The Ultimate Weekend Guide to the Best Buffets in Ho Chi Minh City

Choosing the right buffets in Ho Chi Minh City for a weekend meal can feel overwhelming. With hundreds of options—from hotel dining rooms to Korean BBQ halls and seafood-heavy local favorites—not every buffet delivers on quality, comfort, and value.

This guide focuses on the most recommended buffets in Ho Chi Minh City, frequently discussed on social media, expat forums, and travel communities, helping you decide where to eat based on real prices, standout dishes, atmosphere, and honest pros and cons. If you’re searching for the best Ho Chi Minh City buffet for your weekend plans, this guide will save you time, money, and appetite.

Key Takeaways

• Ho Chi Minh City offers the widest buffet selection in Vietnam, from casual BBQ to luxury hotel dining.
• The best buffets in Ho Chi Minh City balance food quality, space, and consistent service—not just variety.
• Prices range from 300,000 VND for casual buffets to 1,300,000 VND for premium hotel experiences.
• Seafood, Vietnamese classics, and live cooking stations deliver the best value.
• Strategic planning helps you enjoy a buffet weekend without food fatigue.

Quick Comparison: Top Buffets in Ho Chi Minh City (Weekend Picks)

These buffets in Ho Chi Minh City are consistently recommended on Reddit and expat forums for reliability rather than hype.

Best Buffets in Ho Chi Minh City for a Weekend Feast

1. D’Maris – Crowd-Pleasing International Buffet

• Location: Crescent Mall, District 7
• Price Range: 450,000–650,000 VND
• Cuisine Focus: International, seafood, Asian

D’Maris is one of the most talked-about buffets in Ho Chi Minh City among expats and travelers. Its strength lies in breadth without chaos—multiple live stations, solid seafood selection, and an approachable mix of Asian and Western dishes.

Unique Highlights

• Seafood Tower: Oysters, prawns, scallops, clams served chilled
• Live Teppanyaki & Stir-Fry Stations: Chefs prepare to order
• Dim Sum Corner: Steamed dumplings and baos made fresh
• Dessert Island: Crepe station, gelato, fresh fruit

Best Sellers

• Char-grilled octopus slices
• Salmon sushi & sashimi
• Korean fried chicken wings

Useful Notes

• Weekends fill up fast; reserve a table in advance
• Drink packages (soft drinks/beer) offer excellent value when bundled
• Ask for dishes with no MSG if traveling with sensitive eaters

Why It’s a Standout
D’Maris manages to be both luxury–style without being pretentious and family-friendly without being chaotic—perfect for weekend group dinners. It is often compared to the variety found in buffets in Hanoi.

2. Hoang Yen Buffet – Authentic Vietnamese Comfort

• Location: Multiple (including District 1 & Phu Nhuan)
• Price Range: 300,000–450,000 VND
• Cuisine Focus: Vietnamese, classic favorites

Hoang Yen often gets recommended in local Reddit threads for its authentic Vietnamese buffet spread—a rarity in a city dominated by international heavyweights.

Unique Highlights

• Regional Corner showcasing specialties from Central, Southern, and Northern Vietnam
• Broth & Soup Stand: fresh pho, bun bo Hue, hu tieu
• Vegetarian Section: friendly to health-conscious visitors looking for vegetarian restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City

Best Sellers

• Crispy fried spring rolls
• Braised pork belly with quail eggs
• Fresh rice paper rolls

Useful Notes

• Portions are generous—pair with light drinks
• Main courses may repeat, so sample small portions first

Why It’s a Standout
Great entry-level buffet for visitors who want a Vietnamese culinary tour in one sitting without premium pricing.

3. Gogi House Buffet – Korean BBQ Fun for Everyone

• Location: Multiple districts
• Price Range: 350,000–450,000 VND
• Cuisine Focus: Korean BBQ

Gogi House brings interactive grilling to the table, making it one of the most social BBQ restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City.

Unique Highlights

• Marinated Meats: Bulgogi, spicy pork, kalbi
• Samgyeopsal (Pork Belly): fried at your table
• Korean Sides (Banchan): kimchi, pickled radish, japchae
• Over Rice & Wrap Station: ssam + lettuce wraps

Best Sellers

• Spicy pork belly marinated in gochujang
• Kalbi short ribs
• Crispy kimchi pancakes

Useful Notes

• Because of smoke, request a table near ventilation
• Lunch is less crowded than dinner on weekends
• Great choice for birthday parties + teenagers due to casual vibe

Why It’s a Standout
Gogi House turns lunch or dinner into an experience—not just a meal—especially for families who enjoy cooking together.

4. Market 39 – InterContinental Saigon

• Location: District 1
• Price Range: 950,000–1,300,000 VND
• Cuisine Focus: International & seafood luxury buffet

Market 39 is considered by many locals and expatriates as the top-tier buffet experience in Ho Chi Minh City. Unlike casual buffets, it focuses on quality and refinement, making it a premium option to recommend for those seeking best Vietnam tours packages experiences.

