9 Chinese Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City That Will Satisfy Your Cravings

Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant, ever-evolving culinary playground where Chinese cuisine takes a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Thanks to the thriving Chinese-Vietnamese community, especially in areas like Cho Lon (Chinatown), the city offers an authentic taste of China’s rich culinary heritage, blended seamlessly into Saigon’s unique character.

This unique blend appeals to locals and tourists alike, drawing food enthusiasts to savor diverse specialties such as Guangdong dumplings, Peking duck, and spicy Sichuan grilled fish. Chinese cuisine captivates diners with its complex preparation techniques and distinct flavors, making it an essential part of the city’s culinary landscape. For those looking to embark on a flavorful journey, there is no shortage of top-rated Chinese restaurants throughout Ho Chi Minh City, offering an unforgettable dining experience that caters to all tastes and adventurous palates. 

If you’re looking to dive into authentic Chinese culinary experiences right in the heart of Saigon, this guide will take you through the best restaurants, must-try dishes, and unique Chinese flavors in this vibrant city.

Top Chinese Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is a haven for Chinese food lovers, offering a variety of dining spots that capture the essence of Chinese cuisine. From upscale restaurants to cozy local eateries, here’s a list of top Chinese restaurants in the city that bring authentic flavors, quality ingredients, and memorable dining experiences.

1. San Fu Lou – Modern Cantonese Delights

San Fu Lou is a modern Chinese kitchen that brings the essence of Cantonese cuisine to Ho Chi Minh City with a stylish, contemporary twist. Focusing on the fresh, balanced flavors that define Cantonese food, San Fu Lou has become a favorite destination for families and groups looking to indulge in authentic Chinese dishes.

The restaurant is renowned for its delicious dim sum and flavorful hotpot options, where rich broths and fresh ingredients come together to create a satisfying, shared dining experience. Each dish is beautifully presented with creative plating, making every meal a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. With a diverse menu that spans from delicate dumplings to savory noodle dishes, and the special XO sauce, San Fu Lou offers a dynamic dining experience that celebrates both tradition and innovation in Chinese cuisine.

2. Dim Tu Tac – Authentic Dim Sum and Fresh Seafood

Dim Tu Tac is celebrated for its authentic Cantonese dim sum and expertly prepared seafood dishes, offering a refined dining experience that captures the essence of traditional Cantonese flavors. With a selection of skillfully crafted dumplings, BBQ pork buns, and an array of both savory and sweet dim sum options, this restaurant brings elevated flavors to the table.

A standout highlight is their Peking duck and crispy roast pork—each roasted to perfection, featuring tender, flavorful meat and delectably crispy skin. The Peking duck is served with delicate pancakes and a rich hoisin sauce, making it a true delight for the senses. Set in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, Dim Tu Tac has become a favorite destination for those who appreciate the depth and artistry of Cantonese cuisine.

3. Tan Hai Van Chinese Restaurant –  Hearty Chinatown Classics

Nestled in the lively heart of Cho Lon (Chinatown), Tan Hai Van stands out as a go-to destination for lovers of authentic Chinese cuisine. This spacious, elegantly designed restaurant balances modern sophistication with traditional Chinese decor, creating a warm yet upscale ambiance that’s perfect for family gatherings and festival celebrations.

Adding to its appeal, Tan Hai Van offers a diverse menu with vegetarian and Western options, ensuring a broad selection for all diners. Their premium soups are a must-try, not only rich in flavor but also packed with health benefits. The restaurant blends modern elegance with traditional Chinese decor, creating a stylish yet authentic setting that preserves the essence of Chinese culinary heritage, making it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists seeking a taste of refined Chinese cuisine in Ho Chi Minh City.

4. A Mà Kitchen – Home-Style Comfort with a Modern Touch

A Mà Kitchen brings a modern twist to Chinese home-style cooking, drawing inspiration from the vibrant streets of 1980s Hong Kong. This cozy restaurant reimagines that era’s blend of classic and modern, capturing its irresistible culinary diversity. Decorated with red and green neon signs and nostalgic street-style decor, A Mà Kitchen transports diners to a traditional Hong Kong atmosphere right in the heart of Saigon.

