Saigoneer | Eat & Drink https://saigoneer.com/ Wed, 11 Feb 2026 09:29:19 GMT FeedCreator 1.8.0-dev (info@mypapit.net) Cooking Without Cover: What VỊ Battle Reveals About Saigon’s Next Chefs http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/28673-cooking-without-cover-what-vị-battle-reveals-about-saigon’s-next-chefs  

A kitchen usually protects its cooks. Walls soften mistakes. Noise hides hesitation. If something goes wrong, the rhythm of service absorbs it.

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paul@saigoneer.com (Jessi Pham. Photos via Vị Battle®.) Fri, 16 Jan 2026 10:39:17 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/28673-cooking-without-cover-what-vị-battle-reveals-about-saigon’s-next-chefs
More than a Meal; a Shared Cultural Space: Dining Across Borders at Quán Bụi Group Complex http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/28606-more-than-a-meal,-a-shared-cultural-space-dining-across-borders-at-quán-bụi-group-complex

As Saigon’s eastern area continues to take on a rhythm of its own, shaped by new residential communities, international schools, and a younger, more settled urban crowd, Quán Bụi Group Complex emerges as a quietly intriguing addition to Thủ Đức’s evolving landscape.

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paul@saigoneer.com (Jessi Pham. Photos by Quán Bụi Group) Fri, 19 Dec 2025 04:56:52 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/28606-more-than-a-meal,-a-shared-cultural-space-dining-across-borders-at-quán-bụi-group-complex
Thirty 59 Brings Saigon Kitchen Sessions: A One-Night-Only Spectacle of Food and Music http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/28573-thirty-59-brings-saigon-kitchen-sessions-a-one-night-only-spectacle-of-food-and-music

Over the past decade, An Khánh Ward (formerly Thảo Điền) has developed its own F&B ecosystem, becoming one of Saigon’s most diverse culinary landscapes. A relative newcomer, Thirty 59, opened its doors in April 2025 and, despite its slightly hidden location, has become a vibrant intersection of not only food and drinks, but also music, art and culture.

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paul@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer. Photos by Thirty 59.) Thu, 04 Dec 2025 13:39:31 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/28573-thirty-59-brings-saigon-kitchen-sessions-a-one-night-only-spectacle-of-food-and-music
The Man Bringing a Michelin Reputation to Phú Quốc’s Pink Pearl: Olivier Elzer http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/28525-the-man-bringing-a-michelin-reputation-to-phú-quốc’s-pink-pearl-olivier-elzer

Just before reaching the sand, the sky awash in soft, late afternoon pastels, you’ll arrive at the Pink Pearl, which now bears a sign announcing it as the Pink Pearl by Olivier E. But who is Olivier E.?

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paul@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer. Photos by Alberto Prieto.) Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:27:34 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/28525-the-man-bringing-a-michelin-reputation-to-phú-quốc’s-pink-pearl-olivier-elzer
Slipper Lobster Bisque: When the Local Sea Speaks in the Language of Fine Dining http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/28545-slipper-lobster-bisque-when-the-local-sea-speaks-in-the-language-of-fine-dining

There are dishes that arrive at the table softly, like a whisper from the ocean. They do not seek attention yet draw it in through restraint and balance. At LAVA, InterContinental Phu Quoc’s signature restaurant, beneath an intricate bamboo structure designed by architect Võ Trọng Nghĩa, Chef Dương Quốc Dũng presents his Slipper Lobster Bisque, a dish that mirrors both his journey and his philosophy.

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paul@saigoneer.com (Jessi Pham. Photos via LAVA.) Tue, 25 Nov 2025 10:28:42 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/28545-slipper-lobster-bisque-when-the-local-sea-speaks-in-the-language-of-fine-dining
From Delta Winds to Highland Soil: A Plant-Based Odyssey http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/28471-from-delta-winds-to-highland-soil-a-plant-based-odyssey

A restaurant where vegetables speak of home.

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paul@saigoneer.com (Jessi Pham. Photos via Hum Signature.) Sun, 23 Nov 2025 23:21:37 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/28471-from-delta-winds-to-highland-soil-a-plant-based-odyssey
Saigon’s Beloved Basilico Undergoes Re-Imagining to Emphasize Authentic Italian Cuisine http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/28450-saigon’s-beloved-basilico-undergoes-re-imagining-to-emphasize-authentic-italian-cuisine

“We are Italians, we do pretty much what we want,” said Chef Francesco Leone when pressed for his vision of Basilico. “If you want to transmit authenticity and the feeling of Italian food by making Basilico a small section of Italy in Saigon, then you need to reflect Italy in the ambiance, but mostly in the food.”

