Have you ever imagined creating a bottle of gin that carries your own name?

Not just drinking it. But crafting the flavor yourself, shaped by your own personality and choices.

If you love drinks, or simply want to try something new in Saigon, the gin making workshop at Saigon Baigur is an experience full of surprises.

Đọc bằng tiếng Việt

Saigon Baigur, where the story of gin begins in Vietnam

Located in Thu Duc City, about 10 kilometers from the center of Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon Baigur is one of the first craft gin distilleries in Vietnam.

Gin, a spirit that originated in the Netherlands in the 17th century, is created by infusing alcohol with botanicals.

In Vietnam, gin has only started to develop since around 2018, yet it has quickly gained international recognition. Saigon Baigur is one of the pioneers behind this movement and now exports to more than 50 countries.

Gin – A spirit of the present

A gin tells your personality

Rediscovering Vietnamese botanicals

Three hours at Saigon Baigur turned out to be more than just a workshop. It became a way to rediscover Vietnam through a different lens.

Vietnam offers an incredible diversity of botanicals. Lemongrass, ginger, citrus peels, lotus, pandan leaves. Ingredients that feel familiar in everyday life.

Yet when they enter the world of gin, they reveal a completely new dimension. Familiar, yet surprising.

Perhaps this is also a subtle way to introduce Vietnam to international friends. Not only through cuisine, but through flavors that are distilled into stories.

Experience information

• Location: District 9 Distilling Company
  1/25 Vo Van Hat, Long Truong Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City
• Duration: 2 to 3 hours
• Price: Around 59 USD per person
  (Special offer of 29 USD per person before April 30)
• Capacity: Maximum 16 people per session
• Website https://saigonbaigur.com/

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In reality, you only need to understand a few key terms
to confidently order wine in most restaurants.

Wine by the glass vs Wine by the bottle

Wine by the glass means you order a single serving (around 100–150ml).
It’s perfect if you’re dining alone or want to try different wines.

Wine by the bottle means ordering a full bottle (750ml, about 5 glasses).
It’s ideal when sharing or when you want a more complete experience.

Simple tip: if you are 2 people or more, consider a bottle.

House wine

House wine is the restaurant’s selected wine.
It is usually approachable, easy to drink, and reasonably priced.

A safe choice when you don’t want to overthink.

Vintage (the year)

Vintage refers to the year the grapes were harvested.

It can influence flavor, but for beginners,
you don’t need to focus too much on it.

Think of it simply:
younger wines = fresher,
older wines = more complex.

Grape variety (most important)

This is the key to choosing wine.

• Red wine: Cabernet Sauvignon → bold, tannic
• Red wine: Pinot Noir → light, smooth
• White wine: Chardonnay → from fresh to rich
• White wine: Sauvignon Blanc → crisp and refreshing

If you’re unsure:
light → Pinot Noir / Sauvignon Blanc
bold → Cabernet Sauvignon

Body (how heavy the wine feels)

• Light-bodied → light
• Medium-bodied → balanced
• Full-bodied → complex

Beginners often enjoy light to medium-bodied wines.

Tannin (the dryness in red wine)

Tannin creates that dry, slightly bitter feeling.

• High tannin → strong, dry
• Low tannin → smooth

If you don’t like bitterness, go for low tannin wines like Pinot Noir.

Acidity (freshness)

Acidity gives wine brightness and freshness.

If you enjoy crisp, refreshing drinks,
look for wines with higher acidity (like Sauvignon Blanc).

Dry vs Sweet

• Dry = not sweet (most wines)
• Sweet = noticeable sugar

Common misconception: not all wine is sweet — most are dry.

The post Do You Really Understand a Restaurant Wine List? (Beginner Guide) appeared first on Ngonista.

Gin is not originally from Vietnam.

Born in Europe – first in the Netherlands and later refined in England – traditional gin is distilled from a neutral spirit infused with juniper berries, creating a profile that is herbal, crisp, and refreshing.

But in recent years, a new movement has emerged:
gin is no longer just a Western spirit, it has become a medium for local storytelling.

In Vietnam, a new generation of distillers is using native botanicals, spices, and local ingredients to craft gins that reflect the country’s identity.

