Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon as it’s affectionately known, is a paradise for food lovers. Its vibrant street food culture, rich history, and blend of flavors from across Vietnam make it a world-class culinary destination. This guide, created by our expert team of food enthusiasts, will take you on a journey to discover the most authentic and delicious dishes this city has to offer. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these unmissable Saigon specialties.
What Makes Saigon a Foodie Paradise?
Saigon’s food scene is a bustling tapestry woven from a mix of regional Vietnamese cuisines, French colonial influences, and local innovation. The city’s energy is reflected in its food, with vibrant, fresh ingredients and bold, balanced flavors—sweet, sour, salty, and spicy all in one bite. You’ll find everything from elegant restaurants to bustling sidewalk stalls, each offering a unique glimpse into the city’s soul.
Must-Try Main Dishes and Noodle Soups
No culinary tour of Saigon is complete without trying these iconic dishes.
1. Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwich)
Banh Mi is a Vietnamese staple, familiar to locals. The local food landscape features a vast selection of Banh Mi, ranging from the simple pork sandwich (Banh Mi Kep Thit) to the more elaborate sizzling bread (Banh Mi Chao) and the grilled beef with butter version (Banh Mi Bo Nuong Bo). However, Banh Mi Kep Thit Cha (pork and pate sandwich) is a must-try. A crispy baguette filled with flavorful pork, pate, chili, and fresh herbs is simply irresistible. Find Banh Mi at street stalls and vendors anytime.
Highly-Rated Banh Mi Spots:
- Banh Mi Huynh Hoa: 26 Le Thi Rieng, District 1 (6 AM – 10 PM)
- Banh Mi Ba Huynh: 185K Cong Quynh Street, District 1 (6 AM – 9 PM)
- Banh Mi Bay Ho: 19 Huynh Khuong Ninh, Da Kao, District 1 (5:30 AM – 10:30 AM, 12 PM – 6 PM)
- Banh Mi Chao Dang Tran Con: 8 Dang Tran Con, District 1 (4 AM – 10:30 AM)
- Banh Mi Thit Nuong Nguyen Trai: 37 Nguyen Trai, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1 (4 PM – 9 PM)
2. Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup)
Pho, Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup, has famous establishments throughout HCMC, attracting both local and international food lovers. Unlike Northern Pho, HCMC’s Pho features a fragrant broth, carefully selected ingredients, and a rich, flavorful seasoning. The diverse herbs and vegetables served alongside cater perfectly to Southern palates. Enjoy Pho at traditional eateries or restaurants.
Top-Rated Pho Restaurants:
- Pho Le: 415 Nguyen Trai, Ward 7, District 5 (6 AM – Late Night)
- Pho Hoa: 260C Pasteur Street, Ward 8, District 3 (5 AM – 11:30 PM)
- Pho Hung: 243 Nguyen Trai, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1 (6 AM – 3 PM)
- Pho Dau: 288 M1 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ward 8, District 3 (5 AM – 1 PM)
3. Com Tam (Broken Rice)
Com Tam, a rustic Southern Vietnamese dish, boasts popular versions in HCMC. Made from broken rice grains, it typically includes grilled pork, shredded pork skin, pork meatloaf, fried egg, cucumber, and a special fish sauce. A classic Com Tam plate offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, enhanced by scallion oil and crispy pork cracklings. Find Com Tam at local eateries and traditional markets.
Recommended Com Tam Eateries:
- Com Tam Phuc Loc Tho: 236 Dinh Tien Hoang, Da Kao Ward, District 1 (6 AM – 10 PM) & other locations
- Com Tam Moc: 85 Ly Tu Trong, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1 (8 AM – 10:30 PM)
- Com Tam Cali: 236 Le Thanh Ton, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1 (7:30 AM – 8:15 PM) & other locations
- Com Tam Bai Rac Sai Gon: 73 Le Van Linh, Ward 13, District 4 (4:30 PM – 12 AM)
- Com Suon Ba Cuong: 263 Tran Quang Khai, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1 (7 AM – 9:30 PM)
4. Hu Tieu Nam Vang (Phnom Penh Noodle Soup)
Originating from Phnom Penh and created by the Khmer people, Hu Tieu Nam Vang gained popularity in Vietnam, especially in HCMC. Both locals and international tourists adore the numerous Hu Tieu Nam Vang establishments here. The chewy rice noodles are served in a rich broth with shrimp, minced pork, pork offal, quail eggs, fried garlic, and fresh vegetables, creating an irresistible dish often enjoyed for breakfast or an afternoon meal. It’s easily found on HCMC’s streets.