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paul@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer. Photos by Basilico.) Thu, 13 Nov 2025 04:29:41 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/28450-saigon’s-beloved-basilico-undergoes-re-imagining-to-emphasize-authentic-italian-cuisine
Integrating Spanish Culinary Traditions into Local Lifestyles http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/28419-integrating-spanish-culinary-traditions-into-local-lifestyles

Paella’s elevation of humble countryside ingredients into an extravaganza of flavors united by fluffy rice; soft and creamy Torta del Casar sheep’s milk cheese; intense Pimentón de la Vera paprika made with smoked peppers, and nutty, earthy iberico ham sliced whisper thin: Spanish culinary treasures are becoming increasingly common in Vietnam. As more Spanish restaurants open and Spanish products occupy more space on grocery store shelves, people here are also discovering how Spaniards like to eat.

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paul@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer. Photos by Economic and Commercial Office from the Embassy of Spain.) Mon, 13 Oct 2025 03:04:25 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/28419-integrating-spanish-culinary-traditions-into-local-lifestyles
ONVIT’s Warm Light: A Korean Culinary Journey Through Vietnamese Terroir http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/28407-onvit’s-warm-light-a-korean-culinary-journey-through-vietnamese-terroir

Hanoi’s fine dining landscape has long been shaped by European and Japanese influences. But in August 2025,  ONVIT, the first Korean fine dining restaurant in Vietnam, opened inside the Grand Plaza Hanoi Hotel. It reinterprets Korean culinary traditions through the richness of Vietnamese terroir.

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paul@saigoneer.com (Jessi Pham. Photos via ONVIT.) Fri, 12 Sep 2025 01:51:53 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/28407-onvit’s-warm-light-a-korean-culinary-journey-through-vietnamese-terroir
Savoring the Spectacular Views from Zion Sky Lounge & Dining http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/27941-savoring-the-spectacular-views-from-zion-sky-lounge-dining

When the sun starts to fall, glazing a glittering expanse of skyscrapers with orange light, Saigon’s skyline reveals its most beautiful, energetic character. The view from Zion Sky Lounge & Dining improves as night approaches and the fluorescents start to blink on.

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paul@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer. Photos by Saigoneer.) Thu, 16 Jan 2025 10:10:21 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/27941-savoring-the-spectacular-views-from-zion-sky-lounge-dining
“Burgers Chose Me”: The Journey of Pingu's Burger and Healthy Fast Food http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/26728-“burgers-chose-me”-the-journey-of-pingu-burger-and-healthy-fast-food

On an intimate, tree-lined street in the middle of Thảo Điền sits Pingu's Burger. By outward appearance, it seems like your run-of-the-mill burger joint, but there’s more intention here than one would expect.

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brian.letwin@gmail.com (Saigoneer. Photos by Pingu Burger.) Sun, 14 Jan 2024 04:45:48 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/26728-“burgers-chose-me”-the-journey-of-pingu-burger-and-healthy-fast-food
In Search of Quy Nhơn’s New and Traditional Delicacies http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/26469-in-search-of-quy-nhơn’s-new-and-traditional-delicacies

When asked what one should do when visiting, Quy Nhơn, one of Saigoneer’s favorite cities, the answer is simple: eat!

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paul@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer. Photos by Saigoneer.) Mon, 16 Oct 2023 07:20:32 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/26469-in-search-of-quy-nhơn’s-new-and-traditional-delicacies
Landmark 81’s Oriental Pearl Prepares Dishes with its Head in the Clouds http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/26337-landmark-81’s-oriental-pearl-prepares-dishes-with-its-head-in-the-clouds

What Saigon venue offers the best mountain view? This may seem like an absurdist question given the city’s notoriously flat landscape, but if you go up high enough, you are actually able to see them rise on the distant horizon. But before recognizing these peaks, you are liable to get lost marveling at the city as it unfurls below in all its neon glory below.

