Top 25+ Foods In Ho Chi Minh City - Best Food Guide

1. Banh Xeo (Crispy Vietnamese Pancake)

Banh xeo is a popular and beloved food in Ho Chi Minh City. The name itself is quite interesting. The word "xeo" in the name comes from the sizzling sound made when pouring the batter onto a hot pan, which then quickly cooks to crispy perfection, releasing a tempting aroma. A delicious Banh Xeo consists of crispy fried batter, fresh vegetables, and various fillings, such as pork and seafood like shrimp and squid. All of these are dipped in sweet fish sauce, creating a delightful culinary experience.

A delicious Banh Xeo consists of crispy fried batter, fresh vegetables, and various fillings, such as pork and seafood like shrimp and squid.

You can try this at: 

• Banh Xeo Tom Nhay – 164 Nguyen Thi Nho, Ward 15, District 11. 

• Banh Xeo Dinh Cong Trang – 46A Dinh Cong Trang, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1.

• Banh Xeo Ngoc Son – 103 Ngo Quyen, Ward 11, District 5. 

2. Com Tam Suon (Grilled Pork Broken Rice)

When visiting Ho Chi Minh City, one must not miss out on Com Tam. This easily found dish is available in every alley and street, with prices ranging from affordable to expensive. The "traditional" Com Tam plate typically consists of grilled pork ribs, shredded pork skin, meatloaf, sunny-side-up eggs, and broken rice, making it a popular breakfast choice for people in the southern region. When eating Com Tam, it's essential to pour some fish sauce over the meat to enhance its already savory flavor, making it even more delightful. 

Com Tam Suon (Grilled Pork Broken Rice)

You can try this at: 

• Com Tam Ba Ghien - 84 Dang Van Ngu, Ward 10, Phu Nhuan District. 

• Com Tam Suon Que – 371 Dien Bien Phu, Ward 25, Binh Thanh District.
   

3. Bo Nuong La Lot (Grilled Beef Wrapped in Betel Leaf)

Bo Nuong La Lot is a flavorful dish that consists of seasoned ground beef wrapped in betel leaves and grilled to perfection. The combination of the smoky grilled beef and the aromatic betel leaves creates a delicious and fragrant bite-sized delight. To eat Bo Nuong La Lot, you need to dip a piece of rice paper in water to soften it, then place a roll of beef on top of it. Add some noodles, vegetables, and herbs as you like, then wrap it up and dip it in the sauce.

Bo Nuong La Lot

You can try this at: 

• Bo Ne 3 Ngon - 188 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 3.

• Bo la lot Co lieng - 321 Vo Van Tan Street, District 3.

4. Bun Rieu Cua (Minced crab Noodles Soup) 

As the name suggests, the main ingredient of Bun Rieu Cua is the minced crab, which is cooked with eggs to create a crab paste or crab cake. The common condiment for Bun Rieu Cua is shrimp paste, which adds a rich flavor to the soup base and complements the fresh vegetables served alongside. The other components of Bun Rieu, such as tofu and tomatoes, contribute to its refreshing and tangy taste, making it a favored choice among the people of Saigon, especially during the hot summer months. 

 
The main ingredient of Bun Rieu Cua is the minced crab

You can try this at: 

• Bun Rieu Ganh – 4 Phan Boi Chau, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1. 

• Bun Rieu Hem – 96/1/5F Phan Dinh Phung, Phu Nhuan District. 

• Bun Rieu 7 – 183 Hau Giang, Ward 5, District 6.
   

5. Banh Mi (Vietnamese Baguette)

Banh Mi is not only famous as the best Ho Chi Minh City street food but has also gained worldwide recognition as one of the "best street foods in the world." Saigon's Banh Mi offers numerous variations and diverse fillings, such as paté, Vietnamese sausage, shredded pork, cold cuts, and even unique creations like bánh mì phá lấu (braised pork organ) and bánh mì khô bò (dried beef). The warm and crispy baguette, combined with the flavorsome ingredients, creates a symphony of flavors that is simply irresistible. 

