NHẬU NHẬU, an unusual Vietnamese bar that delights all the senses.
Hours: 17:00 - 12:00 (Closed Monday)
Address: NHAU NHAU Pho Bar, Tôn Thất Đạm, Bến Nghé, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Showcasing some of the best local spirits and cocktails at a retro Vietnamese bar.
With this modern interpretation of a Vietnamese bar and eatery chef Peter Cuong Franklin, has struck another home-run. Mostly famous for his modern interpretation of Vietnamese cuisine at his now famous eatery ănăn, we at Streatery are particularly fond of his retro 60s bar, NHẬU NHẬU . Not afraid to take risks and try to delve into untrodden territory NhauNhau’s drinks are mostly local. From the Bia Hoi style beer to the rice wine from Hanoi and central Vietnam as well as the Sake from Hue. His most daring creation, not for the weak of stomach, is the Balut Shot, a quail egg, somewhat developed, paired with a shot of rice spirit. Additionally why not his Coconut Worm shot, a grilled coconut worm paired with a shot of rum and coconut cream!
The place
The renowned designer Sean Dex designed NhauNhau’s space. Covered in tiny green tiles and dimly lit, and spinning chill music, it’s reminiscent of Saigon’s “swinging 60s”. All this with the mixologists throwing about their tools and the occasional appearance of Peter Franklin himself, the vibes are intoxicatingly addictive. The balcony gives a fantastic view of the city lights as well as the traditional market below.
The Spirits
The more “civilized” side of the menu contains some fantastic spirits such as the: Sơn Tinh Rượu, a finely distilled rice alcohol hailing from Hanoi. This spirit is the only one of its category to win gold at the New York International spirits competition in New York in 2016.
Another great local spirit is the Belami rhum. This is a french-run Rhum company using more Caribbean recipes, based on distilling sugarcane to make their rhum Their two signature options are, the legacy and the premium. The master distillers at Belami made the The legacy rhum more on the fruity side, while the premium is infused with dark chocolate.
RELATED: Read Streatery’s review of our favorite alley cocktail bar
Award-winning bar Snacks
The chefs of AnAn prepare the snacks and dishes at the bar. Not for nothing did Vietcetera award AnAN as the best restaurant in Saigon in 2018 and recently one of Asia’s top 50 best restaurants. The Foie Gras imperial spring rolls, are decadent and pair nicely with most of the spirits. Streatery’s second favorite are the Banh Xeo tacos, a fusion of Banh Xeo inspired taco shells with Shrimp or pork stuffing.
🕞 17:00 – 12:00 (closed Mondays) | 📍 89 Tôn Thất Đạm, Bến Nghé, Quận 1
Prices (of our favorites, for the full menu go to their facebook page)
| Balut Shot | 95K |
| Coconut Work Shot | 95K |
| Pho Shot | 95K |
| Sơn Tinh Rượ (Fine Rice Wine) | 95K |
| Belami Rhum | 140K-280K |
| Bia Hoi | 75K |
| Hue Imperial rolls | 175K |
| Banh Xeo Tacos | 145K |
Happy Hour: Tuesday to Sunday 5-8pm
For more unique bars around town hop in a taxi, and head over to our BAR section.
Joel Zorrilla
Founder and editor behind streatery.net. Joel has lived and eaten in Saigon for the last 4.5 years and is dedicated to improve the local eating and drinking experience to anyone who stumbles upon his site.