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guionbajotal@gmail.com (Saigoneer. Photos by Saigoneer.) Wed, 28 Jun 2023 23:22:51 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/26337-landmark-81’s-oriental-pearl-prepares-dishes-with-its-head-in-the-clouds
From Buffet to Wine Bar: Exploring Dining Options at Saigon Grand Opera Hotel http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/26291-from-buffet-to-wine-bar-exploring-dining-options-at-sheraton-saigon

A shimmering sprawl of fresh prawns greets guests who arrive at Saigon Café for a nutritious, energizing International Buffet Lunch. The seafood is a perfect introduction to a meal that relies on fresh ingredients to provide a healthy, relaxing boost so diners can proceed to a productive afternoon.

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guionbajotal@gmail.com (Saigoneer. Photos by Saigoneer.) Wed, 27 Nov 2024 03:59:38 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/26291-from-buffet-to-wine-bar-exploring-dining-options-at-sheraton-saigon
Every Half - Vietnam Specialty Coffee Roasters Exemplifies Vietnam’s Evolving Coffee Industry http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/26331-every-half-vietnam-specialty-coffee-roasters-exemplifies-vietnams-evolving-coffee-industry


Despite being the world’s second-largest coffee exporter with cafes and vendors filling its streets, Vietnam is rarely recognized for the quality of its coffee. But anyone who has strolled around Saigon and noticed the proliferation of sleek establishments that prioritize carefully grown, roasted and prepared beans know that distinction could be a thing of the past.

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paul@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer. Photos by Every Half.) Sun, 25 Jun 2023 02:28:35 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/26331-every-half-vietnam-specialty-coffee-roasters-exemplifies-vietnams-evolving-coffee-industry
Saigon’s Vibrant Charm and Energy Captured at RBar and Viet Kitchen http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/26259-saigon’s-vibrant-charm-and-energy-captured-at-rbar-and-viet-kitchen

Can one long for Saigon, even when in Saigon? The metropolis’ international influences and connections mean one can find cuisines, products and aesthetics from just about everywhere in the world here. This allows for a wonderfully convenient life, but sometimes it can be difficult to remember that Saigon has its own unique style and traditions. It’s important to have places to immerse in those flavors and aesthetics.

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guionbajotal@gmail.com (Saigoneer. Photos by Saigoneer.) Sat, 03 Jun 2023 02:50:37 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/26259-saigon’s-vibrant-charm-and-energy-captured-at-rbar-and-viet-kitchen
Experience Elevated Dining with Le Méridien Saigon's A La Carte Brunch and Set Lunch http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/26215-experience-elevated-dining-with-le-méridien-saigon-s-a-la-carte-brunch-and-set-lunch

Many variables determine what you want to find on your lunch plate. While you certainly must eat something, the particulars of how long you have free in your schedule, the company you are with, the mood your taste buds are in and where you are located, go a long way in determining what you are looking to eat. Le Méridien Saigon in District 1 has diverse options suitable for indulgent weekend brunches as well as convenient and nourishing weekday lunches thanks to two of their venues: Latest Recipe and BARSON.

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guionbajotal@gmail.com (Saigoneer. Photos by Saigoneer.) Sat, 03 Jun 2023 02:51:06 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/26215-experience-elevated-dining-with-le-méridien-saigon-s-a-la-carte-brunch-and-set-lunch
Miss Thu: A Culinary Blending of Saigon with the World http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/25945-miss-thu-a-culinary-journey-from-saigon-to-abroad-and-back-again

It's a story-led restaurant.

Born in Saigon sometime in the late 1970s, Miss Thu had a pleasant childhood scampering around an apartment block with her friends, sitting on the back of her parent’s vintage motorbike for rides to and from school and savoring simple street food alongside home-cooked meals. She was privileged to go abroad. She explored foreign arts, cultures, and cuisines from around the world before returning to Saigon.

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guionbajotal@gmail.com (Saigoneer) Wed, 21 Dec 2022 07:12:17 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/25945-miss-thu-a-culinary-journey-from-saigon-to-abroad-and-back-again
Hôtel des Arts Saigon’s Brunch is a Feast to be Enjoyed like Artwork in a Gallery http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/25850-hôtel-des-arts-saigon’s-brunch-is-a-feast-to-be-enjoyed-like-artwork-in-a-gallery

Works of art are often appreciated for the sum of their parts. A painting’s subject matter, the artist’s legacy and the context in which it was produced can be just as important as the aesthetics of the piece. So it is with meals as well. The ambiance, presentation and people one shares the occasion with can impact a dining experience as much as the food itself. That is how one should approach Hôtel des Arts Saigon’s Sunday Brunch.

