[2026 Latest] Ho Chi Minh City with Kids: Hilton Saigon "Dinner Buffet" Review | Incredible Value: One Child Free per Adult
Hello, this is Hazuki from ít ít Việt Nam.
For those traveling to Ho Chi Minh City with children or living there, a common dilemma is "Where should we eat tonight?"
Many parents might feel a bit daunted, thinking, "I want to enjoy a slightly special dinner, but I'm worried if my child will eat local food," or "Will we stand out with kids at a high-end restaurant?"
For such parents, the most recommended and best family-friendly restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City is here! It's the weekend-only dinner buffet at "The Strand," a restaurant inside the 5-star Hilton Saigon hotel, which opened in 2024.
You might feel that a luxury hotel buffet is out of the question, but this restaurant is actually perfect for families to relax and enjoy. With fresh seafood, a wide variety of dishes, and an open space, you can enjoy a slightly more luxurious time than usual.
Plus, a great perk is that one child under 12 years old eats free per adult!
(*If there are two adults, two children eat free)
Having actually visited, I'll be sharing plenty of "real charms from a parent's perspective" that are great for families with children.
3 Reasons Why "The Strand" is the Best for Family Dinners
① No need to worry about others! Equipped with "box seats," a savior for families with children
Taking the elevator up to the 10th floor from the lobby, you'll find a luxurious yet exceptionally open space.
The seating in the restaurant is very spacious, making it easy to maneuver strollers, which is a big plus. What was even more delightful was the abundance of "box seats," which are rare in Vietnam!
With a good degree of privacy, even if your child gets a bit restless during the meal, both parents can relax and enjoy their food without worrying about others' glances. This sense of security is an invaluable advantage when dining out with children.
② Delicious variety to please even kids who dislike local food
The buffet spread features everything from fresh, high-quality seafood that appeals to adults to classic dishes that kids adore, instantly boosting the whole family's spirits!
For adults, the highlight is undoubtedly the luxurious seafood, including premium Nha Trang oysters, shrimp, and crab. With no unpleasant odors and a creamy texture, you can savor the seafood that you absolutely must try in Vietnam to your heart's content.
Furthermore, the incredibly popular and comprehensive sushi corner was a huge hit with the kids! With beautifully arranged classic Japanese ingredients like salmon and tuna, even children who dislike local overseas food or meat will surely gobble it up without a problem.
There's also a "live pasta kitchen" where chefs prepare pasta to order, allowing you to choose your noodles and sauce. The freshly made, hot, authentic taste left the whole family completely satisfied. The quality exceeded typical buffet expectations, which was truly impressive.
③ [Amazing] From 8 PM, it's "Parents' Free Time"!? The kids' workshop is divine.
The dessert corner, a post-meal delight, is fully equipped with adorable cakes, tropical fruits, and even a "chocolate fountain" that makes children's eyes light up! Dipping marshmallows and fruits generously in chocolate creates a lively and enjoyable time for the whole family.
Furthermore, the biggest highlight of this buffet is the "Cupcake Decoration Experience (Workshop)" for children, held from 8 PM! 🧁
It's a workshop (lasting 20-30 minutes) where children can create their own original cupcakes by choosing colorful sprinkles and cute toppings.
In fact, this is the best gift for moms and dads.
For those 20-30 minutes while the children are engrossed in the workshop with friendly staff, adults can return to their seats and enjoy chilled wine (an alcohol-free flow option is also available for an additional charge 🥂), warm coffee, and dessert "at their own pace, savoring it in peace"!
For mothers who constantly find their own meals getting cold while caring for their children, there's no greater luxury than this. The finished cupcakes can be put in a cute takeout box, making them perfect for a snack in your hotel room the next morning.
Since it's a hotel dinner, why not dress up a little?
While the Hilton's dress code isn't overly strict, it's a wonderful 5-star hotel, so you might want to dress up a bit and wear your favorite dress.
For the finishing touch to your travel fashion, our ít ít Việt Nam accessories will be a great help.
Our original accessories, beautifully upcycled from traditional Vietnamese Song Be pottery, instantly brighten up a simple outfit and add a touch of adult elegance. They are lightweight and comfortable to wear, making them a strong ally for mothers traveling.
Our Ho Chi Minh City store, located right next to Ben Thanh Market, is also close to Hilton Saigon, making it perfect for choosing accessories before heading out to dinner!
ít ít Việt Nam Physical Store Information 📍
Ho Chi Minh City Store: Right next to Ben Thanh Market!
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📍3rd floor, 14 Đ. Nguyễn An Ninh, Bến Thành, Quận 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
→Google Map
⏰10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🚶 2-minute walk from Ben Thanh Market
💳 Cash/Credit card accepted
May your family trip to Ho Chi Minh City be filled with smiles and delicious memories! We look forward to welcoming families to our store ♡
Restaurant "The Strand" Basic Information (Hilton Saigon 10F)
- Address: 11 Cong Truong Me Linh, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Map: Google Map
- Hours: Every Friday & Saturday 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Weekend only)
- Price: From 1,650,000 VND ++ (Please check for the latest prices when booking)
It's conveniently located in District 1, along the Saigon River. The roundabout in front of the hotel can get crowded during evening rush hour, so it's recommended to leave with a little extra time.
You can easily reserve a table in Japanese (or English) on their website, so be sure to check it out for your well-deserved dinner this weekend!
👉 Hilton Saigon Official Website
