Ho Chi Minh City food tour: Dishes, places to eat & more

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1. Must-try dishes on Ho Chi Minh City food tours

Ho Chi Minh City is a food lover’s paradise. Here are some must-try dishes to enjoy on your food tour here:

• Banh mi Saigon: This sandwich combines crispy baguettes with a variety of fillings. Expect a delicious mix of meats, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and creamy sauces. Each bite is a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
• Com tam: A classic Ho Chi Minh City food, com tam features broken rice grains served with grilled pork, steamed egg, and fish sauce. The smoky, savory flavors make this a must-try.
• Hu tieu: This is a flavorful noodle soup with a clear, aromatic broth. Topped with slices of pork, shrimp, or seafood, it is a lighter alternative to other noodle soups and perfect for breakfast.
• Oc: Snails are a beloved street food in Ho Chi Minh City. They are served in various ways, such as stir-fried with garlic, steamed with lemongrass, or tossed in spicy tamarind sauce.
• Pho Saigon: Pho is Vietnam’s famous noodle soup, and the Ho Chi Minh City variation adds its own twist. It comes with a variety of herbs and sauces for customization.
• Bun thit nuong: This dish features rice vermicelli topped with smoky grilled pork, fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and crushed peanuts. It is served with a side of fish sauce dressing for a burst of flavors.
• Bun bo Hue: This hearty bowl delivers bold flavors with its spicy broth and thick noodles. Topped with beef, pork, and lemongrass, it is a dish full of depth.
• Bo la lot: This street food includes seasoned minced beef that is wrapped in betel leaves then grilled to perfection. The smoky flavors pair wonderfully with rice noodles.

Looking for the best food tour in Ho Chi Minh City? – Look no further! (Source: Collected)

Read more: Lunch in Saigon: Top 15 dishes and suggested dining spots

2. Best places for Ho Chi Minh City food tours

2.1. Local markets

Exploring local markets is the best way to experience the soul of Ho Chi Minh City’s cuisine. Here are some top Saigon markets to enjoy a Ho Chi Minh City food tour.

• Ben Thanh Market (District 1): Ben Thanh Market offers a wide variety of Vietnamese dishes. Highlights include banh beo, spring rolls, and fruit smoothies.

• Ba Hoa Market (Tan Binh District): This market is famous for its Central Vietnamese specialties. Dishes like mi Quang, banh xeo, and bun bo Hue are the highlights here.

• Xom Chieu Market (District 4): Known as a street food haven, Xom Chieu Market serves an array of dishes, from grilled skewers to sweet soups.

2.2. Food streets

Ho Chi Minh City’s food streets buzz with energy. Each street has its own specialties, making them perfect stops on a Ho Chi Minh City food tour.

• Ho Thi Ky Food Street (District 10): Nestled within the city’s largest flower market, you will find many affordable Vietnamese staples here, like grilled rice paper. It is also known for Cambodian delicacies, which are closely tied to its history. 

• Phan Xich Long Food Street (Phu Nhuan District): Known for its trendy eateries, this street is a mix of modern and traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Highlights include hotpots, fresh seafood, and bubble teas.

• Nguyen Thuong Hien Food Street (District 3): Famous for its snacks, this street is where you will find countless vendors serving rice paper salad, grilled skewers, and refreshing fruit drinks.
• Vinh Khanh Food Street (District 4): A seafood lover’s dream, Vinh Khanh Food Street is packed with stalls offering fresh dishes like grilled squid and tamarind crab. You can also indulge in snail dishes prepared in many different ways.
• Ha Ton Quyen Food Street (District 11): Renowned for its satay noodle soup, this street focuses on flavorful Chinese-inspired dishes. With rich broth and fragrant sauce, it is a top pick for hearty meals.

Enjoy a delicious food tour in Saigon (Source: Collected)

2.3. Food alleys

Ho Chi Minh City’s hidden alleys are home to some of the best street foods. They pack big flavors and are must-visits for foodies.

• Alley 76, Hai Ba Trung Street (District 1): A food haven in the heart of the city, this alley is famous for delicious dishes steamed rice rolls and banh mi.

• Alley 245, Nguyen Trai Street (District 1): This alley serves a variety of dishes, including hu tieu, grilled skewers, and sweet soups.

• Alley 284, Le Van Sy Street (District 3): This alley is a go-to spot for crispy Vietnamese pancakes and mini savory pancakes.

• Alley 51, Cao Thang Street (District 10): This alley is known for fermented fish noodle soup and crab noodle soup. Their unique flavors are a treat for adventurous eaters.

• Alley 285, Cach Mang Thang Tam Street (District 10): Famous for grilled beef in betel leaves, this alley also offers a variety of grilled and noodle dishes.

