Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is a food paradise where street food culture thrives alongside modern dining. The city’s cuisine is a vibrant mix of Vietnamese flavors—sweet, spicy, sour, and umami—with French, Chinese, and Cambodian influences. Here’s a mouthwatering breakdown of must-try dishes and where to find them:
Phở – Vietnam’s national dish.
Best spots: Phở Hòa Pasteur, Phở Lệ (District 5)
Try Phở Tái (rare beef) or Phở Gà (chicken).
Bánh Mì – Crusty French-Vietnamese baguette sandwich.
Best spots: Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa (District 1), Bánh Mì 37 Nguyễn Trãi
Filled with pâté, cold cuts, pickled veggies, and chili.
Bún Thịt Nướng – Grilled pork over vermicelli noodles.
Best spots: Bún Thịt Nướng Cô Ba (District 3)
Served with fish sauce, herbs, and crispy spring rolls.
Hủ Tiếu – Clear noodle soup with pork/seafood.
Best spots: Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang Liên Hoa (District 5)
Cambodian-Chinese-Vietnamese fusion.
Cơm Tấm (Broken Rice) – Fragrant rice with grilled pork.
Best spots: Cơm Tấm Cali (multiple locations)
Topped with fried egg, pickles, and fish sauce.
Bánh Xèo – Crispy Vietnamese savory pancake.
Best spots: Bánh Xèo 46A (District 1)
Stuffed with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts.
Gỏi Cuốn (Fresh Spring Rolls) – Rice paper rolls with herbs & shrimp/pork.
Best spots: Street vendors in District 1 & 3.
Bún Bò Huế – Spicy beef noodle soup from Central Vietnam.
Best spots: Bún Bò Huế O Xuân (District 3)
Ốc (Snails & Seafood) – Saigon’s late-night street food.
Best spots: Ốc Oanh (District 3)
Try ốc len xào dừa (snails in coconut curry).
Chè (Vietnamese Desserts) – Sweet soups with beans, jelly, and coconut milk.
Best spots: Chè Khánh Vy (District 5)
✔ Street Food Stalls – Cheapest & most authentic (try Bến Thành Market, Vỉa Hè sidewalks).
✔ Local Eateries (Quán Ăn) – Hole-in-the-wall spots with plastic stools.
✔ High-End Vietnamese – Nén, Anăn Saigon, Cuc Gach Quán.
Sweet – Palm sugar, coconut milk.
Spicy – Bird’s eye chili, Sriracha.
Sour – Tamarind, lime, vinegar.
Umami – Fish sauce, fermented shrimp paste.
Eat where locals queue – Long lines = fresh & delicious.
Try “Bia Hơi” (fresh beer) – Dirt-cheap draft beer at street stalls.
Watch hygiene – Pick stalls with high turnover.
Learn basic Vietnamese – “Cho tôi một phần” (One portion, please).
If you’re craving Indian food in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), you’re in luck! The city has a growing selection of authentic and fusion Indian restaurants, from budget-friendly to fine dining. Here’s a curated guide to the best spots:
Tandoor Restaurant (District 1)
Why go? One of the oldest & most authentic, with a tandoor oven and North Indian specialties.
Must-try: Butter Chicken, Garlic Naan, Lamb Rogan Josh.
Price: Mid-range (~300,000–500,000 VND per dish).
Ganesh Indian Restaurant (District 1)
Why go? Cozy vibe, great for South Indian dishes like dosas and thalis.
Must-try: Masala Dosa, Chicken Tikka, Mango Lassi.
Price: Budget-friendly (~150,000–300,000 VND).
Bombay Grill (District 2, Thao Dien)
Why go? Expats’ favorite, with a modern twist on classics.
Must-try: Paneer Tikka, Biryani, Malai Kofta.
Price: Mid-range (~200,000–400,000 VND).
Namaste Hanoi Indian Restaurant (District 3)
Why go? Authentic flavors, generous portions, and vegan-friendly options.
Must-try: Palak Paneer, Vegetable Samosa, Chole Bhature.
D’Lions Restaurant & Bar (District 1)
Why go? Rooftop setting with Indian fusion and cocktails.
Must-try: Tandoori Platter, Curry with a view.
Street-style: Samosa, Chaat, or Pav Bhaji (harder to find but worth it!).
Comfort food: Butter Chicken, Dal Makhani, Biryani.
Vegetarian/Vegan: Aloo Gobi, Baingan Bharta, Chana Masala.
✔ Spice levels: Ask for “Indian spicy” if you want authentic heat (local Vietnamese spice tolerance is milder).
✔ Lunch buffets: Some places (like Tandoor) offer all-you-can-eat deals.
✔ Delivery: Available on GrabFood or Baemin.
“Indian-style” dishes at non-Indian restaurants (often less authentic).
Overpriced tourist traps near Bui Vien (check reviews first).
Vegetarian: Ganesh, Namaste Hanoi.
Gluten-free: Many curries are naturally GF (avoid naan/breads).
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is a food paradise with an incredible mix of street food, local markets, and hidden gems. Here’s your ultimate guide to eating like a true local:
Phở – Vietnam’s most famous noodle soup.
Best spots: Phở Hòa Pasteur, Phở Lệ (District 3)
Tip: Try Phở Tái (rare beef) or Phở Gà (chicken).
Bánh Mì – Crispy baguette with pâté, meats, and pickles.
Best spots: Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa (District 1), Bánh Mì 37 Nguyễn Trãi
Tip: Order with extra butter and chili sauce!
Bún Thịt Nướng – Grilled pork with vermicelli & fresh herbs.
Best spots: Bún Thịt Nướng Cô Ba (District 10), Bún Thịt Nướng Nguyễn Trung Trực
Cơm Tấm (Broken Rice) – Fragrant broken rice with grilled pork, egg, and fish sauce.
Best spots: Cơm Tấm Cali (District 10), Cơm Tấm Ba Ghiền
Hủ Tiếu – Clear pork/seafood noodle soup (Saigon-style is sweeter).
Best spots: Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang Liên Hoa, Hủ Tiếu Mì Hoành Thánh Đại Lộc
Bánh Xèo – Crispy Vietnamese pancake with shrimp & pork.
Best spots: Bánh Xèo 46A (District 1), Bánh Xèo Ăn Là Ghiền
Bánh Tráng Trộn – A famous Saigon street snack: rice paper mixed with quail eggs, dried beef, and chili.
Best street vendors: Around Nguyen Thuong Hien Street (District 3)
Ốc (Snails) – Saigon’s late-night seafood obsession.
Best spots: Ốc Oanh (District 3), Ốc Đào (District 4)
Bến Thành Market (District 1) – Tourist-friendly but still delicious.
Chợ Hồ Thị Kỷ (District 10) – Cheap, authentic, and packed with locals.
Vỉa Hè (Sidewalk Eats) – Just sit on tiny plastic stools and point at what looks good!
Lunch Lady (District 1) – Famous for daily-changing noodle soups.
Bún Mọc Thanh Đa (Bình Thạnh) – Legendary meatball noodle soup.
Phá Lấu (District 5) – Braised offal stew, a Saigon delicacy.
Võ Văn Kiệt Street (District 1) – Open past midnight, great for seafood.
Lê Văn Sỹ Street (Tân Bình) – Famous for bò lá lốt (beef wrapped in betel leaf).
Cà Phê Sữa Đá – Iced Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk.
Best spots: Cà Phê Vợt, The Workshop Coffee
Sinh Tố (Vietnamese Smoothies) – Try avocado, soursop, or durian!
Best spots: Sinh Tố Chị Thảo (District 3)
Chè (Sweet Dessert Soup) – Made with beans, jelly, and coconut milk.
Best spots: Chè Bà Thìn (District 1), Chè 3 Mùa
✔ Look for busy stalls – A crowd means fresh, tasty food.
✔ Bring cash – Most street vendors don’t take cards.
✔ Try “ăn vặt” (snacking culture) – Saigon locals eat small portions all day!
✔ Avoid ice in street drinks – Unless it’s from a trusted place.
Tiết Canh (Raw Blood Pudding) – A Vietnamese delicacy (not for the faint-hearted).
Bún Mắm (Fermented Fish Noodle Soup) – Strong flavor, but a must-try for adventurers.
Here’s a guide to fast food in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), covering international chains, local quick bites, and unique Vietnamese twists on fast food:
McDonald’s – Locations in District 1, 3, and 7. Try the McPork Burger (Vietnam-exclusive).
KFC – Everywhere! Local flavors like spicy rice bowls and shrimp burgers.
Lotteria (Korean chain) – Popular for kimchi burgers and shrimp patties.
Burger King – Classic Whoppers, plus wasabi mayo chicken sandwiches.
