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Dinner in Saigon: Top popular and unique dining options

31/12/2024

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Saigon is a paradise for food lovers, especially when it comes to dinner in Saigon. From vibrant street food to luxurious fine dining, the city offers something for everyone. Whether you are craving traditional Vietnamese flavors or seeking unique culinary adventures, we have got you covered.

1. Top choices for dinner in Ho Chi Minh City
2. Unique dinner options in Ho Chi Minh City

1. Top choices for dinner in Ho Chi Minh City

1.1. Banh canh (Vietnamese thick noodle soup)

For an authentic dinner in Saigon, banh canh is a hearty option that stands out among Ho Chi Minh City food. This dish combines chewy noodles, rich broth, and toppings like crab, pork, or fish. In Saigon, banh canh cua (crab noodle soup) is particularly popular. Often called the “luxury version” of the dish, it features chewy tapioca noodles in a crab-infused broth, topped with shrimp, pork, mushrooms, and red crab meat.

Here are some popular spots where you can enjoy banh canh for dinner in Saigon:

Banh canh cua 87: 87 Tran Khac Chan Street, District 1 | 11 AM – 9 PM
Banh canh cua Hoang Lan: 484 Vinh Vien Street, District 10 | 10:30 AM – 9 PM
Banh canh cua Ut Le: 210 To Hien Thanh Street, District 10 | 3 PM – 10:30 PM

Banh canh is a delicious choice for dinner in Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)

1.2. Bun bo (beef noodle soup)

Another dish that you should try for dinner in Saigon is bun bo. Originating from Hue, it features thick vermicelli, tender beef, pork knuckles, and sausage, topped with fresh herbs. In Saigon, the broth is milder, with beef brisket and pork sausage often replacing the traditional ingredients. It is served with fresh vegetables like lettuce, bean sprouts, and banana flowers.

You can check out these restaurants for Hue beef noodle soup for dinner in Saigon:

Bun bo Hue – Ben Ngu: 585 Huynh Tan Phat Street, District 7 | 6 AM – 6 PM (Mon), 6 AM – 8 PM (Tue – Sun)
Bun bo Hue – Gia Hoi: 14 Street 2, District 11 | 6 AM – 9 PM
Bun bo Hue – O Le: 642 Phan Van Tri Street, Go Vap District | 6 AM – 10:30 PM

1.3. Com tam (broken rice)

Com tam, or Vietnamese broken rice, is another dish you shouldn’t miss for a fulfilling dinner in Saigon. Made from broken rice grains, the dish is served with various toppings like grilled pork, steamed egg cakes, and pickled vegetables. A drizzle of sweet-savory fish sauce ties everything together, enhancing every bite.

Below are some top-rated spots to enjoy this dish for dinner in Ho Chi Minh City:

Com tam 449: 449 An Duong Vuong Street, District 5 | 6 AM – 11 AM, 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Com tam 321: 333 Le Quang Dinh Street, Binh Thanh District | 8 AM – 2 PM, 4 PM – 9 PM
Com tam Tai: 1 Nguyen An Ninh Street, Binh Thanh District | 6 AM – 10 PM

Treat yourself to com tam for a traditional dinner in Saigon (Source: Collected)

1.4. Com nieu (clay pot rice)

Com nieu is a traditional Vietnamese dish with a rustic charm. This dish is cooked in a clay pot over charcoal fire, creating a distinctive aroma and texture. The meticulous process – from selecting premium rice to carefully controlling the heat – ensures perfectly cooked rice with a fluffy texture and a crispy crust at the bottom.

To try this traditional favorite for dinner in Saigon, you can consider these restaurants:

Com nieu Sai Gon: 59 Ho Xuan Huong Street, District 3 | 10 AM – 11 PM
Com nieu Thien Ly: 16 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, District 1 | 10 AM – 2:30 PM, 4 PM – 9 PM
Com nieu Trung Son: 285 Street 9A, Trung Son Residential Area, Binh Chanh District | 10 AM – 8:30 PM

1.5. Banh xeo (Vietnamese crispy pancake)

Banh xeo is another highly recommended dish for dinner in Saigon. This crispy Vietnamese pancake is a Southern Vietnamese specialty. It stands out with its crunchy texture and flavorful filling. The traditional banh xeo is filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and mung beans, all wrapped in a golden pancake.

