Top 10 Best Dishes to Taste in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, once known as Saigon, is a vibrant and captivating city that attracts food enthusiasts from around the world. Renowned for its culinary diversity, it offers a unique experience where Vietnamese traditions blend with modern influences, creating distinctive and authentic flavors. From the bustling streets to the lively markets, every corner of Ho Chi Minh City is an invitation to discover emblematic dishes that reflect the cultural richness of Southern Vietnam. Whether through delicious street specialties, market stalls where aromas mingle, or refined restaurants, the local cuisine tells a fascinating story. With Horizon Vietnam Travel, immerse yourself in a gastronomic journey discovering the best dishes of Ho Chi Minh City. Prepare to awaken your taste buds and experience a culinary adventure that celebrates the very essence of Vietnamese culture.

Pho Saigon

Pho is an emblematic Vietnamese dish, but each region possesses its own flavor and distinctive characteristics. In Saigon, Pho stands out for its slightly sweet broth and abundant garnishes, which often include beef meatballs (bo vien).

Pho Saigon, one of the best dishes of Ho Chi Minh City, is composed of rice noodles in a fragrant meat broth, generally served with beef (or chicken). It is accompanied by various fresh herbs, mung bean sprouts, chilies and lime. The herbs typically used include Thai basil, cilantro and mint, which add an aromatic freshness to the dish.

Beyond the basic ingredients, Pho Saigon is often served with additional sauces such as hoisin sauce and sriracha sauce, allowing diners to adjust the flavor according to their personal preferences. This flexibility and wealth of flavors make Pho an appreciated dish not only by locals but also by visitors to the city.

Pho Saigon, with its sweet undertones and its abundance of fresh herbs and vegetables, offers a unique culinary experience that captures the vibrant and dynamic essence of Ho Chi Minh City.

Recommended Restaurants:

• Pho Le:

📍Address: 413-415 Nguyen Trai Street, District 5, HCMC

💰 Price: Approximately 70,000 – 90,000 VND (3 – 4 USD) per bowl

• Pho Hoa Pasteur:

📍Address: 260C Pasteur Street, District 3, HCMC

💰 Price: Approximately 60,000 – 80,000 VND (2.5 – 3.5 USD) per bowl

• Pho Phu Vuong:

📍Address: 339 Le Van Sy Street, District 3, HCMC

💰 Price: Approximately 60,000 – 80,000 VND (2.5 – 3.5 USD) per bowl

Banh Mi Saigon

TasteAtlas ranked banh mi as the world’s best sandwich in 2023. This ranking highlights the Vietnamese baguette for its unique flavor and the perfect integration of French and Vietnamese influences. When you come to Saigon, banh mi is a must of local cuisine. Banh mi Saigon is an emblematic sandwich that perfectly embodies the fusion of French and Vietnamese influences. Known for its crispy exterior and soft interior baguette, this sandwich is filled with a variety of fresh and flavorful ingredients.

Typical banh mi ingredients include various meat options, such as liver pate, Vietnamese ham (cha lua), roasted pork (thit nuong), grilled chicken or even meat meatballs (xiu mai). The vegetables used provide a crispy texture and slight acidity, with fresh cucumbers, carrots and pickled radishes (Do chua). Fresh cilantro, often added, brings an aromatic freshness. A thin layer of mayonnaise, sometimes accompanied by soy sauce or hoisin sauce, adds creaminess and depth of flavor. For those who love bold sensations, fresh chilies can also be added for a spicy kick.

The result is a balanced sandwich that is at once crispy, tender, fresh and flavorful, reflecting the perfect harmony between Western and Asian ingredients. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, lunch or as a snack, banh mi is an unforgettable culinary experience that captures the essence of Saigon.