Banh Mi

You can try this at:

• Banh Mi thit nuong - Alley 37 Nguyen Trai, District 1. 

• Banh Mi Huynh Hoa - 26 Le Thi Rieng, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1. 

• Banh Mi Bay Ho - 19 Huynh Khuong Ninh, Da Kao Ward, District 1. 

• Banh Mi Hoa Ma - 53 Cao Thang, Ward 3, District 3.
   

6. Banh mi chao (Skillet Bread)

Banh mi chao is one of the most enticing and satisfying foods in Ho Chi Minh City. The image of golden-brown, fragrant pieces of bread with various fillings such as meat, eggs, sausages, and fresh herbs is simply irresistible. The sensation of biting into a hot, crispy piece of bread with its rich flavors will truly satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling fulfilled.

Banh mi chao

You can try this at:

• Banh mi chao Bami Co Bong: 443/19A, Le Van Sy, Ward 12, District 3. 

• Banh mi chao 176: 189 Dinh Tien Hoang, Da Kao Ward, District 1. 

• Banh mi chao Xuan Lac: 172 Hoa Hung, Ward 13, District 1.
   

7. Banh Uot, Banh Cuon (Steamed rice pancake stuffed with minced pork)

Banh Uot

Banh Uot and Banh Cuon are two types of steamed rice pancakes that are similar but have different fillings. Banh Uot is a thin and translucent pancake that is served plain or with chopped scallions and fried shallots on top. Banh Cuon is a thicker and more opaque pancake that is stuffed with minced pork and wood ear mushrooms. They are typically served with a dipping sauce and topped with crispy shallots, creating a light and flavorful dish.

>>>You may need this: Banh Uot Vs Banh Cuon: Reveal The Differences
 

You can try this at:

• Banh Cuon Tay Ho - 127 Dinh Tien Hoang, District 1.

• Banh Cuon Hai Nam - 11A Cao Thang, District 3.
   

8. Pho Bo (Beef Noodle Soup)

Pho Bo is perhaps one of the most famous Vietnamese dishes worldwide. It features a flavorful broth made from slow-cooked beef bones and spices, served with rice noodles, thinly sliced beef, and a variety of fresh herbs. The aromatic broth and tender beef slices make Pho Bo a comforting and delicious choice.

Pho Bo

You can try this at:

• Pho Hoa Pasteur - 260C Pasteur Street, District 3.

• Pho Le - 303-305 Vo Van Tan Street, District 3.

• Pho Phuong - 25 Hoang Sa Street, District 1.
   

9. Banh Beo (Vietnamese Steam Rice Cake) 

Banh Beo is a traditional Vietnamese delicacy and a favorite Ho Chi Minh City street food. Banh Beo consists of small steamed rice cakes topped with savory ingredients such as dried shrimp, scallions, and crispy pork skin. To eat Banh Beo, you need to use a spoon to scoop out a cake from the bowl, drizzle some sauce over it, and enjoy. The dish is light and tasty.

Banh Beo

You can try this at:

• Banh Beo Chen - 11 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, District 1.

• Banh Beo Hue O Trinh - 126 Bui Thi Xuan, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1.

• Banh Beo Ba Duong - 34 Tran Cao Van Street, District 1.
   

10. Goi Cuon (Vietnamese Spring Rolls)

Goi Cuon is a common dish that appears in most Ho Chi Minh City food tours. It can be easily found in various streets and neighborhoods of Saigon, with thin and chewy rice paper as the outer layer, filled with peeled shrimp, lean pork, vermicelli noodles, and fresh herbs. The flavors are balanced with a tangy, spicy, salty, and subtly sweet taste, a refreshing choice in Saigon's hot weather. The essence of goi cuon lies in its dipping sauce, which can be either soy sauce or a specially prepared fish sauce tailored to each type of roll, offering a unique and distinct taste.

