Yummy Vietnamese fusion bistronomy. We had a good moment there.
Restaurant
RuNam Tran Ngoc Dien - Restaurant in Thao Dien, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
+17
The Story
About This Place
RuNam on Trần Ngọc Diện occupies a handsome villa in Thảo Điền, with fancy-yet-tasteful interiors and a proper patio for sunny afternoons. The space runs large enough for groups comfortably, with both indoor and outdoor tables drawing expat residents, weekend regulars, and coffee-focused visitors who find VND 150,000 for a cup justified when the quality consistently delivers.
The coffee program leans creative: the honeycomb orange phin coffee layers citrus and honey against a smooth, rich base that regulars describe as reliably high-quality across visits. Portions skew small — ordering two is common — but the flavor concentration is the point rather than a flaw.
The food menu bridges café snacking and proper dining. The standout oddity is the bánh xèo taco, a Vietnamese-inflected twist that draws repeat orders. Quảng-style rice noodles in homemade gravy arrive with julienned chicken, gizzards, hearts, and premature eggs at VND 210,000 — a presentation-forward bowl that earns genuine praise rather than just novelty marks. The steak is a quiet anchor for the lunch crowd, and a fermented tofu dessert rounds out a menu that is clearly interested in going somewhere rather than playing it safe.
Service is professional and attentive on most visits, with recent management bringing a more hospitality-forward tone to the floor. The occasional quibble is noise from staff during service — a contrast with the polished surroundings. Credit cards and Apple Pay are accepted, a practical detail worth noting in a neighborhood where that is not universal. Hours run 7 AM to 10 PM daily, making this one of the more reliable all-day options in the area.
honeycomb orange phin coffeebánh xèo tacosquảng rice noodles in homemade gravyfermented tofu dessertsteak
sophisticatedspaciouscalmrefinedpatio-facing
Reviews
4.5(226)
All the RuNam's are fabulous but I especially love this one. It's our first time at this location and it's just as nice as any of the others. It's late at night so it was emptier with maybe two to three other tables that sat outside. The sweets here were all delicious. Not too sweet or overly creamy, just right for me. They gave us the bigger cake slice for free, which is so kind! I believe it's the corn cake. I wish there was actually a bit more corn flavor but it was good otherwise. Since there wasn't anyone here, it was very calming to take our time to talk and relax! I highly recommend venturing out to the 2nd District area around here. There's a ton of aesthetically pleasing and sometimes equally delicious food places. It's typically foreigners living around here so the taste is usually catered towards them and there's usually a focus on visuals.
Runam Tran Ngo Dien is a relaxed place with decent food. It is a good place for casual meal and catchup place. They are located in Q2. The food and drinks here overall above average, but can be a bit pricy comparing to others. Especially the drinks though well presented , over priced I think..
Very nice and cosy terrace ideal for january / feb outside diner and drinks. Yummy Vietnamese fusion bistronomy. I know this brand since day one and even before and they have been delivering steadily. Always a good moment there.
Runam has always been my go-to weekend destination (I usually visit the branch on Công Xã Paris Street). A few days ago, I stopped by the Thảo Điền branch. The food and drinks were still delicious, and I especially enjoy the steak there. However, as this is a restaurant aimed at a high-end customer segment, the staff at this branch were talking and laughing loudly, which affected my dining experience. I hope this can be improved
Visit Tips
Visiting RuNam Tran Ngoc Dien
- ✓
Breakfast available: Opens by 7 AM — a viable breakfast stop in Thao Dien.
- ✓
Reservations: Call +84 28 3636 6135 to book — recommended for weekend dining.
- ✓
Best for: weekend brunch, coffee date, group lunch, all-day dining.
gallery
24Photos
Drinks
A close-up of a yellow drink in a glass jar on a table at Thao Dien, Saigon.
Vibe
A cup of coffee or latte art sits on a saucer in an indoor setting with wooden furniture and warm lighting, suggesting a cozy café ambiance.
The image depicts a street scene in Thao Dien, Saigon. On the left, a 7-Eleven store with green and red signage is visible, alongside a shop with a re
Other
Common Questions
Frequently Asked
- Does RuNam Tran Ngoc Dien have outdoor seating?
- Yes. RuNam Trần Ngọc Diện has a patio described as 'beautiful outdoor seating for sunny days' alongside spacious indoor tables.
- What are the best dishes at RuNam Tran Ngoc Dien?
- Reviewers highlight the bánh xèo tacos, Quảng rice noodles in homemade gravy with chicken and gizzards, the steak, and the honeycomb orange phin coffee. The fermented tofu dessert also earns repeat mentions.
- Does RuNam Tran Ngoc Dien accept card payments?
- Yes. Credit cards and Apple Pay are accepted — notable in Thảo Điền where that is not universal.
- Is RuNam Tran Ngoc Dien good for groups?
- Yes. The villa space is described as 'spacious and perfect for groups' with both indoor and outdoor seating options.
- Is RuNam Tran Ngoc Dien open for breakfast?
- Yes. Hours run 7 AM to 10 PM daily, making it one of the more reliable all-day options in the area.
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