By Hamy Nguyễn

Exploring Vietnamese cuisine is like unwrapping a gift each time – except the gift is delicious, and the wrapping keeps getting more creative. Mạch is my latest tasty treasure.

We wrapped up our event pretty late – around 10pm – which, in the F&B world, means we were practically on the night shift. Here’s a little secret no one tells you: after a gruelling day, the real recovery comes from devouring something delicious.

So, we followed a local HCM City resident’s recommendation and headed to Mạch. And we hit the jackpot. A gastropub open until 2am is basically the food gods saying, “You’ve had a long day; here’s some awesome food and a drink to make it all better.” Perfect for unwinding and reminiscing over a good meal and a few drinks.

Mạch is a hidden gem tucked away in a quiet alley, with a simple, understated black exterior right in the heart of the city. Inside, it feels much more welcoming with a constantly burning charcoal grill and the familiar koi fish motif from Vietnamese folk culture. The upstairs area opens up significantly, offering a warm and meticulously decorated space.

We were a group of about 10, so we sampled nearly everything on the menu. We even tried every type of booze available – beer, cocktails, and wines – to get the full experience. Tough job, but someone’s got to do it. As always, here’s the scoop on the dishes that made me – and might make you – go “Oh wow”.

The Bacon (VNĐ65,000) is a must-order for my next visit. Thick, juicy strips of in-house cured and smoked pork burst with flavours that store-bought bacon can only dream of. Each bite is the perfect mix of smoky, salty, and a hint of sweetness. The portion is small, probably because it’s too good to share. I recommend a squeeze of lime or lemon to balance the richness.

Here’s something unusual but definitely worth trying: Scallion Head Tempura (VNĐ80,000). Crispy tempura-fried scallion heads combine with pickled scallions, powdered shrimp, and century egg sauce. Each element is familiar in Vietnamese cuisine, but this combo is a fresh twist. The tempura gives a crunchy, oniony bite, while the century egg sauce adds creamy, savoury depth. It’s an adventurous take on well-known ingredients.

Mạch Bánh Bèo (VNĐ195,000) is served with boiled prawn crackers, spinach, shrimp, barramundi, and seafood sauce. I’m a huge bánh bèo fan (who isn’t?), but Mạch swaps the usual toppings for boiled prawn crackers – genius! They pair perfectly with the shrimp, barramundi, and seafood sauce, which is rich and bold, like a fancy bisque made from shrimp heads. It’s bánh bèo with a twist, and it’s fantastic.

Now for a quirky fusion treat: Bánh Xèo Taco (VNĐ120,000). Imagine your classic Vietnamese crepe – filled with minced pork, shrimp, and Thai basil – in taco form. Bite-sized pieces of bánh xèo are topped with tangy fish sauce and eaten like tacos. It’s a fun and delicious mash-up, perfect for casual gatherings. The dipping sauce, with a sweet hint from fresh pineapple, was particularly impressive.

For me, Mạch is a steal, offering top-notch quality without breaking the bank. While the menu is a bit short, every dish is packed with flavour, delivering a tasty surprise in each bite. Whether you’re rounding up friends for a food fest or looking to impress on a date, Mạch’s cosy, stylish atmosphere makes it a perfect choice for casual hangouts or intimate moments. VNS

Mạch Saigon

Address: 75/1 Mai Thị Lựu Street, District 1, HCM City

Price: from VNĐ35,000 – VNĐ195,000

Comment: Modern, comfortable, tranquil, creative