Ho Chi Minh City: Vietnamese Set Menu at Livannah

This review explores the experience of enjoying a Vietnamese set menu dinner at Livannah, a popular restaurant offering traditional home-style dishes in Ho Chi Minh City. While we haven’t personally visited, the detailed descriptions and reviews paint a vivid picture of what you can expect from this culinary journey. It promises an intimate taste of Vietnam’s favorite flavors, served in a welcoming setting that emphasizes authenticity and comfort.

What immediately appeals is the chance to indulge in a variety of home-cooked dishes, from refreshing salads to hearty mains, all crafted with genuine Vietnamese recipes. We love that the set menu includes delicious appetizers, main choices such as pork ribs or snakehead fish, and a fresh fruit and ice cream dessert, making it a well-rounded meal. The experience seems perfect for those seeking an authentic, relaxed dining experience that highlights Vietnam’s culinary soul.

However, a possible consideration might be the limited menu options—if you’re after a wide variety of dishes, this set menu might feel restrictive. But for lovers of home-style cooking and fresh flavors, it should hit the spot. This experience is especially suited for travelers wanting a no-fuss, immersive taste of Vietnamese cuisine in a casual environment.

This meal experience suits anyone looking for a genuine culinary introduction to Vietnam’s homemade dishes, whether you’re a foodie eager to try local flavors or someone seeking a relaxed, authentic dinner. Now, let’s explore what makes this experience stand out, what to expect, and how it all comes together.

Good To Know

• Authentic Home Cooking: The menu showcases classic Vietnamese dishes prepared in traditional style.
• Variety of Flavors: From fresh salads to hearty mains, there’s a good balance of textures and tastes.
• Famous Appetizers: Mango salad and palm heart salad with shrimp are highlights that offer refreshing starters.
• Main Course Choices: You can select between tender pork ribs or snakehead fish fillet, both served with flavorful fish sauce.
• Fruits and Ice Cream: A tropical fruit medley paired with ice cream provides a sweet, cooling finish.
• Relaxed Dining Setting: The restaurant’s atmosphere emphasizes comfort and authenticity, making it a perfect casual dinner.

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Experience Overview and What to Expect

The journey begins with a simple reservation process—inform the staff of your name and reservation time, and you’re set for an authentic Vietnamese feast. Once seated, the meal starts with an amuse bouche of Goi Xoai, a mango salad that offers a tangy, slightly sweet flavor profile. This dish acts as a delightful introduction to the meal, setting the tone with its fresh, vibrant flavors.

Next, you’ll move on to a starter of palm heart salad with shrimp, served alongside crunchy shrimp crackers. This combination is praised for its light, refreshing qualities and the perfect balance of textures. Several reviews highlight the unique flavor of the palm heart, which many find both new and satisfying.

The main courses are thoughtfully chosen from two popular options. One is Vietnamese pork ribs with fish sauce, recognized for its tender, fall-off-the-bone quality and savory, slightly sweet fish sauce glaze. The other is snakehead fish fillet with fish sauce, which offers a lighter, flaky alternative that still packs a punch of flavor. Both mains are served with traditional Vietnamese condiments, allowing you to customize each bite.

The meal concludes with a dessert of tropical fruit and ice cream, a simple but effective way to refresh the palate after the savory dishes. Expect a variety of fresh, seasonal fruits that are sweet and juicy, paired with creamy ice cream for a cooling finish.

Highlights from reviews

Guests appreciated the authenticity of the dishes, noting that they taste just like what a home cook might prepare. One reviewer mentioned the spring rolls as a standout, describing them as having “special takes” and “fresh noodles, salad, and herbs” that make each bite lively and satisfying. Several travelers mention that the set menu is a great way to experience Vietnamese flavors without the fuss of ordering à la carte, making it ideal for first-timers.

The Itinerary in Detail

Arrival and Seating: Upon arrival, you simply check in with the restaurant staff, providing your reservation details. The staff are welcoming and attentive, setting a relaxed tone for the evening.

Starting Light with Mango Salad: The meal kicks off with Goi Xoai, a mango salad that balances sweet, sour, and savory notes. The reviews praise its “freshness” and “perfectly balanced flavors,” making it an ideal appetizer to awaken your palate.

Salads and Crackers: The palm heart salad with shrimp is next—light, crisp, and subtly sweet. It’s served with shrimp crackers, which add a satisfying crunch. Several reviewers mention how this dish feels like a true taste of home, emphasizing its “authentic simplicity.”

Spring Rolls and Noodles: The spring rolls, described as “special takes”, are a highlight, filled with fresh herbs, noodles, and a tasty dipping sauce. They’re a good example of Vietnamese “tapas-style” dishes—small, flavorful bites perfect for sharing.

Main Course Choices: Here’s where personal preference comes into play. The pork ribs are praised for their tender meat and rich fish sauce glaze, while the snakehead fish fillet offers a lighter, flaky texture with a tangy fish sauce sauce. Reviews note that both options are well-cooked and flavorful, giving guests flexibility based on taste.

Sweet Finish: The tropical fruit and ice cream combo is a straightforward but refreshing ending, appreciated for its “cooling effect” and “fruitiness.” It’s a simple way to reset your palate before leaving.

Additional insights

Guests consistently mention the value of the set menu, describing it as “more than enough food” and “a good deal for authentic home-cooked Vietnamese cuisine.” The overall experience is casual yet authentic, making it suitable for travelers who want to enjoy traditional dishes in a relaxed environment.

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Transportation, Timing, and Practicalities

The experience is designed to last about one day, with flexible starting times depending on your reservation. It’s accessible via central locations in Ho Chi Minh City, and while details about transportation aren’t specified, most guests find it easy to reach the venue by taxi or Grab.

The restaurant is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for all travelers. The booking system allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, offering peace of mind for spontaneous plans or changes.

Pricing-wise, the set menu offers good value considering the variety and authenticity of dishes. It’s particularly appealing for those interested in home-style Vietnamese cuisine rather than overly commercialized or touristy options.

The Sum Up

This Vietnamese set menu at Livannah is a straightforward yet rewarding culinary experience. It’s perfect for travelers who want to sample genuine Vietnamese home cooking in a relaxed, welcoming setting. The combination of delicious, well-prepared dishes and the chance to try a variety of flavors makes it an excellent choice for food lovers eager to understand the heart of Vietnamese cuisine.

If you prefer a casual, authentic meal that emphasizes traditional recipes, this experience will meet and exceed your expectations. It’s especially good for those who want a full taste of Vietnam’s home-style dishes without the complexity of a lengthy, multi-course meal.

For anyone seeking a simple, tasty introduction to Vietnamese food, this set menu at Livannah offers real value and authentic flavor—an experience worth considering during your time in Ho Chi Minh City.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for vegetarians?
The menu includes dishes with shrimp, pork, and snakehead fish, so it’s not vegetarian-friendly. You might find vegetarian options unlikely unless specified beforehand.

Can I choose my main course?
Yes, you can select between Vietnamese pork ribs or snakehead fish fillet for your main.

How long does the meal take?
The experience is designed to last about one day, with flexible starting times based on your reservation.

Is there a dress code?
The setting is casual, so smart casual attire is appropriate but not required.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your reservation for a full refund.

Is the restaurant accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the venue is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for all guests.

This detailed review underscores a delightful opportunity to enjoy authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a welcoming setting. Whether you’re a first-timer or craving a taste of home-style dishes, Livannah delivers a satisfying dining experience worth exploring.

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