Ho Chi Minh City: Michelin Guide Koto Set Menu Experience

If you’re exploring Ho Chi Minh City and want to enjoy a culinary experience that combines local flavors with a touch of international recognition, the Michelin Guide Koto Set Menu is worth considering. This experience, priced at $59 per person, offers a thoughtfully crafted meal that highlights some of Vietnam’s best ingredients and culinary techniques. Whether you’re a foodie looking to taste authentic dishes or simply after a memorable meal in a convenient setting, this tour delivers.

What caught our attention are the variety of dishes offered, the attention to detail in execution, and the expert guidance from knowledgeable hosts. That said, it’s important to note that this experience isn’t suitable for vegans, vegetarians, or those with nut allergies, which might limit some travelers’ options. Still, if you’re open to exploring Vietnamese cuisine with a bit of a Michelin touch, this meal promises to be both satisfying and educational. The experience is best suited for curious eaters, culture-seekers, or travelers wanting a taste of the city’s culinary scene without the fuss of street food.

Key Points

• Authentic Michelin Guide quality served in a relaxed setting
• Diverse menu with seafood, roasted chicken, and rice pudding
• Guides and hosts are knowledgeable, adding depth to the experience
• Inclusions are comprehensive, with all main dishes covered, excluding drinks
• Good value for a multi-course, chef-selected meal
• Limited dietary options for vegans, vegetarians, and those with allergies

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Is the Michelin Guide Koto Set Menu Experience?

This experience is a curated culinary journey designed to introduce you to Vietnamese flavors prepared with a Michelin-level touch. The meal features a variety of dishes, starting with a fresh crab salad and ending with a fragrant rice pudding, with each component carefully selected for its quality and flavor profile.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll notice that the focus is on quality ingredients and careful preparation. The menu is fixed, but the dishes are designed so that each bite offers a taste of Vietnam’s culinary diversity, all served in a comfortable setting. It’s a great way for visitors to get a snapshot of local cuisine through a structured, high-quality experience.

The Highlights of the Menu

Picked Cà Mau Mud Crab Salad with Pink Pomelo and Herbs

Starting with a light, refreshing crab salad, this dish uses picked Cà Mau mud crab — a local delicacy. The salad includes pink pomelo, Vietnamese herbs, and roasted cashew nuts in a coconut caramel dressing. Reviewers mention the “delicate balance of flavors” and appreciate the freshness, which offers both a visual feast and a palate-pleasing opener.

Deep-Fried Calamari with Bc Liêu Salt and Phú Quc Pepper

Next comes deep-fried calamari tossed with Bc Liêu salt and Phú Quc pepper. Served with a green chili dipping sauce, this dish is crispy and flavorful, with reviews highlighting the perfect crunch and the seasoning that enhances the seafood without overpowering it.

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Slowly Roasted BBQ Chicken Marinated with Lemongrass and Honey

The star of the meal is a slowly roasted half BBQ chicken, marinated in lemongrass, turmeric, and honey. It’s served with a roasted chili sambal terasi sauce and dill. Expect tender meat and a fragrant marinade that’s both savory and subtly sweet, making it a favorite among those who enjoy hearty, well-seasoned poultry.

Steamed ST25 Rice in a Ceramic Pot & Rice Pudding in Coconut Milk

Nothing ties the meal together like authentic Vietnamese rice. The steamed ST25 rice, cooked in a ceramic pot, offers a perfect texture—fluffy yet slightly sticky. End your meal with ST25 rice pudding, flavored with coconut milk and fresh mango, which reviewers praise for its aromatic sweetness and satisfying finish.

What to Expect from the Experience

The entire meal is served in a relaxed, friendly environment—perfect for those wanting to focus on the food and learn about Vietnamese ingredients. The duration typically lasts around 45 minutes to an hour, giving enough time to savor each dish without feeling rushed.

