HO CHI MINH CITY | One of the many reasons that I enjoy eating in Ho Chi Minh City, is because of the diversity of food on offer. From classic dishes being sold by street vendors, through to high end, modern cuisine, the city captures the excitement of Vietnamese cuisine at all levels. On my recent trip, I visited Esta. It’s tucked away in the quiet but central Tân Định neighbourhood, and is where you’ll find some of Vietnam’s most innovative food.
The kitchen is headed up by chef Tow Prong Hàn Ni “Nhi”, Esta’s former Chef de Partie who took over the reigns at the top just a few weeks ago. Nhi is continuing the restaurant’s ethos of using exceptional local (where possible) produce to showcase Vietnam’s terroir, seasons, and flavours.
There’s a focus on fermentation and things cooked over fire, on a selection of custom built charcoal and wood fired grills, the results are exceptional. Bookings aren’t essential but are highly recommended, especially if you want to nab one of the eight seats at the bar and open kitchen, and watch all the action unfold in front of you.
You can choose from an eight course tasting menu, or go a la carte. I opted for the tasting menu, which features some of the most interesting things that are happening in the kitchen at any point in time. Richly marbled ICON XB Wagyu MB7 is paired with charred Hokkaido scallops, Koshihikari rice and Central Vietnamese flat-leaf chives for a herbacous surf and turf; while the classic Nha Trang lobster with peanuts and scallion oil is levelled up with a kimchi bisque and the pea-like sweetness of điên điển flower.
H’Mong black chicken thigh is fermented then grilled, and served with a citrusy sauce and Vietnamese mắe kKhén mountain peppers for one of the meal’s most interesting dishes. It’s an intoxicating harmony of tangy flavours that sticks in your mind.
The drink list is focused primarily on French wines, and wines from independent Asian winemakers. There’s also a selection of beer, cocktails, and mocktails. I chose the set menu pairing, which took me on a tour of France with a selection of Coravin pours that paired exceptionally well with my meal.
Esta
27 Trần Quý Khoách
District 1
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam
Telephone: +84 886 623 782
E-mail: [email protected]
Website
Open
Mon – Sat: 6:00pm to 11:00pm