For a memorable banh xeo experience, check out these spots:

Banh xeo Ngoc Son: 103 Ngo Quyen Street, District 5 | 9 AM – 9 PM
Banh xeo mien Tay Thanh Phuong: 31/6 Hoang Hoa Tham Street, Tan Binh District | 7 AM – 10:30 PM
Banh xeo 46A: 46A Dinh Cong Trang Street, District 1 | 10 AM – 2 PM, 4 PM – 9 PM

A plate of banh xeo makes dinner in Ho Chi Minh City extra special (Source: Collected)

Check out these street foods in Ho Chi Minh City for a fulfilling food tour!

1.6. Seafood

Ho Chi Minh City is a paradise for seafood lovers. From street vendors with small cooking stations to upscale seafood restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City, you will find options to suit every taste and budget.

For rich flavors, try snails stir-fried with coconut milk or clams with butter. If you are a garlic fan, snails with crispy garlic are a must-try. Grilled dishes like mussels with green onion oil or steamed clams with lemongrass offer aromatic tastes.

Here are some top spots to enjoy seafood for dinner in Saigon:

Nha hang hai san Ran Bien 5: 274 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 3 | 10 AM – 11 PM
Oc Dao: 212B/D48 Nguyen Trai Street, District 1 | 10:30 AM – 10 PM
Quan oc Nhu: 650/4/29D Dien Bien Phu Street, District 10 | 11 AM – 9:30 PM

1.7. Pho

For a comforting dinner in Ho Chi Minh City, you can’t go wrong with pho – Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup. Pho Saigon is known for its slightly sweeter broth, often made from chicken bones and a hint of dried squid. It is typically served with sweet hoisin sauce, chili sauce, lime, and fresh herbs like basil, sawtooth coriander, and bean sprouts. Thinly sliced onions, sometimes pickled in vinegar, add a tangy twist to each bowl.

Some famous places to enjoy pho for dinner in Saigon include:

Pho Le: 415 Nguyen Trai Street, District 5 | 6 AM – 12 AM
Pho Hoa Pasteur: 260C Pasteur Street, District 3 | 6 AM – 10:30 PM
Pho mien ga Ky Dong: 14/5Bis Ky Dong Street, District 3 | 5:30 AM – 10:30 PM

A bowl of pho is perfect for dinner in Saigon

A bowl of pho is perfect for dinner in Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)

1.8. Banh mi chao (bread with combo pan)

Banh mi chao is a delightful twist on the classic banh mi. Instead of a sandwich, this type of banh mi Saigon is served with a sizzling pan of delicious ingredients. You can dip or top slices of crispy baguette with a mix of meats, eggs, and savory sauces. Fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and cucumber slices add a refreshing texture to round out the meal.

Below are some great places for banh mi chao in Saigon:

Banh mi chao Co 3 Hau: 36 Street 18, Go Vap District | 7 AM – 10 PM (Mon – Sat) | 12 AM – 10 PM (Sun)
Chao Banh Mi Restaurant: 31 Tran Quang Dieu Street, District 3 | 9 AM – 9:45 PM
Banh mi chao Anh Map: 93-95-97 Mac Thi Buoi Street, District 1 | 4 PM – 11:30 PM

1.9. Lau (hotpot)

Lau is a beloved communal dining experience in Ho Chi Minh City. With a steaming pot of flavorful broth at the center, you can cook an array of fresh ingredients like meat, seafood, and vegetables to your liking. Varieties like fermented fish hotpot or beef hotpot bring out unique regional flavors and add an extra layer of excitement to your meal.

Consider these spots for a perfect dinner in Saigon with lau:

Bun mam, lau mam mien Tay Co Ut: 74 Ut Tich Street, Tan Binh District | 8:30 AM – 10 PM
Lau bo Nha Go – Saigon: 162 Ly Thai To Street, District 3 | 10 AM – 11 PM
Lau ca Dan Ich: 99 Chau Van Liem Street, District 5 | 6 AM – 11 AM, 4 PM – 9:30 PM

Lau is the ultimate comfort food for dinner in Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)

1.10. Chinese family dinner in Saigon

For a dinner in Saigon with a touch of home, Chinese cuisine is a great choice. It has become an essential part of the city’s food culture. From street foods to banquet dishes, Chinese meals often carry family traditions passed down through generations. Each dish, whether a bowl of rice, steamed buns, or stir-fries, brings comfort to diners.

