Saigon weekend: what to do and where to go

Exhibition "Neverwhere"

"Neverwhere" at Galerie Quynh is an exhibition featuring visionary artists Nadege David, Cian Duggan, Sandrine Llouquet, Ngo Dinh Bao Chau, Trong Gia Nguyen, and Vo Tran Chau.

"Neverwhere" exhibition poster. Photo courtesy of Galerie Quynh

The exhibition invites one to explore the intersection of art, science, and spirituality, delve into the mysteries of the universe and parallel realities that have fascinated artists and scientists throughout history.

"Neverwhere" pushes the boundaries of perception, drawing inspiration from quantum mechanics, string theory, and avant-garde art movements.

The exhibition's title is inspired by Neil Gaiman's novel, evoking an unseen world called "London Below" that exists beneath the sewers, where extraordinary destinies unfold. It sparks our imagination with the notion of a physical space yet to exist in time.

Galerie Quynh is at 118 Nguyen Van Thu Street, Da Kao Ward, District 1. The exhibition is open to the public from June 13 to August 5, welcoming visitors from Tuesday to Saturday between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

French movie "Un divan à Tunis" (Arab Blues)

French cinema rendez-vous is a new weekly event introducing the richness and diversity of French cinema by screening a variety of very different films. Screenings are held by French Cinema Rendez-vous and Institut français de HCMV.

This week's movie is "Arab Blues", a comedy following Selma, a spirited and educated young woman. After completing her psychology degree in Paris, Selma embarks on a life-changing decision to return to her homeland and settle in the vibrant streets of Tunis. She embodies modernity, dynamism, independence, and intelligence. But her homecoming does not go as planned when she faces unexpected challenges and harsh realities.

"Un divan à Tunis" movie poster. Photo courtesy of French Cinema Rendez-vous

The film takes us on Selma's journey as she navigates through complex situations, questioning her initial expectations.

"Un divan à Tunis" will be shown at DCiné Cinema, 6 Mac Dinh Chi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, on June 17 at 7 p.m. Tickets cost VND60,000 ($2.55) per person.

French musician "The Rodeo"

Experience a night of French Pop music infused with a baroque twist - subtle, charismatic, and wild by joining The Rodeo, an artist known for her self-portrait compositions.

"The Rodeo" poster. Photo courtesy of Institut français de HCMV

Hailing from a French-Vietnamese background, the artist, also known as Dorothée (Hannequin), returned to Ho Chi Minh City as part of the VILLA SAIGON residency program in the spring of 2023. She embarks on a musical exploration, intertwining traditional and French pop music.

Her music show will take place on June 16, at 8 p.m, at IDECAF theater stage, 31 Thai Van Lung Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1. Tickets are available starting from VND 150,000 ($6.38).

Malaysian food & culture week

Malaysian Food & Cultural Week takes place from June 15 to 17 at the Food ConneXion restaurant. Joining the event are two culinary experts Chef Haslan and Chef Hamdan from Pullman Kuala Lumpur City Center.

Chef Haslan, with over 10 years of experience in the professional culinary arts, specializes in Asian cuisines. He has represented Malaysia on more than 15 occasions, showcasing Malaysian food and participating in culinary competitions and events at both hotel and country levels. Chef Hamdan brings his expertise in Malaysian cuisine, ensuring consistent taste that meets the highest standards.

Chef Haslan and Chef Hamdan take charge of crafting the culinary delights for the Malaysian Food & Culture Week. Photo courtesy of Pullman Saigon Center

Diners can choose the International Lunch Buffet, priced at VND670,000 ($28.49) per adult and VND350,000 ($14.88) per child (6-11 years old), featuring an array of dishes complemented by soft drinks, tea, and coffee.

Visitors can also join the Seafood Dinner Buffet, available at VND1,300,000 ($55.27) per adult and VND550,000 ($23.38) per child (6-11 years old), where free-flow soft drinks are also included.

The event is hosted at Food ConneXion on Level 3 of the Pullman Saigon Center, 148 Tran Hung Dao Street, District 1.

Malaysian flavor's dinner buffet

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-Vietnam diplomatic relations is the "Malaysia Madani Week" in Ho Chi Minh City, organized by the Consulate General of Malaysia. A highlight of the event is the "Malaysian Flavor's Dinner Buffet'' at Sofitel Saigon Plaza.

Chicken satay is a popular Malaysian street food delicacy. Photo courtesy of Sofitel Saigon Plaza

Diners can indulge in a culinary journey with a buffet of local dishes prepared by chefs from Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara. Experience the rich flavors of Malaysian cuisine, including chicken and beef satay, beef rendang (braised beef), and gulai kambing (braised lamb and potato). Immerse yourself in the Malaysian ambiance while enjoying traditional dance performances by the Perak State from Malaysia.

The event runs from June 13 to June 16, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., at Mezz Restaurant in Sofitel Saigon Plaza. The price is VND950,000 ($40.41) per person. Malaysia Business Chamber Vietnam's members & partners receive a 20% discount, while Accor Plus members enjoy 25% off food and 15% off beverages.

Sofitel Saigon Plaza is at 17 Le Duan, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1.

Sustainable gastronomy week

Mai House Saigon Hotel offers an international sustainable gastronomy week featuring a farm to table menu, crafted by Executive Chef Lam Quoc Huy. Diners can indulge in flavors with locally-sourced ingredients.

A main course featuring pan-seared sea bass fillet, served with roasted Da Lat vegetables at Mai House Saigon Hotel. Photo courtesy of Mai House Saigon Hotel

The menu starts with caprese salad, combining mozzarella cheese, organic vegetables from Da Lat, tomatoes, and Arugula lettuce drizzled with balsamic glaze.

It is followed by pan-seared sea bass served with tomato salsa and roasted vegetables from Da Lat as the main course. The menu finishes with a Shiso jelly dessert complemented by homemade yogurt, black sesame, and a touch of lemon.

The event is available from June 12 to 18, at C'est La Vie Restaurant on the 2nd Floor of Mai House Saigon Hotel at 157 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3. The price is VND550,000 ($23.40) per person, inclusive of a signature tea.

Vibin' Sunday brunch

Mua Craft Sake Taproom offers a Sunday brunch event this Sunday, where diners can savor the flavors of the smoked BBQ grill with rich sauce, a seafood platter, lobster sandwiches, and tacos. Visitors can also quench the thirst with the signature Saké Sangria and spicy Bloody Mary.

A diverse selection of BBQ meat and seafood flavors Mua Craft Sake Taproom. Photo courtesy of Mua Craft Sake

Coming to this "Vibin' Sunday brunch", visitors can dance to live music from a DJ and band. The event features activities for the whole family, including a creative mini-game called "Creative Your Tacos" where children can enjoy ice cream cones and showcase their artistic skills through painting and coloring.

The event will take place on June 18, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Mua Craft Sake Taproom at 7 Le Ngo Cat Street, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3. The free-flow sake and beverage package is available for VND495,000 ($21.06).