1. What Makes LỬA an Urban Legend in Ho Chi Minh

LỬA is the kind of place you hear about in whispers—a “hidden address” that barely features on official maps.
Tables are spread throughout a peaceful, leafy courtyard, offering a green oasis far removed from the city’s noise.
With minimal signage and little mainstream media coverage, LỬA eschews hype, earning a cult status among those in the know: Ho Chi Minh’s resident gourmands and wine aficionados.

2. The Ever-Evolving Wine Selection: 100 Bottles & By-the-Glass Discoveries

LỬA’s wine list is legendary, boasting roughly 100 carefully selected bottles from across the globe.
Most wines are available by the glass, inviting guests to experience new flavors each visit.
A new wine menu is rolled out monthly, always featuring their house-crafted sake—the perfect starting point for culinary explorations.
In 2024, LỬA’s mastery in wine curation and attentive, guest-centered pairing service were honored with the Michelin Sommelier Award, marking it as a benchmark for wine hospitality in Vietnam.

3. Organic Cuisine: Where Europe Meets Japan

The culinary leadership at LỬA comes from Japan, and the menu beautifully reflects this heritage: classical European dishes layered with delicate Japanese influences.
Every ingredient is organic, sourced from small local farms and treated with utmost care.
Creative yet grounded, expect delights like yuzu-infused salmon, miso-glazed lamb, and wood-fired seasonal vegetables—each perfectly matched for a bespoke wine experience.

4. The Serenity & Joy of Dining Among Locals

LỬA offers more than food and wine—it delivers serenity.
By day, sunlight and greenery provide a tranquil backdrop for lunches and lazy drinks.
After sunset, the ambience shifts to quiet sophistication, where neighbors and regulars linger amid gentle lights and the subtle clink of glasses.
It’s a genuine escape designed for those who value quality, conversation, and the luxury of time.

5. Conclusion: The Art of Hidden Luxury at LỬA

LỬA stands as a beacon of refined living in Ho Chi Minh City—recognised by Michelin for sommelier service, and adored by locals for its soulful food and tranquil green surrounds.
If you seek an understated but unforgettable dining experience, let LỬA become your new secret sanctuary.

For reservations and the latest updates, visit:
Website │ Instagram

The post LỬA: Ho Chi Minh’s Secret Courtyard Wine Bar, Michelin Sommelier Award Winner & Gourmet Haven for Locals first appeared on VIETGOHAN.

1. 2025 MICHELIN Guide Vietnam: Key Highlights and Trends

The 2025 edition spotlights unprecedented diversity: 9 One Star restaurants (with a new entry and a promotion), 63 Bib Gourmand, and 109 MICHELIN Selected. It’s a year that celebrates “the rise of the new generation”—talented young chefs revisiting their roots while reimagining Vietnamese cuisine with modern techniques and local produce.

A historic first: “Lamai Garden” in Hanoi won the Green Star, recognizing sustainable and eco-friendly philosophy. Meanwhile, the MICHELIN Special Awards honored young talent, sommeliers, and service professionals who elevate the nation’s dining scene.

2. Spotlight on One Star, Bib Gourmand & Selected Restaurants

One Star Restaurants (9 in total, incl. 1 new, 1 promoted):

• CieL (Ho Chi Minh – new)– Innovative technique and a serene atmosphere
• Coco Dining (Ho Chi Minh – promoted)– Modern fermentation meets tradition
• Gia, Hibana by Koki, Tầm Vị (Hanoi), Long Trieu, Ănăn Saigon, Akuna (Ho Chi Minh), La Maison 1888 (Da Nang) retained their stars from previous years.

Bib Gourmand (63 venues, incl. 9 new recomendees):
Value and local personality abound at new venues such as “Hà Thành Mansion” and “Miến Lươn Chân Cầm” in Hanoi, and “Bánh Xèo 76” and “Quê Xưa” in Da Nang.

MICHELIN Selected (109 venues, incl. 14 new entries):
This category highlights high-quality cuisine across all cities. Newcomers include “Hiệu Lực Canh Cá Rô Hưng Yên” and “Lamai Garden” (Hanoi), “Okra FoodBar” and “ST25 by KOTO” (Ho Chi Minh), as well as “Bún Riêu Cua 39” (Da Nang).

3. Green Star & Special Awards: Vietnam’s New Wave

Sustainability and farm-to-table values are embodied in “Lamai Garden,” the first Green Star winner in Hanoi, renowned for its modern vegetarian menus and locally sourced ingredients.

