15 street foods in Ho Chi Minh City that are pure indulgence

Contents

Foodaholics will be impressed by the street food in Saigon (Source: Collected)

During your visit to Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, along with exploring renowned tourist spots, you should indulge in a street food tour. As a celebrated culinary haven in Vietnam, the street food in Ho Chi Minh City will captivate every visitor with its exceptionally fresh ingredients, refined seasonings, and sophisticated preparations.

1. Ho Chi Minh City – A culinary paradise for epicures

Ho Chi Minh City is regarded as a culinary melting pot, drawing influences from across Vietnam and worldwide due to its diverse populations. The street food in Ho Chi Minh City is a rich amalgamation of traditional Vietnamese dishes from various regions, each adapted to the local preferences. Additionally, the city embraces the global culinary scene, offering a wide range of international cuisines, from Chinese and Korean to Cambodian and Spanish. This fusion of domestic and international food in Ho Chi Minh City makes this city a dynamic destination for food lovers.

Ho Chi Minh City street food offers an explosion of flavors (Source: Collected)

2. 15 iconic street foods in Ho Chi Minh City

The street food in Saigon is renowned for its exceptional diversity. The city’s year-round hot and humid climate, combined with diverse soil conditions, provides an abundance of fresh ingredients that contribute to the vibrancy of its dishes.

2.1. Banh mi Saigon

Banh mi Saigon stands out for its numerous variations, each designed to cater to a wide range of palates. The core of its appeal lies in the perfectly crispy bread that encases a variety of fillings ranging from shumai (steamed pork dumplings) and fish cakes to roasted pork and pork rinds. To add layers of flavor, each banh mi is garnished with crisp cucumber slices, fresh coriander, spicy chili, and a drizzle of a uniquely balanced sauce that hits all the taste notes from sour, spicy, and salty to sweet. 

Banh mi Saigon is the best street food in Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)

2.2. Hu tieu go

Hu tieu go is characterized by its soft and chewy noodles, which are either served dry or bathed in a flavorful broth traditionally made from stewed bones. These tender noodles are paired with slices of pork and crunchy bean sprouts. To tailor to individual tastes, it is often accompanied by an array of condiments, including pepper, fish sauce, and chili, allowing diners to adjust the flavor intensity to their preference. Fresh raw vegetables are also added to enhance the bowl with a burst of freshness.

Explore some popular types of Saigon noodles!

2.3. Snails (Oc)

Although Saigon is not on the coast, there is no shortage of snail dishes in this city. The local shops offer an impressive variety, with numerous types of snails and countless ways to prepare them, including grilling, steaming, boiling, and stir-frying. This diversity means that you cannot fully experience Saigon’s snail dishes in just one meal. Instead, it invites you to delve deeper, exploring the nuances and flavors on more occasions.

Snails are a not-to-be-missed dish in your Ho Chi Minh city street food tour (Source: Collected)

2.4. Che ba ba

Che ba ba is one of the most popular types of Vietnamese sweet soup (che) in Saigon, known for its comforting sweetness and hearty texture. This dessert is a delightful mix of quintessential Vietnamese ingredients, featuring green beans, lotus seeds, peanuts, sweet potatoes, taro, and black jelly. These are combined with tapioca pearls and tapioca starch for a slightly chewy texture, all steeped in coconut milk and coconut water. The result is a dessert that’s brimming with various textures and flavors.

2.5. Summer rolls (Goi cuon)

Vietnamese summer rolls are ideal for a snack on warm days or as a quick after-work bite. To craft the perfect summer rolls, it is essential to use thin, pliable rice paper and a filling of vermicelli, fresh vegetables, and lean meat or shrimp. The proteins are carefully boiled until just done, ensuring they retain a succulent flavor. When accompanied by a flavorful hoisin-peanut sauce or soy sauce, goi cuon becomes particularly satisfying.

Summer rolls are a famous food in Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)

2.6. Offal stew (Pha lau)

Pha lau is a popular Vietnamese dish featuring beef offal marinated in a blend of spices, cashew, and curry powder. The dish is prized for its rich aroma and a texture that is tender yet chewy. Served in small portions just enough to leave diners satisfied but craving for more, pha lau is accompanied by crispy bread and a tangy, spicy dipping sauce made from fish sauce, tamarind juice, and a bit of chili powder. This combination creates a uniquely flavorful snack.

