Finding the feel good factor in Saigon

We have always enjoyed our Vietnamese luxury travel adventures and being based in the region, this enchanting country remains one of our favourite destinations, especially the bustling capital city of Saigon. The cuisine has always excited us, the wellness offerings are professional and plentiful, whilst the choice of luxury hotels and resorts is wide and varied. So when we read about the first ever zero waste and plant based fine dining restaurant opening in Saigon, we knew that we had to make plans for another trip. With flights confirmed, we made a dining reservation, selected a vegan friendly hotel and booked an appointment at a luxury spa, knowing that this trio of travel ingredients would most certainly help us to find the feel good factor in Saigon.

Zero waste and plant based fine dining at Tales by Chapter

It’s only right that we start with the main reason for our recent weekend in Saigon, the simply sublime Tales by Chapter. Opening in early 2025 as the first ever zero waste and plant based fine dining restaurant in the city, they have continued to impress discerning diners ever since. With a single serving at 7pm each night (closed on Sundays) it’s important to book in advance as this is most certainly a dining experience that you don’t want to miss.

Our culinary adventure at Tales by Chapter was like nothing we’ve ever experienced before, and it’s clear that this tight knit and enthusiastic team are fully committed to positioning themselves as one of the finest restaurants in the region. From the moment we arrived until our post meal departure, we were taken on a journey full of creativity, passion and surprises. Multiple courses of exquisitely presented food, prepared with finesse and panache right in front of our eyes and paired with innovative drinks, ensured that we were suitably impressed from start to finish. The ambiance, the theatre and the hospitality were woven into a seamless performance, whilst every single dish and drink was beautiful, flavoursome and inspiring. We’re not going to list everything we ate and drank from the seasonal set menu, but we will remind you that every part of every plant, fruit and vegetable from their own Tales Farm was used to ensure the zero waste concept was fully respected.

Sustainability is at the core of everything they do at Tales by Chapter. Being zero waste and offering an entirely plant based menu is the cornerstone of this commitment, and when combined with their own eponymously named Tales Farm in the central highlands of Vietnam, this planet friendly fine dining concept truly comes to life. Tales Farm grows and provides a steady supply of seasonal organic produce, allowing menus to showcase the freshest ingredients. Produce is picked at its peak, brought directly to the city and celebrated in dishes that highlight its quality.

Herbs, flowers and micro greens are also grown on the rooftop, creating a direct link between farm, kitchen and table. Nothing is wasted, with trimmings fermented or preserved and with roots and stalks being repurposed into stocks and sauces. The result is a dining experience that is innovative, respectful and full of clean, bold flavours, proving that sustainability and fine dining can thrive together in the heart of Saigon.

Sustainable and creative vegetarian cuisine at Cela

Where better to enjoy even more sustainably sourced food in Saigon than at the excellent Cela where an all vegetarian menu is served with wines, beers and non alcoholic beverages in a vibrant and creative space. We shared a selection of dishes, some already vegan and others happily adapted by the attentive team. A highlight was the ‘Sushi Taco’, fresh, crunchy and full of flavour.

Another favourite was the delicate ‘Agedashi Tofu’, where lightly fried soft tofu sat perfectly upon a bed of wilted spinach and flavoursome miso broth. This really is farm to kitchen to table dining, and we loved everything about the concept. The menu is seasonal, sustainable and entirely vegetarian, with dishes that feel familiar yet each tells its own story. What we didn’t love was the fact we don’t live in Saigon, which makes it difficult for Cela to become our regular weekend spot. But for those lucky enough to live here, or visiting in search of your own ‘feel good factor’ weekend, make sure Cela is firmly on your list. You won’t regret it.

Vegan friendly luxury hotel in Saigon

Having recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, New World Hotel Saigon has been welcoming business and leisure travellers since 1994 and has continued to adapt to the ever changing demands of its guests. In recent years, with more people choosing vegetarian, vegan and plant based food, they have updated their menus accordingly.

Their all day dining restaurant, Park View, offers a variety of plant based dishes created by the executive chef, while their popular lunchtime vegetarian buffet boasts an impressive array of globally inspired options. From salads, soups and samosas to Vietnamese favourites such as fresh spring rolls, rice noodles and fried rice, there is something for everyone. The extensive vegetarian menu at Park View even includes pizza with vegan cheese, cashew cheese tacos and a vegan burger for those in search of a Western fix. New World Hotel Saigon is most certainly a vegan friendly luxury hotel in an excellent location, and we look forward to visiting again in the future.

Luxury spa experience at The Privé Spa

No luxury weekend would be complete without time spent relaxing and rejuvenating at a luxury spa. With Saigon boasting an impressive selection of spas, we did our research carefully to ensure that we made the correct choice. A combination of positive online reviews, a personal recommendation and the proximity to our hotel led us to The Privé Spa which has two locations in Saigon and is regarded as one of the leading luxury spa brands in Vietnam.

We booked their Travellers Recharge Package which featured three treatments, and headed to their District 1 location, just a short walk from our hotel. The package included a 30 minute head spa, followed by a 60 minute body massage designed to ease travel fatigue, and finished with a 15 minute radiant facial. The therapists were professional and attentive, ensuring we left feeling revitalised and ready to continue our Saigon staycation. For anyone looking to recharge after a journey or a long day exploring the city, The Privé Spa is an excellent choice in the heart of Saigon.

Well, we can confirm that we found our own feel good factor in Saigon and are sure that if you choose to dine at the truly remarkable Tales by Chapter, enjoy lunch with friends at Cela, stay at New World Hotel Saigon or treat yourself at The Privé Spa, you can most certainly find your own too. With world class fine dining, vegan friendly luxury and excellent wellness options, Saigon remains one of our favourite destinations and the perfect place for a feel good getaway. We have already booked to return and can’t wait!

Paul Eyers

Paul Eyers is co-founder of Vegan Food Quest who write about luxury hotels and resorts in Southeast Asia with a focus on sustainable travel, eco travel and vegan travel. Currently based in Malaysia, Paul also writes about sporting events and some of the finest golf courses throughout the region.