Here are some top spots for an authentic Chinese family-style dinner in Saigon:

Tien com Truyen Ky: 39/20 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, District 11 | 11 AM – 2 PM, 4:30 PM – 8 PM
Tien com tho Chuyen Ky: 65-67 Ton That Dam Street, District 1 | 10 AM – 9 PM
Tien com Tan Nha: 100 Tran Tuan Khai Street, District 5 | 12 PM – 2 PM, 5 PM – 9 PM (closed on Monday)

Explore: Fine dining in Saigon: 20 lavish restaurants to try

2. Unique dinner options in Ho Chi Minh City

2.1. Dinner on a Saigon River cruise

A dinner cruise in Saigon offers you a unique dining experience with fresh air and stunning views of the city’s illuminated skyline. Iconic landmarks like Nha Rong Wharf, Ben Nghe Port, Saigon Port, and the Landmark 81 building provide a breathtaking backdrop.

The service on board is exceptional, often accompanied by live performances blending traditional and modern music. The cuisine is equally delightful, with menus crafted by professional chefs. You will find a wide selection of dishes that combine Asian and European flavors.

Prices for a dinner cruise along the Saigon River range from about VND 350,000 to over VND 1,000,000, depending on the cruise line and included services. Popular options include the Saigon Princess, the Indochina Junk, Elisa Floating Restaurant, and Ben Nghe Floating Restaurant.

A dinner cruise in Saigon combines stunning views with delicious food (Source: Collected)

2.2. Dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant

For those seeking an exceptional dinner in Ho Chi Minh City, visit one of the Michelin-starred restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City. Each offers exquisite menus, creative presentations, and world-class services:

Akuna (9F, Le Méridien Hotel, 3C Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1): This restaurant features a breathtaking interior with 1,200 light rods surrounding an open kitchen. Its menu combines European and Vietnamese flavors, paired with exceptional wines.
Long Trieu (4F, The Reverie Saigon, Times Square Building, 22-36 Nguyen Hue Street, District 1): This venue highlights Cantonese cuisine crafted by a talented Hong Kong chef. Signature dishes include fried prawns with XO sauce and hot-and-sour wonton soup.
Anan Saigon (89 Ton That Dam Street, District 1): This modern eatery reimagines Vietnamese street food with innovative twists. Must-tries include tuna tartare, shrimp and pork tacos, and Wagyu beef pho.

2.3. Dinner in the dark

Enjoying dinner in complete darkness is truly extraordinary. Without sight, your other senses come alive – smelling rich aromas, savoring flavors more distinctly, and noticing textures with heightened awareness. Among the many restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City, Noir – Dining in the Dark offers this one-of-a-kind experience. Set in a charming French villa that blends Eastern and Western architecture, the restaurant provides a crafted menu featuring appetizers, main courses, and desserts. Each dish is designed to delight your senses.

Address: Lane 178-180D, Hai Ba Trung Street, District 1
Opening hours: 5:30 PM – 11 PM (last seating at 9:30 PM)

A dinner in Saigon becomes unforgettable when enjoyed in the dark (Source: Collected)

*Note: The details in this article are for reference purposes only and may change over time. If you are planning to visit these dining establishments, it is recommended that you contact them for the most up-to-date information.

Dinner in Saigon reflects the city’s rich cultural diversity, offering something for every taste and budget. From iconic Vietnamese street food to unique culinary experiences, there is always something new to try. Whether it is your first visit or you are a seasoned traveler, Saigon’s dining scene promises to leave you with unforgettable memories. So, bring your appetite and explore the best dinner options this city has to offer!

When you visit Ho Chi Minh City, make sure to explore more than just dinner in Saigon. Iconic landmarks like Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, Tao Dan Park, Ben Thanh Market, and Saigon Central Post Office are must-sees.

In particular, the Grand Park in Thu Duc City will add even more excitement to your trip. Located within the Vinhomes Grand Park urban area, this new attraction offers something for all ages. You will find the Tropical Island water park, the Dream Garden inspired by Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay, year-round festivals, and a variety of shopping and dining options.