A week in Saigon-1/19- 1/25/2025

Day 7- Dinner a Hum-1/25/2025

In the evening, we met up with Hoa’s brothers, sisters, and a few close friends for dinner at Hum Vegetarian.  Hum is known for its elegant vegetarian Vietnamese cuisine, but the atmosphere itself was just as memorable as the food. The combination of candlelight, greenery, and gentle lighting created a calm and intimate setting that was perfect for spending the evening together. After a full day in the city surrounded by the excitement of Tet celebrations, dinner there felt relaxing and meaningful, a quiet final evening with family and friends before the end of our trip in Ho Chi Minh City.

By the time we arrived, it was completely dark outside, which made the restaurant feel even more special. Hum Vegetarian has been recognized by the Michelin Guide and received a Bib Gourmand distinction, which Michelin gives to restaurants offering very good food at a good value. The Michelin guide also especially praised the restaurant’s peaceful garden setting, vegetarian Vietnamese cuisine with modern touches, and its use of fresh organic ingredients.

 The exterior was beautifully illuminated with soft warm lighting hidden among the trees and wooden structures, giving the entire place a peaceful and almost magical atmosphere. In the middle of busy Saigon, it felt like entering a quiet sanctuary.

Inside, the restaurant was just as beautiful as the exterior. The space opened into a room with very tall ceilings, giving it an airy and elegant feeling despite the darkness outside. Large wooden tables and banquettes filled the dining room, while soft lighting reflected warmly off the wood and greenery throughout the space. Everything felt thoughtfully designed, modern yet still deeply connected to traditional Vietnamese aesthetics.

Last dinner in Saigon with family and friends.

A beautiful tray with sautéed vegetables, fried chicken, with green peppercorn.

Grilled chicken wrapped in pandan leaves.

Assorted sautéed vegetable.

Crispy rice with fried fish

Our dinning table with lots of food.

Crunchy Dien Bien Sticky rice with wild Sapa mushrooms.

Lively conversation during dinner.

We had a wonderful time dinning together in a really nice and relax environment.  On the right is a plate of sautéed morning glory.

Spicy grilled squid ceviche

A platter of assorted meat (roasted chicken, grilled spare ribs, grilled pork) with tofu, sticky rice, dipping sauce.

Copious portion of assorted meat platter.

After dinner, we wandered downstairs and discovered that the restaurant also had a beautifully designed shop filled with carefully curated Vietnamese products.

The space felt more like a small gallery than a store, with warm lighting, wooden shelves, and elegant displays showcasing local craftsmanship.

There were teas, ceramics, traditional snacks, handmade items, and beautifully packaged products that reflected Vietnamese culture in a modern and refined way.

We wander around the store to look at their merchandises.

Brothers and sisters together.

Hoa, Mai, Cang, Be, and Thuan.

It was the perfect ending to the evening because the calm atmosphere of the restaurant continued downstairs as well. Instead of rushing out after dinner, everyone slowly explored the shop, looking at souvenirs and local creations while continuing conversations from the meal. The entire experience at Hum Vegetarian felt thoughtful from beginning to end, not just a dinner, but an evening centered around Vietnamese design, food, and hospitality.  We also get to spend a little time with Chi Thu (we have not seen her for years), and it was just nice to catch up.

NEXT... Nha Trang

File under : Restaurants