Recommended Restaurants:

• Banh Mi Huynh Hoa:

📍Address: 26 Le Thi Rieng Street, District 1, HCMC

💰 Price: 68,000 VND (2.85 USD)

• Banh Mi Hong Hoa:

📍Address: 62 Nguyen Van Trang Street, District 1, HCMC

💰 Price: Approximately 20,000 – 30,000 VND (0.85 – 1.30 USD)

• Banh Mi Bay Ho:

📍Address: 19 Huynh Khuong Ninh Street, District 1, HCMC

💰 Price: Approximately 15,000 – 25,000 VND (0.65 – 1.10 USD)

Hu Tieu (Saigon Soup)

Hu tieu is a popular soup originating from Saigon, renowned for its clear broth and varied garnishes. This noodle soup is often prepared with rice or tapioca noodles and can include a combination of pork, shrimp and meat meatballs. Typical ingredients include roasted pork, shrimp, liver, meat meatballs and sometimes squid, all accompanied by soybean sprouts, chives, cilantro and fried shallots.

Hu tieu exists in several variants, including Hu Tieu Nam Vang, influenced by Cambodian cuisine, which often includes shrimp, pork liver and quail eggs. Another variant, Hu Tieu Kho, serves the noodles and ingredients separately from the broth, with a thick, dark sauce. This dish is appreciated for its diversity of textures and flavors, offering a rich and satisfying culinary experience. You can enjoy this typical soup in various Saigon restaurants, each offering their own unique version of this emblematic dish.

Recommended Restaurants:

• Hu Tiêu Thanh Dat

📍Address: 34 Co Bac, Cau Ong Lanh, District 1

💰Price: Approximately 35,000 VND (1.50 USD)

• Hu Tieu Mi Phat Ky

📍Address: 176Bis, District 1, HCMC

💰Price: Approximately 30,000 – 55,000 VND (1.27 – 2.34 USD)

• Hu Tieu Sa Dec & Banh Tam – Di Nam Se Dec

📍Address: 166 Bui Thi Xuan Street, District 1, HCMC

💰Price: Approximately 40,000 – 75,000 VND (1.70 – 3.20 USD)

Com Tam Suon Bi Cha (Rice with Three Treasures)

Com tam suon bi cha, often called “rice with three treasures”, is an emblematic Vietnamese dish, particularly popular in Ho Chi Minh City. It is composed of broken rice (com tam) served with three main garnishes: grilled pork chops (suon), finely grated pork rind (bi) and steamed pork pate (cha). The broken rice is composed of broken grains, traditionally consumed by farmers, but has become very popular for its unique texture. The pork chops are often marinated with garlic, sugar, fish sauce and pepper before being grilled until caramelized. The pork rind is cooked and then mixed with rice vermicelli, fried garlic and spices. The pork pate is a type of pork terrine, sometimes enriched with black mushrooms or glass noodles, steamed.

The dish is generally accompanied by sweet fish sauce, fresh vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots and pickled radishes, and sometimes cilantro. Sometimes a fried egg is added to enrich the dish. The preparation of com tam suon bi cha involves cooking the broken rice until tender, marinating and grilling the pork chops, cooking and mixing the pork rind with rice vermicelli and fried garlic, and steaming the pork pate. The broken rice is arranged on a plate, with the grilled pork chops, grated pork rind and steamed pork pate, garnished with fresh vegetables and served with fish sauce.

Recently, the restaurant Com Tam Ba Nghien was recognized by the Michelin Guide in the Bib Gourmand category for its excellent value for money. The Michelin Guide recognition highlights the culinary excellence of Com Tam Ba Nghien, thus strengthening its reputation and attracting new customers eager to taste this local specialty.