Beloved for its comforting dishes like braised pork belly, salted egg yolk tofu, and crispy Peking duck, A Mà Kitchen also offers Hong Kong specialties like dim sum, Sichuan tofu, and even milk tea. While the menu may not be as extensive as larger restaurants, each dish is crafted with quality ingredients and packed with flavor, making it well worth the reasonable prices.

5. Shang Garden Chain – Luxurious Cantonese Creations

Shang Garden is a premier destination for upscale Chinese dining, ideally located in central areas of the city. Combining classic Eastern elegance with a touch of Western sophistication, Shang Garden provides a refined atmosphere perfect for family gatherings, social meet-ups, and impressive business dinners.

With high standards in service, ambiance, and cuisine, Shang Garden offers a carefully curated menu featuring standout dishes like Peking duck, abalone, and a selection of gourmet dim sum, each crafted with premium ingredients and presented beautifully. Beyond the culinary experience, diners can appreciate the restaurant’s elegant architecture, which adds to the charm and sophistication of the dining experience.

6. Cháo Sườn Chú Chen – Comforting Congee and Street Food Favorites

For a taste of comforting Chinese street food, Cháo Sườn Chú Chen is a must-visit in Ho Chi Minh City. Known for its savory pork rib congee, this cozy spot serves a warming, flavorful meal that’s perfect any time of day. Made with fresh ingredients and fragrant Bắc Hương rice from Northern Vietnam, the congee is creamy and topped with tender pork ribs, scallions, and a touch of traditional flavors that locals and visitors alike find irresistible.

More than just a dining spot, Cháo Chú Chen embodies cultural richness and tradition, with a meaningful story behind its dishes. The restaurant’s design draws inspiration from traditional Chinese aesthetics, featuring red lanterns, carved wooden details, and vibrant murals that celebrate Asian heritage, adding a warm, inviting ambiance to the dining experience.

7. Haidilao Hot Pot

Haidilao brings the authentic Chinese hotpot experience to Ho Chi Minh City with fresh ingredients, customizable broths, and outstanding service—all at a fair price. Known for its interactive dining, Haidilao lets guests choose their ingredients and a variety of dipping sauces for a truly personalized and flavorful meal.

What makes Haidilao stand out is its attention to detail and exceptional customer care. The friendly, attentive staff makes every guest feel welcome, and while waiting for a table, customers can enjoy complimentary treats like ice cream, popcorn, and even a free nail salon service. The restaurant’s diverse dipping sauces and hand-pulled noodles are favorites among hotpot enthusiasts, and its frequent promotions add extra value. With thoughtful touches and a lively, family-friendly atmosphere, Haidilao has quickly become a beloved hotpot destination in the city.

8. Crystal Jade Palace – Elegant Cantonese and Refined Dim Sum

At Crystal Jade Palace, exquisite Cantonese dishes are crafted from premium ingredients by master chefs, offering an authentic culinary experience in an elegant setting. The restaurant combines traditional Chinese culture with modern touches, creating a sophisticated atmosphere perfect for enjoying fine Cantonese cuisine.

Each branch of Crystal Jade Palace offers a unique aesthetic. The Le Loi location is adorned with luxurious East Asian decor, adding a refined ambiance to the dining experience. Meanwhile, Thao Dien showcases a seamless blend of neoclassical architecture and the brand’s signature jade-green accents, embodying the “Imperial Jade” elegance. The Ly Nam De branch, designed in the iconic Indochine style, adds a touch of historical charm, making each visit to Crystal Jade Palace a feast for both the palate and the senses.

9. Yu Shang Lou – Elegant Cantonese Cuisine with a Contemporary Touch

Located centrally on Tran Hung Dao Street, Yu Shang Lou is a refined spot for Cantonese and Chinese fine dining in Ho Chi Minh City. Known for its commitment to quality, Yu Shang Lou selects only the freshest seafood and premium ingredients for its dishes. The menu highlights both classic and innovative flavors, blending traditional Chinese cooking techniques with a touch of Western culinary artistry, resulting in a diverse and memorable dining experience.

The restaurant’s ambiance is both modern and classic, with stylish East Asian decor that enhances its elegant appeal. Signature dishes include expertly prepared roast meats, bird’s nest soups, and Hong Kong-style noodles, with each dish embodying the essence of Cantonese cuisine. Yu Shang Lou also offers a dedicated vegetarian menu, catering to a range of preferences. For a truly immersive culinary experience that captures the essence of Chinese heritage with a modern twist, Yu Shang Lou is a standout choice in Saigon.