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guionbajotal@gmail.com (Saigoneer. Photos by Alberto Prieto.) Mon, 17 Mar 2025 09:12:03 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/25850-hôtel-des-arts-saigon’s-brunch-is-a-feast-to-be-enjoyed-like-artwork-in-a-gallery
Pasteur Street Brewing Company’s New Taproom Has a Story to Tell http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/25769-pasteur-street-brewing-company’s-new-taproom-has-a-story-to-tell

“Wow, this is a colorful one!” we exclaimed upon approaching the bright building along the canal separating Districts 1 and Phú Nhuận. Large red and blue pipes reminiscent of the geometric designs found on Pasteur Street Brewing Company (PSBC)’s cans frame the open-air ground floor that provides fantastic views of Hoàng Sa as motorbikes speed past in front of its tranquil waters.

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guionbajotal@gmail.com (Saigoneer. Photos by Alberto Prieto.) Mon, 17 Mar 2025 09:12:56 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/25769-pasteur-street-brewing-company’s-new-taproom-has-a-story-to-tell
Exploring Spanish Cuisine without Leaving Vietnam http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/25669-exploring-spanish-cuisine-without-leaving-vietnam

Estómago lleno, corazón contento. “When your stomach is full, your heart is happy” is a common Spanish saying that exemplifies the importance of food in Spanish society. But one doesn’t need to travel to Madrid or Barcelona to learn how late lunches demand light aperitivos or grasp the importance that Spaniards place on a properly prepared paella. Despite Spain’s relatively small presence in the country, members of the Spanish community are creating stellar dining experiences right here in Vietnam.

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paul@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer.) Mon, 25 Jul 2022 08:43:40 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/25669-exploring-spanish-cuisine-without-leaving-vietnam
Eddie’s Brings Good American Food, Friendly Service & Great Milkshakes to District 1 http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/20167-eddie’s-brings-good-american-food,-friendly-service-great-milkshakes-to-district-1

“An authentically American dining experience is what we set out to create for our guests in Vietnam,” explains Trần Lê Thanh Hằng, Managing Partner of Eddie’s New York Deli & Diner, when we sat down for a lunch of their famous pastrami Reubens and milkshakes at their new District 1 location that re-creates a 1950’s diner experience straight out of ‘Riverdale.’

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guionbajotal@gmail.com (Saigoneer. Photos by Alberto Prieto.) Tue, 17 Jun 2025 04:27:50 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/20167-eddie’s-brings-good-american-food,-friendly-service-great-milkshakes-to-district-1
Kitchen: A Non-Profit Restaurant Dishing up No-Nonsense Comfort Food http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/19664-kitchen-a-non-profit-restaurant-dishing-up-no-nonsense-comfort-food

The kitchen is the heart of a home. This is the philosophy behind Kitchen, a new not-for-profit restaurant in District 2 that aims to nurture a community with delicious, healthy food. 

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guionbajotal@gmail.com (Saigoneer. Photos by Alberto Prieto.) Tue, 17 Jun 2025 04:27:04 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/19664-kitchen-a-non-profit-restaurant-dishing-up-no-nonsense-comfort-food
From Plant to Pour: Rethinking Vietnamese Coffee http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/19609-from-plant-to-pour-rethinking-vietnamese-coffee

Saigoneer will never see coffee the same way again.

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guionbajotal@gmail.com (Saigoneer. Photos by Alberto Prieto.) Tue, 17 Jun 2025 04:26:23 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/19609-from-plant-to-pour-rethinking-vietnamese-coffee
Pasteur Street's Jasmine IPA: The Beer that Built the Brand http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/18999-pasteur-street-s-jasmine-ipa-the-beer-that-built-the-brand

“This doesn’t taste like regular beer, but I love it!”

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paul@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer.) Tue, 17 Jun 2025 04:25:47 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/18999-pasteur-street-s-jasmine-ipa-the-beer-that-built-the-brand
A Journey through Spanish Flavors at Ria http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/18914-a-journey-through-spanish-flavors-at-ria

Not long ago, one could count the number of Spanish eateries in Saigon on a few fingers.

