Fine place to eat, shop and unwind
Have a relaxing stay in this 5-star hotel and indulge your palate with the numerous offerings in their restaurants, then head out to explore this fascinating district.
THIS is an “eating” hotel – that was my first thought! With the spread in front of me, I was in a happy quandary, having to decide what to eat first. I suppose it’s par for the course as this hotel lies smack in the middle of Ho Chin Minh City’s (HCMC) Chinatown. And the establishment has brought what can be found outside the property into the building.
The Windsor Plaza Hotel has a great location in District 5 – the authorities have partitioned the city into districts – where many of the ethnic Chinese Vietnamese have set up home and businesses. Most Malaysian visitors might be more familiar with District 1 of the city where the shopping and some of the well-known sights are located. But then they would be missing out on some other delights that the city has to offer if they do not venture outside this district.
But first, let’s look inside the hotel for some tantalising treats ...
The main F&B restaurant here is Cafe Central An Dong on the 4th floor, right next to the lobby. It serves buffet (and ala carte) breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s a big area with many choices. I found the choices more overwhelming at lunch time and there were even some Malaysian dishes (if you’re feeling homesick – here’s a local connection, the general manager Adwin Chong is Malaysian, and so is the head chef ).
But I was here for Vietnamese food – and it didn’t disappoint. The signature Vietnamese noodles are served at every meal, every day. And there are lots of dessert options too. Try the Hu Tiu Nam Vang noodles – and Banh Khot, the Vietnamese mini pancake, if they have it.
So tick off Vietnamese, Malaysian, Chinese, Japanese and other Western dishes when you dine here.
The breakfast too is pretty good (can’t beat lunch, though). If you’re a seafood aficionado, there is an abundance of that for dinner. Oysters, crabs, prawns, squids and all manner of fish and shellfish. I’m not a huge fan but the venue was packed with hungry guests/diners who ate like there was no tomorrow.
The keyword here is: Fresh! Did I mention that the chef here has also started their own vegetable and herb garden just outside, on the balcony?
If you are hankering for some Chinese pickings, then Ngan Dinh Chinese Restaurant is the place for you. The decor is luxurious and in ornate Chinese style. And the Cantonese cuisine there matches that of any good restaurant in Malaysia. Dim sum is available at all meals.
If you want a more al fresco experience at night, you can try the Top of the Town Bar & Restaurant on the 26th floor (this is the highest building in District 5). There you can enjoy a 360° view of the city and the district while you dine or partake of the great wine, liquor and cocktail selections. On Friday nights there is a live band, while Saturdays is for partying with a deejay.
The venue is right next to the