Good Mezze in Saigon can be hard to come by. The ingredients required for this iconic Middle Eastern dish have to be imported, making it difficult and expensive for restaurants to make. However, there are a few spots in Saigon to visit if you’re craving a taste of the classic Mediterranean dish. Here’s a list of them.
What is Mezze ?
Mezze is a dish of Middle Eastern origin, enjoyed today all over the Eastern Mediterranean. More than a dish, Mezze is like a course or general style of service. Instead of a few large dishes being presented, cooks will prepare a variety (sometimes over 20 !) of small dishes, served with flatbread. Staples include hummus, baba ghannouj, tabouleh and dolma.
The word mezze comes from the ancient Persian word mazdeh, meaning to taste or savour. According to the legend, the name comes from the Ottoman conquest of Persia in the 16th century. When the Ottomans arrived in Persia, they saw the nobility and royalty enjoying meals that consisted of multiple smaller dishes being shared. Being people of power, these households had tasters to protect them from being poisoned. They were referred to as “mazdeh” by the Persians and subsequently mezze by the Ottomans.
where to have mezze in Saigon
Mezze is complicated to prepare in Vietnam, because many ingredients are not available locally and have to be imported, often at great cost. There are however a few restaurants in Saigon offering quality mezze :
A more recent addition to the scene, Al Sham serves customers authentic Syrian fare in a unique Middle Eastern décor. Serving a variety of dishes buffet-style, Al Sham prides itself on the authenticity and freshness of it’s dishes. All the meat served is Halal, sourced from Vietnamese Muslim butchers, and the bread is baked in house. Enjoy Levantine classics in the heart of the Pham Ngu Lao district, known for it’s vibrant atmosphere.
One of the longest standing Mediterranean restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City, Au Parc has been open since 2003. Nestled right in between the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Independence Palace in the heart of District 1, it’s the perfect place to soak in the historic atmosphere of Saigon’s downtown while enjoying fresh, healthy food. Everything on the mezze platter is home-made, including the bread.
Located in the heart of D1, just behind the Saigon Opera house, Pasha is a proudly authentic Turkish restaurant. Pasha offer a wide range of Turkish classics, including mezze prepared with imported ingredients and Halal meat. It accommodates Muslim customers looking for a taste of home, and also offers traditional Turkish tea and coffee.
