Do you enjoy dining at some of the best restaurants in Saigon? Vietnamese food is without a doubt one of the treasures of world cuisine. In Saigon, also known as Ho Chi Minh City, there are thousands of excellent places to dine and the city is a true foodie haven.
But some of the best food in Saigon can be found in non-Vietnamese restaurants.
One of the best restaurants in Saigon is Al-Sham Middle Eastern Food at 300 Vo Van Kiet, the highway that runs along the canal in District 1.
It has become one of my favorite establishments in the city and is owned by a nice Syrian family. The space is cozy but welcoming and the staff are friendly and professional.
The staff speak English and Vietnamese, and the owners speak English and Arabic, so language is certainly no barrier to visiting this excellent dining establishment.
It’s not a particularly large place, and business seems to be good, but it never feels overcrowded and there’s always a nice table available. The dining room wall has a mural of the Al-Hamidiyah Souk Market, setting the scene for the venue.
The food is nothing short of spectacular! Every visit to this restaurant is a true treat. I have dined here at least 15 times since it’s opening in June 2017, so by now I have my favorites. I keep trying to convince myself to try something new, something I have not enjoyed already, but I just can’t seem to get myself to do it, as I love my favorites so much.
Enjoy Some Delicious Starters to a Great Meal
Al-Shami’s delicious shorbit adas soup
I recommend starting with a bowl of shorbit adas, an exquisite soup made with lentils and flavored with chopped onion, cumin, olive oil, and lemon juice. The taste is creamy and very satisfying and it’s always nice and hot, which is exactly the way I like this soup. Crunchy home-made croutons are served on the side.
To get a little green into the mix, don’t miss the Arabic salad, a simple but savory mix of cucumber, tomatoes, chopped parsley, and onions, with romaine lettuce on the side. The tangy dressing consists of salt, lemon juice, and olive oil. The flavors combine perfectly to form a delicious and healthy treat.
In addition, the falafel is superb, full of great flavor, and not too oily. It’s encrusted with sesame seed and makes a perfect complement to the soup and salad.
Try the Excellent Main Courses at Al-Sham
Al-Sham serves some of the best falafel you can get in Saigon.
For a truly delicious main course, I recommend the mixed grill, which, though the choices on the menu are for one or two persons, can really satisfy two or three. It’s a lot of meat!
This platter comes with equal parts chicken, lamb, and beef. It really is delectable and worth the wait for the time it takes the chef to prepare this dish to perfection.
Another favorite is the chicken shawarma. This is a classic and is done very well at Al-Sham. This dish is a pita sandwich made with thinly sliced marinated chicken, lettuce, tomato, onion, and a tasty sauce. This is perfect for lunch or dinner alike.
Stay Healthy with Al-Sham’s Vegetarian Delights
Are you a vegetarian? Not to worry. Al-Sham has meat-free selections, such as the adas soup, hummus, salads, vegetarian pizza, and BBQ vegetables. Vegetables are an important part of Middle Eastern cuisine, so the chef is no stranger to cooking vegetarian-friendly meals.
Meals are served with a plate of tangy pickled cucumber and radish (no charge), the perfect addition to the food.
To top off your meal, try an authentic Middle Eastern beverage, such as lassi, a blend of yogurt, water, and spices or a hot pot of Arabic tea. Enjoy a cup of Arabic coffee as the perfect ending to your experience. Be aware, though, that the coffee is very strong.
When you finish your main meal, your server will bring you a complimentary piece of namoura, a delicious, sweet cake made of semolina, the same grain used to make couscous, soaked in a simple sweet syrup. This will top off your meal and leave you quite satisfied.
Be sure not to miss viewing the authentic baking of the pitas by the chef, which is done outside at the entrance of the restaurant. Chef Badeh is fine with guests taking photos and asking questions about the baking process.
If you are looking for a memorable experience in one of the best restaurants in Saigon, Al-Sham should be high on your list.
Wes is originally from Florida, but has been living and working in Vietnam since 2008. He has traveled extensively throughout Southeast Asia and enjoys taking photographs and writing about his experiences in order to share with others. See his story or feel free to contact him.
