I visited Lupin on a weekday evening. It wasn’t for any special occasion, just a simple reward for myself after work. French cuisine is not unfamiliar in Saigon, but finding a place where every dish and every service detail feels thoughtful without being over-the-top is rare. Lupin is one of those places worth remembering.
A Cozy, French-Inspired Space
Tucked away on a small corner of Nguyễn Cừ Street in Thảo Điền, Lupin is modest in size but feels warm and intimate. The soft yellow lighting, tasteful background music, and rustic wooden furniture create a welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant mainly attracts Western expats who enjoy authentic, emotional dining experiences that are refined without being fussy.
One of the biggest highlights is the staff. From the kitchen to the servers, everyone is cheerful and attentive without being intrusive. They’re open to conversation, happy to suggest wine pairings, and willing to adjust dishes based on your preferences. It feels like dining at the home of a French friend who knows good food.
A Memorable Culinary Journey
My dinner started with sourdough bread and butter, a humble yet polished welcome. Then came the L’Assiette Lupin, a cold cut platter that included pâté grand-mère, saucisson, rillettes au piment d’Espelette, and magret de canard séché. Each item was handmade and full of flavor. The pâté was rich, the rillettes carried a gentle heat, and the thick slices of cured duck breast were intensely savory. Paired with bread, the balance of French ingredients and technique really stood out.
The Poisson Pané Lupin took me by surprise. A crisp herb crust enclosed a moist, tender barramundi fillet. It was served with creamy mashed potatoes and Provençal-style tomatoes, all brought together by a refreshing sauce vierge.
The Poulet rôti is their signature dish and absolutely worth trying. The roasted chicken was perfectly cooked. The skin was golden and crisp without drying out the meat, which remained juicy and full of flavor. It came with a fragrant white wine sauce and confit garlic. This dish is their bestseller for a reason. It’s comforting and distinctively their own.
For dessert, the Mousse au Chocolat was the perfect finish. The chocolate mousse was paired with hazelnut buttercream and fluffy madeleine cake. The richness, sweetness, and bitterness were all in balance. It ended the meal in a light but impressive way.
If you’re looking for a charming French restaurant where the food is not only delicious but also served with genuine care, Lupin is a must-visit. You don’t need a special occasion. Sometimes, a quiet and thoughtful dinner full of flavor is the best gift you can give yourself.
Address: 17 Nguyễn Cừ, Thảo Điền, District 2, Thủ Đức, Ho Chi Minh City
Time of visit: Weekday evening after work
Average price per person: 70,000 to 1,300,000 VND++
The Curious Nest 
Leave a comment