2.7. Fermented fish noodle soup (Bun mam)

Bun mam is a traditional Vietnamese noodles from the southwestẻn region, characterized by its broth made from fermented fish sauce. This dish involves simmering the fish sauce until clear, then seasoning it to create a rich, flavorful broth. It is served with fresh vermicelli and accompanied by a variety of vegetables like water lily stalks and banana blossoms, which help balance the salty broth. Each restaurant adds a unique twist to reduce the fish sauce’s strong smell while preserving the authentic taste of the dish.

The Ho Chi Minh City food guide will help you better plan for your food tour (Source: Collected)

2.8. Fried fish balls (Ca vien chien)

Fried fish balls are a beloved street food in Saigon, readily available on many street corners. These savory treats are made from minced fish, shaped into meatballs, and deep-fried until golden and crispy. They are typically served with a spicy chili sauce that complements the mild flavor of the fish perfectly. In addition to fried fish balls, vendors often offer a variety of other fried items, including beef balls, shrimp balls, and tofu, all enjoyed for their flavorful pairing with the chili sauce.

Don’t forget to enjoy pho Saigon during your trip!

2.9. Fried rice flour cake (Bot chien)

Bot chien, a popular street food in Ho Chi Minh City, is made from a simple mix of rice flour, tapioca starch, and warm water, which is then cooked until thick, steamed, and cut into pieces for frying. These fried rice flour cakes are typically served with salted papaya, fresh vegetables, and a sweet and sour dipping sauce, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors that resonate with many as a nostalgic childhood dish.

Bot chien is a classic street food in Saigon (Source: Collected)

2.10. Mixed rice paper (Banh trang tron)

Mixed rice paper is made from dried rice paper cut into pieces and mixed with green mango, Vietnamese coriander, shrimp salt, and kumquat juice. It is enriched with fried shallots, peanuts, roasted shrimp, quail eggs, and dried beef jerky. The dish is customizable with varying amounts of satay sauce. It offers a complex flavor profile that includes the chewiness of beef jerky, the richness of quail eggs, and the fresh aromatics of Vietnamese coriander.

2.11. Crab soup

Crab soup stands out as an afternoon treat beloved by a diverse crowd including students and workers. Despite its status as a street food, the quality of crab soup in Saigon is notably high. Rich in ingredients, each serving typically includes crab meat, shredded chicken, crab cakes, and eggs, making it both nourishing and satisfying. Additionally, its affordability adds to its popularity, with each bowl priced between 15,000 and 20,000 VND.

A delectable bowl of crab soup (Source: Collected)

2.12. Bo bia

Bo bia is a simple snack from Saigon. It has gained popularity since around 1945 and become a nostalgic part of many people’s childhood. It consists of a thin rice paper roll filled with steamed white radish or cassava, sweet and salty fried shrimp, lettuce, herbs, and slices of sausage. Unlike the larger spring rolls, bo bia is smaller and served with sweet soy sauce, roasted peanuts, and pickles, making it a perfect snack.

2.13. Crispy pancake (Banh xeo)

Banh xeo is a must-try for anyone visiting Saigon. Known for its rustic appeal, this crispy pancake has a thin, golden crust filled with shrimp, meat, green beans, and bean sprouts. Each pancake is traditionally wrapped in green mustard leaves with fresh herbs and dipped in a well-balanced fish sauce. Banh xeo not only captivates locals but also leaves a lasting impression on visitors.

Banh xeo is a highlight of the street food in Saigon (Source: Collected)

2.14. Stir-fried corn (Bap xao)

Stir-fried corn is a popular Vietnamese street food known for its simplicity and delightful flavors. Made primarily from corn and butter, this dish also includes chopped green onions, shrimp, and a blend of spices. It is especially favored in schools and amusement parks due to easy preparation and the convenience of enjoying it on the go. The combination of creamy, sweet, and savory elements makes bap xao a satisfying treat for many people.

2.15. Vietnamese grilled banana sticky rice (Chuoi nep nuong)

Vietnamese grilled banana sticky rice features bananas wrapped in coconut milk-infused sticky rice and grilled in banana leaves. The bananas used are known for their sweetness, which pairs well with the creamy texture of the rice. Wrapped and grilled in banana leaves, this dish gains an aromatic, smoky flavor while keeping the contents moist and tender. Chuoi nep nuong is commonly sold from street carts.

Chuoi nep nuong is a standout dish among the street food in Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)

Check out fascinating things to do in Ho Chi Minh City!