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guionbajotal@gmail.com (Saigoneer. Photos by Alberto Prieto.) Mon, 13 Jul 2020 08:20:32 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/18914-a-journey-through-spanish-flavors-at-ria
Upscale Fusion Fare Mingles with Japan’s Izakaya Culture at NOMU http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/18822-upscale-fusion-fare-mingles-with-japan’s-izakaya-culture-at-nomu

What exactly is fusion food?

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guionbajotal@gmail.com (Saigoneer. Photos by Alberto Prieto.) Tue, 17 Jun 2025 04:25:06 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/18822-upscale-fusion-fare-mingles-with-japan’s-izakaya-culture-at-nomu
Saigon’s Culinary Diversity on Display at Kiba http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/18462-saigon’s-culinary-diversity-on-display-at-kiba

Like a giddy child excited to show off his new toys, Chef Pedro Goizueta spread seed packages across a table on Kiba’s breezy terrace.

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paul@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer.) Wed, 06 May 2020 02:23:57 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/18462-saigon’s-culinary-diversity-on-display-at-kiba
The Granola Guy Comes to Town http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/18256-the-granola-guy-comes-to-town

“Granola Guy” wasn’t a name that Peter Gluckstein expected to answer to when he moved to Vietnam two years ago.

After selling his marketing agency in the United Kingdom, Peter planned to rest and relax with his wife and two young children in Hoi An, a city they’d fallen in love with during previous vacations. But while he loves pho, after a month of eating it for breakfast he had an insatiable craving for granola, one of his favorite morning foods.

Invented by John Harvey Kellog in the late 19th century to serve at a radical health-focused retreat, granola is a staple in many western countries, where it is typically eaten with milk or cereal for breakfast or munched on by the handful as a snack. When he went searching for the tasty blend of baked oats, fruits and nuts, however, Peter could only find a few expensive imported brands.

He thus decided to make his own. He tried some online recipes, tweaking them to his liking and baking it in his kitchen’s small toaster oven. He was so pleased with how it turned out that he posted about it on a Facebook page for expats. The response was quick and overwhelmingly positive, and he began selling it to people hankering for their home country flavors, as well as a few curious locals.

Reaching the Local Market

Thuy Nhung Nguyen first tried Peter’s All Day Crunchy Granola when a guest at the golf club where she worked offered her a sample. She immediately fell in love with it and reached out to Peter inquiring if she could sell it on his behalf. Relying on her experience in the tourism industry and familiarity with Facebook sales, she quickly began selling more of it than Peter was. She later joined his team at Pete’s Luxury Wholefoods full-time and has proven to be a crucial partner.

 

In addition to her adeptness at online promotion patterns in Vietnam and translating marketing materials, Nhung has helped introduce granola to Vietnamese customers who aren’t very familiar with it by offering samples at events and posting explanatory videos. Peter notes that Vietnamese people will initially try to eat each element individually, rather than consuming it all at once, so as to best savor the complex taste. As with many foreign foods, Vietnamese have in turn adapted it to some of their local preferences, and Peter was surprised to learn it works well paired with hot tofu and even sprinkled on watermelon with peanut butter.

Moving Out of the Home Kitchen

As demand for Pete’s All Day Crunchy Granola rose, they needed to scale up their operation. They established a deal with a local banh mi bakery to use their ovens in the afternoon, but quickly outgrew that and rented a residential home where they could install their own ovens. Two full-time bakers were hired to keep up with the orders; and to make everything official, the team filled out all the necessary business licensing and registration information and undertook health and safety tests.

Peter’s first order of raw oats from Australia was a mere four-and-a-half kilograms, and now they order by the half-ton. Their orders for Vietnamese cashews, mangos and coconuts, as well as imported pecans, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, cranberries and almonds, have all increased as well, which brings down consumer costs considerably. The recent arrival of new packaging will help them get their products into a range of grocery stores, in addition to steadily adding cafes and coffee shops in Saigon, Hoi An, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Quang Binh, Thanh Hoa and Hanoi, as well as direct ordering.

