Michelin-Starred Vietnamese Restaurant Blends Tradition and Innovation

Ho Chi Minh City’s restaurant Upstairs has been awarded a Michelin star for its modern Vietnamese cuisine, inspired by Central Vietnamese culinary traditions. The establishment received this honor just over a year after its opening. The Michelin star system is a classification for rating restaurants based on food quality. A single star is awarded to restaurants that serve "delicious food, worth a detour." Upstairs offers a tasting menu that rebuilds traditional flavors with contemporary cooking techniques, rooted in memories of Central Vietnamese cuisine and a passion for food. Chef Hiep Truong notes that managing the portion size for each dish is crucial to ensure diners have a consistent experience throughout the meal without feeling overly full. Recommended dishes include "Hến xúc bánh đa" (Clams with Crackers), inspired by Central Vietnamese cuisine. This appetizer features clams stir-fried with satay, served with crackers and Vietnamese coriander, marking the beginning of the tasting menu. Another highlight is "Vịt hon" (Braised Duck), a dish inspired by Hue's traditional cuisine. It uses duck meat aged for 21 days, grilled over charcoal, and served with peanut sauce, duck sausage, and figs. This dish is also linked to the chef's childhood memories. Additionally, "Cá nấu mẻ" (Fish Cooked in Mẻ Sauce), inspired by Northern Vietnamese home cooking, has also received high praise. It utilizes a homemade mẻ sauce (fermented rice) and the freshest seasonal fish available, recreating the familiar flavors of Northern Vietnamese cuisine with a new approach. The restaurant features 10 counter seats and three private rooms with a total of 12 seats. Staff meticulously explain the ingredients and origins of each dish. The tasting menu consists of 12 courses, with an option to add extra dishes. The dinner price is approximately VND 2.9 million per person (including VAT). Upstairs is open for dinner from Friday to Tuesday (6 PM to 11 PM). On Sundays and Mondays, it also offers lunch service (12 PM to 3 PM). The restaurant is closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays. On Google Reviews, the restaurant boasts a high rating of 4.8 stars, with praise for its private ambiance, beautiful presentation, accessibility, and enthusiastic staff. However, some patrons have suggested that the tasting menu has a high proportion of protein dishes and that the fixed menu could benefit from more variety, proposing seasonal updates and additional dishes. In 2026, two new restaurants, Upstairs and Onvit, will receive Michelin stars, bringing the total number of one-star establishments in Vietnam to eleven. The Michelin Guide's selections are expected to contribute to enhancing the international profile of Vietnam's culinary scene and tourism. The Michelin Guide was first published in 1900 by the French tire company Michelin, introducing the world's best restaurants to international and local diners.