Must-Try Chinese Dishes in Ho Chi Minh City

1. Dim Sum

A staple of Cantonese cuisine, dim sum is a must for anyone exploring Chinese food in Ho Chi Minh City. Served in steaming bamboo baskets, you’ll find favorites like shrimp dumplings (har gow), BBQ pork buns (char siu bao), and siu mai (pork and shrimp dumplings). Popular spots like Dim Tu Tac and Crystal Jade Palace offer a range of beautifully crafted dim sum items that are perfect for a family brunch or a social gathering.

2. Peking Duck

Peking Duck is a showstopper at many upscale Chinese restaurants in the city, including Shang Garden and Yu Shang Lou. This dish features crispy, golden skin and juicy, tender meat, served with thin pancakes, fresh cucumbers, and a rich hoisin sauce. The art of carving and preparing the duck tableside adds to the experience, making it both a visual and culinary delight.

3. Hotpot

Hotpot is a favorite for group dining in Ho Chi Minh City, especially at places like Haidilao and Spice World Hotpot. This interactive dish lets you customize your meal with a variety of broths—spicy Sichuan, mushroom, and tomato being popular choices—and a wide array of fresh meats, vegetables, and dipping sauces. It’s a fun, communal dining experience that’s especially enjoyable with family and friends.

4. Crispy Roast Pork (Siu Yuk)

Known for its perfectly crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat, crispy roast pork is a staple in Chinese cuisine. Restaurants like Tan Hai Van and Dim Tu Tac serve it as part of their Cantonese BBQ offerings, often paired with soy sauce or mustard for extra flavor. This dish is a simple yet irresistible option for meat lovers.

5. Congee with Pork Ribs

For a taste of comfort food, try pork rib congee at Cháo Sườn Chú Chen. This creamy rice porridge, topped with tender pork ribs and garnished with scallions, is a simple yet satisfying dish perfect for breakfast or any time of day. It’s particularly popular among locals for its warmth and light flavor.

6. Sichuan Mapo Tofu

For those who enjoy bold flavors, mapo tofu is a must. This spicy Sichuan dish features soft tofu in a rich, chili-based sauce with minced pork, garlic, and Sichuan peppercorns. Available at many Sichuan-style eateries, mapo tofu’s spicy and numbing flavors make it an exciting dish for adventurous eaters.

7. Seafood Dishes

Fresh seafood is a highlight of Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinese cuisine, with options like steamed fish with ginger and scallions, garlic prawns, and abalone. At places like Yu Shang Lou and Crystal Jade Palace, these dishes showcase the freshness and delicate flavors of premium seafood ingredients, often prepared with minimal seasoning to let the seafood shine.

8. Salted Egg Yolk Dishes

Dishes with salted egg yolk coating, such as salted egg yolk tofu or salted egg yolk prawns, offer a rich, savory flavor that’s both creamy and slightly grainy. A Mà Kitchen is a great spot to try these, as they add a unique twist to traditional ingredients, giving them a burst of umami flavor that’s unforgettable.

9. Hong Kong-Style Milk Tea

To end on a sweet note, Hong Kong-style milk tea is a classic beverage choice that pairs perfectly with dim sum or dessert. With a strong black tea base and smooth, creamy milk, this drink is refreshing and comforting. Many restaurants and tea shops around Chinatown offer this authentic beverage, making it an ideal choice for a refreshing break.

For an even deeper dive into the rich Chinese heritage that shapes Saigon’s culinary landscape, don’t miss exploring the heart of the city’s Chinese-Vietnamese community in Chợ Lớn. This vibrant area, also known as Saigon’s Chinatown, offers an authentic glimpse into the culture, history, and flavors influencing Chinese cuisine in Ho Chi Minh City. From traditional herbal shops to bustling markets and historic temples, Chợ Lớn is more than just a food lover’s destination; it’s a cultural experience.

Ready to dive into Saigon’s vibrant Chinese food scene? Let Vietnam is Awesome be your trusted guide! From hidden gems to top-rated restaurants, we’ll help you discover the best spots for authentic Chinese cuisine in Ho Chi Minh City. Join us to explore, savor, and experience Saigon like never before!