More than Just Granola 

Trail mix is essentially granola without oats, while muesli is granola with oats that have not been baked. Considering the overlap of ingredients, it made sense for Peter to roll out versions of each. Trail mix is perfect when eaten on its own, while muesli is best consumed with milk or yogurt. They can even be mixed together to adjust the ratio one prefers of fruits and nuts to grains. Peter’s also experimented with new variations of the core All Day Crunchy Granola with a special Tet mix that incorporates watermelon seeds, pomelo, passion fruit, crystallized ginger and tangerine, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and allspice, and a similarly festive Christmas version. And most recently, he’s made use of his coconut supplies to produce Crispy Coconut Clusters which consist of coconut strips, sunflower, pumpkin and chia seeds and a little ginger and raw sugar cane.

One of the aspects of his business that Peter is most proud of is the involvement of his family. For example, he wanted to make granola bars but hasn’t yet been able to source the necessary machines, so in the meantime, he bakes them in muffin trays. Upon seeing them, his eight-year-old daughter, Lottie, dubbed the snackable morsels Granola Jacks. His family also designed the company’s coracle boat logo.

“It’s completely random, so bizarre,” Peter says as he struggles to comprehend the unexpected direction his life has taken. He attributes the success of Pete’s Luxury Wholefoods to the simple fact that his products taste really good. “If I actually get someone to try it and can explain it to them, they’ll buy it five times out of five,” he says.

People appreciate that the products use natural ingredients and don’t include extra sugars or high-fructose corn syrup. The versatile and unique snacks, therefore, meet people’s desires for healthy, vegan options. In the future, Peter may have to move back and forth between Europe and Vietnam for the sake of his children’s school, but he has a good team in place and is certain that regardless of where he is in the world, the “granola guy” will have a presence across the country.

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paul@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer.) Mon, 10 Feb 2020 06:16:07 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/18256-the-granola-guy-comes-to-town
BAEMIN Introduces Unheralded Food Flexibility http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/17516-baemin-introduces-unheralded-food-flexibility

Saigon is experiencing a culinary renaissance that allows foodies to enjoy a vast array of culinary traditions not only in the same city, but in the same meal.

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paul@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer. Photos by Alberto Prieto.) Mon, 17 Mar 2025 09:22:52 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/17516-baemin-introduces-unheralded-food-flexibility
How Drinking & Healing Made a Name for Itself http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/15200-barrel-aged-cocktails,-bartending-championships-and-an-informal-ban-on-durian-cocktails-drinking-healing’s-first-year

 

“No more spicy chocolate passionfruit cocktails…no more durian,” jokes a mixologist at Drinking & Healing when asked what they’ll do differently in its second year.

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paul@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer. Photos by Kevin,.) Mon, 04 Nov 2019 06:57:24 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/15200-barrel-aged-cocktails,-bartending-championships-and-an-informal-ban-on-durian-cocktails-drinking-healing’s-first-year
The Importance and Evolution of Mooncakes During the Mid-Autumn Festival http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/17260-the-importance-and-evolution-of-mooncakes-during-the-mid-autumn-festival

Like most holidays, the origins of Tết Trung Thu, or Mid-Autumn Festival, remain clouded by myth and uncertainty.

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vu@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer.) Fri, 27 Sep 2019 01:44:23 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/17260-the-importance-and-evolution-of-mooncakes-during-the-mid-autumn-festival
Traditional Sushi Techniques on Full Display at Okome http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/16359-traditional-sushi-techniques-on-full-display-at-okome

For many years Saigon has been home to two distinct sushi scenes. First, the non-technical, low-cost options that occupied the same culinary space as all-you-can-eat hotpot and BBQ joints; and on the other end, restaurants that generally used higher quality ingredients in central locations with sleek interior designs. This duality has slowly been upended by small mom and pop businesses that focus on providing the best quality seafood the region has to offer while staying true to traditional Japanese techniques and styles.

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guionbajotal@gmail.com (Saigoneer.) Wed, 19 Jun 2019 08:03:22 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/16359-traditional-sushi-techniques-on-full-display-at-okome
Fresh Catch: Mediterranean “Boat-to-Table” Concept Breathes New Life into Modernist Villa http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/15682-fresh-catch-mediterranean-“boat-to-table”-concept-breathes-new-life-into-modernist-villa

District 1’s Phan Ke Binh Street only spans two blocks, yet it contains an assortment of culinary gems. In an alley on the edge of Nguyen Dinh Chieu sits a handsome modernist villa that is now home to Fresh Catch, a new Mediterranean eatery that, as you’ve probably guessed, prides itself on offering the best seafood sourced from Vietnam’s coastal waters.

