Eating in Saigon is one of my favorite things to do in this food-lover’s paradise.
There are so many different types of food to try in Saigon. But if you are looking for a different taste from the usual exquisite Vietnamese dishes that the city has to offer, head to the heart of District 1 and try Tiem Com Ga Hai Nam Singapore style chicken and rice at 205 Calmette Street.
This cozy bistro features outdoor seating, in addition to an air conditioned interior space. It offers a delightful culinary journey to Singapore without leaving Ho Chi Minh City. Though the restaurant is renowned for its chicken dishes, there are many more diverse items on their menu.
Hai Nam has garnered a loyal following among locals and tourists alike for its authentic Hainanese chicken rice and a variety of flavorful dishes that capture the essence of Southeast Asian comfort food when eating in Saigon.
The restaurant’s commitment to quality and authenticity has earned it a spot among the top chicken rice spots in the city.
With its clean, minimalist decor and friendly staff, Hai Nam provides a welcoming atmosphere for diners seeking comfort food with a touch of elegance.
What is Hainanese Chicken Rice?
Delicious Hai Nam style chicken served at Tiem Com Ga
Originating from Hainan, China, and popularized in Singapore, Hainanese chicken rice is a dish that epitomizes simplicity and flavor. It features tender, poached chicken served over fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, accompanied by a trio of dipping sauces: a zesty chili sauce, aromatic ginger paste, and dark soy sauce.
The chicken is prepared to achieve a silky texture, while the rice absorbs the rich flavors of the broth, garlic, and ginger. The accompanying sauces add layers of complexity, allowing diners to customize each bite to their preference.
At Hai Nam, the dish is elevated with meticulous preparation: the chicken is poached to perfection, resulting in succulent meat with a delicate flavor, and the rice is imbued with the essence of chicken fat, garlic, and pandan leaves, offering a fragrant and savory base.
Must-Try Dishes at Hai Nam Chicken Rice
While the silky, poached Hainanese chicken rice is the undisputed star of the menu, Hai Nam Chicken Rice in District 1 offers a curated selection of other classic Southeast Asian dishes, each carefully prepared and served with their signature fragrant rice, house-made sauces, and a side of chicken broth.
Here’s a deeper look at what to try and why each dish is worth your attention:
Hainanese Chicken Rice (Cơm Gà Hải Nam)
Start with the namesake dish. The chicken is poached gently to preserve its natural moisture and tenderness.
It arrives glistening with a light sheen of chicken fat, sliced into manageable pieces, and arranged atop a bed of crispy cucumber slices. The rice—arguably the true star—is cooked in a rich chicken stock with garlic, ginger, and a touch of pandan leaf, infusing it with a delicate aroma and umami flavor.
Pro tip: Mix a little of each of the three dipping sauces—zesty chili, ginger-scallion paste, and dark soy—on the side and dab each bite to your liking. It’s all about customization.
Roasted Chicken Rice (Cơm Gà Quay)
If you prefer more texture and boldness, go for the roasted chicken rice. Here, the chicken skin is crisped to golden perfection, crackling slightly under your chopsticks, while the meat inside remains juicy and well-seasoned.
Unlike the poached version, the roasted variant brings a savory depth and smoky aroma, a nod to Cantonese-style roasts.
Pairing note: This dish is fantastic with the dark soy sauce and a spoonful of ginger sauce. It adds richness and bite.
Fried Chicken Rice (Cơm Gà Chiên Giòn)
A hit among kids and fans of crunchy comfort food, the fried chicken rice offers a hearty, satisfying plate. The chicken is marinated, breaded lightly, and deep-fried until golden brown.
What makes it stand out is the balance: it’s crispy but not greasy, and the seasoning enhances rather than overwhelms.
Ideal for: Diners who enjoy a cross between Southern fried chicken and Asian-style crispiness, especially when paired with pickled vegetables and a splash of chili sauce.
Char Siu (BBQ Pork) Rice (Cơm Xá Xíu)
A crowd favorite for good reason, the char siu or Chinese BBQ pork is tender and marinated in a sweet-savory glaze of honey, soy sauce, and Chinese five-spice. It’s then roasted until slightly charred at the edges, creating a caramelized crust that enhances the juicy interior.
Taste profile: Smoky, sweet, and savory—this one’s a winner if you’re craving something bold and satisfying.
Mixed Platter (Cơm Thập Cẩm)
If choosing just one meat feels like a compromise, go for the mixed platter. It usually includes a generous selection of poached chicken, roasted duck, and char siu, offering the best of all worlds in a single meal.
The diversity of textures and flavors—silky, crispy, fatty, sweet, and savory—is ideal for adventurous eaters or groups wanting to share.
Best for: First-time visitors or those who want to sample a variety of meats in one sitting.
Sweet and Sour Pork (Heo Xào Chua Ngọt)
The delicious sweet and sour pork is an icon at Tiem.
Though less traditional in a chicken rice shop, sweet and sour pork at Hai Nam is worth mentioning.
The pork is cut into bite-sized chunks, battered, and deep-fried until crispy, then tossed in a tangy sauce made with vinegar, sugar, and bell peppers. It’s colorful, flavorful, and reminiscent of classic Chinese-Vietnamese fusion dishes.
Goes well with: A side of fried rice if you want to let the tangy sauce shine.
Accompaniments: Rice, Soup, and Sauces
Stir-Fried Wide Rice Noodles with Seafood or Pork (Hủ Tiếu Xào Hải Sản / Hủ Tiếu Xào Thịt Heo)
One of my favorites is the stir-fried wide rice noodles with sauce. It comes with either seafood or pork.
Another one of the hidden treasures on their menu is the Hủ Tiếu Xào, a savory stir-fried dish made with wide rice noodles, vegetables, and your choice of seafood or sliced pork. This dish is a favorite among local regulars, particularly those who want a comforting alternative to rice-based plates.
The wide rice noodles, soft yet chewy, are stir-fried over high heat to achieve a slightly charred wok hei aroma, that prized smoky fragrance that comes from searing ingredients in a hot wok.
They’re tossed with crunchy bean sprouts, Chinese chives, carrots, and cabbage, then lightly glazed in a soy-based sauce that is balanced, not overly oily, and just salty enough to highlight the ingredients.
No matter what you order, when eating in Saigon, Hai Nam Chicken Rice promises a consistent and flavorful experience that balances comfort and complexity.
It’s the kind of food that locals turn to for familiarity, and that travelers remember long after they’ve left Saigon.
Tips for an Enjoyable Visit
Best Time to Visit: To avoid the bustling crowd, consider visiting during off-peak hours, such as mid-morning or mid-afternoon.
How to Eat Hainanese Chicken Rice: Start by tasting the chicken and rice on their own to appreciate their flavors. Then, experiment with the dipping sauces to find your preferred combination.
Portion Sizes: The servings are generous, but if you’re particularly hungry or wish to try multiple dishes, don’t hesitate to order additional items.
Tourist-Friendly: The restaurant offers an English menu, and the staff are accustomed to serving international guests, making it a comfortable choice for tourists.
Specifics
Address: 205 Calmette, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh City
Phone: +84 382 177 51
Opening Hours: Daily from 9:30 AM to 9:00 PM
Directions from District 1
Walking: If you’re near Bến Thành Market, it’s approximately a 10-minute walk to Calmette Street.
Taxi/Grab: A short ride from anywhere in District 1 will get you there quickly and conveniently.
Singaporean cuisine is a delicious way to try something new when eating in Saigon, and Tiem chicken and rice offers a memorable dining experience that combines authenticity with the vibrant energy of Saigon.