establishment has been serving generations of patrons for decades, offering authentic Hue home cooking in a welcoming, unpretentious family environment. Unlike the fine-dining venues, there is no tasting menu or elaborate concept; the focus is purely on well-prepared traditional dishes.
Michelin inspectors specifically highlighted their bún bò Huế, noting its tender beef and clear, light broth. Other popular items include bánh bèo and nem nướng, which are frequently ordered. Quán Ăn Ngự Bình's recognition underscores a key aspect of Vietnam's food culture: excellence is often found in the simple, consistent artistry of family kitchens. For this establishment, visitors typically just arrive without a reservation. A visit here offers a glimpse into Ho Chi Minh City's local food scene.
Summary of Ho Chi Minh City's New Michelin Selected Restaurants (2026)
| Restaurant Name | Cuisine Type | Key Features | Address | Booking Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NÔM | Vietnamese Tasting Menu | Country-spanning menu, elegant presentations, cultural decor, 2026 Opening of the Year Award | Trần Nhật Duật Street, Tân Định | Required |
| Tales by Chapter | Plant-Based, Seasonal | Michelin Green Star, zero-waste system, eco-farm sourcing, interactive dining | Nguyễn Thành Ý Street | Required |
| Sóno | Modern Vietnamese | Contemporary techniques, authentic flavors, Chef Kiên Phan, opened 2022 | Nguyễn Văn Hưởng Street, An Khánh | Recommended |
| Apero | Rustic Italian | Handmade pasta, open kitchen, carbonara, tiramisu | Address not supplied | Recommended |
| Quán Ăn Ngự Bình | Traditional Hue Home Cooking | Decades-old family eatery, bún bò Huế, bánh bèo, nem nướng | Old Nguyễn Văn Trỗi apartment quarters, Phú Nhuận | Walk-in |
What the 2026 List Reveals About Saigon's Dining Scene
The collective profile of these five new Michelin Selected restaurants paints a comprehensive picture of Ho Chi Minh City's diverse dining landscape. Within a single Michelin category, one finds a restaurant offering a national culinary journey, a pioneering zero-waste plant-based fine-diner, a modern Vietnamese establishment, a traditional Italian trattoria, and a long-standing Hue canteen. This breadth—encompassing both high-end and accessible options, local and international flavors, cutting-edge and deeply traditional approaches—is precisely what makes Saigon such a rewarding city for food enthusiasts.
Rather than viewing this list as a strict ranking, it serves as an invitation to explore the contrasts. For instance, experiencing a tasting menu at NÔM one evening and then enjoying a bowl of bún bò Huế at Quán Ăn Ngự Bình the next can vividly illustrate the full range of culinary experiences available in this city. This approach allows visitors to appreciate the various dimensions of Ho Chi Minh City's food culture. To fully appreciate the city's culinary offerings and other attractions, consider a comprehensive Vietnam culinary and cultural tour.
Practical Advice for Dining in Ho Chi Minh City
When planning to visit these Michelin-recognized establishments, a few practical considerations can enhance your experience. For fine-dining venues such as NÔM and Tales by Chapter, securing a reservation well in advance is highly recommended. These popular spots often have limited seating and can book up quickly. The Michelin Guide app is a useful tool for making these bookings.
For more casual, family-style eateries like Quán Ăn Ngự Bình, reservations are typically not necessary; you can simply arrive and be seated. However, it's always a good idea to verify current operating hours, especially for smaller, local establishments, as these can change. Exploring the city's food scene is a highlight for many visitors, and understanding these nuances can make your dining experiences smoother and more enjoyable. For additional planning resources, consult an essential guide for your first trip to Vietnam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which new restaurants joined the Michelin Selected list in Ho Chi Minh City in 2026?
Five establishments were added to the Michelin Selected list in Ho Chi Minh City for 2026: NÔM, Tales by Chapter, Sóno, Apero, and Quán Ăn Ngự Bình. Their offerings span from contemporary plant-based fine dining to traditional Hue family recipes.
What does a Michelin Selected restaurant designation mean?
The Michelin Selected designation indicates a restaurant that the Michelin Guide inspectors recommend for its high-quality food. It sits below the Star and Bib Gourmand tiers and in Vietnam, it includes a broad range of dining experiences, from casual local eateries to ambitious modern kitchens.
Which of the new selections is known for sustainable dining?
Tales by Chapter is recognized for its sustainable dining practices. It also received a 2026 Michelin Green Star for its zero-waste, entirely plant-based approach, making it a top choice for environmentally conscious travelers seeking quality food in Ho Chi Minh City.
Is it necessary to book these restaurants in advance?
For fine-dining venues like NÔM and Tales by Chapter, making reservations ahead of time is highly recommended. Quán Ăn Ngự Bình operates as a walk-in family eatery, so bookings are not typically required there.