Ho Chi Minh Food Guide: Best Street Food and Local Dishes in Saigon(2025)
Welcome to Vietnam’s most dynamic metropolis—Ho Chi Minh City, still affectionately known as Saigon. With its chaotic charm, buzzing motorbikes, and endless energy, this southern city offers one of the most electrifying culinary scenes in Southeast Asia. Whether you’re exploring the narrow alleys of District 5 or hopping through modern cafes in District 1, you’ll find yourself on a Ho Chi Minh food tour unlike any other.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the best local eats, street food stalls, markets, and hidden gems that define Saigon’s vibrant food culture. This isn’t just a list—it’s your go-to resource for what to eat, where to find it, and how to eat like a local in Ho Chi Minh City. From iconic dishes like Banh Mi and Pho to hidden alleyway noodle joints, this guide will whet your appetite and deepen your understanding of Southern Vietnamese cuisine.
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Contents
Why Ho Chi Minh City Is a Foodie’s Dream
The culinary landscape in Ho Chi Minh is a melting pot of flavors, thanks to French colonial heritage, Chinese influence, and deep-rooted Southern Vietnamese traditions. Unlike Hanoi, food in Saigon tends to be sweeter, spicier, and more herbaceous—often served with generous sides of fresh vegetables and sauces.
Top reasons to take a Ho Chi Minh food tour
Street food is everywhere—cheap, fresh, and fast. You’ll find locals eating on plastic stools from dawn until midnight.
Fusion of flavors from Vietnamese, French, Chinese, and Cambodian cuisines creates something truly unique.
Endless variety: You can have grilled seafood one minute and a creamy avocado smoothie the next.
Late-night eating culture: Saigon’s food scene is alive until well past midnight, especially in areas like District 1 and 4.
Must-Try Dishes in Ho Chi Minh City
Exploring the streets of Saigon without trying its iconic dishes is a missed opportunity. Here’s what you should try first:
1. Banh Mi Saigon
* A crispy baguette loaded with pâté, pork, pickled carrots, cucumber, cilantro, and chili sauce.
* Why it stands out: Banh Mi in Saigon is more flavorful and crispier compared to other regions, thanks to the French-style baking.
* Where to try: Banh Mi Huynh Hoa (District 1), Banh Mi Hong Hoa
2. Pho Saigon
* Southern-style pho is slightly sweeter and served with bean sprouts, herbs, lime, and hoisin sauce on the side.
* Pro tip: Unlike in Hanoi, you’re expected to customize your bowl with herbs and condiments.
* Where to try: Pho Hoa Pasteur, Pho Le
3. Com Tam (Broken Rice)
* A hearty plate of broken rice topped with grilled pork chop, fried egg, pickled vegetables, and scallion oil.
* Unique touch: The texture of broken rice is softer, and it soaks up sauces better than whole grain.
* Where to try: Com Tam Ba Ghien
4. Hu Tieu
* Clear, savory pork-based noodle soup with shrimp, sliced pork, and quail egg.
* Regional twist: Often served dry with soup on the side in the South.
* Where to try: Hu Tieu Nam Vang Lien Hua, District 10
5. Bo La Lot
* Minced beef wrapped in betel leaves and grilled, often served with rice noodles and sweet fish sauce.
* Flavor profile: Smoky, peppery, and herbaceous—especially good with pickled carrots and cucumbers.
* Where to try: Local stalls in District 4 or Ben Thanh Market
6. Goi Cuon (Fresh Spring Rolls)
* Rice paper rolls with shrimp, pork, lettuce, herbs, and vermicelli—served with hoisin-peanut dip.
* Healthy option: Great for vegetarians and those seeking a lighter snack.
* Where to try: Street vendors, Pho 24 outlets
7. Banh Xeo
* Crispy savory crepe filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, eaten with herbs and rice paper wraps.
* Eat like a local: Tear it, wrap it in lettuce and rice paper, and dip in fish sauce.
* Where to try: Banh Xeo 46A, District 3
Best Places for Street Food in Ho Chi Minh City
Each district has its own culinary personality. Here’s where to eat your way through the city:
Vinh Khanh Street (District 4)
Known as “Seafood Street,” it’s packed with grill stations offering clams, snails, oysters, squid, and more. It’s loud, lively, and deliciously chaotic.
Co Giang Street (District 1)
A lesser-known gem with local BBQ, noodles, and stir-fries. Ideal for those who want a more authentic, less touristy Ho Chi Minh food tour experience.
