A new restaurant, open for only six months, has already earned two Michelin awards, showcasing its culinary excellence among the city's premier dining establishments.

By Hamy Nguyễn

Little Bear is a charming small-scale restaurant, adorned with warm wood accents and soft lighting that create an inviting atmosphere. VNS Photos Hamy Nguyễn

Little Bear has recently garnered two prestigious Michelin awards – the Michelin Selected 2024 and the Young Chef Award. With such accolades under its belt, there's no better time to explore what this establishment has to offer. When my friends couldn't stop raving about this new spot in Hồ Chí Minh City a few months ago, I remained unsure despite their enthusiasm. Could it really live up to the hype?

Driven by curiosity (and a bit of peer pressure), I decided to reserve a table one evening and put Little Bear to the test. Armed with both an appetite and a healthy dose of scepticism, I embarked on this culinary journey with a group of friends.

Cuttlefish Noodle.

Little Bear charms with its intimate setting, adorned in warm wood accents and soft lighting that create an inviting atmosphere. The seating is meticulously arranged for comfort and privacy, making it ideal for both casual gatherings and romantic dinners. The menu features a carefully curated selection of around 20 dishes.

The first standout dish is the Cuttlefish Noodle with Stracciatella, Lemon Basil Sorbet, and Honey Vinaigrette (VNĐ260,000). It's a perfect summer starter, combining oceanic raw cuttlefish noodles with creamy stracciatella. The refreshing lemon basil sorbet adds a tangy twist, complemented by the honey vinaigrette's sweet-and-sour balance. As a seafood enthusiast, this dish won me over instantly.

Shrimp tartare with mustard leaves.

The Shrimp Tartare with Mustard Leaves, Pickled Lettuce, and Peanut Dressing (VNĐ190,000) takes your palate on an exciting flavour journey. While shrimp and mustard leaves are familiar in Vietnamese cuisine, this dish surprises with unexpected ingredients that enhance its complexity. The tangy pickled lettuce offers a refreshing zest, while the peanut dressing adds a creamy, nutty richness that ties the flavours together harmoniously.

Cockle lemongrass beurre blanc with roasted pepper and katsuobushi vinegar.

My heart was captured by the Cockle Lemongrass Beurre Blanc with Roasted Pepper and Katsuobushi Vinegar (VNĐ310,000). The grilled cockles are perfectly prepared – lightly grilled for a tan exterior, while retaining their sweet flavour and juicy texture inside. The roasted peppers impart a sweet, smoky note that dances elegantly with the umami kick of katsuobushi vinegar. It's a buttery delight that skillfully blends Asian and Western flavours, leaving me craving more.

Tagliolini with marinated clams and baby clams, white clam sauce, and chrysanthemum.

Following the waiter's recommendation, I opted for the Tagliolini with Marinated Clams and Baby Clams, White Clam Sauce, and Chrysanthemum (VNĐ370,000) to round off my meal with a hearty starch. This dish is a symphony of shellfish flavours, with a generous amount of sauce that envelops the pasta. The broth, made from clam liquid, garlic, and white wine, enhances the pasta's depth, while the sautéed clams in spicy tomato sauce elevate it to a memorable culinary experience.

Grilled whole silver pomfret fish.

However, the main course, Grilled Whole Silver Pomfret Fish with Canh Chua Lentil, Rice, and Morning Glory (VNĐ680,000), left the least impression. While the silver pomfret was decent, it did not stand out among Việt Nam's diverse fish options. The flavours were pleasant but didn't match the innovative spark of the earlier dishes, leaving me somewhat disappointed.

In summary, Little Bear shines with its well-deserved awards, showcasing a commitment to local, seasonal ingredients and innovative culinary techniques. The diverse menu draws inspiration from classic dishes, offering each plate as a comforting embrace of flavours. Little Bear indeed provides a lot of cosy "Bear Hugs". VNS

Little Bear

Address: 36 Nguyễn Bá Huân, Thảo Điền, District 2, HCM City

Tel: 0862.512.086

Price: from VNĐ110,000 – 910,000

Comment: Modern, vibrant, dynamic, innovative, creative