Unique Highlights

• Seafood Corner: Oysters, scallops, king crab legs during peak seasons
• Carving Station: Prime rib, roasted lamb
• Cheese Room: imported cheeses + charcuterie
• Champagne Pairings: optional add-on

Best Sellers

• Truffle mushroom risotto
• Sushi & sashimi platter
• Dessert samplers with macarons and artisan sweets

Useful Notes

• Dress code is smart casual
• Children’s pricing tiers vary by age (inquire before booking)
• Best enjoyed over a long, leisurely meal—arrive early

Why It’s a Standout
Market 39 is consistently referenced as the best Ho Chi Minh City buffet for luxury diners—perfect for anniversaries, celebrations, and food-focused weekends.

5. JW Café – JW Marriott Saigon

• Location: District 7
• Price Range: 900,000–1,200,000 VND
• Cuisine Focus: Premium seafood & international favorites

JW Café is among the most recommended buffets in Ho Chi Minh City on Reddit for those who want quality without gimmicks, similar to high-end buffets in Da Nang.

Unique Highlights

• Rotating Seafood Selection depending on market catch
• Live Pho Station: made to order, rich broth
• Swiss Chocolate Fountain: kids (and adults) love it
• Seafood Paella / Risotto Corner

Best Sellers

• Alaskan crab legs (seasonal)
• Fresh oysters
• Hibachi-grilled beef slices

Useful Notes

• Reservation is essential on Friday–Sunday
• Excellent for corporate lunches or weekend family brunch

Why It’s a Standout
JW Café delivers a balanced buffet—seafood + global mains + local flavors—all with high standards of hygiene and soft service.

How Much Should You Budget for Buffets in Ho Chi Minh City?

Children discounts (30–50%) are common. For more details on expenses, check our Vietnam trip cost guide.

Essential Tips for Enjoying Buffets in Ho Chi Minh City

• Eat seafood first, carbs later
• Start with small portions
• Ask staff about live stations
• Avoid peak hours (7–8 PM weekends)

These strategies are especially useful when navigating large buffets in Ho Chi Minh City or trying hot pot in Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnamese Dishes You Should Prioritize at Buffets

When scanning the buffet spread, prioritize these local favorites:

• Bún bò Huế
• Bánh xèo mini versions
• Grilled seafood with chili salt
• Southern-style chè

These offer the most “Vietnam per bite” value and are staples of Vietnamese culinary experiences.

What to Do After a Buffet in Ho Chi Minh City

1. Evening Walk & Rooftop Views

After a heavy dinner buffet, a gentle stroll is the best way to digest. Take a slow walk along Nguyen Hue Walking Street to soak in the local atmosphere or enjoy the skyline from a rooftop café. If you want to see the city in a completely different light, consider the Experience Hanoi City After Dark style of evening exploration, adapted for Saigon’s vibrant nightlife.

2. Half-Day Cultural Exploration (Best After Lunch Buffets)

If you’ve indulged in a large lunch, light sightseeing is the perfect way to spend your afternoon without overexerting yourself.

• Cu Chi Tunnels: Dive into Vietnam’s history with the Cu Chi Tunnels Guerilla Warfare Half-Day Tour. It’s a well-paced guided experience that balances walking with historical discovery—ideal after a food-heavy morning.
• City Highlights: For those preferring to stay within the city limits, Sun Getaways Travel offers curated 4-Day Ho Chi Minh – Cu Chi Tunnels – Mekong Delta packages that allow for a flexible, guided pace.

3. Mekong Delta Reset

If your buffet marks the end of your stay in the city, it’s time to trade the bustling streets for the tranquility of the river. Transitioning south is the ultimate “digestive” for a busy itinerary.

• Private Luxury: If you prefer a more intimate experience, the Experience History and Local Life in the Mekong Delta (5 Days) private tour ensures you can explore at your own speed.
• Floating Markets: Experience the local life with the 5 Days Join Group Ho Chi Minh With Floating Market tour. The fresh river air and scenic boat trips provide a refreshing contrast to city indulgence.
• Deep Immersion: For a more comprehensive “reset,” the Explore the Best of South Vietnam on a 4-Day Guided Mekong Delta Tour offers a perfect balance of culture and relaxation.

Expert Insight from Emma – 12 Years in Vietnam Travel Consulting

“Ho Chi Minh City buffets reflect the city itself—fast, diverse, and energetic. The best strategy is pairing one great buffet with slower cultural experiences to avoid burnout.”
— Emma, Senior Travel Consultant, Sun Getaways Travel

FAQs: Buffets in Ho Chi Minh City

1. Are buffets in Ho Chi Minh City good for weekends?
Yes, weekends offer the widest selection but arrive early.

2. What is the average buffet price?
300,000–450,000 VND mid-range; luxury from 900,000 VND.

3. Which buffet is best for seafood?
Market 39 and JW Café.

4. Do buffets require reservations?
Recommended for hotel buffets on weekends.

5. Are buffets kid-friendly?
Hotpot and BBQ buffets work best.

If you prefer a more curated experience beyond buffet dining, Sun Getaways Travel offers food-focused itineraries and cultural tours across Southern Vietnam.
👉 Contact us to design your Customized Private Tour and balance great food with unforgettable experiences.