3. Famous food streets in Ho Chi Minh City

3.1. Ben Thanh Market, District 1

Ben Thanh Market is an ideal spot for experiencing a wide variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes from different regions. The market is renowned for its selection of Central Vietnamese foods such as banh beo and banh nam, as well as Southern Vietnamese dishes like vermicelli with bitter vegetables. Gate 7 of the market is especially famous for its dessert stalls. Additionally, Mrs. Lien’s stall at the East Gate, known for serving tofu and tomato and crab cakes with tamarind juice, is a local favorite.

Ben Thanh Market – the most well-known Ho Chi Minh City street food market (Source: Collected)

3.2. Turtle Lake, District 3

Turtle Lake is a lively hub for street food, particularly popular among young locals. Situated around a picturesque lake, this area is a vibrant gathering place at night as vendors offer a variety of affordable snacks including rice paper, spring rolls, sweet cakes, and soft drinks. The bustling atmosphere and diverse food options make Turtle Lake a key social destination in the city.

3.3. Alley 76 Hai Ba Trung, District 1

Alley 76 Hai Ba Trung in Saigon is a dynamic street food destination known for its wide variety of vermicelli dishes and other snacks. This small, bustling alley offers a diverse array of foods at affordable prices, including Thai vermicelli, grilled pork vermicelli, fried meat vermicelli, crab soup, dumplings, beef, fried corn, and grilled rice paper. It is a popular spot for both locals and tourists seeking to experience the authentic cuisine of Saigon in a vibrant atmosphere.

3.4. Ho Thi Ky Food Street, District 10

Ho Thi Ky Food Street is famous for its unique snail noodle dishes, featuring seafood in a spicy broth. Additionally, for over 40 years, Ms. Huoi’s tea shop has offered distinctive Cambodia-style tamarind and pumpkin teas made with jaggery. This lively food street offers a rich culinary experience with both innovative and traditional flavors.

The vibrant atmosphere at Ho Thi Ky Food Street (Source: Collected)

3.5. Alley 200 Xom Chieu, District 4

Alley 200 Xom Chieu offers a variety of enticing culinary experiences. Highlights include mussel noodles, renowned for its spicy, sweet, and mildly sour seafood broth. Nearby, Ms. Oanh’s shop serves a unique fried rice dish made with fatty beef intestines cooked in coconut water and chili. For those seeking something different, the alley also offers large bowls of richly flavored snails.

3.6. Nguyen Thuong Hien Street, District 3

Nguyen Thuong Hien Street is famous for its variety of street foods, particularly known for mixed rice paper. A notable spot is Mr. Vien’s shop, celebrated for its rice paper soaked in beef sauce, peanuts, laksa leaves, and quail eggs. The street is also home to trolleys offering mixed spring rolls, a dish from the Central region featuring pork, beef, and sour spring rolls seasoned with garlic, chili, and laksa leaves.

3.7. Phan Xich Long Street, Phu Nhuan District

Phan Xich Long Street attracts food lovers with its wide range of dining options. From sidewalk vendors to upscale restaurants, visitors can explore the traditional flavors of Vietnam as well as international cuisines. The street features San Fu Lou for Chinese dishes, Singapore frog porridge, Japanese eateries Haru Sushi and Tokyo Deli, and Korean BBQ at Gogi House.

Phan Xich Long Street is an ideal spot for foodaholics (Source: Collected)

The street food in Ho Chi Minh City is an integral part of the city’s culture, offering a tantalizing array of dishes that showcase the depth and diversity of Vietnamese culinary traditions. For anyone looking to immerse themselves in the authentic local culture during their Vietnam travel, taking a food tour in Ho Chi Minh City is an essential experience.

After savoring the vibrant street food in Saigon, consider extending your holiday to other charming cities such as Hanoi, Ha Long, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc to discover more of Vietnam’s rich cultural tapestry. 

In these destinations, you can enhance your trip by indulging in the entertainment complexes of VinWonders, where excitement awaits visitors of all ages. VinWonders not only offers thrilling games but also hosts spectacular shows, parades, and seasonal events that enrich the visitor experience.

After a day of adventure, you can unwind in luxury at Vinpearl‘s top-tier hotels and resorts, which offer premium services to make your stay exceptionally memorable.

Impressive activities await at VinWonders

Book tickets to VinWonders Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Nam Hoi An, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium and VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park for a wonderful holiday!

Grab the hottest deals at VinWonders