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guionbajotal@gmail.com (Saigoneer. Photos by Alberto Prieto.) Mon, 17 Mar 2025 09:25:40 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/15682-fresh-catch-mediterranean-“boat-to-table”-concept-breathes-new-life-into-modernist-villa
Built From the Ground Up: A Glimpse of East West’s Brewing Facilities http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/15640-built-from-the-ground-up-a-glimpse-of-east-west’s-brewing-facilities

While the seasonal rains paused only long enough for mosquitos to breed in standing pools of water, in 2017, the East West Brewing team had to lug brewing equipment through the mud of Saigon.

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vu@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer.) Wed, 17 Apr 2019 07:51:47 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/15640-built-from-the-ground-up-a-glimpse-of-east-west’s-brewing-facilities
Butter-Aging: The Newest Trend in Steaks Hits Saigon http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/15548-butter-aging-the-newest-trend-in-steaks-hits-saigon

I won’t be able to eat another steak for at least two months; not until the taste of Level 23 Signature restaurant’s tenderloin fades from my memory.

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vu@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer.) Fri, 10 Dec 2021 09:13:43 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/15548-butter-aging-the-newest-trend-in-steaks-hits-saigon
Savoring Phu Quoc’s Beauty with a High-Tech Cocktail in Hand http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/15477-savoring-phu-quoc’s-beauty-with-a-high-tech-cocktail-in-hand

The translucent balls one would normally identify as caviar held a secret.

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vu@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer.) Thu, 21 Feb 2019 02:24:57 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/15477-savoring-phu-quoc’s-beauty-with-a-high-tech-cocktail-in-hand
Saigoneer's 5 Best Ngõ Nooks of 2018 http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/22655-urbanist-hanoi-s-5-best-ngõ-nooks-of-2018

In 2018, Hanoi certainly saw its fair share of the good, the bad and the surprising, but it was, as always, a wonderful year for eating and drinking. Across the city, we delighted in finding decades-old street food spots and brand-new businesses alike.

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chris@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer.) Sun, 17 Apr 2022 09:57:50 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/22655-urbanist-hanoi-s-5-best-ngõ-nooks-of-2018
On Top for 7 Years: The Past and Future of Chill Skybar – Dining http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/14994-on-top-for-7-years-the-past-and-future-of-chill-skybar-–-dining

The construction cranes had just departed and the first lights flashed on atop the Bitexco Tower when Chill Skybar – Dining originally opened.

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vu@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer.) Mon, 14 Jan 2019 02:54:03 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/14994-on-top-for-7-years-the-past-and-future-of-chill-skybar-–-dining
Defining “Vietnamese Fusion” at Eleven http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/14750-defining-“vietnamese-fusion”-at-eleven

A thick plume of wood-succulent smoke engulfs the table as the server removes the lid from a clay pot of hot stone beef. Ensconced in the earthy aroma, the tender slices of marinated steak wrapped around forest vegetables acquire subtle flame and charcoal notes.

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vu@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer.) Tue, 04 Dec 2018 07:36:20 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/14750-defining-“vietnamese-fusion”-at-eleven
From Cans to Collaboration: How Winking Seal Beer Co. Sets Itself Apart http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/14617-from-cans-to-collaboration-how-winking-seal-beer-co-sets-itself-apart

Saigon slips away in the rearview mirror and streetside stores become increasingly humble as we approach a vast industrial park in Long An Province. Tucked between light industrial factories that manufacture everything from eyeglasses to essential oils, the impressive Winking Seal Beer Co. brewery is in full swing. The facility is a creative playground where the team concocts new recipes, collaborates with local partners and cans a wide variety of styles.

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vu@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer.) Tue, 06 Nov 2018 08:54:54 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/14617-from-cans-to-collaboration-how-winking-seal-beer-co-sets-itself-apart
Pasteur Street Brewing Company Tells Its Story Through Art http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/14580-pasteur-street-brewing-company-tells-its-story-through-art

There is no shortage of colorful walls in Saigon. Countless photo essay and Instagram posts have depicted these facades, some weather-worn and beaten, others freshly painted or covered in murals illustrating everything from climate change to the importance of conserving rhinos.

