Tiếng ViệtAfter three years of returning to Saigon, I still feel like a curious traveler, eager to explore and absorb every new change. Saigon has transformed drastically since my last visit, and post-pandemic, the F&B industry has undergone a remarkable shift. Now, I find myself on the cusp of a new journey—an opportunity to relearn and rediscover everything from the ground up.
I don’t claim to be a food or wine expert, nor do I profit from writing sponsored reviews for brands or locations. What I truly enjoy is writing about untold stories and hidden gems, sharing my own experiences through an authentic lens. As I embarked on rediscovering Saigon, I felt inspired to craft a series titled “The low-key spots in Saigon,” spotlighting lesser-known but fascinating places from my perspective.
Part 1: SECRET HOME BAR
One day, purely by chance, I stumbled upon a hidden gem in the heart of Saigon—a bar called 2cms. This isn’t a place you can casually find on Google Maps because its location is kept deliberately secret by the owner. First-time visitors must send a message to the bar via Instagram, introducing themselves. The bar will then send specific directions. Alternatively, you could skip this process if you already know someone familiar with the place. Keep in mind, though, the bar only operates from Thursday to Saturday, starting at 7 PM.
Armed with curiosity and a set of cryptic instructions, I felt like Sherlock Holmes on a mission, navigating through the maze of alleys within an old apartment block on Pham Viet Chanh Street in Binh Thanh. The quest began with a café visit, then a few turns here and there, followed by a ride up to the 13th floor via a rickety elevator.
Ting. The elevator doors opened, and I found myself wandering down a dimly lit hallway. There were no signs or logos indicating a bar, but after carefully scanning the doors, I spotted a tiny sticker—a wine glass icon, no larger than two fingers wide. This was it. Following the instructions, I uttered the secret password, “Meow ơi,” and entered.
Stepping inside, I was greeted with a surprising and enchanting scene. The room was cloaked in mystery, decorated with an intriguing Japanese-inspired aesthetic. Cream-colored curtains adorned with hand-drawn wine glasses and the 2cms logo gave the space a whimsical feel. Each table had its own distinct design, and the space flowed between two connected rooms and a cozy bar area. The highlight was the sweeping view of the city from the living room. The vibrant Landmark 81 tower sparkled in the distance, offering a stunning contrast between Saigon’s modern hustle outside and the bar’s serene, intimate ambiance. With the windows wide open, a cool breeze wafted through, making it unnecessary to use air conditioning. I could stand on the balcony with a glass of wine in hand, simply gazing at the city skyline, and all the day’s weariness would melt away.
I met Nhi, the bar’s creator, and couldn’t resist asking, “How did you come up with this unique bar concept?”
Nhi smiled. “It started when I invited friends over for a wine tasting. They loved the atmosphere and suggested I turn the place into a bar. That’s when I teamed up with Nam to bring the idea to life—a bar where guests feel like they’re visiting a friend’s house for a glass of wine.”
Originally from Da Nang, Nhi moved to Saigon with her family during high school. She later earned a scholarship to study about business in the U.S. After seven years of living and working in America, Nhi returned to Vietnam and joined a startup in Saigon. However, the monotony of a 9-to-5 job left her uninspired, so she decided to quit after a year. Her passion for wine, sparked during her time in the U.S., led her to pursue WSET Level 2 and 3 certifications and work part-time as a sommelier at a wine-focused restaurant in Saigon.
In just over two months, Nhi and Nam brought 2cms to life. “I love wine, music, and décor, so I combined all of my passions into the bar,” she explained. The bar’s décor was eclectic, using repurposed items like old books and magazines to add a personal touch. To me, the space had a unique character that I hadn’t encountered elsewhere. It felt like visiting a dear friend, sipping wine, and letting the music carry me away from the bustling city below.
What made 2cms even more special was its intimate atmosphere. As a small apartment bar, it naturally encouraged guests to connect with one another. Some came for the wine, while others simply enjoyed the friendly ambiance. Strangers quickly became friends, sharing conversations as if they had known each other for years.
One evening, I ran into David, whom I had met at a previous wine event but hadn’t kept in touch with. It was a delightful surprise to reconnect with him here, and our shared love for wine quickly rekindled our conversation. David, like me, was captivated by the hidden gem that 2cms had become. Later, his friends Cass and John were equally speechless when they discovered this secret haven.
At 2cms, you won’t find anything on the menu but wine, and the selection is constantly updated. Nhi ensures her patrons always have new options to explore—a refreshing approach rarely seen elsewhere. Although she oprates this home bar, Nhi dreams of opening a ground-level venue, one that would be more accessible to a wider audience. After all, this is just a small, tucked-away apartment, and it’s not easy for passersby to find, which could limit its long-term growth. Yet, for me, 2cms remains one of a kind—an experience I’ve never encountered anywhere else.
Though this is still a prototype, I admire Nhi’s courage to break the mold and pursue something entirely new. Sometimes, you don’t need all the resources in the world to get started; you can begin with what you have. Just like Nhi with 2cms and like me with my journey, I started my dream by telling stories from a 10-square-meter room in Hanoi, and the path gradually unfolded. I truly believe that those who dare to dream and take action will eventually find their own way.
After all, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Phuong Maxy.