Popular Hu Tieu Nam Vang Restaurants:
- Hu Tieu Nam Vang Nhan Quan: 122D Cach Mang Thang 8, Ward 7, District 3 (5 AM – 11 PM)
- Hu Tieu Nam Vang Dat Thanh: 232 Nguyen Thi Thap, Binh Thuan Ward, District 7 (7 AM – 11 PM)
- Hu Tieu Nam Vang Lien Hua: 381 Vo Van Tan, Ward 5, District 3 (6 AM – 10 PM)
- Hu Tieu Nam Vang Quynh: Located at A65 Nguyen Trai, Cu Trinh, District 1 (5:30 AM – 9:30 PM)
5. Bun Bo Hue (Hue-Style Beef Noodle Soup)
Bun Bo Hue, a specialty from Hue, has become a popular dish in HCMC. This flavorful soup features vermicelli noodles and beef, served with fresh herbs, onions, and a rich broth infused with fermented shrimp paste, creating a unique aroma that’s unforgettable. Bun Bo Hue eateries are easily found throughout HCMC, even at small sidewalk stalls.
Highly-Recommended Bun Bo Hue Restaurants:
- Bun Bo Xua: 48 Cach Mang Thang Tam, Ward 6, District 3 (Open All Day) & other locations
- Bun Bo Hue Dong Ba: 110A Nguyen Du, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1 (6 AM – 10:30 PM)
- Bun Bo Hue Ba Nghi: 466 Nguyen Tri Phuong, Ward 9, District 10 (6 AM – 2 PM, 4 PM – 9 PM)
- Bun Bo Hue Hanh: 135 Banh Van Tran, Tan Binh District (6 AM – 2 PM, 4 PM – 10 PM)
6. Bun Rieu (Crab Noodle Soup)
When you explore HCMC, Bun Rieu is a must-try. This noodle soup features thin vermicelli noodles, pork knuckles, crab, shrimp, tofu, and fresh vegetables. The rich, sweet broth is made from minced freshwater crab. Adding a touch of fermented shrimp paste elevates the flavor, making it incredibly addictive.
Popular Bun Rieu Spots:
- Bun Rieu Ganh Cho Ben Thanh: 163 Le Thanh Ton Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1 (7 AM – 6:30 PM)
- Bun Rieu Nguyen Canh Chan: TK18/5 Nguyen Canh Chan Street, Cau Kho Ward, District 1 (9 AM – 7 PM)
- Bun Rieu Cua Oc Nguyen Thai Binh: 66 Nguyen Thai Binh Street, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1 (7 AM – 9 PM)
- Bun Rieu Thu Nga: Vinh Hoi Apartment, Nguyen Huu Hao Street, Ward 6, District 4 (11 AM – 7 PM)
- Bun Rieu Yen: 1348 Truong Sa Street, Ward 3, Tan Binh District (6 AM – 6 PM)
7. Oc (Vietnamese Snails)
Snails are a very popular dish throughout HCMC, considered part of Saigon’s street food culture. Various types of snails, such as razor clams, horned snails, apple snails, and fragrant snails, are prepared into many tempting dishes that visitors should try.
Highly-Rated Oc Restaurants:
- Oc Dao – District 1: 212B/D48 Nguyen Trai Street, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1 (10:30 AM – 10 PM)
- Oc Quang Anh – To Hien Thanh: 189 To Hien Thanh Street, Ward 13, District 10 (1 PM – 11 PM)
- Oc Nhu – District 10: 650/4/29D Dien Bien Phu Street, Ward 11, District 10 (11 AM – 8:30 PM)
- Oc Oanh – District 4: 534 Vinh Khanh Street, Ward 8, District 4 (1 PM – 12 AM)
- Oc Khanh – District 1: 25/5 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1 (11:30 AM – 10 PM)
8. Banh Xeo (Crispy Vietnamese Pancake)
Banh Xeo is a Vietnamese specialty, and HCMC is a prime destination to savor the best versions. A thin layer of diluted rice flour batter is poured over high heat, filled with bean sprouts, pork, and shrimp, creating a hot, crispy pancake. Served with fresh herbs and a rich dipping sauce, it’s a Saigon favorite that visitors should experience.
