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c h i k k a
d i s p a t c h
YOUR LOCAL GUIDE:
Danreb Cartagena Mejia
LIVES IN:
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
WORKS AS:
Marketing director of
ACFC Vietnam
THE NEIGHBORHOODS:
Binh Thanh District and District 1
IN MY
five years in Vietnam, I’ve stayed in nine different places. But in Saigon Pearl — a luxury
apartment in the city center, where I’ve been living for the past two years — I’ve probably found
a home where I can stay awhile longer.
Located in the Binh Thanh District, which is about five minutes away from District 1 — the
main district and commercial hub of Ho Chi Minh City — Saigon Pearl accommodates interim
tenants, as it’s a serviced apartment. As such, it’s also a good option for tourists.
Saigon Pearl is relatively new; but then everything is basically new in Saigon, as it’s a fast-
growing city. Where I live represents Ho Chi Minh City and the Vietnamese today — modern,
progressive and lifestyle-oriented. History is still being made — and I’m glad to be a part of it.
Boom town
Ho Chi Minh City is thriving, and Pinoy expat resident Danreb
Mejia considers himself lucky to see it happen
ARE WE RARE, VIET?
El Gaucho Argentinian Steakhouse’s (
5
D
Nguyen Sieu, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1,
Ho Chi Minh City; tel: +84 (8) 3825 1879,
elgaucho.com.vn
)
steaks are to die for.
Don’t forget to order their chorizo — it’s
the best I’ve tasted.
A NICE PLACE TO MEAT
Cuc Gach Quan (
10
Dang Tat St, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City; tel: +84 (8) 3848
0144,
is already considered the “it” place to be among locals
and foreigners, but it became even more popular when Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie stopped by
for lunch during their most recent visit to the city.
It’s a quaint local restaurant where the food and service are consistently good. The menu is
extensive so if you have a hard time choosing what to order, let the manager decide for you.
Just let them know what you want — pork, chicken, fish, soup; no chili or more chili — and
in 15 minutes you’ll get a wonderful surprise. You can also ask them for a particular local food
you’d like to try. As this place is popular, it would be a good idea to make reservations.
Everything is
new in fast-
growing Saigon
El Gaucho’s steak
Danreb settles down
with a refreshing
coconut
Dishes at
Cuc Gach Quan