Nguyen Thuong Hien Street
Famous for sweet and savory street snacks—try sticky rice with chicken, mixed rice paper salad (banh trang tron), and fruit smoothies.
Ben Thanh Market Food Stalls
Touristy but still worth a visit. You’ll find everything from Banh Xeo to pho and colorful “che” (Vietnamese dessert soups).
Pro Tip: Visit from 6 PM onwards when the street comes alive with sizzling woks and buzzing scooters.
Ben Tanh Street Food Market
Top Food Markets & Night Experiences
Ben Thanh Night Market
The area transforms into a pedestrian-friendly food fest post-sunset. Try grilled seafood, Vietnamese pancakes, and even durian if you’re adventurous.
Street Food Market on Thu Khoa Huan
A curated indoor/outdoor market that offers both traditional Vietnamese dishes and modern fusion bites. Great for groups and families.
Tan Dinh Market (District 3)
Quieter than Ben Thanh but a favorite among locals. Ideal for breakfast pho and fresh produce shopping.
Bui Vien Walking Street
It’s party central, but it also has some fantastic late-night food options like meat skewers, fried noodles, and even Turkish kebabs.
Bui Vien Walking Street – The Backpackers paradise
Vegan & Vegetarian Food in Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon’s vegan scene is thriving, and it’s incredibly easy to eat plant-based here. Even traditional restaurants often offer tofu-based versions of local favorites.
Top Spots:
* Loving Hut: A global chain with hearty vegan versions of pho, spring rolls, and rice dishes.
* Hum Vegetarian: A beautiful garden-style restaurant with refined takes on Vietnamese cuisine.
* Kashew Cheese: Popular with digital nomads, offering vegan cheese boards, brunch, and smoothies.
Vegan Must-Tries:
* Vegan pho with mushrooms and tofu
* Tofu in clay pot
* Jackfruit salad with mint and chili
* Stir-fried morning glory with garlic
Coffee & Dessert Culture
Saigon doesn’t just eat well—it drinks and desserts well, too. Coffee shops are social hubs here.
Don’t forget to check out the Cafes of Saigon to experience the thriving Coffee Culture of Vietnam
What to Sip:
* Iced Coconut Coffee: A Saigon original with creamy coconut milk and robust coffee
* Egg Coffee (Ca Phe Trung): A foamy, creamy delight borrowed from Hanoi but sweeter here
* Ca Phe Sua Da: Iced coffee with sweetened condensed milk—your perfect pick-me-up
What to Savor:
* Che Ba Mau: A colorful dessert with beans, jelly, and coconut milk
* Pandan Waffles: Fragrant and chewy, sold from street carts
* Avocado Smoothie: Rich, sweet, and served with condensed milk
Top Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
While you explore the delicious culinary offerings of Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City, as mentioned in this Ho Chi Minh City Food Guide, don’t forget to Check out some of the Top Sights of Ho Chi Minh City, most of which are also the Best Things to See in Ho Chi Minh City !
Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City?
Tips for Your Ho Chi Minh Food Tour
* Take a guided motorbike food tour to see more neighborhoods and get insider tips
* Carry small change as many vendors don’t accept big bills or cards
* Watch how locals eat—copying their style ensures you do it right
* Spice caution: Say “không cay” if you can’t handle spice
* Bring tissues—many street stalls won’t offer napkins
* Hydration tip: Drink bottled water and go easy on iced drinks unless you trust the source
Ho Chi Minh City is a fast-paced, food-obsessed city where every corner reveals a new snack, soup, or sizzling surprise. Whether you’re slurping Hu Tieu at dawn or sipping coconut coffee at midnight, your taste buds are in for an unforgettable ride.
From timeless dishes like Banh Mi and Pho to innovative vegan creations and vibrant night markets, Saigon feeds both your hunger and curiosity. A Ho Chi Minh food tour is more than a meal—it’s a cultural experience, a sensory overload, and one of the best ways to understand the spirit of the city.
For a truly unforgettable Ho Chi Minh food tour, leave your diet behind and bring an open mind—and an empty stomach.
Also check out these other helpful Vietnam Travel Guides, which will help you plan your Vietnam Trip with ease !
- Hanoi Food Guide
- Hoi An Food Guide
- Best Street Food Tours in Vietnam
- Vietnam Travel Itinerary
- Top Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
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