Famous Banh Xeo Eateries in HCMC:
- Banh Xeo An La Ghien: 11A Tu Xuong Street, Ward 6, District 3 (9 AM – 11 PM)
- Banh Xeo Ba Hai: 49 Nguyen Trong Tuyen Street, Ward 15, Phu Nhuan District (2 PM – 9 PM)
- Banh Xeo Binh Dinh: 238 Le Duc Tho Street, Ward 6, Go Vap District (9 AM – 12 AM)
- Banh Xeo Thanh Phuong: 31/4 – 31/6 Hoang Hoa Tham Street, Ward 13, Tan Binh District (7 AM – 10:30 PM)
- Banh Xeo Tom Nhay Thanh Dieu: 80 Ung Van Khiem Street, Ward 25, Binh Thanh District (10 AM – 10:30 PM)
9. Pha Lau Bo (Beef Offal Stew)
Pha Lau Bo’s popularity and deliciousness as a snack among Saigon’s youth are well-established. The main ingredients are thoroughly cleaned beef offal, cooked in a rich and creamy coconut milk broth. It’s typically served with bread or instant noodles and a tangy tamarind dipping sauce, creating a unique flavor combination that’s hard to resist.
Popular Pha Lau Bo Stalls:
- Pha Lau Bo Cay Tram: 208 Cay Tram Street, Ward 8, Go Vap District (3 PM – 9 PM)
- Pha Lau Li: 1A Suong Nguyet Anh Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1 (11 AM – 9 PM)
10. Bun Thit Nuong (Grilled Pork Vermicelli)
Bun Thit Nuong is a traditional and popular dish in HCMC. The ingredients include fresh rice vermicelli noodles, grilled pork, crisp herbs, roasted peanuts, flavorful scallion oil, a mix of seasonings, and a special fish sauce. To enjoy it fully, mix all the ingredients in your bowl, add the fish sauce, and stir well before eating. This dish is commonly found in eateries and street food stalls throughout Saigon.
Recommended Bun Thit Nuong Spots:
- Bun Thit Nuong Hai Dang: 149 Chan Hung Street, Ward 6, Tan Binh District (10 AM – 8:30 PM)
- Bun Thit Nuong Quan 339: 7 To Hien Thanh Street, Ward 13, District 10 (9 AM – 9 PM)
- Bun Thit Nuong Chi Tuyen: 175C Co Giang Street, Co Giang Ward, District 1 (7 AM – 9 PM)
- Bun Thit Nuong Kieu Bao: 12-14 To Hien Thanh Street, Ward 12, District 10 (11 AM – 9 PM) & other locations
11. Chè (Sweet Soup Dessert)
Chè is a term for a wide range of Vietnamese sweet soups and puddings. You can find many varieties, from Chè Đậu Đỏ (Red bean sweet soup) to Chè Ba Màu (three-color dessert). They are a delightful way to end a meal.
12. Vietnamese Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá)
No trip to Vietnam is complete without trying its iconic coffee. Cà Phê Sữa Đá is a strong, dark-roasted coffee dripped through a traditional phin filter and mixed with sweet condensed milk, served over ice. It’s an unforgettable caffeine kick.
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Ho Chi Minh City Food Tour Tips from a Local
To make the most of your culinary adventure, keep these tips in mind:
- Embrace the Street Food: Don’t be afraid to sit on a small plastic stool and enjoy a meal at a sidewalk stall. This is where you’ll find the most authentic flavors.
- Be Adventurous: Try new dishes. The city’s food scene is incredibly diverse, and the best finds are often the ones you’ve never heard of.
- Hydrate: The weather in Saigon can be hot and humid. Drink plenty of water or try a fresh sugarcane juice (nước mía).
- Cash is King: Many small street food vendors only accept cash (Vietnamese Dong), so always have some on hand.
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Ho Chi Minh City’s food scene is a journey in itself, and these must-try dishes are just the beginning. From the aromatic broth of Phở to the iconic crunch of a Bánh Mì, each bite tells a story of tradition and culture. As you explore the city, let your curiosity and appetite be your guide. We hope this guide helps you savor every moment of your unforgettable culinary adventure in Saigon.