Here are four standout brands shaping the future of Vietnamese craft gin:

Lady Trieu – The diversity of Vietnam in a bottle

Website: https://ladytrieugin.com

Lady Triệu stands as one of the most recognized craft gin brands in Vietnam, and among the most awarded in Asia – not only for its quality, but for the story it carries.

Named after Bà Triệu (Triệu Thị Trinh), a revered Vietnamese heroine, the brand is a tribute to the strength, spirit, and identity of Vietnamese women. From the very beginning, Lady Triệu has been more than a gin, it is a cultural expression.

Distilled in small batches, each bottle captures the essence of Vietnam through carefully selected local botanicals: oolong tea, jasmine, pepper, citrus peels, and native herbs. The result is a profile that is vibrant, layered, and unmistakably expressive.

What truly sets Lady Triệu apart is its storytelling. Each expression reflects a different region of Vietnam  from the misty mountains of Sapa to the historic charm of Hoi An and the richness of the Mekong Delta. Every sip becomes a journey across landscapes, flavors, and memories.

A gin that doesn’t just represent Vietnam, it tells its story.

Song Cai – A true expression of Vietnamese terroir

Website: https://songcaidistillery.com

If one brand truly embodies the concept of terroir, it is Song Cai.

As one of Vietnam’s pioneering distilleries, Song Cai builds its philosophy around foraged botanicals from Northern Vietnam – wild herbs, spices, and native plants.

More than just a spirit, Song Cai is a cultural project, working closely with local communities and reflecting the landscape, traditions, and biodiversity of Vietnam.

A gin that is deeply rooted, raw, and authentic.

Saigon Baigur – Where tradition meets modern Vietnam

Website: https://saigonbaigur.com

Saigon Baigur is among the first premium dry gins distilled in Ho Chi Minh City, now exported to over 50 countries worldwide.

It combines 12 local botanicals such as Buddha’s hand and lotus with classic gin ingredients, resulting in a profile that is both familiar and distinctive.

The name “Baigur” references a historical trading hub, reflecting Vietnam’s long-standing connection to the global spice trade.

 A gin that represents a dynamic, modern, and globally connected Vietnam.

Sampan – A taste of Indochina and tropical nostalgia

Website: https://sampangin.com

Sampan brings a softer, more lifestyle-driven perspective to Vietnamese gin.

Inspired by the imagery of river boats and tropical Southeast Asia, it captures familiar regional flavors through spices, fruits, and botanicals.

Approachable yet distinctive, Sampan offers a gentler introduction to craft gin while still carrying a clear sense of place.

A gin that is easy to enjoy, yet quietly expressive.

And together, they signal something bigger:

Vietnam is no longer just a consumer of spirits —
it is becoming a creator of products with identity, depth, and global relevance.

The post 4 Must-Try Premium Craft Gin Brands from Vietnam appeared first on Ngonista.

Inspired by the spirit of the Vietnamese heroine Triệu Thị Trinh, this space is designed as a “creative institute” where every guest becomes part of a journey. Here, cocktails are not only crafted to taste good, but to express Vietnamese identity, history, and culture in a contemporary way.

A unique concept: cocktails as storytelling

What makes Triệu Institute truly stand out is its narrative approach.

Each cocktail is created as a story inspired by:

• Historical figures
• Cultural regions of Vietnam
• Local ingredients and traditions

The bartenders are not just mixologists, but storytellers. As they present each drink, they share the inspiration behind it, connecting flavors with meaning.

It’s an experience where you don’t just drink,
you listen, learn, and feel.

Lady Trieu Gin – the soul of the bar

At the core of the experience is Lady Trieu Gin, a Vietnamese craft gin that celebrates local botanicals.

Key ingredients include:

• Lemongrass
• Lotus flower
• Citrus peel
• Pepper and native herbs

These elements bring a distinctive Vietnamese character to every cocktail — familiar yet reimagined in a refined and modern way.

Space & atmosphere

Triệu Institute embraces a modern speakeasy aesthetic:

• Warm, intimate lighting
• Minimal yet thoughtful design
• A calm, immersive atmosphere

This is not a loud party bar,
but a place to slow down, connect, and explore.

Location

• Name: Triệu Institute (Lady Triệu Cocktail Bar)
• Address: 23 Ngô Văn Năm, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening hours: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM (subject to change)

The post Telling Vietnamese History Through Cocktails – Triệu Institute appeared first on Ngonista.

