15 delicious Ho Chi Minh City foods that are worth a try

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Immerse yourself in Vietnamese cuisine with a delectable food tour in Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)

Ho Chi Minh City is a dynamic metropolis where the past and present collide. This vibrancy extends to its food scene, offering a delicious adventure for curious gourmands. From street stalls to upscale restaurants, Ho Chi Minh City food tantalizes taste buds with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Dive into this list of 15 must-try dishes and embark on a culinary journey through the heart of Vietnam.

1. What is Ho Chi Minh City cuisine like?

Ho Chi Minh City food is a vibrant tapestry woven from a myriad of cultural influences. With diverse soil conditions and a perpetually warm and humid climate, the city boasts an abundance of fresh produce year-round. Its culinary landscape is a reflection of its rich history, as it has absorbed flavors from across Vietnam and beyond, including Chinese, Khmer, Thai, and European cuisines. The fusion of these culinary traditions has birthed a tantalizing array of dishes that exemplify the city’s cultural melting pot. Whether indulging in street food delights amidst bustling alleys, savoring local delicacies at sidewalk eateries, or relishing in the luxury of upscale restaurants, enjoying food in Saigon is an unforgettable journey through flavors that will leave an indelible mark on the hearts of every taster.

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2. Must-try foods in Ho Chi Minh City

2.1. Broken rice (com tam) – a famous Ho Chi Minh City food

The best food in Ho Chi Minh City awaits (Source: Collected)

• Distinctive features: Vietnamese broken rice, or “com tam,” embodies a delightful fusion of tradition and innovation. Com tam is characterized by its primary ingredient, broken grains of rice, a byproduct of the rice milling process. What sets it apart are the creative accompaniments, including succulent grilled pork ribs reminiscent of European steak, crispy pork rinds, fatty rolls infused with minced pork and eggs, and boiled wood ear mushrooms, all harmonized with a drizzle of onion fat and fish sauce.
• Recommended places:
  • Com Tam Ba Ghien: 84 Dang Van Ngu, Ward 10, Phu Nhuan District
  • Com Tam Moc: 85 Ly Tu Trong, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1
  • Com Tam Minh Long: 607 Nguyen Thi Thap, Tan Hung Ward, District 7

2.2. Pho

Pho Saigon boasts a complex flavor profile (Source: Collected)

• Distinctive features: Unlike its counterpart in Hanoi, pho Saigon is infused with the aromatic spices characteristic of Southern Vietnamese cuisine. Served with an array of fresh herbs such as cinnamon leaves, coriander, cilantro, bean sprouts, and an assortment of sauces, pho Saigon offers a symphony of flavors and textures. It isn’t just a dish; it is a culinary journey with endless variations, from the classic beef pho and chicken pho to the innovative stir-fried pho, pho with poached egg, mixed pho, and pho roll.
• Recommended places:
  • Pho Dau: Alley 288 M1 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3
  • Pho Tau Bay: 433 – 435 Ly Thai To, Ward 9, District 1

2.3. Banh mi – one of the must-try foods in Saigon

Banh Mi Huynh Hoa is a popular spot to try Saigon’s iconic sandwich (Source: Collected)

• Distinctive features: Banh mi Saigon, a gem of Ho Chi Minh City food scene, has rightfully earned its place as one of the most beloved dishes worldwide. Born from the fusion of French baguette and Vietnamese creativity during the colonial era, banh mi Saigon embodies a perfect balance of flavors and textures. With its crispy exterior, buttery richness, savory egg rolls, tangy pickles, fragrant cilantro, and a touch of chili heat, each bite offers a symphony of sensations that dance on the taste buds.
• Recommended places: 
  • Banh Mi Huynh Hoa: 26 Le Thi Rieng, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1
  • Banh Mi Nhu Lan: 68 Ham Nghi, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1

2.4. Beef noodle soup (bun bo)

Bun bo is a testament to the rustic charm of the region (Source: Collected)

• Distinctive features: In the vibrant tapestry of Ho Chi Minh City food markets, beef noodle soup, or bun bo, stands out as a timeless classic. At the heart of its deliciousness lies a harmonious blend of ingredients: silky vermicelli, tender beef, and succulent pork shank, all bathed in a luscious broth tinged with the warmth of cashews. Complemented by an array of fresh raw vegetables like bean sprouts, banana blossoms, and water spinach, bun bo tantalizes the senses and leaves an indelible mark on every palate.
• Recommended places: 
  • Bun Bo Xua: 48 Cach Mang Thang 8, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3
  • Bun Bo Hue Hanh: 135 Banh Van Tran, Ward 7, Tan Binh District

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2.5. Rice noodles soup (hu tieu)

No Ho Chi Minh City food tour is complete without trying a steaming bowl of hu tieu (Source: Collected)

• Distinctive features: Vietnamese rice noodles, or hu tieu, is a beloved food in Saigon celebrated for its unparalleled diversity. A steaming bowl of hu tieu presents a tantalizing blend of flavors and textures, featuring fragrant rice noodles bathed in a luscious broth and adorned with succulent pork or beef balls, alongside an array of fresh vegetables. From the iconic Nam Vang noodle soup to the aromatic satay and fish variations, the myriad renditions of hu tieu offer a culinary adventure for every palate. 
• Recommended places:
  • Hu Tieu Nam Vang Lien Hua: 381 Vo Van Tan, Ward 5, District 3
  • Hu Tieu Nam Vang Thanh Dat: 34 Co Bac, Cau Ong Lanh Ward, District 1

2.6. Crispy pancakes (banh xeo)

Banh xeo has a golden hue and emanates a tantalizing aroma (Source: Collected)

• Distinctive features: Crafted from a batter of rice flour infused with turmeric juice and coconut milk, Vietnamese pancake envelops a sumptuous filling of shrimp, pork, green beans, onions, and bean sprouts. As it sizzles on the pan, the name “banh xeo” is born from the delightful sound of its creation. The crispy exterior yields to reveal a medley of flavors, from the fragrant bitterness of vegetables to the fresh aroma of herbs. Paired with a spicy sweet and sour fish sauce, each bite offers a paradise of dancing flavors.
• Recommended places:
  • Banh xeo Dinh Cong Trang: 46 Dinh Cong Trang, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1
  • Banh xeo Ba Hai: 49 Nguyen Trong Tuyen, Ward 15, Phu Nhuan District

2.7. Sticky rice (xoi)

Xoi is often enjoyed for breakfast or dinner (Source: Collected)

• Distinctive features: Vietnamese sticky rice, known as xoi, is a cherished staple in the culinary tapestry of Vietnam, with glutinous rice as its main ingredient. Beyond the traditional white sticky rice, xoi dazzles with an array of other vibrant colors thanks to the infusion of ingredients like pandan leaves, turmeric, or vegetable broth. This diversity extends to its accompaniments, as various versions feature additions such as green beans, corn, meat, fish, and fruits, creating a symphony of textures and flavors.
• Recommended places:
  • Xoi Binh Tien: 88 Minh Phung, Ward 5, District 6
  • Xoi Ton Dan: 232 Ton Dan, Ward 15, District 4

2.8. Vietnamese fermented fish noodle soup (bun mam)

Each slurp of bun mam evokes memories of riverside feasts (Source: Collected)

• Distinctive features: Saigon noodles take on a whole new dimension of flavor with Vietnamese fermented fish noodle soup – bun mam. Its name pays homage to its star ingredient – the fermented fish sauce that infuses the broth with an irresistible sweetness. This delectable dish combines a harmonious medley of snakehead fish, shrimp, squid, and roasted pork, creating a symphony of flavors that awaken the senses. Bun mam is often served alongside water lilies, banana cabbage, and bean sprouts.
• Recommended places: 
  • Bun Mam Le: 77/19 Ho Thi Ky, Ward 1, District 10
  • Bun Mam 144: 144 Khanh Hoi, Ward 6, District 4

2.9. Snails (oc) – the best Ho Chi Minh City food for the night

The allure of fresh snails paired with rich dipping sauces is simply irresistible (Source: Collected)

• Distinctive features: The world of Ho Chi Minh City street food comes alive at night with the tantalizing aroma of snails (oc). Ho Chi Minh City boasts a diverse array of snail varieties such as sweet snails, nail snails, grease snails, and wool snails, each offering a different flavor profile. Whether you crave stir-fried coconut, sautéed butter, or garlic-infused delights, there is a snail dish for you. The allure of fresh snails paired with rich dipping sauces is simply irresistible

• Recommended places:

• • Oc To: 224 Xom Chieu, Ward 15, District 4
  • Oc Dao: Alley 212B Nguyen Trai, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1

2.10. Vietnamese tomato noodle soup (bun rieu)

Vietnamese vermicelli noodles are firm yet tender (Source: Collected)