• Goi Cuon Tom Nhay – 424 Lac Long Quan, Ward 5, District 11. 
• Goi Cuon - Alley 359 Le Van Sy, District 3.
• Goi Cuon Ngon Ngon – 322/13 An Duong Vuong, Ward 4, District 5.
• Goi Cuon Hanh Restaurant – 420A Hoa Hao, Ward 5, District 10.

11. Hu Tieu Nam Vang (Pork and Shrimp Noodle Soup) 

Hu Tieu Nam Vang

You can try this at:

• Hu Tieu Nam Vang Dat Thanh - 232 Nguyen Thi Thap, Binh Thuan ward, District 7.

• Hu Tieu Quoc Ky - 24 Ky Con, Nguyen Thai Binh ward, District 1.

• Hu Tieu Nam Vang Quynh - A65 Nguyen Trai, Cu Trinh ward, District 1.
   

12. Grilled Meat and Seafood Skewer

Grilled meat and seafood skewers are a popular Ho Chi Minh City food. You can find vendors grilling a variety of marinated meats and seafood on skewers, such as beef, chicken, shrimp, and squid. The smoky flavors and juicy textures make these skewers a delicious snack or a full meal.

Grilled meat and seafood skewers

You can try this at:

• Panda BBQ – 1Bis Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1.

• Happy BBQ – 146 Ly Chinh Thang, Ward 7, District 3.

• Jumbo BBQ – 1049 Binh Quoi, Ward 28, Binh Thanh District.

13. Seafood at Vinh Khanh Food Street 

Vinh Khanh Food Street is a culinary hotspot known for its vibrant seafood scene
 

Vinh Khanh Food Street is a culinary hotspot known for its vibrant seafood scene. Here, you can find a wide variety of fresh seafood such as crabs, clams, prawns, squid, and dozens of seafood restaurants and stalls. The seafood is typically grilled or cooked in various styles, including salt and chili, butter garlic, or tamarind sauce. 

You can find Vinh Khanh Food Street at Vinh Khanh Street in District 4. It is open from 5 pm to midnight every day.

>>> Read more:

Ho Chi Minh Travel Guide

Best restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City

Nightlife in Ho Chi Minh city

14. Chuoi Nuong (Vietnamese Grilled Banana) 

Grilled banana, also known as grilled sticky rice banana, is a popular Ho Chi Minh street food. What makes this dish enticing is the sweet and fragrant taste of ripe bananas grilled over charcoal, either naked or wrapped in banana leaves for added aroma. Grilled bananas can be enjoyed on their own or served with coconut sauce or condensed milk.

Grilled banana

You can try this at:

• Chuoi Nuong Ut Lua - 115 Phan Dang Luu, Ward 7, Phu Nhuan District.

• Chuoi Nuong Vo Van Tan - 378 Vo Van Tan, Ward 5, District 3.

• Chuoi Nuong - 266 Doan Van Bo, Ward 16, District 4.

15. Bun bo Hue (Hue-style spicy beef noodle soup)

Bun Bo Hue

Bun Bo Hue is one of the specialties of Hue but it has also become a popular street food in Ho Chi Minh City. A bowl of Bun Bo Hue typically consists of beef shank, pork knuckle, pork meat, crab sausage, shrimp sausage, and various fresh herbs as toppings. The dish is often garnished with herbs, lime, and chili oil for an extra kick.

You can try this at:

• Bun Bo - 220 Khanh Hoi, District 4.

• Bun Bo Hue 3A3 - 17 Dang Tran Con, Ben Thanh, District 1.

16. Oc (Seafood dishes in general)

Seafood dishes, particularly those featuring snails, are always among the top street foods in Ho Chi Minh City. Hundreds of different types of Oc and other seafood from all over the country are marinated and skillfully seasoned, creating enticing flavors that make it seem like a snail paradise. These delicious and affordable dishes in Saigon are perfect for gathering with friends and immersing oneself in the local life during a food tour Ho Chi Minh City.

