While the title of this guide suggests a focus on breweries, Saigon's food and beverage scene is dominated by a few heavyweights that simply cannot be missed, and Pizza 4P's is arguably the most famous. It is often described as the "queue king" of Western food in Ho Chi Minh City, so be prepared to wait or book in advance. The dining experience here pairs excellent food with a vibrant atmosphere where you can enjoy refreshing beverages, including beer which is described as tasty and aromatic without being bitter.

• Must-Try Dishes: The Crab Spaghetti is widely cited as a favorite, with a rich and creamy sauce. Another highlight is the House-made 4 Cheese Pizza served with honey, which is rich but not greasy. The Burrata Parma Ham pizza is also a standout.
• Ambiance: The restaurant features an open kitchen where you can watch the pizzas being made. The service is attentive, often compared to high-end dining standards.
• Locations: There are multiple branches, including one at Saigon Centre and another near Ben Thanh Market. The Ben Thanh branch is noted for its romantic atmosphere, making it suitable for dates.

This spot is a fusion of Italian cuisine with Japanese precision, utilizing fresh cheese made in-house in Vietnam.

If you are looking for a "craft" beverage experience in Saigon, MUA Craft Sake is a hidden gem that offers a sophisticated twist. Located at 07 Le Ngo Cat, this venue is a fusion Izakaya that brings together Japanese and Vietnamese ingredients in a creative way. It is particularly noted for its house-brewed sake, and if you are lucky, you might catch a "Sake Free Flow" event on Sundays.

• The Food: The menu features inventive dishes like fish sauce marinated beef cheeks served with kumquat, which offers a burst of savory and citrus flavors. The Ca Mau crab with pickled lotus stems and roasted seaweed is another highlight, offering a fresh and sweet taste profile.
• The Vibe: The atmosphere is described as warm and lively, perfect for travelers looking to experience new flavors. It is a great place to rest and recharge after visiting nearby attractions like the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica.
• Cost: The price point is reasonable, around 20-23 USD per person for a full meal and drinks.

For those seeking a break from beer, the craft sake here is a must-try.

No discussion of Saigon's drinking culture is complete without mentioning Nhau—the local style of eating and drinking. For a truly authentic experience, head to the street seafood stalls where ice-cold beer is the standard accompaniment.

• Cua Bui Vien: Recommended for its fresh and affordable seafood. Highlights include crispy squid mouths and plump, bouncy snails. The combination of these savory snacks with ice beer is described as an unbeatable pairing.
• Oc Dao: A famous spot for snails and seafood. The garlic butter tamarind crab is highly recommended for its fresh and sweet flavor. The dipping sauces here are acidic and spicy, cutting through the richness of the dishes perfectly. While the environment is more "street style" and less polished, the charcoal-grilled flavors are intense.

These venues offer a glimpse into the bustling nightlife of Saigon, where plastic stools and cold drinks reign supreme.

For a hearty meal before or after a night out, Pho Vietnam is a top contender, boasting Michelin recognition. This shop is famous for its stone pot Pho, which keeps the broth bubbling hot.

• The Experience: You are served a boiling stone pot and a plate of raw meat and herbs, allowing you to cook the ingredients to your preferred doneness. The beef is described as incredibly tender, and the broth is rich and flavorful.
• Tips: It is recommended to add garlic vinegar to the soup to enhance the layers of flavor. Some travelers even suggest pairing the pho with dough sticks (youtiao) for a new texture experience.
• Location: It is located in District 1 and is a popular spot with a lot of foot traffic. Despite the crowds, the service is generally efficient.

Check out their location in District 1 for a steaming bowl.

A staple of Saigon's food scene is the Banh Mi. Banh Mi Hong Hoa is widely celebrated for its balanced flavors and high-quality bread. unlike some other famous spots that might be too heavy, Hong Hoa strikes a perfect balance.

• The Taste: The baguette is roasted to a perfect crispiness—described as "dropping crumbs but not choking." The fillings include roasted meat, ham, rich liver pâté, and special butter. The addition of pickles, cucumber, and cilantro cuts through the richness, creating a "flavor bomb."
• Ordering: The shop has separate counters for ordering and pickup. A large sandwich is substantial enough to share between two people.

This is a must-visit for a quick, delicious bite in District 1.

For those craving red meat, El Gaucho on Hai Ba Trung street is a premier destination. This global steakhouse brand is known for its high-quality cuts and vibrant atmosphere.

• The Steak: They serve USDA Prime cuts like T-bone, seasoned simply with salt and black pepper to let the meat shine. The steaks are juicy and cooked to precision.
• The Sides: Complimentary bread with various sauces (chimichurri, garlic butter, roasted garlic) is a highlight in itself. Mashed potatoes and salads are excellent accompaniments.
• Promotions: Look out for their "Super Tuesday" deal (occurring on the first Tuesday of the month), where you might find significant discounts on steaks if you book for lunch.

It is a higher-end dining option, perfect for a celebratory meal in the city center.

To truly understand the local palate, visiting authentic Vietnamese restaurants is essential.

• Man Moi: Located near the War Remnants Museum, this Michelin-recognized spot serves "Vietnamese home-style cooking." It is slightly more upscale with prices around 200 RMB per person. Recommended dishes include the rambutan salad, fried spring rolls, and charcoal-grilled squid. The ambiance is beautiful, and there is a gift shop on the first floor.
• Bep Me In: Another Michelin-recommended spot, known for its authentic flavors. The pancake (Banh Xeo) and grilled meat skewers are must-tries. The crispy tofu is also highly rated.

These venues offer a comfortable setting to explore traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

Saigon runs on coffee, and there are countless spots to get your caffeine fix.

• The Workshop: Often ranked among the top coffee spots in Asia, this cafe offers a serious coffee experience. It is located in a loft-like space. While some find the coffee intense, it is a great place to buy beans or try a cold brew.
• Little Hanoi Egg Coffee: For a sweeter treat, try the egg coffee here. It is described as rich and creamy, perfect for breakfast with sourdough toast.
• iO Specialty Coffee: Highly recommended for their Coconut Coffee, where espresso is poured over coconut slush, creating a perfect balance of bitter and sweet.

These cafes are perfect for relaxing during your city exploration.

If you have a large appetite, Saigon's seafood buffets offer incredible value.

• Buffet Poseidon: Located in the Pearl Plaza, this buffet offers unlimited time dining for a very reasonable price (around 150+ RMB). The selection includes sushi, crabs, snails, shellfish, salads, and even hotpot. The seafood is fresh and plentiful.
• Chai Village: Situated on the top floor of Saigon Garden, this spot is famous for its lobster buffet. For a set price, you can enjoy unlimited lobster (cooked in various ways, including cheese), crabs, tiger prawns, and sea urchin. The service is fast despite the crowds.

These venues are perfect for seafood lovers looking to feast without limits.

Another titan in the Pho world is Pho Hoa Pasteur. It is a long-standing establishment that is popular with both locals and tourists.

• Specialty: This shop is noted for having beef balls available as a topping. The broth is sweet and fresh, and the portions are substantial. They provide a plate of bean sprouts and herbs which add a great aroma to the soup.
• Atmosphere: It is a busy, no-nonsense spot where the menu is clear (with pictures), making ordering easy.

It is often cited as one of the best Pho experiences in Ho Chi Minh City.