Ho Thi Ky Food Street: Saigon’s hidden gem for food lovers

Contents

1. Overview of Ho Thi Ky Food Street

• Address: Alley 52, Ho Thi Ky Street, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City (now part of Vuon Lai Ward)
• Opening hours: 3 pm – 11 pm (some vendors also open in the morning)

Ho Thi Ky Food Street is a lively spot in District 10, tucked into a small 300-meter alley. It is easy to find, with access from major streets like Le Hong Phong, Tran Binh Trong, Ly Thai To, and Hung Vuong.

Come to Ho Thi Ky Food Street in Ho Chi Minh City to experience the local cuisine (Source: Collected)

Once a swamp in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, this area transformed half a century ago when Cambodian dishes were introduced by overseas Vietnamese returning home. Originally focused on Vietnamese dishes, the street later expanded to include flavors from all over the world like Korean, Thai, Japanese, Indian, Cambodian, and Chinese. Now, Ho Thi Ky Food Street is famous for its incredible variety of treats at wallet-friendly prices. With 125 vendors, it is a place where you can try dishes from many countries all in one visit.

In December 2023, the City Department of Tourism recognized the area as one of the “10 interesting shopping spots” in Ho Chi Minh City, which includes Ho Thi Ky Food Street and Ho Thi Ky Flower Market – one of the most well-known Saigon markets.

2. Ho Thi Ky Food Street reviews: What to eat?

2.1. Grilled lemongrass beef skewers

Grilled lemongrass beef skewers (nem bo nuong sa) at Ho Thi Ky Street Food Market are a must-try. The irresistible aroma of beef sizzling over the grill draws in crowds eager to enjoy this flavorful treat. The skewers feature tender beef marinated in a blend of rich spices and grilled to perfection. They are typically served with fresh vegetables and a tangy sweet-and-sour dipping sauce. The price of a skewer is only 10,000 VND.

Recommended eatery: Nem Bo Nuong Sa Tin Tin (57/23B Ho Thi Ky Street)

Indulge in nem bo nuong sa at Ho Thi Ky Food Street (Source: Collected)

2.2. Beef hotpot

If you are a fan of hotpots, especially beef hotpot (lau bo), a visit to the beef hotpot restaurant at Ho Thi Ky Food Street is a must. Known for its high-quality beef, the restaurant carefully selects the best cuts to ensure a satisfying meal. The broth, simmered from bones and aromatic spices, delivers a savory taste that perfectly complements the tender beef. With prices ranging from 100,000 VND to 220,000 VND, this hotpot is perfect for a shared meal with friends and family.

Recommended eatery: Lau Bo Co Thao (84/10 Ho Thi Ky Street)

2.3. Grilled cheese skewers

Grilled cheese skewers (xien thit nuong pho mai) is a popular dish from Thailand. For just 20,000, you can enjoy a serving of hot skewers, each about the size of a palm. The sweet and salty taste of the meat is perfectly balanced, topped with a layer of melted, fatty cheese that adds a creamy texture. This Ho Thi Ky street food is typically served with sweet-and-sour pickles and chili sauce for an extra kick.

Recommended eatery: Xien Thit Nuong Pho Mai Mom Hi (69/21A Ho Thi Ky Street)

2.4. Grilled pork vermicelli

Grilled pork vermicelli (bun thit nuong) is another must-try at Ho Thi Ky Food Market. The vermicelli is cooked soft and smooth without being too tough or mushy. The grilled pork is carefully prepared, seasoned with a balanced mix of spices and grilled over hot charcoal, giving it a crispy outside and tender inside that is full of flavor. Starting at just 25,000 VND for a full bowl, it is a delicious and affordable meal for anyone visiting the street.

Recommended eatery: Bun Thit Nuong Tien (93/25 Ho Thi Ky Street)

Ho Thi Ky Food Street is a great place to sample traditional Vietnamese dishes (Source: Collected)

2.5. Papaya salad

Papaya salad (goi du du) is a flavorful dish with a distinct Western influence. The salad is tossed with a mix of spices like garlic, palm sugar, and fish sauce, which bring out the vibrant flavors. Priced from just 20,000 VND, it is an ideal snack for anyone who enjoys the bold, tangy taste of Western salads.

Recommended eatery: Yen Thao (69/37 Ho Thi Ky Street)

2.6. Vietnamese crab soup

Vietnamese crab soup (sup cua) is a classic dish with traditional ingredients. It is a beloved treat at Ho Thi Ky Food Street, one of the highlights of Ho Chi Minh City food. The soup is hearty, featuring a generous portion of pork brain. On a cool afternoon, nothing beats a warm bowl of thick crab soup with a touch of spicy ground pepper for an extra kick.