The annual Special Awards went to:

• Young Chef Award: Viet Hong Le of CieL (Ho Chi Minh)
• Sommelier Award: Paul Vo of Nephele (Ho Chi Minh)
• Service Award: Nha Huynh of Mặn Mòi (Ho Chi Minh, Bib Gourmand)
  Each is a beacon in the innovative and diverse Vietnamese restaurant world.

4. Practical Tips for Travelers and Residents

This year’s guide offers outstanding value—both traditional and cutting-edge experiences at every price point. Travelers can enjoy local flavors at Bib Gourmand picks, while special occasions call for a reservation at a One Star or Selected restaurant. VIETGOHAN’s bilingual listings provide up-to-date details, bookings, and etiquette guidance for a seamless culinary journey.

5. Conclusion

The 2025 MICHELIN Guide for Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh & Da Nang captures the pulse of Vietnam’s culinary revolution—innovation, tradition, sustainability, and diversity. VIETGOHAN will continue sharing the freshest updates, in both Japanese and English, to inspire your next delicious adventure in Vietnam.

Special for Our Readers: “Saily” eSIM Discount Campaign

For travelers and long-stay visitors to Vietnam, “Saily” offers an eSIM service that keeps you connected with ease. Exclusive for VIETGOHAN readers: get US$5 off your first purchase—simply enter code DOMUEH5022 at checkout for an automatic discount!
No need for physical SIM cards, and setup is a breeze. Take advantage of this cutting-edge eSIM service for an affordable, reliable connection during your Vietnam adventure.

• Order in English

The post Vietnam MICHELIN Guide 2025: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh & Da Nang—9 One-Star Restaurants, Green Star Debut, and Emerging Food Trends first appeared on VIETGOHAN.

1. Why Vietnam’s Michelin One-Stars Stand Out

Vietnam’s Michelin one-star restaurants are found in three dynamic cities—Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang—each offering unique character and creative menus. The selections span tradition and creativity, with inventive cooking rooted in local ingredients and global inspiration. Expect masterful technique, original presentation, and memorable service in every venue.

2. Restaurant List by City & Style

Ho Chi Minh City

• CieL (Innovative)
• Coco Dining (Innovative)
• Akuna (Innovative)
• Long Trieu (Cantonese)
• Ănăn Saigon (Contemporary Vietnamese)

Hanoi

• Gia (Contemporary Vietnamese)
• Tầm Vị (Vietnamese)
• Hibana by Koki (Teppanyaki)

Da Nang

• La Maison 1888 (Contemporary French)

3. Detailed Highlights & Direct Guide Links

【Ho Chi Minh City】

CieL (Innovative)

Forward-thinking, beautifully plated courses: Asian–Western fusion with creative tasting pairings.
See CieL

Coco Dining (Innovative)

Creative Vietnamese cuisine: playful presentations and novel use of local ingredients, popular with young diners.
See Coco Dining

Akuna (Innovative)

Global inspiration and a whimsical approach to Vietnamese food: unique, adventurous dining.
See Akuna

Long Trieu (Cantonese)

Refined, modern setting serving classic Cantonese—dim sum, seafood, and elegant banquet dishes.
See Long Trieu

Ănăn Saigon (Contemporary Vietnamese)

Cutting-edge remixes of street food, local produce with a modern flair—perfect for visitors and locals.
See Ănăn Saigon

【Hanoi】

Gia (Contemporary Vietnamese)

Seasonal, thoughtfully plated modern Vietnamese—creative and elegant with a local spirit.
See Gia

Tầm Vị (Vietnamese)

Heartwarming, traditional flavors in a stylish, tranquil setting.
See Tầm Vị

Hibana by Koki (Teppanyaki)

Japanese teppanyaki showmanship and premium ingredients: fine wagyu, seafood, and attentive service.
See Hibana by Koki

【Da Nang】

La Maison 1888 (Contemporary French)

Renowned luxury French tasting experiences, innovative and sophisticated in a lavish resort setting.
See La Maison 1888

4. Pro Tips for Your One-Star Experience

• Advance reservations are essential, especially during weekends or peak travel season.
• Always check menus, allergy/diet info, and dress code via official sites or social media before visiting.
• Venues welcome celebrations, anniversaries, business events, or gourmet tourism.
• Follow @gohanme_asean on Instagram for real-time food news and inspiration!

Conclusion – Catch Vietnam’s Top Food Trends via Instagram

Michelin one-star restaurants are the symbol of Vietnam’s evolving food culture and a must for exploring the country’s flavors. For the best new discoveries and travel tips, bookmark VIETGOHAN and follow @gohanme_asean. Make each meal in Vietnam a truly memorable experience!

The post Vietnam’s 9 Michelin One-Star Restaurants: 2025 Definitive Guide by City & Cuisine first appeared on VIETGOHAN.