In a traditional French bistro, the best dish is often not on the menu. It is written in chalk on the board. At The Refinery, a French bistro in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, that tradition is alive every weekend, and right now the board belongs to a Marseille-style bouillabaisse.
The French Bistro Tradition of the Chalkboard Special
In Paris, regulars know to look at the blackboard before opening the menu. The “plat du jour” or weekend special is where the kitchen cooks with the best of the market and the chef’s own ideas. It changes often, and that is exactly why people come back.
The Refinery has kept this habit alive for more than 20 years in its historic home, the old colonial opium factory on Hai Bà Trưng Street. The regular menu covers French bistro classics guests love. The specials take things to another level: more seasonal, more personal, and closer to gourmet French cooking.
This Weekend: Bouillabaisse, Marseille-Style Seafood Soup
Available Friday to Sunday, The Refinery’s bouillabaisse follows the chef’s own recipe:
- Grilled tiger prawn, sweet clams and fish
- Slow cooked in tomato, garlic and fennel
- A touch of chili for gentle heat
- Finished with crispy leek and parsley
- Served with homemade sourdough toast
Bouillabaisse comes from Marseille, where fishermen once cooked their catch in a rich, aromatic broth. Today it is one of the signature dishes of Provençal cuisine. Pair it with a glass of chilled white wine for a classic French lunch or a slow weekend dinner in Saigon.
Why the Specials Are Worth Watching
- They change regularly. Each visit can bring something new.
- They show the chef’s creativity. Specials are where the kitchen experiments and goes beyond the classics.
- They are seasonal. Dishes are built around the best available produce and seafood.
If you love French food in Ho Chi Minh City, The Refinery’s chalkboard is worth following every week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I eat bouillabaisse in Ho Chi Minh City?
The Refinery, a French bistro on Hai Bà Trưng Street in District 1, serves bouillabaisse as a weekend special from Friday to Sunday.
What is in The Refinery’s bouillabaisse?
Grilled tiger prawn, clams and fish, slow cooked in tomato, garlic and fennel with a touch of chili, topped with crispy leek and parsley, and served with homemade sourdough toast.
Is bouillabaisse spicy?
Traditional bouillabaisse is not spicy. The Refinery’s version adds a light touch of chili for warmth without overpowering the seafood.
Does The Refinery have other specials?
Yes. Like a classic French bistro, The Refinery features rotating specials on its chalkboard alongside the regular menu.
Do I need to book?
Reservations are recommended on weekends. You can book a table online through The Refinery’s reservation page.
