Cafe If
38 Dang Dung, Tan Dinh Ward
District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Positioning itself as a premier culinary destination for savvy locals and discerning visitors, Cafe If lives in a large colonial building with most of its original structure carefully preserved by overseas-Vietnamese proprietor and designer, Ming.
Welcoming diners at the top of the steps of the main entrance is a large oil painting of a beautiful Vietnamese woman; dramatic.
The interior is decorated with an eclectic curation of contemporary and classic Vietnamese art.
As a gesture to preserve the original layout of this colonial building, the dining room is comprised of several spaces.
One of the dining rooms has a gorgeous chandelier made of twigs and dried loofahs with LED tubes in them, handmade by Ming – very creative and covetable.
Dried loofahs that light up.
Calamari Grilled on Hot Stones
Salmon in Vietnamese Curry (meh), Salt and Pepper Baked Prawns
Banana Flower Salad
Green chilli condiment, comprised of ground green chilli, lime juice, herbs and salt.
Grilled Eggplant with Scallion Oil
Pork Ribs in Salted Vegetable Soup
Even though the interior is reminiscent of a grand living room in colonial times, I find the food to be average. Frankly it did not live up to my expectations. Considering the promise of fine dining in this restaurant, I expected much more than what was served.
This restaurant happened to be the most expensive meal I spent on in Saigon during this trip. Be it execution, creativity or flavor, I was underwhelmed. I think the restaurant’s positioning is off the mark.
However, Cafe If has potential to be better. The colonial building has been done up nicely and all, the only thing missing from the upscale premise is a menu that measures up. The food always has to come first before the ambiance and decor, non?
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