Guides and staff are knowledgeable, often sharing insights about each dish’s ingredients and the culinary traditions behind them. One reviewer mentioned how their guide, Bao La, explained the significance of certain ingredients—adding an educational twist to a delicious meal.

While the menu is fixed, the quality of ingredients shines through, and the preparation is consistently praised. The dishes arrive hot, with a presentation that is simple but appealing, highlighting the natural colors and textures.

Transport and setting: The experience takes place in a comfortable venue, with reviews noting the attentive service and a cozy ambiance that makes the meal feel special without being overly formal.

Price point: At $59, this meal offers good value considering the quality and Michelin recognition. It’s not just about the food but also the insights and guidance you receive, making it more than just a dinner.

Practical Details

• Includes: Crab salad, calamari, BBQ chicken, steamed rice, and rice pudding.
• Not included: Drinks, which you’ll need to purchase separately.
• Reservation: You can reserve with the option to pay later, offering flexibility.
• Dietary restrictions: Not suitable for vegans, vegetarians, or those with nut allergies.
• Cancellation: Free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

One reviewer pointed out the “knowledgeable guides” as a highlight, noting that Bao La’s explanations added a layer of appreciation for each dish. Others appreciated the consistent quality, with many mentioning the perfect seasoning and fresh ingredients.

A common sentiment was how the slow-roasted chicken was “fall-off-the-bone tender”, and the rice pudding was “fragrant and soothing”—a fitting conclusion to a flavorful meal.

Who Would Appreciate This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers wanting a sit-down, multi-course meal that emphasizes local flavors with a refined touch. It’s perfect for those who prefer a fixed menu but still wish to experience authentic Vietnamese ingredients and dishes in a comfortable setting. It suits food lovers, casual diners, and those interested in Michelin-recognized cuisine.

However, if you’re vegan, vegetarian, or have specific allergies, this might not be suitable unless special arrangements are made beforehand.

Final Thoughts

The Michelin Guide Koto Set Menu Experience offers a delightful combination of quality, authenticity, and guidance in Ho Chi Minh City. With a focus on fresh ingredients and well-executed dishes, it provides an excellent snapshot of Vietnamese cuisine without the chaos of street markets.

The price point reflects good value for a high-quality, multi-course meal with insightful commentary from guides. It’s a fantastic choice for foodies who want to enjoy Vietnamese flavors in a relaxed atmosphere—an experience that balances authenticity with a touch of refinement.

While the menu is limited for those with specific dietary needs, the dishes are designed to showcase Vietnam’s culinary treasures. If you’re after a practical, enjoyable, and authentic gastronomic experience, this tour is a solid pick.

FAQ

Is the price of $59 per person worth it?
Yes, considering the quality of dishes, the Michelin recognition, and the guided explanations, it offers good value for a curated, multi-course meal.

Are drinks included in the price?
No, drinks are not included, so you’ll need to purchase beverages separately.

Can I cancel this experience?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Is this experience suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
No, it’s not suitable for either dietary preference, as the menu focuses on seafood and meat dishes.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviewers have highlighted the guides, such as Bao La, for their insightful explanations about the dishes and ingredients.

How long does the meal last?
Typically, the experience lasts around 45 minutes to an hour, giving enough time to enjoy each dish comfortably.

What should I expect from the atmosphere?
A relaxed setting with friendly service, where the focus is on enjoying the food and learning about Vietnamese cuisine.

Is this experience good for solo travelers or groups?
It works well for both, as it’s generally a group setting that encourages shared appreciation of the meal.

Are there vegetarian options?
Not currently, as the menu is fixed around seafood and meat dishes.

Where does the experience take place?
In a comfortable venue in Ho Chi Minh City, with reviews mentioning a cozy, welcoming ambiance.

This Michelin Guide Koto Set Menu in Ho Chi Minh City offers a memorable culinary experience that’s perfect for those wanting to enjoy authentic Vietnamese dishes with a bit of a gourmet touch. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, it’s a practical way to savor the city’s flavors without the hassle of street food.

You can check availability for your dates here: