asialife HCMC 1 - AsiaLIFE Magazine

Sandals93 Hai Ba Trung, D1Tel: 3827 5198Sandals brings the essence of the gorgeous Sailing Clubin Mui Ne and Nha Trang to downtown HCM City.The three-flour space has subtle blonde wood accentsand cozy seating throughout and is lit in places withflickering tea candles. The upstairs dining area slashrooftop terrace bar looks out over the street below andepitomises casual elegance and the menu—mostlyseafood—is inspired and surprising value for money.Cocktails here are a must-try, especially the passionfruitmargaritas. They alone promise a long night at Sandals.Skewers9A Thai Van Lung, D1Tel: 3822 4798A class act in every respect, Skewers’ rusticMediterranean feel provides a welcome respite from thehustle and bustle of HCM City. Likewise, the traditionalMediterranean food is simple and hearty. The winelist is truly epic with dozens of wines from around theworld. One of the best reasons to spend a few hourshere is the magnificent cigar room on the second floor.The expansive space is filled with leather sofas andarmchairs, a wide choice of cigars, and what wouldhave to be one of the most impressive selections ofwhiskeys in the city.Warda71/7 Mac Thi Duoi, D1Tel: 3823 382263 Xuan Thuy, D2Tel: 3519 4416This restaurant, located at the end of an alley in District1 (and now with another location in An Phu), is likea black hole for time. Step inside the dimly-lit roomsdecorated with a Middle Eastern flourish and a wholeevening can slide by in a haze of apple-scented smokefrom the hookah pipe. The upstairs dining room hascomfortable and sturdy seating including some tableswith lounges and cushions on which you can reclineafter having your fill of the Moroccan-inspired food.Downstairs is a bar and pleasant courtyard area outfront of the restaurant. Warda is lively, relaxed andenticing all in one.36 asialife HCMC