Michelin Guide 2025: Beyond The Tourist Traps | Saigon Sunday Sessions #17

"Beef stew for breakfast, in this heat? Only in Vietnam - and somehow, it works."

I’ve lived in Saigon for nine years, and yet, this city’s food scene never stops surprising me. Let me bring you through Michelin Guide’s 2025 picks - but not the fancy, white-tablecloth stuff. We're talking about the real heroes: local eateries that made it to the Bib Gourmand and Michelin Selected lists for their exceptional quality and value.

This episode was a blast to record. From simmering bò kho in a clay pot to coconut ice cream in a coconut shell, to nearly getting hit by an ambulance while searching for bún chả - this was part food tour, part love letter to Saigon, and part chaos. And that’s exactly what I love about it.

Whether you're living here, planning a trip, or just a food nerd like me, I hope this episode gives you a taste of what makes Vietnamese cuisine - and its people - so special.

Key Talking Points

• The Michelin Guide in Vietnam – What it means, how it's grown, and why it matters for local businesses and the country’s global image.
• What is Bib Gourmand? – A Michelin recognition for restaurants that offer great food at great value—not just fine dining.
• Three Must-Try Local Spots – Bò kho at Bà Gà, bún chả at Bun Cha Van, and cơm tấm at a street spot near the airport.
• Why Vietnamese People Don’t Care (And That’s Fine) – Most locals don’t know or care about Michelin, they just know where the food is good.
• The Chaos and Charm of Eating in Saigon – From blowing on cold ice cream to dodging motorbikes, eating here is always an experience.

Chapters and Timestamps

• 01:10 – Starting our food journey at Bà Gà with bò kho in a clay pot
• 07:30 – Coconut & longan ice cream and Vietnamese hospitality
• 18:30 – Bún chả at Bun Cha Van: sesame, spring rolls, and giant fish sauce
• 29:00 – Heading to our third spot: cơm tấm heaven near the airport
• 34:30 – Huge pork chops, sweet-savory flavors, and food nostalgia
• 42:00 – Why Saigon’s food scene is infinite and magical

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The full list of winners is here.