A Century-Old Vietnamese Architectural Gem — Restaurant Indochine

Written/Compiled by Liu Jiawen | Source: Monocle Editorial Team

With branches in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Restaurant Indochine is not located in the tourist-crowded city center. Situated within a French-style mansion, its incredibly nostalgic ambiance is immediately captivating. According to the restaurant manager, the building is approximately 120 years old. Surrounded by courtyards, the architecture features classic red-tiled roofs, French-style long windows and shutters, high ceilings, and floral floor tiles inside — it’s hard not to treat this place as a sightseeing spot and choose your favorite corner to enjoy delicious food.

It’s not just the scenery that has kept Indochine thriving for over a decade — the quality of the food is, of course, an indispensable key factor. Walking up the stairs, you’ll find walls adorned with photos of foreign dignitaries and celebrities who have dined here, including former U.S. First Lady Hillary Clinton, as well as prime ministers from New Zealand, France, India, and more. The long-lasting fame of this restaurant is truly well-deserved.

The menu, ranging from appetizers and salads to main courses and desserts, includes famous dishes from both northern and southern Vietnam. From the classic Vietnamese fresh spring rolls, which offer options like shrimp or pork, to a variety of refreshing salads ideal for Vietnam’s hot climate. The chef recommends several must-try dishes: Nem Indochine (seafood fried spring rolls skewered on pineapple), Goi ga bap chuoi (chicken and lotus stem salad served on banana flowers), and banana leaf-wrapped stir-fried rice. Other options include Honey Braised Beef (Bo Nuong Sot Mot Ong), Pork-Stuffed Squid (Muc Nhoi Thit Chien), as well as a selection of stir-fries and hot pot dishes.

Whether dining in the classic old-world interior, by the rectangular windows along the hallway, or enjoying lunch in the flower-bedecked courtyard when the weather is nice, it will surely be a memorable Vietnamese culinary experience.

Restaurant Indochine

Address: 32 Pham Ngoc Thach

Phone: +84-8-823-9256