Jollibee (Filipino) – Famous for Chickenjoy and spaghetti with sweet sauce.
Domino’s/Pizza Hut – Delivery-friendly, with toppings like Vietnamese sausage.
These are must-try local quick eats:
Bánh Mì – Vietnam’s iconic sandwich. Best spots:
Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa (District 1) – Piled high with pâté and cold cuts.
Bánh Mì 37 Nguyễn Trãi (District 1) – Buttery, crispy baguettes.
Bánh Tráng Trộn (“Vietnamese Pizza”) – Rice paper salad with quail eggs, dried shrimp, and chili.
Try it at street stalls near universities (e.g., Pham Ngoc Thach Street).
Gỏi Cuốn (Fresh Spring Rolls) – Grab-and-go at markets like Bến Thành.
Cơm Tấm (Broken Rice) – Fast, filling plates with pork, egg, and fish sauce.
Cơm Tấm Cali (multiple locations) is a local chain.
Xôi (Sticky Rice) – Sweet or savory, wrapped to go. Try Xôi Mặn (with shredded chicken).
Kimbap Cheonguk (Korean) – Cheap, delicious kimbap rolls and ramyeon.
Gyu-Kaku (Japanese BBQ) – Fast lunch sets with grilled meats.
Pepper Lunch – DIY sizzling beef rice plates.
Highlands Coffee – Vietnam’s Starbucks alternative. Try coconut coffee.
Milano Ice Cream – Affordable soft-serve with local flavors (durian, green bean).
Chè (Sweet Soup) – Street vendors serve it in cups for easy walking.
✔ Grab/Food Delivery – Apps like GrabFood, Baemin, or Now deliver fast food 24/7.
✔ Vegetarian? Try Hum Vegetarian or Bánh Mì Chay (vegan bánh mì).
✔ Late-Night? Circle K/FamilyMart has hot dogs, onigiri, and microwaved meals.
Here’s a juicy guide to the best tropical fruits you must try in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), plus tips on where to find them and how to enjoy them like a local:
Măng Cụt (Mangosteen) – The “queen of fruits” with sweet, tangy white flesh.
Season: May–Aug
Tip: Choose plump, dark purple ones; avoid hard shells.
Sầu Riêng (Durian) – The “king of fruits,” creamy but polarizing due to its strong smell.
Season: May–Sep
Tip: Try durian sticky rice or ice cream if the fresh fruit is too intense.
Chôm Chôm (Rambutan) – Hairy red shell with lychee-like flesh.
Season: May–Oct
Tip: Twist open; avoid brown spines (overripe).
Xoài (Mango) – Vietnamese mangoes are super sweet!
Season: Mar–Jun
Tip: Eat with sticky rice & coconut milk (xôi xoài).
Mãng Cầu (Sugar Apple/Custard Apple) – Sweet, custard-like texture.
Season: Jun–Sep
Tip: Scoop out seeds before eating.
Thanh Long (Dragon Fruit) – Mildly sweet, vibrant pink or white flesh.
Season: Year-round (peak: May–Oct)
Tip: Refreshing in smoothies or salads.
Vú Sữa (Milk Fruit/Star Apple) – Milky, sweet flesh with a star-patterned core.
Season: Oct–Dec
Tip: Squeeze gently to check ripeness.
Nhãn (Longan) – Small, juicy, and floral.
Season: Jun–Aug
Tip: Buy on branches for freshness.
Local Markets:
Bến Thành Market (touristy but convenient).
Chợ Hồ Thị Kỷ (best for durian & exotic fruits).
Street Vendors: Look for carts near parks (e.g., Tao Dan Park).
Supermarkets: VinMart or Big C for hygienic, pre-cut options.
Ask to taste first – Vendors often offer samples.
Try fruit salads (trái cây dầm) – Mixed with chili salt or shrimp paste.
Drink fresh juice – Stands squeeze it on the spot (try soursop or sapodilla!).
✔ Wash fruits in bottled water if eating raw.
✔ Avoid overripe fruit (check for bruises/mold).
❌ Don’t overpay – Compare prices (e.g., durian ~80k–150k VND/kg).
🌡️ Durian is banned in hotels/public transport due to its smell!
Sinh Tố (Vietnamese Smoothie) – Try avocado, sapodilla, or soursop.
Nước Mía (Sugarcane Juice) – Often mixed with kumquat.