2.4. Other suggestions

Beyond markets, streets, and alleys, make sure to include these areas on your Ho Chi Minh City food tour.

• Saigon Japan Town (District 1): Tucked away in small alleys near Le Thanh Ton Street, Saigon Japan Town offers authentic Japanese cuisine at cozy izakayas and ramen shops. Try sushi, yakitori, or udon here.

• Chinatown (Districts 5, 6, 11): Known locally as Cho Lon, this bustling area is a hub for Chinese cuisine. Feast on dim sum, roasted duck, wonton noodle soup, and sweet desserts like sesame balls or almond tofu.

• Korean Street (District 7): Located near Phu My Hung Urban Area, this street is a hotspot for Korean food. Enjoy dishes like BBQ, tteokbokki, and bibimbap in trendy restaurants.
• Michelin-standard restaurants: Saigon is home to several Michelin-standard eateries. You should stop by Cuc Gach Quan, Bep Me In, Com Tam Ba Ghien, Mien Ga Ky Dong, and Pho Le.

A food tour in Saigon is a great way to immerse yourself in the city’s lively atmosphere (Source: Collected)

Explore: Michelin-starred restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City and more 

3. Popular Ho Chi Minh City food tours

3.1. Saigon food tour by Vespa A Go Go

The Saigon food tour by Vespa A Go Go is an exciting way to explore the city’s vibrant culinary scene. This $79 tour runs from 5:30 PM to 9 PM and introduces you to 10 different dishes, ensuring you experience the authentic flavors of Saigon. Beyond food, the tour offers the thrill of riding on a vintage Vespa scooter through the bustling streets of the city. While there isn’t a specific vegan food tour, the organizers can accommodate vegetarian or vegan preferences if notified in advance.

3.2. Street food on scooter tour

The Ho Chi Minh City food tour on Klook offers an exciting 4-hour journey through Ho Chi Minh City’s bustling streets, where you will taste between 7 and 12 dishes at 7 beloved local spots. As you travel through districts with an English-speaking guide, you will hop on and off the scooter to savor spicy beef noodle soup, fresh sugarcane juice, grilled seafood, etc. Throughout the tour, your guide will share fascinating stories, giving you a deeper understanding of Saigon’s culture. The tour prices range from $30.

3.3. Private Saigon foodie half-day tour

This is a more private Ho Chi Minh City food tour, offering a personalized way to explore Ho Chi Minh City’s culinary delights. You can choose between morning, afternoon, or evening to fit your schedule. The tour will take you through local markets, where you can get a glimpse into the daily life of the locals. Riding on a scooter, you will navigate through the city to enjoy must-try dishes. Priced at $40, it is a fantastic option for those seeking a more intimate way to explore the city’s food scene.

Ho Chi Minh City food tours are an exciting way to dive into the city’s culinary landscape (Source: Collected)

Check out: Dinner in Saigon: Top popular and unique dining options

4. Tips to enjoy Ho Chi Minh City food tours

Keep the following tips in mind to have an enjoyable experience:

• Choose the right transportation: Walk or ride scooters to experience the city like a local. Scooter tours are especially great for covering more ground and reaching hidden food spots.
• Focus on authenticity: Look for tours that truly showcase the local cuisine. A good operator will introduce you to dishes and eateries that the locals love rather than generic tourist spots.
• Check the tour’s transparency: Pick a tour with honest pricing. Avoid overly cheap options that might compromise on quality or include hidden fees.
• Combine food and sightseeing: Some tours pair food tasting with visiting local attractions, giving you a richer understanding of the city’s culture.
• Be adventurous with food choices: Be open to dishes you have never heard of. Ho Chi Minh City is full of unique culinary surprises. Let your guide recommend their favorites!
• Consider dietary preferences: If you have specific dietary needs, ensure the tour operator can accommodate them, especially if you are vegetarian, vegan, or allergic.

Discover: Ho Chi Minh City travel tips: 7 things to keep in mind

Taking a Ho Chi Minh City food tour is essential to experiencing the true spirit of the city. With every dish, you will uncover a piece of the local culture. Whether you are exploring on foot or by scooter, a food tour offers a fun way to learn about the flavors that define Ho Chi Minh City.

After indulging in a Ho Chi Minh City food tour, why not continue your adventure with some fun at Grand Park in Thu Duc City? Grand Park offers a variety of attractions, perfect for unwinding after a day of delicious discoveries. One of the highlights is Fantasy on Ice, an exciting ice skating rink that provides a unique experience for visitors of all ages. Gliding across the ice is a perfect way to add some excitement to your visit! 

Visit Grand Park after enjoying the best food tour in Saigon

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