[Independent Review] *Ho Chi Minh City – European Fusion – Michelin Selected
Concept
Casual dining restaurant offering sharing plates inspired by modern fusion flavors
Address
27 Đ. Mạc Đĩnh Chi, Bến Nghé, District 1, HCMC
Elgin Saigon was described to us as a trendy ‘Fusion’ place and ‘a Must Try.’ This might sound appealing to many, but initially, the concept of Fusion didn’t excite me:
- It often seems like a catch-all term that masks an unclear identity and leads to menus lacking coherence.
- I also believe that from a pure business perspective, it’s not as advantageous for restaurant owners as it might seem. The success of most restaurants hinges on presenting a clear and easily understandable concept of what they offer and then delivering on that promise. Nobody wakes up in the morning with a craving for Fusion food, yet many do for pizzas…
These were my apprehensions before visiting Elgin, but just an hour later, all my doubts had vanished
Overview
Elgin, located in District 1, is characterized by its laid-back dining atmosphere, sprawling across two floors.
Led by Head Chef Curtis Demyon and his partners, the menu they’ve crafted defies easy classification, which is probably why they opted for the term ‘Fusion.’
The offerings range from Western comfort food with an Asian twist to completely reimagined Asian classics.
The menu cleverly splits into Small and Big plates, all intended for sharing.
An integral part of Elgin’s concept is also its focus on Natural Wine. Though I can only touch on this briefly since we didn’t explore the wine selection during our visit, the menu suggested a rich and varied selection, with more than ten different wines available by the glass.
Food
A great food experience encompasses both the presentation of the dishes and the overall atmosphere of the restaurant.
There are those who argue that the essence of dining boils down to the food alone. The Guide Michelin, for instance, officially assesses just the culinary quality, implying that presentation and service aren’t part of its evaluation criteria.
We see it differently: presentation, service, and atmosphere do matter!
Our time at Elgin, positioned directly in front of their large open kitchen, allowed us to witness the preparation of our meals. This aspect, combined with the very attentive service, was undoubtedly a significant bonus to our visit.
Chilled Cuttlefish “Noodles”
This dish was an excellent start for us. It brought the sourness and freshness reminiscent of Ceviche but in a more welcoming way.
The level of spiciness was perfectly judged—not too overpowering, yet noticeably present.
Additionally, the dish featured some crunchy elements we couldn’t pinpoint (any insights would be welcome!) along with coriander leaves, creating a delightful interplay of textures and colors.
Duck Roti
The highlight of our meal. This dish was recommended in several reviews, and now we see why.
- The roti was freshly made and on the thinner side, ensuring you don’t feel too full after just a few bites and, importantly, allowing all the ingredients to shine.
- The confit duck leg was both juicy and tender.
- The addition of blue cheese was a clever touch, introducing an unexpected layer of flavor that perfectly complemented the spicy walnuts.
When people ask me for examples of successful ‘Fusion’ dishes, there’s a high chance this one will be the first that comes to my mind for quite some time.
Lamb Gnocchi Sugo
This dish caught my eye first while reading the menu, as I’m a fan of pasta in all its forms, including gnocchi.
It was perfect and lived up to everything I had envisioned before ordering. The gnocchi had a great texture, and the sauce was deep and flavorful, making it the quintessential comfort food.
My only regret is not stepping out of my comfort zone. Looking back at the rest of the menu, I see it as a clear mistake.
I can only blame myself, but seeing one of the chefs prepare the ‘Pork Belly’ made me realize I could have made a more adventurous choice.
The good news is, we now have Elgin at the top of our ‘Must Return’ list
Practical information
📍 Address: 127 Đ. Mạc Đĩnh Chi, Bến Nghé, District 1, HCMC
⏰ Opening Hours: LUNCH : Monday–Friday 11:30am-1:30pm / DINNER : Monday-Saturday 6pm-late & Sunday 5pm-9pm
💵 Price: ~600K – 1M VND per person
🌐 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elgin.sgn
🗺 Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ERJ87CtvJ5oCd1JF9
All the places reviewed on this website have been personally tested by us and we paid for our meals. We are committed to informing readers clearly if there is any form of sponsored content.