Recommended eatery: Sup Cua Thao (68/8 Ho Thi Ky Street)

Discover more: Fine dining in Saigon: 20 lavish restaurants to try

2.7. Cambodian sweet soup

Cambodian sweet soup (che Campuchia) is a delightful dessert that blends traditional ingredients with Cambodian flavors. The standout feature of this dessert at Ho Thi Ky Food Street is its variety of toppings, which add both flavor and nutrition. The price of this dish is affordable, ranging from 10,000 VND to 30,000 VND.

Recommended eatery: Che Co Huoi (57/21A Ho Thi Ky Street)

Ho Thi Ky Food Street is a great place to enjoy food with friends and family (Source: Collected)

2.8. Fried chicken

If you are craving something new, fried chicken (ga ran) is a great choice that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. With a crispy exterior and a tender interior, each bite offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The affordable price, starting from just 15,000 VND per serving, makes ga ran a standout dish at Ho Thi Ky Food Street.

Recommended eatery: Ga Ran Cuc Ta Cuc Tac (107A Ho Thi Ky Street)

2.9. Peach tea

Peach tea (tra dao) is a must-try drink at Ho Thi Ky Food Street, especially on hot days. This refreshing beverage combines the sweet aroma of peaches with the rich flavor of tea. The peach slices are crisp, juicy, and irresistibly sweet. Priced between 15,000 VND and 25,000 VND, it is an affordable and satisfying treat. Beyond the classic peach tea, the vendors also offer additional toppings like tapioca pearls, jelly, and other fruits to make this drink even more appealing.

Recommended eatery: Tra Dao Dam Chu Tun (57/21 Ho Thi Ky Street)

2.10. Taiwanese fried sweet potato balls

Taiwanese fried sweet potato balls (khoai lang bong bong Dai Loan) are a hit at Ho Thi Ky Food Street. Made from mashed sweet potatoes, this dish is shaped into small balls and fried until they puff up, which creates a crispy exterior and a soft interior. A serving typically includes a mix of yellow and purple sweet potato balls. Beyond the original flavor, you can try them coated in chocolate, matcha, cheese, or pickled plum for an extra twist.

Recommended eatery: Yam Yam (93/23 Ho Thi Ky Street)

Taiwanese fried sweet potato balls – a must-try at Ho Thi Ky Food Street (Source: Collected)

Don’t forget to explore night markets in Ho Chi Minh City!

Best-selling products

[Grand Park] Celestial Swing

1 USD

[Grand Park] Fairy Guardian

1 USD

[Grand Park] Tropical Island Water Park Entrance Ticket

8 USD

[Grand Park] Adventure Express

1 USD

-9%

[Grand Park] Water Park + Dream Garden Outdoor Games Combo

11 USD12 USD

[Grand Park] Enchanted Banquet

1 USD

[Grand Park] King of Speed

1 USD

[Grand Park] Mambo Serenade

1 USD

3. How to get to Ho Thi Ky Food Street?

Ho Thi Ky Food Street is easy to reach by various means of transportation such as motorbike, car, and bus. Here is a simple guide to help you find your way:

• Start at Ben Thanh Market, District 1 (now part of Ben Thanh Ward) and head onto Le Loi Street
• Turn onto Le Lai Street and continue straight
• Follow Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street until you reach the Cong Hoa 6-way intersection
• From there, turn onto Ly Thai To Street
• Look for Ho Thi Ky Street on your left, where the food market is located

Check out the Ho Chi Minh City map to plan your itinerary!

4. Tips for visiting Ho Thi Ky Food Street

To make the most of your visit to Ho Thi Ky Food Street, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Visit before 6 PM or after 9 PM to enjoy the food without dealing with large crowds
• Keep your belongings secure to avoid theft in the busy environment
• Look for stalls or restaurants with good reviews to ensure quality
• If you have a motorbike, you can park it in or opposite Ho Thi Ky Elementary School, or in Mr. Trump Parking Lot (382 Le Hong Phong Street)
• The parking fee ranges from 5,000 VND to 10,000 VND per vehicle

Ho Thi Ky Food Street, one of the most bustling culinary hubs in the heart of Saigon, is a paradise for food lovers thanks to the wide range of exquisite dishes that it offers. If you are visiting Ho Chi Minh City, don’t forget to include this attraction in your itinerary!

After exploring Ho Thi Ky Food Street, it is highly recommended that you visit Grand Park, a new entertainment complex located in Thu Duc City (now part of Long Binh Ward). Grand Park offers a blend of thrilling attractions, including the Tropical Island water park, a serene lake. The complex also boasts impressive shopping and dining options, such as Park Avenue Commercial Street, the “Park-in-mall” Shopping Center, and Broadway & Ginza Commercial Street.

Grand Park offers numerous fascinating activities for visitors of all ages

Book Grand Park ticket now