One of the things I've loved documenting through our Saigon Sunday Sessions is watching this city embrace its river. When we first arrived, so much of the waterfront was just walled off or wasted space.

Now, whether you're in District 1 or here at Binh Canh by Night, you can see how Saigon is transforming these spaces into something special. Sure, there are still challenges with pollution and development isn't perfect, but being able to walk along the river, grab a pizza or a beer, and watch the sunset over the city - it really shows how far Saigon has come.

It's exactly these kinds of changes that make living here so exciting - you're watching a city reinvent itself right in front of you.

• Niall Mackay

Key Takeaways:

• The Riverfront Revival: Saigon’s waterfront transformation from unused land to vibrant social hubs.
• City Life and Traffic: The quirks of crossing streets and navigating Saigon’s bustling urban life.
• Environmental Challenges: Efforts to clean up the river and educate the public on plastic pollution.
• Saigon’s Culture and Community Spirit: The unique charm of street vendors and riverside hangouts.
• Binh Canh by Night: Discovering a local gem with food courts, live music, and river views.

Chapters and Timestamps:

01:00 - Discovering Binh Canh by Night
06:00 - Urban Adventures: Saigon Traffic and River Crossings
08:00 - River Clean-Up Efforts and Environmental Education
15:00 - Local Hotspots and Riverside Eateries

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"In the West, we say hospitality; in Vietnam, it’s still just F&B. Bridging that gap is everything to me." – Jason Pham

This episode with Jason was truly inspiring. Jason’s journey from Australia to Saigon, rooted in his family’s refugee story, brings so much depth to what he does in the hospitality industry here in Vietnam.

He’s not only a skilled mixologist but also an incredible storyteller, blending Vietnamese and Western influences in a way that’s reshaping Saigon’s cocktail scene.

Our conversation really highlights the passion, creativity, and hard work behind his bars, and I think listeners will walk away with a new appreciation for the artistry involved in every drink he serves.

- Niall Mackay

Key Takeaways:

• Jason’s Negroni Secrets: Why he uses Lady Trieu Flower Bomb Gin to elevate his signature cocktail, the Negroni.
• Mastering Hospitality: Jason’s philosophy on remembering guests’ names and creating a welcoming atmosphere in Vietnam’s young cocktail scene.
• Balancing Two Clienteles: How Jason tailors service for both Western expats and affluent Vietnamese in Saigon’s growing bar industry.
• Embracing Cultural Heritage: Jason’s journey as an Australian-Vietnamese and reconnecting with his roots in Vietnam.
• “Viet Kieu” Influence: How a mentor inspired Jason to return to Vietnam to make the most of the emerging market’s unique opportunities.

Chapters:

10:00 - The Secret Ingredients to the Perfect Negroni
22:00 - How Jason Builds Community Through Hospitality
40:00 - Serving Saigon’s Diverse Clientele: Expats and Vietnamese Elites
58:00 - Growing Up Australian-Vietnamese: Jason’s Cultural Journey
01:02:00 - Why Vietnam is a Land of Opportunity for Viet Kieu and Entrepreneurs

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Become a Bắp Xào Đâyer in our community on Patreon and become part of something special.

You can choose a Cà phê sữa đá, Bánh mì, Cơm tấm, Bún Thịt Nướng or the ultimate level, a Bắp Xào Đây.

Episode Sponsors:

7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!

Tenzing Pacific - I highly recommend them for their professional advice related to personal, family, and business insurance.

The full list of winners is here.

Support the show

This show is produced by Seven Million Bikes Podcasts.

If you would like to work with them too check out their website!

"Send me a message!"

Episode Sponsors:

7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!

Tenzing Pacific - I highly recommend them for their professional advice related to personal, family, and business insurance.

Support the show

This show is produced by Seven Million Bikes Podcasts.

If you would like to work with them too check out their website!