You have seen the city grow and globalize, with luxurious department stores, fancy restaurants, glittering beer tapestries, and fancy nightclubs flocked to local children. Check out my first part of this drinking culture series - about the best bars in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) for nightlife hanging spots and craft beer - if you haven't.

What about the less visible corners of the city? In the quiet and classic bars with golden lights, is there any interesting drink in their wooden interiors? My answer is yes, these are the places you will find the best and most perfect cocktails and spirits in the city.
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Saigon Cocktail Bar Culture
By improving the integration of foreign culture in Saigon, people's drinking habits have changed to capture the trends of the world, and even surpass it with a unique quality. In particular, Vietnam dominates the regional beer market. But the cocktail and fine-drink culture is about to start.

I had a little talk with Phuc Le, head barman at My House Bar. This guy has almost 4 years of farm experience, working for a variety of upscale bars. He provided valuable information on the best bars in Ho Chi Minh and their signatures, which I will share in this article.
Best Phuc Le Bartender bar in ho chi minh
Phuc Le - My bar bar manager - Source: Fuc Le's FB page
The cocktail culture has not fully developed since it only started to spread and gained popularity 2 years ago. The high spirits and cocktails previously confined to the luxury hotels, clubs, and bars associated with these hotels, and some high-end restaurants, to a limited extent. But in recent years, it is gaining popularity among the average revenue audience, with more and more mid-to-high range cocktail bars such as Qui Cuisine & Mixology, My House, Monde Restaurant & Bar, And many more.

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In fact, the formation of a drinking culture in Vietnam is almost backward. Throughout Western history, taverns and saloons first appeared, then pubs, bars, lounges, and finally nightclubs. But here, nightclubs flourished, thanks to French and American westernization. At the same time, cocktail restaurants have traditionally been integrated into luxury hotels around the city, where only strong locals can afford. Then in 2010, nightclubs and lounges popped up for the young average earner at the same time. Recently the very first cocktail - mixology bars have emerged. And they are definitely the best bars in Ho Chi Minh City.
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Favorite Local Flavors
Another thing to keep in mind about Vietnam's consumption culture is that there are differences in men's and women's choices. Men generally prefer drinks that are strong, bold, and rich in taste, while women generally prefer something light and fruit. All tastes simmer in a traditional Vietnamese flavor profile, which is a bit sweet for Westerners. The most popular flavors among young people are coconut, pineapple, sweet and fruit (citrusy, peachy, etc.), pandan (Vietnamese screwpine), matcha (Japanese green tea), milky, creamy, and flavors that remind them of child treatment. However, I am a whiskey person and I prefer drinks with complexity and multiple layers of taste.