Recommended Restaurants:

• Com Tam Ba Nghien:

📍Address: 84 Dang Van Ngu Street, Phu Nhuan District, HCMC

💰Price: Approximately 81,000 – 149,000 VND (3.45 – 6.35 USD)

• Com Tam Thuan Kieu:

📍Address: 114 Yersin Street, District 1, HCMC

💰Price: Approximately 81,000 – 149,000 VND (1.55 – 4.50 USD)

• Com Tam Moc:

📍Address: 85 Ly Tu Trong Street, District 1, HCMC

💰Price: Approximately 55,000 – 85,000 VND (2.34 – 3.60 USD)

Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Crepe)

Banh xeo is a crispy Vietnamese crepe, typically filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts and scallions. The name “banh xeo” literally means “sizzling crepe” because of the noise made when pouring the batter into a hot pan. This crepe is a delight that is at once crispy and flavorful, often served with fresh herbs and a fish sauce for dipping.

Typical ingredients include a batter made with rice flour, water, coconut milk and turmeric to achieve a distinctive yellow color. The filling consists of shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, scallions and sometimes mushrooms. Accompaniments include fresh herbs such as mint, cilantro, lettuce and mustard greens. The accompanying sauce is a fish sauce (nuoc mam) mixed with water, sugar, lime juice and chilies.

To prepare banh xeo, you start by mixing the rice flour, water, coconut milk and turmeric to obtain a smooth batter. Next, brown the shrimp and pork in a pan until cooked. Heat a pan with a little oil, then pour a ladle of batter and rotate the pan to spread it into a thin layer. The fillings are added on one half of the crepe. The crepe is cooked until the edges become crispy, then folded in half. Finally, cut the crepe into pieces and serve with fresh herbs and fish sauce for dipping.

Recommended Restaurants:

• Banh Xeo 46A:

📍Address: 46A Dinh Công Trang Street, District 1, HCMC

💰Price: Approximately 60,000 – 80,000 VND (2.55 – 3.40 USD)

• Banh Xeo Muoi Xiem:

📍Address: 46A Dinh Công Trang Street, District 1, HCMC

💰Price: Approximately 60,000 – 80,000 VND (2.55 – 3.40 USD)

Bun Mam from the South

Bun mam is a culinary specialty of southern Vietnam, particularly appreciated in the Mekong Delta. This noodle soup is characterized by its rich and fragrant broth, prepared based on mam (fermented fish paste), which gives it a strong and distinctive flavor. The broth is made from mam ca linh or mam ca sac, fish typical of the Mekong Delta, diluted and simmered with aromatics such as lemongrass, chili and tamarind to balance the flavors. The noodles used are thick rice noodles, similar to those of bun bo Hue. Bun mam is often garnished with fresh seafood such as shrimp, squid and fish, as well as roasted pork and sometimes eggplant. Garnishes include fresh herbs such as basil, cilantro, mint, fresh vegetables such as bean sprouts and sliced banana flower, as well as chilies for those who love spicy dishes.

To prepare bun mam, first simmer the fermented fish paste with water to create the base broth. Next, add aromatic herbs such as lemongrass, chilies and tamarind for a balance of sweet, salty and sour flavors. The seafood (shrimp, squid) and pieces of roasted pork are then added to the broth and cooked until tender and well infused with the broth flavors. The cooked rice noodles are placed in a bowl, the hot broth is poured over and the whole is garnished with meat and seafood. The dish is served with an assortment of fresh herbs and raw vegetables, as well as lime wedges and chilies to adjust the flavors according to preference.

Recommended Restaurants:

• Bun Mam 444:

📍Address: 375 Le Quang Đinh Street, Binh Thanh District, HCMC

💰Price: Approximately 50,000 – 70,000 VND (2.13 – 2.98 USD)

• Bun Mam Phuong:

📍Address: Alley 251 Nguyen Thiên Thuât Street, District 3, HCMC

💰Price: Approximately 55,000 – 75,000 VND (2.34 – 3.20 USD)

• Bun Mam Nem Co No:

📍Address: 135/28 Tran Hung Đao Street, District 1, HCMC

💰Price: Approximately 55,000 – 75,000 VND (2.34 – 3.20 USD)

Bun Thit Nuong (Rice Vermicelli and Grilled Meat)

