With the launch of ChatGPT, it’s almost time for copywriters to throw it in and go and live in that shack by the beach
At around 12.30pm the other day, I messaged my 17 year-old nephew asking him for a favour.
What was it I wanted, he replied.
I said I want an 800 word article on the 10 best bars and restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City and a justification for each choice.
Within minutes I’d received the piece from him.
No, my nephew doesn’t write or work for me. And as far as I can tell, he’s not a savant.
In fact, he’s not even in Vietnam, nor has he ever been here.
I’d found out that he uses newly-launched ChatGPT – a chatbot by OpenAI whose core function is to mimic a human conversationalist – so I wanted to test it out.
Not only that, ChatGPT is said to have the ability to write and debug computer programs, compose music and write lyrics, answer test questions and write student essays, and even simulate an entire chat room.
If only it could do the dishes piling up on the sink in my kitchen.
I got five minutes into a YouTube video the other day about how a young chap got ChatGPT to code an entire website for him before I gave up watching, leaving me convinced more than ever that we’re doomed.
This thing has major implications for every industry – both good and bad, not to mention humanity as a whole.
Because ChatGPT isn’t available in Vietnam (but possibly through a VPN), I thought it might be easy to message my nephew via Instagram and ask him to put the request in for me.
The exercise proved what I’d been thinking since ChatGPT’s release in November last year – that my days as a content writer are numbered.
I’m serious. The future is here. It was good while it lasted pre-pandemic. Thanks for the memories.
While the listicle ChatGPT has provided me (I wanted to say” churned out” but this thing doesn’t operate like a human…yet) isn’t like the list I would’ve put together, it’s enough to show me that once this thing learns and matures, there won’t be much need for we copywriters – if at all.
And if I were a university lecturer in a liberal arts department at the moment, ooh, I’d be shaking in my loafers and thinking about taking up taxi driving as a career.
It appears that pretty soon, copywriters will be used ever more sparingly at even lower rates of pay to perhaps perform more menial tasks like confirm details and tighten up copy where ChatGPT hasn’t quite hit the mark.
One of ChatGPT’s notable failings for the moment is said to be that it lacks humanness and is clunky with its turn of phrase – which is true based on my experience – but hey, I know plenty of humans like that.
Still, does it even matter?
Will the hot and flustered European tourist caught out on the baking hot streets of Saigon at 3pm in the afternoon during the build up to the monsoon season give a damn when all they have on their mind is air-con and a cool drink somewhere nearby?
I think not.
Travellers want info fast in desperate situations, not some self-centred flowery poetic piece of prose like this that mostly serves to demonstrate one’s writing prowess rather than actually telling them how many steps it will take to find an oasis out of the blistering sun that serves up a good-priced soda chanh with ice to help cool them down.
So without any further drivel, I present to you what might possibly be the internet’s first Ho Chi Minh City bar and restaurant listicle entirely compiled by, well, the internet or something or other.
And no, I haven’t given it a quick edit or confirmed that these places are still operating – I’m not ChatGPT’s bitch just yet.
Let me know in the comments section below what you think of the list, but more importantly, tell me if you think I still have a job after this.
But please let me down gently.
The 10 Best Bars & Restaurants in HCMC according to ChatGPT
Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is a vibrant and bustling metropolis in Vietnam. The city is famous for its delicious food and vibrant nightlife. Here are ten of the best bars and restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City that you should definitely check out.
- Cơm Tấm Sườn Nướng Ba Ghiền – This popular restaurant serves traditional Vietnamese broken rice dishes, with the highlight being the grilled pork. The restaurant is known for its delicious food and friendly staff.
- Nhà Hàng Ngon – This restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking to try traditional Vietnamese cuisine. The menu features a wide variety of dishes, including pho, bun cha, and banh mi. The restaurants has a cozy and casual atmosphere, and is a great spot for a casual meal with friends.
- Hoa Tuc – This trendy restaurant serves contemporary Vietnamese cuisine, with a focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The menus is constantly changing, but you can expect to find dishes like lemongrass-marinated beef, and tamarind-glazed pork belly.
- Secret Garden – This hidden gem is located in a beautiful garden setting and serves a mix of Asian and Western cuisine. The menu features a wide variety of dishes, including sushi, pasta, and grilled meats. The atmosphere is relaxing and romantic, making it a perfect spot for a date night.
- L’usine – This trendy cafe and boutique is located in an old French factory and serves a mix of Asian and Western cuisine. The menu features a wide variety of dishes, including sandwiches, salads, and pastries. The cafe also serves great coffee, and there is a boutique on-site where you can purchase clothing and accessories.
- The Refinery – This modern bar and restaurant serves a mix of Asian and Western cuisine. The menu features a wide variety of dishes, including burgers, sandwiches, and pastas. The atmosphere is chic and modern, and the bar serves a wide variety of cocktails and beers.
- Pots ‘n Pans – This cozy restaurant serves modern European cuisine, with a focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The menus features a wide variety of dishes, including pasta, seafood, and steak. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, and the restaurant is a great spot for a casual meal with friends.
- The Cottage – This cozy restaurant serves modern European cuisine, with a focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The menu features a wide variety of dishes, including pasta, seafood, and steak. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, and the restaurant is a great spot for a casual meal with friends.
- Nha Hang Ngon – This restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking to try traditional Vietnamese cuisine. The menu features a wide variety of dishes, including pho, bun cha, and banh mi. The restaurants has a cozy and casual atmosphere, and is a great spot for a casual meal with friends.
- My Quang Le – This popular restaurant serves traditional Vietnamese Quang noodle dishes. The restaurant is know for its delicious food and friendly staff.
Each of these restaurants and bars offers something unique and delicious, whether it be traditional Vietnamese cuisine, modern European or Asian food, or a great atmosphere for a casual meal or a romantic date night. They are all great options for anyone looking to explore the culinary scene in Ho Chi Minh City.
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