Hundreds of different types of Oc and other seafood from all over the country are marinated and skillfully seasoned

You can try this at:

• Oc Dao – 212B/C79 Nguyen Trai, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1

• Oc Loan – 166/1 Ly Thai To, Ward 1, District 3

• Oc Mam sua – 282/4A Bui Huu Nghia, Ward 2, Binh Thanh District

17. Banh trang tron (Mixed rice paper)

Banh trang tron must be called the "A-star" among all the beloved street snacks of Saigon's genZ. Banh trang tron is a popular street snack made with thin rice paper sheets that are cut into small pieces and mixed with various ingredients such as shredded green mango, beef jerky, dried shrimp, peanuts, and herbs. It is then seasoned with a tangy and spicy dressing, creating a flavorful and crunchy snack that must-try if you have a Ho Chi Minh food tour.

Banh trang tron

You can try this at:

• Banh trang tron chu Vien - 38 Nguyen Thuong Hien, Ward 5, District 3.

• Banh trang tron Co Nam - 58 Le Thi Hong, Ward 17, Go Vap District

• Banh trang tron Gia Dinh – 66 Phan Van Tri, Ward 12, Binh Thanh District
   

18. Xoi  (Vietnamese sticky rice) 

Xoi Saigon comes in two types: sweet and savory. Popular sweet varieties include red, multicolored, black glutinous, mung bean, durian, and pandan leaf sticky rice. Savory options include chicken, pork and shrimp, young chicken and egg, char siu, and mixed ingredient sticky rice. Each is garnished with different toppings like fried shallots, scallion oil, shredded coconut, sauce, or sugar.

Xoi Saigon comes in two types

You can try this at:

• Xoi ga Tan Dinh - 297 Hai Ba Trung, Ward 8, District 3.

• Xoi che Bui Thi Xuan - 111 Bui Thi Xuan, Pham Ngu Lao ward, District 1.

• Xoi vo Sau rieng - 65 Ton That Dam, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1.

• Xoi Bat buu - 95A Ly Chieu Hoang, Ward 10, District 6.
   

19. Lau bo (Vietnamese beef hotpot)

Lau Bo, also known as Vietnamese beef hotpot, is a communal dining experience that is perfect for sharing with friends and family. It features a simmering pot of flavorful broth in which diners cook thinly sliced beef, along with an array of fresh vegetables, mushrooms, and noodles. The interactive nature of Lau Bo allows everyone to customize their own bowls of soup, creating a personalized and delicious dining experience.

Lau Bo

You can try this at:

• Lau duoi bo A Tai - Alley 372 Cach Mang Thang 8, Ward 10, District 3.

• Lau bo Hoang Thu - 84/1 Ho Thi Ky, Ward 1, District 10.

• Lau bo Ti Chuot - 1-3 Cao Ba Nha, Nguyen Cu Trinh ward, District 1.

20. Bun dau mam tom (Rice vermicelli with fried tofu and shrimp paste sauce) 

From Hanoi to Saigon, Bun dau mam tom (vermicelli with tofu and shrimp paste) remains a beloved dish for many. Each piece is fried to perfection, crispy and rich, with enticing fermented rice cakes, thinly sliced pig's feet that are not overwhelming, and fresh, vibrant vegetables that complete the delicious and enticing plate of bun dau.

Bun dau mam tom (vermicelli with tofu and shrimp paste) remains a beloved dish for many

You can try this at:

• Bun dau mam tom A Chanh - 87 Xo Viet Nghe Tinh, Ward 17, Binh Thanh  District.

• Hem Dau - 140e Ly Chinh Thang, Ward 7, District 3.

• Bun dau mam tom Mac Van Khoa - 253 Phan Huy Ich, Ward 12, Go Vap  District.
   

