This is the Saigon Sunday Session again, where my guests and I have casual talks and discussions about Vietnam. I’m back with my favorite topic, cocktails and beers.
We recorded a fun episode of the Saigon Sunday Sessions at Alibi, one of our favorite spots.
I had Mischa and Tyler back on the podcast. Both of these guys know Saigon’s nightlife inside and out, and together we’re diving into something new and fun: a game inspired by the Ryan Russillo Podcast called Underrated, Overrated, Properly Rated.
The city’s bar scene has transformed dramatically over the years, so we’re breaking it down and sharing our thoughts. Are Saigon’s cocktail bars truly underrated? Are they starting to feel overrated? Or have they found that sweet spot to be properly rated? Let’s get into it!
The Changing Cocktail Scene
We started by talking about how cocktails have changed in Saigon. Back when I first arrived, cocktail bars were simple—just plastic stools on the street. Drinks were cheap and cheerful, and there was a charm to those street setups. Mischa mentioned the “rum bar” days, and it brought back memories of wandering through Saigon with friends, trying to find those pop-up places.
Now, cocktail bars have become fancier. Places like Layla, 86 Proof, and Mami are creating top-notch drinks. They even want international recognition, like making it into Asia’s top 50 bars. Mischa explained how that works—bars need to send their bartenders abroad for guest shifts and host international bartenders in return. It’s all about getting noticed.
If you have the same interest, don’t forget to check out my Top craft beer and cocktail bars in Saigon.
One thing we all agreed on was what makes Saigon special. It’s this mix of old and new. You can have a rooftop drink at a fancy place like De Stagere, then head downstairs to a street-side bar with plastic stools for a cheap mojito. That’s what makes Saigon unique – there’s something for everyone.
Underrated or Overrated?
Mischa came up with a cool idea for the show. He borrowed it (shamelessly, he admitted) from the Ryan Russolo Podcast. We played a game called Underrated, Overrated, Properly Rated, where we picked a topic and decided how it stacks up. This time, the topic was cocktail bars in Saigon.
Overrated?
Tyler was the first to weigh in, and he made a strong argument for cocktail bars in Saigon being underrated. He pointed out that while there are high-quality bars with skilled bartenders and creative menus, they often don’t get the attention they deserve—especially among locals. Many Vietnamese still prefer street-style drinking with plastic stools, leaving the more upscale venues underappreciated.
Mischa agreed and expanded on Tyler’s point. He noted that Vietnam’s bar scene is gaining international recognition, with some bars working hard to make it into prestigious lists like Asia’s Top 50. Despite this, Vietnam hasn’t yet reached the level of cities like Hong Kong or Singapore, which dominate the rankings. For Mischa, the depth and quality of bars in both Saigon and Hanoi make the cocktail scene here underrated on a regional scale.
Let me take you to my favorite cocktail bar, The Lady Trieu Gin, to see if it’s underrated or not: Secret Cocktail Experiences in Saigon with Natalya Wissink
Properly rated?
Initially, I leaned toward the idea that the cocktail scene is properly rated. Saigon has an incredible variety of bars—from hidden gems in back alleys to luxurious rooftop spots. The quality is there, and the people who know these places appreciate them. For those in the know, Saigon’s bar scene feels just right.
But as the conversation went on, I found myself agreeing with Tyler and Mischa. There’s a lot more room for recognition—both locally and internationally. The potential of Saigon’s cocktail culture hasn’t been fully realized yet, and that’s why it deserves more attention.
Overrated?
While most of us leaned toward “underrated,” Mischa raised an important counterpoint. He talked about the rise of pretentious cocktail bars that focus more on style than substance. These places often charge high prices for drinks that don’t live up to expectations, relying on flashy presentations instead of quality ingredients or skilled preparation.
This trend can make the scene feel overrated at times. Mischa argued that while the best bars in Saigon are genuinely world-class, the influx of mediocre venues dilutes the overall perception.
Cocktail Pricing: What’s Fair in Saigon?
In Vietnam, tourists often expect cheap drinks because of the country’s reputation for affordability. While you can still find budget-friendly options, the reality for cocktail bars is more complex.
Tyler explained that many people don’t consider what goes into the price of a cocktail. The cost of alcohol remains constant globally, and importing spirits into Vietnam can make them even pricier. What keeps the final price manageable here are things like lower rents and staff wages compared to Western countries.
But the experience matters too. A small, cozy bar with minimal staff can offer affordable cocktails. In contrast, high-end venues with elaborate settings and large teams need to charge more to cover their overheads. If you’re sipping a cocktail in a mansion-like bar with 20 staff members, part of what you’re paying for is the ambiance.
I’ve discussed the issue of pricing in Vietnam before, including once with a Gen Z guest from the tech industry. We both agreed that many visitors to Vietnam arrive with the expectation that everything will be cheap, whether it’s products, services, or labor. While affordability is often a draw, this mindset can lead to an undervaluation of the country’s skill and quality. Vietnam is no longer just a destination for budget travel or low-cost manufacturing.
Listen to this episode: Breaking Stereotypes & Empowering Gen Z in Vietnam
Mischa and I shared stories about overpriced cocktails that didn’t deliver. A drink made with basic spirits like Jim Beam shouldn’t cost the same as one crafted with premium ingredients. Mischa summed it up perfectly—it’s frustrating when a bar prioritizes style over substance, charging top dollar for mediocre drinks.
Tyler agreed, pointing out that while it’s fine for a bar to charge more for a unique experience, the quality of the ingredients and execution should justify the price.
Ultimately, the group felt that cocktail pricing in Vietnam can be a mix of underrated and overrated, depending on where you go. For tourists expecting rock-bottom prices, the cost of high-end cocktails might feel overrated. But when you consider the quality, creativity, and effort that go into Saigon’s best bars, they’re often a great value compared to similar venues in the West.
The key is finding places where the price aligns with the experience—whether it’s a street-side mojito on a plastic stool or a carefully crafted Negroni in a swanky bar. Saigon’s cocktail scene has something for everyone, as long as you know where to look.
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By the end, we all landed on the same verdict: Saigon’s cocktail scene is underrated. The quality is world-class, the atmosphere is incredible, and there’s so much variety. Sure, it’s not perfect—there’s oversaturation, and some places need to focus on substance over style. But overall, the cocktail scene here is something special.
Conclusion
So we wrapped up the episode, and all agree that the cocktail scene in Saigon is underrated. If you want to try, don’t hesitate to experience the dynamic and exciting atmosphere, and just contact me if you need recommendations.
This is our very first episode of “Underrated, Overrated, Properly Rated”, we’ll do more, so don’t forget to follow and become a member of our community.