Born from a simple idea, why can’t a space be both a café and a bar? Tempo is designed as an all-day destination, where mornings begin with coffee, afternoons stretch into conversations, and evenings settle into wine and quiet connection.

Set inside a French colonial building, the space feels timeless yet alive. Upstairs, it opens into a flexible floor for workshops, tastings, and gatherings. On the walls, rotating artists bring new energy, keeping the space in constant evolution.

But Tempo is more than a café-bar.
It is becoming a creative house, a platform for art, music, food, and ideas. From residencies to live music nights and curated dining experiences, anything can happen here.

Address: 218C Parteur, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tempohouse.sgn/

The post Tempo House – Where You Come Back to Yourself appeared first on Ngonista.

A place where everyone is welcome

At its core, The Shed was created with a simple idea:

A space where everyone feels welcome.

Whether you’re dropping in for a quick pint, catching up with friends, or looking for a place to watch your favorite team, The Shed offers a laid-back environment where conversations flow as easily as the drinks.

Built for sports, designed for experience

What makes The Shed stand out is its scale and energy.

Spanning two floors with 18 large screens, the bar brings live and replayed sports from around the world, from rugby and football to UFC and beyond. No matter what you follow, there’s always a game to catch.

And when the match ends, the experience doesn’t stop. Guests can enjoy a game of pool or darts, turning a casual night out into a full social experience.

From cold beers to wine and comfort food

Behind the bar, The Shed delivers exactly what you would expect and more.

A wide selection of beers on tap, cold bottles, cider, cocktails, house spirits, and a solid wine list ensures there is something for everyone.

In the kitchen, the focus is on proper pub grub hearty, satisfying, and full of flavor, the kind of food that pairs perfectly with a cold drink and a live match.

Happy Hour worth staying for

For those who appreciate wine, The Shed offers a pleasant surprise:

50% off all wines from Monday to Friday, 4PM – 6PM.

A simple but compelling reason to slow down after work and enjoy a different side of a sports bar experience.
The Shed Saigon
178 Pasteur, Ho Chi Minh City

The post The Shed – A New Sports Bar in Saigon appeared first on Ngonista.

The space stands out with its preserved French colonial architecture, maintaining a sense of quiet elegance while being subtly reimagined with a contemporary touch. The result is an atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and inviting, ideal for quiet evenings, meaningful conversations, or simply a moment to yourself.

Curated by a dedicated team of sommeliers, the wine list spans from Old World classics to New World expressions, offering a diverse selection for both newcomers and seasoned wine enthusiasts. Complementing the wines is a thoughtfully crafted fusion menu, designed to enhance and elevate the overall experience.

A key highlight of Celestia is its private room, perfect for intimate gatherings and discreet meetings.

In a city filled with ever-growing choices, Celestia does not seek attention through extravagance, but through a refined, tasteful experience — one created for those who truly appreciate wine.

9/6 Lý Văn Phức, Tân Định, HCM.


Hours: 17:30 – Late

Facebook: Celestia Wine Bar


Instagram: celestiawinebar.sgn


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Located at 75 Yen Bai Street, Ru is built on a simple yet powerful philosophy:

Wine is for everyone.

A Space That Feels Both Familiar and Unexpected

What makes Ru Wine Bar truly memorable is not just the wine, but the space itself.

Stepping inside, you are met with a feeling that is difficult to define something classic, yet strikingly unconventional. The atmosphere carries a sense of old-world charm, reminiscent of intimate European wine bars, yet reinterpreted in a way that feels deeply personal and uniquely local.

There is no attempt at perfection here. Instead, the beauty lies in its character, slightly raw, thoughtfully imperfect, and full of personality. Each corner feels like it has a story, inviting you to slow down, stay longer, and let the evening unfold naturally.

Đó là một không gian khiến bạn muốn ngồi lâu hơn một chút, gọi thêm một ly rượu, và để câu chuyện tiếp tục.

A Wine List That Evolves

Founded by sommelier Thành Nguyễn, Ru Wine Bar was never meant to be intimidating or overly technical. It is a place designed for people to approach wine with curiosity rather than pressure.

Here, wine is not something to be decoded, but something to be experienced  casually, personally, and without rules.

