Buzz
The scorching heat of Saigon can really drive us insane. Let me suggest you a cool spot with lots of greenery and breeze. That's Barbecue Garden.
When dining out, do you prefer sitting in air-conditioned rooms or outdoor spaces? Personally, I enjoy outdoor seating - where there's plenty of breeze. I'm quite claustrophobic and prefer open, airy spaces. Sitting in a cool, breezy environment gives me a delightful feeling, especially when dining out.
One of my favorite spots in Saigon for years has been Barbecue Garden on Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street. I just need to drive from Ben Thanh Market straight down to Independence Palace, then go another 50m to get here.
The atmosphere of Barbecue Garden gives me a pleasantly cool sensation.
No matter how unfamiliar you are with the streets, finding Barbecue Garden is a breeze because it stands out with its vibrant green amidst the clustered buildings. The space here isn't just green but also incredibly spacious, easily accommodating nearly a thousand people.
Greenery is scattered throughout the restaurant's premises, from the canopy of the entrance gate, where climbing plants thrive, to the large trees with broad leaves. As the city starts to light up, tiny twinkling lights are also illuminated.
Every tree within the confines of Barbecue Garden is further adorned with hundreds of twinkling lights on their high branches. They resemble stars in the sky. Strands of lights hang down from above, swaying with the breeze like small stars, following the wind while still fulfilling their duty to illuminate.
Due to the abundance of lush greenery providing shade, even under the scorching Saigon sun, I feel refreshingly cool beyond words. The rustling of leaves with every passing breeze creates a delightful sound.
However, because it's an outdoor space, everyone shares the same atmosphere, so it's difficult to avoid the hustle and bustle. The clinking of glasses, combined with the sizzling sounds of grilling meat, will melt away all the day's stress. For those who prefer tranquility and privacy, there are private air-conditioned rooms available.
Barbecue Garden's Cuisine
With such a beautiful ambiance, delicious bites are a must. My family and I ordered a variety of dishes, but the beef wrapped in cheese with a lime pepper dip, accompanied by salad, left the most lasting impression.
According to the server, the restaurant guarantees no use of MSG, additives, or animal fat in their food preparation. As the meat touched my tongue, I immediately sensed the rich flavor of the sauce. Indeed, this dish lacks the artificial sweetness of chemicals but instead boasts a natural sweetness. Given my sensitivity to MSG, consuming it usually gives me a headache.
Beef rolled with creamy cheese marinated to perfection
Once the meat is cooked, the warm melted cheese inside oozes out. The tender, fragrant meat blends with the creamy and slightly chewy cheese. I could easily devour three plates of cheese-filled beef in no time.
A satisfying meal of grilled meat here costs around 200K per adult, which, in my personal opinion, isn't expensive.
This is truly one of the coolest and most spacious restaurants in downtown Saigon or District 1 that I know of. During peak hours like lunch or dinner, it's always fully booked, so if you don't make a reservation in advance, you'll have to wait at least 30 minutes for a table. You should also book in advance to get a discount at the link below:
>>> Get a discount from Barbecue Garden this week
Reviewer: Mai Ngô
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