• Distinctive features: Vietnamese tomato noodle soup, or bun rieu, is a quintessential variation of Vietnamese vermicelli noodles that embodies the rich flavors of food in Ho Chi Minh City. At the heart of this culinary masterpiece lies the broth, which is meticulously crafted using crab and sometimes pork bones. As the broth simmers, the dark brown hues of crab meat float to the surface, forming delicate layers of foam. Some variations of bun rieu include crispy fried tofu pieces, adding an extra layer of texture to the dish.
• Recommended places: 
  • Bun Rieu Yen: 1348 Truong Sa, Ward 3, Tan Binh District
  • Bun Rieu Ganh: 4 Phan Boi Chau, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1

2.11. Spring rolls (goi cuon)

Vietnamese spring rolls stand as an icon of the vibrant food in Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)

• Distinctive features: Celebrated among the 50 best dishes in the world by CNN in 2011, Vietnamese spring rolls are not just a meal but an experience in themselves. Expertly rolled with ingredients such as boiled pork, shrimp, vermicelli, sliced shallots, and a variety of herbs, all encased in delicate rice paper, they offer a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. Diners have the option to pair them with seasoning sauce, often with a hint of pineapple, black sauce for robustness.
• Recommended places: 
  • Goi Cuon Tom Nhay LLQ: 424 Lac Long Quan, Ward 5, District 11
  • Goi Cuon Ngon Ngon: 322/13 An Duong Vuong, Ward 4, District 5

2.12. Offal stew (pha lau)

Pha lau is a beloved staple of Ho Chi Minh City food culture (Source: Collected)

• Distinctive features: Pha lau, a beloved staple of Ho Chi Minh City food culture, emerges as a culinary innovation that celebrates the full spectrum of flavors and textures found in offal. This dish features edible pieces sourced from various parts of cattle, marinated with a symphony of flavors and simmered with a touch of coconut milk for hours, creating a rich and savory stew. Diners have the option to enjoy pha lau with bread, instant noodles, or to explore alternative preparations such as frying, hot pot, or grilling.
• Recommended places: 
  • Pha Lau Bo Co Thao: 234/29G Ton Dan, Ward 15, District 4
  • Pha Lau Bo Ba Hat: 533 Ba Hat, Ward 8, District 10

2.13. Bun dau

Bun dau serves as a delicious introduction to the diverse flavors of food in Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)

• Distinctive features: In the comprehensive Ho Chi Minh City food guide, bun dau emerges as a favorable culinary gem. A complete meal of bun dau encompasses a tantalizing assortment of components, including vermicelli noodles, fried beans, crispy rice nuggets, succulent steamed pork legs, crunchy spring rolls, and fried intestines, all complemented by an array of fresh vegetables. Bun dau is elevated to a culinary experience that delights both the palate and the senses.
• Recommended places:
  • Bun Dau Co Khan: 102/26 Cong Quynh, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1
  • Bun Dau A Chanh: 359 Nguyen Thuong Hien, Ward 11, District 3

2.14. Mixed rice paper (banh trang tron)

Mixed rice paper offers a delightful array of flavors and textures (Source: Collected)

• Distinctive features: As one of the best food in Ho Chi Minh City for youngsters, mixed rice paper holds a special place in the hearts of locals. This ubiquitous snack can be found in every nook and cranny of the city, from bustling markets to cozy sidewalk corners. Made simply by chopping pieces of rice paper and mixing them with satay or oil, fried onions, and shrimp salt. More elaborate toppings can also be utilized, like sour mango, dried beef, and boiled quail eggs.
• Recommended places: 
  • Banh Trang Chi Huong: 146/27 Nguyen Che Nghia, Ward 12, District 8
  • Banh Trang Nhat Quynh: 78/10 Ho Thi Ky, Ward 1, District 10

2.15. Sweet soup (che)

Sweet soup is a perfect food in Ho Chi Minh City for hot days (Source: Collected)

• Distinctive features: Considered among the best food in Ho Chi Minh City, sweet soup is a beloved and versatile treat. This delightful concoction boasts a myriad of ingredients, including fruits, beans, seeds, and tapioca, all bathed in creamy coconut milk. While traditional recipes have long been cherished, modern variations have brought new twists and flavors to this timeless dessert. Sweet soup is often served cold with ice to combat the sweltering heat of summer.
• Recommended places:
  • Che Mam: 32 Su Van Hanh, Ward 2, District 10
  • Che Ha Ky: 138 Chau Van Liem, Ward 11, District 5

From savory street food like banh mi and pho to indulgent desserts like che, the city’s diverse offerings never fail to impress. Whether you are strolling through bustling markets, dining at upscale restaurants, or indulging in street stalls, Ho Chi Minh City food offers a culinary journey like no other. 

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