Nicolette Yip is never resting. As we’re writing this, the co-founder and designer of Singapore fashion brand The Salvages is in the midst of launching an online-exclusive holiday capsule, as well as working on the label’s Spring/Summer 2023 collection. The latter is titled Sublime and is inspired by ’90s rave movement and is centred on having a good time in a post-pandemic era.
When she’s not busy with the label, Yip is behind the DJ deck with her friends at Phuture and for gigs, such as the recent Club21 50th anniversary party or the Coldcuts Vol. 1 night earlier this month, which was held at an ice factory. Some days, she even spins overseas in Roka Fella, a contemporary omakase restaurant co-founded by her partner Earn Chen, that is situated in the vibrant District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) a.k.a Saigon.
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“There is a unique vibrancy in Ho Chi Minh City – both chaos and calm work in constant harmony,” says Yip who pops into the southern Vietnamese city frequently. “The city just has a great sense of liveliness to it that I love so much.” Ahead, she shares some of the best spots around town.
“Instead of pho, I’ve got another noodle recommendation for you! A must-go, Ha Ky sells the best hu tieu (known in Singapore as kway teow) soup, served with fresh fish and/or chicken slices. Wash it down with a good iced coffee from the shop next door.”
69 Đ. Ký Con, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
“Egg coffee a.k.a ca phe trung (an iconic Viet beverage traditionally prepared with egg yolks, sugar, condensed milk and coffee) is more popular in northern Vietnam, but if you find yourself craving for it in HCMC, Ca Phe Linh is a nice place to start. Their coconut coffee is pretty good too!”
1 Trương Định, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
“Roka Fella, done by my partner Earn Chen, and friend Jon Kang. The Okura Hotel design-inspired vinyl bar is a place of respite and audio pleasure in the middle of the city. Pop down to the first floor for delicious omakase by the same team.”
44 Nguyễn An Ninh, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
“Thi Ngeh Market is a street market that gets packed with locals, especially during the morning. You can find authentic Vietnamese breakfast foods and ingredients here. It’s not catered for tourists, so expect shops peddling sundries, household goods, stalls selling fuss-free local dishes – in every corner and along the river – and a bustling crowd.”
36R Công Trường Hòa Bình, Phường 19, Bình Thạnh, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
“In a country with so much history, there are many places to get your dose of Vietnam’s story. A performance that I loved was The A O show in the beautiful Saigon Opera House – it was an extraordinary show full of local art and cultural storytelling.”
07 Công Trường Lam Sơn, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
“Head to local stalwart The Observatory for a long night of good house and techno, and pop by Bam Bam Saigon to start everything right.”
The Ovservatory is at 85 Đ. Cách Mạng Tháng 8, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Bam Bam Saigon is at 41-43 Đ. Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
“Vintage shopping is a fun way for me to explore a new city. Skip (usual suspects like) Ben Thanh Market and head to The Demor (pictured). It’s one of my favourite vintage stores and has a wide range of products, from Vietnamese army uniforms to quality Levi’s denim.”
236 Phan Văn Hân, Phường 17, Bình Thạnh, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Text: Cherry Tan/Female