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Step into the land of pirates of One Piece.
To - Hidden Bar officially opened on December 25, 2020, and is the brainchild of Lam Huu Tho, an anime enthusiast, especially of the legendary One Piece series. However, instead of covering the bar with images of Luffy and his crew, Tho chose to blend in more colors from other anime series like Naruto, creating a multi-layered, vibrant, yet not boring space.
The name "To" comes from the Japaneseized version of the owner's name, which is close to Thọ (meaning longevity), making it easy to pronounce while also having a unique personality. The word "To" is also stylized into the shape of a cocktail glass, suggesting from the name itself a creative combination of popular culture and mixology.
The restaurant's name and logo are based on the Japanese transliteration of the owner's name, Mr. Lam Huu Tho.
Upon entering the cafe, the first impression is one of being overwhelmed by the anime world unfolding before your eyes. From the staircase leading up, a wall resembles a black-and-white manga page with the familiar artwork of One Piece. The room to the right features a large mural interwoven with overlapping anime drawings, like a compressed stream of memories. Opposite is a wall divided into five wooden panels forming a picture frame.
Anime characters appear on the walls of the cafe.
The room on the left houses a bar where One Piece character models are displayed as a way to commemorate Luffy and his crew's adventures. In another corner, paintings and a few small models of Itachi—a beloved character from Naruto—appear as distinct touches within the manga-themed space. These details allow every anime fan who visits to find a little piece of their favorite world.
The models of characters from One Piece and Naruto help to liven up the cafe's atmosphere.
According to Mr. Lam Huu Tho, visitors to To-Hidden Bar are not only young people, but also middle-aged and international tourists. Regardless of their origin or generation, their commonality is a love for anime, especially One Piece. They come here to immerse themselves in their favorite atmosphere, take photos with familiar models, chat with like-minded people, or quietly watch anime scenes projected onto a small screen in the bar. It's a seemingly small world, yet it connects anime lovers from all over, without boundaries or age limits.
Many customers, including foreigners, are fans of the popular anime series One Piece.
When manga enters real life, "devil fruits" become cocktails.
Not only the ambiance, but even the drink menu at To Hidden Bar is surprising. Instead of a traditional presentation, the menu is designed like a manga, making each order feel like opening a new chapter. This unique idea was proposed by Mr. Tho himself, and then refined with input from the staff. One German customer was so captivated by the menu that the bar even gave it to him as a souvenir.
The three anime characters on the menu are actually three employees of the restaurant.
And if the menu were a comic book, the "Nika Nika No Mi" would undoubtedly be one of the most memorable chapters. Inspired by the Devil Fruit that Luffy (the protagonist) ate in One Piece, this cocktail is a blend of various spirits, with a smoky white color mimicking Gear 5. Sweetness reigns supreme, with a strong alcoholic flavor, a hint of sourness, and a bitter aftertaste. It's not just a drink, but more like a piece of fan art to be savored, with imagination intertwined in every sip.
This cocktail is inspired by the "Devil Fruit" of the main character Luffy in One Piece.
A unique, one-of-a-kind, spontaneously created drink.
Another drink that many are hesitant to try but still curious about is the "Golden Ant Meruem," a cocktail made with Ta Gin, Chilli Liqueur, and a few golden ants from Gia Lai. The spicy kick combined with the unusual sensation of the ants sprinkled in the glass makes this a drink that challenges the bar's courage.
To Hidden Bar is located at the beginning of the Japanese Quarter in Saigon Ward – an area frequented by many international tourists. Therefore, instead of just serving familiar foreign liquors, the bar also offers traditional Vietnamese alcoholic beverages such as banana wine, rice wine, and Cai River wine on its menu. It's not simply about taste; it's about the owner telling guests the story of Vietnam through smell, taste, and emotion. Each cocktail is like a postcard sent from Saigon, imbued with soul, identity, a touch of surprise, and the warmth that Vietnamese people offer to friends far away.
But that's not all; the staff also creatively invent impromptu cocktails using unexpected ingredients like fish sauce, shrimp paste, and fresh chili peppers. Even during Tet (Vietnamese New Year), they designed a three-course menu featuring braised pork, banh xeo (Vietnamese savory pancake), and pickled shallots, recreating the entire Tet feast in the form of a trio of cocktails. These dishes aren't part of a fixed menu, but they've become legendary, passed around among guests as a unique and unforgettable experience.
Some impromptu cocktails are created by bartenders using cooking spices.
A hidden gem spot to relax with stunning views of the Ba Son Bridge.
Located on the second floor of a convenience store on Le Thanh Ton Street, Ben Nghe Ward, To - Hidden Bar is open from 6 PM to 2 AM. Overlooking the brightly lit Ba Son Bridge, the bar is like a secret stop in the city, reserved for those seeking a peaceful moment after a long day.
The windows offer views overlooking the Ba Son Bridge.
The space isn't very large, with only three staff members, but it's precisely this "small group" that makes it feel so cozy, like a familiar room. The staff aren't just bartenders; they're also storytellers, listeners, and confidants. Customers can request a classic song, a favorite episode, or order a cocktail specially crafted... and then simply relax, quietly watching time slow down in the heart of a city that never sleeps.
Through the glass, one sees raindrops clinging to the windows, the hazy reflections of car headlights on the road, and the quiet flow of people amidst the hustle and bustle of life. In this space, each guest at To Hidden Bar steps into another world – a place where they can be themselves, relive their childhood with familiar cartoon scenes, find peace, be listened to, and be understood.
The To - Hidden Bar is a great spot to enjoy the night view.
To Hidden Bar is more than just a bar. It's a "gateway" connecting reality and the world of anime, where childhood memories blend with the intoxicating allure of the present. Here, one can be intoxicated by both the taste of cocktails and the nostalgia of the past. In the heart of bustling Saigon, this little corner is a true hidden gem, for those who still cherish a part of their childhood and for those seeking a private space to slow down.
