Michelin Star Success: Upstairs Restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City

The Ho Chi Minh City dining scene has officially shifted following the meteoric rise of the Upstairs Restaurant HCMC Michelin Star journey. Located on Nguyen Ba Huan Street in An Khanh Ward (formerly District 2), this establishment has quickly become the city’s most coveted reservation. In a feat of culinary precision, the restaurant earned its first Michelin star just over 12 months after opening its doors. Under the expert guidance of Chef Hiep Truong, Upstairs specializes in a modern interpretation of central Vietnamese cuisine, anchored by a sophisticated 12-course tasting menu priced at VND 2.9 million (approximately US$110) per person.

The Culinary Vision of Chef Hiep Truong

The kitchen at Upstairs operates with a focus on deep-rooted childhood memories reimagined through contemporary techniques. Signature dishes include the 21-day dry-aged duck, served with a complex peanut sauce and wild green figs, and a proprietary fermented rice paste that adds depth to their signature fish courses. The restaurant features a meticulously managed space that includes a small 10-seat main dining area, an intimate chef’s counter, and three private rooms. The restaurant remains open for dinner from Friday through Tuesday, with additional lunch service on Sunday and Monday.

Planning Your Culinary Visit to An Khanh Ward

The Michelin seal of approval has turned Upstairs from a local secret into a global destination for serious foodies. Because the restaurant caps its capacity at such a low threshold, the immediate consequence for any traveler heading to Vietnam is a severe supply bottleneck. You cannot simply walk in or expect a same-day table.

Logistics and Reservations

Travelers who prioritize culinary exploration must now treat their dining reservations with the same urgency as their airfare. To ensure your HCMC transit matches your dining itinerary, consider securing regional flight paths early, as peak-season demand in the city is already surging due to this newfound prestige. The establishment remains closed every Wednesday and Thursday, significantly narrowing the window for prospective diners.

Location and Local Map

Upstairs is located in the vibrant An Khanh Ward of Thu Duc City (HCMC). This area is known for its sophisticated atmosphere and proximity to the city’s growing luxury residential zones.

Upstairs Restaurant
12 Nguyen Ba Huan Street, An Khanh Ward,
Thu Duc City (District 2), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Maximizing Your HCMC Culinary Experience

The Big Benefits of Advance Planning

• Exclusive Culinary Access: By booking ahead, you bypass the frustration of being waitlisted at one of the city’s most talked-about kitchens. You gain front-row access to a 12-course journey that modernizes traditional Hue-style flavors.
• Elevated Travel Status: Pairing world-class dining with premium accommodations is the signature move of the seasoned traveler. By locking in luxury resort privileges, you ensure that your nights in the city are as comfortable as your meals are memorable.

Exploring More of Saigon’s Food Scene

If you are planning a full gastronomic tour, do not miss our other guides. Check out our comprehensive Guide to Michelin Dining in Vietnam or explore the Best Fine Dining Restaurants in HCMC to round out your itinerary beyond the Upstairs Restaurant HCMC Michelin Star experience.

Essential Logistics for a Michelin-Starred Meal

Critical Things to Be Aware Of

The reality of modern HCMC dining is that the best seats disappear weeks in advance. The restaurant’s rigid operating schedule of closing every Wednesday and Thursday means that if your itinerary is flexible, you must plan your city stay around their operational calendar. Furthermore, the limited seating capacity means that even a minor delay in your travel logistics could cause you to miss your confirmed slot, resulting in a non-refundable loss of a high-value reservation.