Bun thit nuong is a traditional Vietnamese dish consisting of rice vermicelli accompanied by grilled meat, often pork, and enriched with various fresh garnishes. This dish is appreciated for its mix of flavors and textures, offering a balanced and satisfying culinary experience. Rice vermicelli are thin white noodles, often served cold. The grilled meat, generally pork, is marinated in a mix of spices, sugar, fish sauce and garlic, then grilled until caramelized. Garnishes include green salad, cucumbers, carrots and pickled radishes, bean sprouts and fresh herbs such as cilantro and Thai basil. Condiments include a slightly sweet and spicy fish sauce (nuoc mam), crushed peanuts and fried onions.

To prepare bun thit nuong, the meat is cut into thin slices and marinated with fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, garlic and sometimes lemongrass for greater depth of flavor. Next, the meat is grilled until it achieves a nice caramelization. The rice vermicelli are arranged in a bowl, topped with grilled meat, fresh vegetables, herbs and crispy garnishes such as peanuts and fried onions. Finally, this dish, considered among the best dishes of Ho Chi Minh City, is served with a small bowl of nuoc mam to season everything.

Recommended Restaurants:

• Bun Thit Nuong Chi Tuyen:

📍Address: 195 Co Giang Street, District 1, HCMC

💰Price: Approximately 46,000 VND (1.90 USD) per bowl

• Bun Thit Nuong Kieu Bao:

📍Address: 139 Đe Tham Street, District 1, HCMC

💰Price: Approximately 30,000 VND (1.27 USD) per bowl

• Bun Thit Nuong Cha Gio Number 1:

📍Address: 139 Đe Tham Street, District 1, HCMC

💰Price: Approximately 30,000 VND (1.27 USD) per bowl

Goi Cuon (Spring Rolls)

Goi cuon, or spring rolls, are an emblematic Vietnamese dish, appreciated for their freshness and lightness. These rolls are composed of vegetables, rice vermicelli, shrimp and pork, all wrapped in a translucent rice wrapper. They are often served with an accompanying sauce, such as hoisin sauce or a slightly sweet fish sauce.

Typical ingredients include a thin and translucent rice wrapper to wrap the ingredients, rice vermicelli often served cold and a variety of fresh vegetables and herbs such as lettuce, mint, cilantro, Thai basil, carrots and bean sprouts. Proteins include cooked shrimp, boiled pork and sometimes tofu for a vegetarian version. Other ingredients such as cucumbers, chives and sometimes shiso leaves add texture and flavors.

The preparation begins with cooking the rice vermicelli, shrimp and pork, and cutting the vegetables and herbs into thin strips. The rice wrappers are dipped in warm water until soft. Next, the rice vermicelli, shrimp, pork and vegetables are placed in the center of the rice wrapper, which is then rolled tightly by folding the edges to seal the roll. Goi cuon are served with peanut hoisin sauce or a sweet fish sauce for dipping.

Recommended Restaurants:

• Goi Cuon Tom Nhay – Thanh Huong:

📍Address: 424 Lac Long Quan Street, District 11, HCMC

💰Price: Approximately 10,000 – 15,000 VND (0.45 – 0.65 USD) per roll

• Goi Cuon Minh:

📍Address: 84/32 Bui Viên Street, District 1, HCMC

💰Price: Approximately 14,000 – 20,000 VND (0.60 – 0.85 USD) per roll

• Goi Cuon Lien:

📍Address: 78 Nguyen Cong Tru Street, District 1, HCMC

💰Price: Approximately 10,000 – 40,000 VND (0.43 – 1.70 USD) per roll

Vietnamese Snails

Among the lesser-known treasures of Saigon’s street food, snails occupy a special place. As night falls, the sidewalks of Ho Chi Minh City transform into veritable seafood feasts. Specialized stalls, called Quan Ôc, offer an impressive variety of snails and mollusks prepared in countless ways: sauteed with butter and garlic, grilled with lemongrass or stewed in a coconut-chili sauce. These dishes are among the most typical and appreciated dishes of Ho Chi Minh City. Each bite reveals a subtle balance between firm textures and spicy or sweet flavors, typical of Saigon cuisine. Served with crispy bread or accompanied by young mangoes, fresh herbs and a spicy fish sauce, snails are much more than an appetizer: they embody the art of local, convivial and indulgent living. Tasting snails in Saigon means immersing yourself in the gastronomy of Ho Chi Minh City, vibrant, generous and full of surprises.