21. Mi Quang (Quang-style noodles with pork and shrimp)

Mi Quang is a specialty dish from the Quang Nam, Vietnam. It features wide rice noodles tossed in a flavorful sauce, topped with pork, shrimp, fresh herbs, peanuts, and crispy rice crackers. The combination of textures and flavors, along with the vibrant colors of the dish, make Mi Quang a visually appealing and tasty choice for food in Ho Chi Minh City.

Mi Quang

You can try this at:

• Mi Quang Pho Hoi - 46A Dinh Cong Trang Street, District 1.

• Mi Quang 85 - 85 Phan Xich Long Street, Phu Nhuan District.

• Mi Quang My Son - 127 Phan Xich Long Street, Phu Nhuan District.

22. Bun Mam (Vietnamese fermented fish paste soup with rice vermicelli)

Bun Mam is one of the specialties of the southwestern region of Vietnam, which has been spread and introduced to Ho Chi Minh City. It combines various ingredients from the riverine region such as shrimp, squid, snakehead fish, bitter vegetables, water lily, along with roasted pork or eggplant. The flavorful broth, served hot and aromatic, enhances the rustic charm of this dish even more.

Bun Mam

You can try this at:

• Bun Co Trinh - 116 Vuon Chuoi, Ward 4, District 3.

• Bun Mam Co Cuc - 174 Nguyen Thien Thuat, Ward 1, District 3.

• Hue Food - Bun Mam Nem - 242/14 Nguyen Thien Thuat, Ward 3, District 3.

23. Bun thit nuong (Vietnamese rice vermicelli with grilled pork)

Bun Thit Nuong is a classic Vietnamese dish that showcases the perfect combination of flavors and textures. It features rice vermicelli noodles topped with marinated and grilled pork, fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and a drizzle of fish sauce. The smoky and tender grilled pork, along with the freshness of the herbs and the tanginess of the fish sauce, creates a harmonious and satisfying dish.

Bun Thit Nuong

You can try this at:

• Bun Thit Nuong Hoang Van - 137 Chan Hung Phurong 6, Tan Binh District.

• Bun Thit Nuong Chi Tuyen - 195 Co Giang, Co Giang Ward, District 1.

24. Che (Vietnamese traditional sweet dessert)

Che Sai Gon impresses visitors with its vibrant colors from a diverse range of ingredients: the green of young rice flakes, the yellow of corn, the reddish-brown of mung beans, the dark jelly, etc., all combined to create unique desserts. Unlike the rich flavors of chè in other regions, che Sai Gon offers a refreshing and cooling taste, making it a delicious and affordable treat to beat the hot weather.

 
Che Sai Gon impresses visitors with its vibrant colors from a diverse range of ingredients

You can try this at:

• Che Thai Y Phuong – 380 Nguyen Tri Phuong, Ward 4, District 10.

• Che Khuc Bach Thanh – 68/210 Tran Quang Khai, District 1.

• Che Ha Ky – 138 Chau Van Liem, District 5.
   

25. Vietnamese Coffee

No food tour Ho Chi Minh City would be complete without mentioning Vietnamese coffee. Known for its rich and intense flavor, Vietnamese coffee is typically made with robusta beans and brewed using a traditional drip filter. It can be enjoyed hot or over ice, with or without condensed milk. The slow-dripped coffee and the creamy sweetness of the condensed milk create a unique and addictive taste that is beloved by coffee enthusiasts around the world.

Vietnamese coffee

You can try this at:

• Dabao Concept - 18 Tu Xuong, Vo Thi Sau, District 3.

• Dabao concept - Dongdo - 151C Hai Ba Trung, Ward, District 3.

• Kohi Coffee - 135 Nguyen Duc Canh, Tan Phong, District 7.

• Barista Collective - 41 Ho Xuan Huong, Ward 6, District 3.

• La Gare Coffee - 447 Nguyen Thi Thap, Tan Phong, District 7.

Above are 25 delicious and affordable foods in Ho Chi Minh City that are not only popular among locals but also favored by domestic and international tourists. Hopefully, these recommendations will help you have a perfect trip with a fulfilling food tour in Ho Chi Minh City.