The kind of street where locals eat late and tourists miss the turn.
Why DAKAO, why now
The Dot Magazine's 2026 Saigon hot list calls out Dakao Ward in District 1 as an emerging area with new bar and restaurant openings, particularly near the Jade Emperor Pagoda. It's a freshly buzzy pocket distinct from the already-saturated Tan Dinh and District 3 corridors.
1. Miyama - The View
- L3-01, Saigon Center, 65 Lê Lợi, Sài Gòn, Hồ Chí Minh 71006
- 4.7 · 1704 reviews · Brunch
The first stop anchors the morning before you make any other decisions about the day. Miyama sits near the Jade Emperor Pagoda, in the part of Dakao that's pulling in new concept venues without the saturation you'll find further west. Start here while the ward is still waking up, and you'll have room to linger over brunch without fighting the afternoon heat.
Crew's note
The lanterns stay lit whether you sit or not.
What visitors say
This place truly disappointed me. I ordered the cheese soufflé that includes strawberry sorbet. They ran out the sorbet so I said they could…
Love this place. Food & drink and the atmosphere are all good. If you are lucky, you might have a table with a great green view to the busy…
2. Bún bò Bà Ba
- 18A/19 Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Sài Gòn, Hồ Chí Minh
- 4.5 · 76 reviews · Bun bo Hue
The course closes with one thing done well. Bún bò Bà Ba serves only bun bo Hue, in small or large, and that single focus is the point. It's the kind of place that settles the route: you came to Dakao for something distinct from the usual District 1 loop, and this is where that choice pays off before you head back out.
Crew's note
The broth clears everything. Order before you think.
What visitors say
If you wanna try out local food, here’s the place kinda OG and beef soup is way too delicious. Easy to reach in district 1
An open air restaurant that only serves bun bo in small or large sizes. There is a small balcony with seating upstairs. My husband and I cam…
The walk between
The stretch between the two stops threads through Dakao's residential blocks, where the new bar energy from the scout research hasn't yet rewritten every corner. You'll pass the pagoda district quieting down after morning visits, then drop into the open-air rhythm closer to District 1's edge.
- Hit Miyama early enough that the tables near the windows are still open, then let Bún bò Bà Ba close out the late morning or early lunch window.
- The course works best on days when you're planning to stay in or around District 1 afterward, since Dakao sits on the quieter rim and the two stops together give you a full reset before the rest of the city.
FAQ
- Is there indoor seating at both stops, or should I expect open air?
- Miyama offers indoor seating with views out to the street. Bún bò Bà Ba is open-air, with a small balcony upstairs if you want a bit of elevation from the ground floor.
- Does this route make sense if I'm staying in District 3 or Tan Dinh?
- Yes, Dakao borders both neighborhoods closely enough that you won't spend much time in transit. The two stops offer a counterpoint to the heavier foot traffic zones without requiring a long detour from where you're based.
Ask Moon
Danang