Recommended Restaurants:

• Ôc Nhu:

📍Address: 650/4/29D Dien Bien Phu Street, Ward 11, District 10, HCMC

💰Price: Starting from 30,000 VND (approximately 1.20 USD) per plate

• Ôc Loan:

📍Address: Block C, Nguyen Thien Thuat Residence, Ward 1, District 3, HCMC

💰Price: Starting from 30,000 VND (approximately 1.20 USD) per plate

• Ôc Lac Co Mai:

📍Address:

36/114 Le Thị Hong Street, Ward 17, Go Vap District

140 Dang Van Ngu Street, Ward 14, Phu Nhuan District

💰Price: Starting from 29,000 VND (~1.15 USD) per plate

Che (Sweet Soup)

Che, one of the best dishes of Ho Chi Minh City, is a traditional Vietnamese dessert that comes in various forms, from sweet soup to puddings. It is highly appreciated for its diversity of flavors, textures and colors. Ingredients vary widely, but often include legumes, fruit, seeds and coconut milk. Che can be served hot or cold, depending on preferences and seasons. Among typical ingredients are mung beans, red beans and black beans, often cooked until tender, as well as fruits such as jackfruit, longan, lychee, banana and sometimes coconut pieces. Lotus seeds, tapioca pearls, grass jelly and glutinous rice are also commonly used. Coconut milk adds richness and creaminess, while palm sugar or white sugar provide a sweet note. For cold versions, crushed ice is often added.

Preparation involves cooking the beans, seeds and other ingredients separately until tender. Next, sugar is dissolved in water to create a sweet syrup, sometimes with pandan leaves for flavoring. The cooked ingredients are mixed with the sweet syrup and coconut milk. Che is served hot or cold, depending on preference, with crushed ice added for a refreshing version in summer. Among popular variants are Che Ba Mau (Three-Color Che), composed of mung beans, grass jelly and red beans, topped with coconut milk; Che Thai, a mix of tropical fruits, jelly and coconut milk, often served with ice; Che Chuoi, based on banana and coconut milk, often with tapioca pearls; and Che Dau Do, sweet red beans often served with coconut milk and tapioca pearls. These delicacies are among the most appreciated dishes of Ho Chi Minh City, by both residents and visitors.

Recommended Restaurants:

• Quan Che Co Giang:

📍Address: 85 Co Giang Street, District 1, HCMC

💰Price: Approximately 15,000 – 20,000 VND (0.65 – 0.85 USD)

• Quan Che Khuc Banh Thanh:

📍Address: 210 Trân Quang Khai Street, District 1, HCMC

💰Price: Approximately 15,000 – 25,000 VND (0.65 – 1.06 USD)

• Quan Be Che – Ben Thanh Market:

📍Address: Stalls 1154 – 1130, West Direction, Gate No. 7, Ben Thanh Market, District 1, HCMC

💰Price: Approximately 20,000 – 35,000 VND (0.85 – 1.49 USD)

Discovering the best dishes of Ho Chi Minh City is a true invitation to immerse yourself in the richness of Vietnamese cuisine, where each flavor tells a part of local history and traditions. Whether you are a food enthusiast or a curious traveler, the must-try specialties of the city will let you savor the diversity and authenticity of this vibrant culinary scene. Ho Chi Minh City is a gastronomic destination that promises lovers of new flavors an unforgettable experience. For any questions or advice, do not hesitate to contact us!