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vu@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer.) Tue, 30 Oct 2018 07:31:26 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/14580-pasteur-street-brewing-company-tells-its-story-through-art
Take a Tour of Italian Pasta at ‘NAMO http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/13947-take-tour-of-italian-pasta-at-‘namo

‘NAMO Italian brings authentic flavors and traditions to guests in the heart of Saigon.

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paul@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer.) Mon, 10 Sep 2018 03:48:03 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/13947-take-tour-of-italian-pasta-at-‘namo
Bold, Unabashedly Hipster Brunch at The Other Place http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/13872-how-the-other-place-plans-to-upend-saigon’s-brunch-scene

It’s not often that one witnesses the emergence of an entirely new cuisine, but that is precisely what is happening in Australia right now.

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vu@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer.) Mon, 10 Sep 2018 02:59:06 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/13872-how-the-other-place-plans-to-upend-saigon’s-brunch-scene
New Lunch Menu at East West Spans from Steak French Fry Burritos to Palm Heart Salads, Linking Authentic East and West Cuisines http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/13689-from-french-fry-burritos-to-palm-heart-salads-new-menu-bring-authentic-east-and-west-cuisines

A grin creeps across the face of East West Brewing Co.’s executive chef Matt Venzke when he recalls the first time he ever had Vietnamese food.

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vu@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer.) Mon, 02 Mar 2020 03:32:44 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/13689-from-french-fry-burritos-to-palm-heart-salads-new-menu-bring-authentic-east-and-west-cuisines
Tê Tê Electrifies Saigon with New IPA http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/13423-tê-tê-electrifies-saigon-s-beer-scene-with-new-ipa

Since its debut less than two years ago, Tê Tê Brewing’s namesake Belgian White Ale has become a Saigoneer favorite thanks to its bright, refreshing taste perfectly suited to Saigon’s perpetual summer.

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vu@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer.) Wed, 25 Jul 2018 08:04:05 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/13423-tê-tê-electrifies-saigon-s-beer-scene-with-new-ipa
[Video] Japanese Competitive Eater Visits Vietnam, Eats 15 Bánh Xèo in One Sitting http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/13107-video-japanese-competitive-eater-visits-vietnam,-eats-15-bánh-xèo-in-one-sitting

Yuka Kinoshita loves a good food challenge.

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luca@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer.) Wed, 18 Apr 2018 09:31:42 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/13107-video-japanese-competitive-eater-visits-vietnam,-eats-15-bánh-xèo-in-one-sitting
One Saigon Restaurant’s Take on Japanese Flower Viewing Parties http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/12944-one-saigon-restaurant’s-take-on-japanese-flower-viewing-parties

“What a strange thing! / to be alive / beneath cherry blossoms.” This famous haiku by Issa, one of Japan’s most renowned poets, encapsulates the splendor of Hanami - the annual festival dedicated to petal gazing. The term translates literally to “looking at flowers” and is a time when friends, families, students and artists all gather beneath blooming trees to find inspiration and enjoy one another’s company.

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vu@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer.) Tue, 15 May 2018 09:12:29 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/12944-one-saigon-restaurant’s-take-on-japanese-flower-viewing-parties
Vietnam Coffee Republic Introduces Ready-to-Drink Cold Brew Coffee http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/12424-vietnam-coffee-republic-introduces-ready-to-drink-cold-brew-coffeef

When the afternoon sun leers down and the exhaustion of another day in the hectic city bores its way into your brain, nothing is more satisfying than downing a refreshing cup of iced coffee.

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vu@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer.) Tue, 27 Mar 2018 08:01:05 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/12424-vietnam-coffee-republic-introduces-ready-to-drink-cold-brew-coffeef
Bosgaurus Awakens Vietnam’s Coffee Culture with Arabica Beans http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/11457-bosgaurus-awakens-vietnam’s-coffee-culture-with-arabica-beans

Bosgaurus is the scientific name of a rare, revered wild gaur indigenous to Vietnam in need of protection and advocacy.

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vu@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer.) Thu, 23 Nov 2017 05:47:26 GMT http://saigoneer.com/eat-drink/11457-bosgaurus-awakens-vietnam’s-coffee-culture-with-arabica-beans