One of Ru’s most distinctive features is its monthly rotating wine-by-the-glass selection.

This ever-changing list encourages guests to explore different styles, regions, and expressions without committing to a full bottle. Each visit becomes a new journey  a new opportunity to discover something unexpected.

Hospitality at Its Core

Beyond the space and the wine, what defines Ru is its sense of hospitality.

There is an ease in the way conversations flow, in the way recommendations are offered never forced, always genuine. It is this warmth that transforms Ru from just a wine bar into a place where people feel connected.

When Wine Becomes More Personal

Ru Wine Bar does not try to position itself as a luxury destination. Instead, it offers something far more compelling, a space that is approachable, thoughtful, and full of character.

In a city like Da Nang, where the food and beverage scene is rapidly growing, places like Ru signal a quiet shift: wine in Vietnam is becoming more accessible, more personal, and more deeply connected to everyday experiences.

Ru Wine Bar: 75 Yen Bai, Da Nang

The post Ru Wine Bar – A Quiet Wine Space in Da Nang appeared first on Ngonista.

Natural wine in Ho Chi Minh City is not defined by trends, but by people and spaces. Some are quiet and refined, others raw and expressive — each offering a different way to experience wine beyond labels and rules.

Here are three places shaping that story:

Lửa: Where wine becomes a feeling

11 Thảo Điền, Tp. Thủ Đức

Lửa is not a wine bar in the traditional sense. It feels more like a private gathering, where wine is shared, not presented.

There is something intentionally unpolished about Lửa – the space, the energy, the way wines are introduced. Bottles are often unexpected, sometimes challenging, but always alive. It’s a place where you don’t come to “learn” wine in a structured way, but to experience it instinctively.

Conversations here tend to go deeper, longer, and more personal – just like the wines being poured.

Lửa is for those who are ready to let go of what wine “should be”.

Little Bear: A quiet dialogue between food and wine

36 Nguyễn Bá Huân, Thảo Điền, TP. Thủ Đức

Hidden in Thảo Điền, Little Bear offers a completely different approach – one that is precise, thoughtful, and quietly emotional.

Here, natural wine is not the center of attention, but part of a larger narrative built around food. Each dish is designed with intention, and each wine is selected to complement that story.

The space feels intimate, almost like being invited into someone’s home. There is a sense of care in every detail – from the plating to the pouring.

Little Bear is where natural wine becomes part of a refined, curated experience.

Unfined Wines: A new, softer entry into natural wine

51 Trần Ngọc Diện, Thảo Điền, TP. Thủ Đức

Unfined Wines represents a new generation, where natural wine is no longer niche, but approachable and quietly modern.

The space is clean, minimal, and calming. Nothing feels overwhelming. Instead, everything is designed to make you feel at ease whether it’s your first glass of natural wine or your fiftieth.

What stands out is the way wine is communicated here: simple, honest, and personal. It removes the intimidation and replaces it with curiosity.

Unfined is where many people begin their journey with natural wine.

The post Where to Drink Natural Wine in Saigon appeared first on Ngonista.

Your first wine party can feel a little unfamiliar — new people, new wines, and an atmosphere that seems to come with unspoken rules.

But the truth is, wine is not about perfection. It’s about experience, curiosity, and enjoyment.

Here are a few simple tips to help you feel more confident before stepping into your first wine party:

1. Do a little research before you go

You don’t need to study wine — just get familiar.

Take a quick look at the type of event, the venue, or the wines being served. Knowing whether it’s a casual tasting or a more formal gathering can help you feel more prepared and at ease.

2. Skip the perfume

Wine is deeply connected to aroma.

Strong perfume can interfere with your own experience  and with others around you. Keeping it neutral allows you to fully appreciate the subtle notes in each glass.

3. Don’t arrive on an empty stomach

This is one of the most important tips.

Having a light meal before the event helps you enjoy wine more comfortably and prevents you from getting tipsy too quickly. It also keeps your palate more balanced.

4. Avoid wearing white

It might seem like a small detail, but it matters.

Red wine spills happen, especially in a social setting. Choosing darker or neutral tones will save you from unnecessary stress and let you relax throughout the evening.

Final thought

A wine party is not about knowing everything.
It’s about being open to discovering something new.

Take your time, stay curious, and enjoy the moment  that’s where the real experience begins.

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