Get ready for a mouth-watering tour around Ho Chi Minh City, with streets alive with aromas and flavors of Vietnam’s most loved dishes! From the iconic Banh Mi to savory Phở, come along in this Ho Chi Minh City Food Guide for the perfect companion in exploring the city for its must-try local delicacies. Come and brush up with us on a Saigon food scene tour, in either one of our exciting Ho Chi Minh Tours or on your own volition. Get ready to taste, explore, and savor the delicious secrets that make Ho Chi Minh City a haven for food lovers!
When it comes to flavors in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is like an overwhelming culinary playground. The food here is quite exciting and a fusion drawing its roots deep from Southern Vietnamese traditions with an enrichment of international influences. Ho Chi Minh City is a melting pot of flavors because of this great blend that makes each dish tell a story of the dynamic culture and history of the city.
Food also plays a significant part in the street life of Ho Chi Minh City, and there is, therefore, no better way to see the culture for yourself than trying its food. Picture yourself on one of our Ho Chi Minh Tours, finding your way down the busy streets, where locals congregate and snack on Bun Thit Nuong or grilled pork with vermicelli or perhaps Goi Cuon, which is fresh spring rolls. This is more than just a convenient street food scene; this is tradition, and it brings together the old and the young through the universal joy of eating. The clatter of chopsticks, and the sizzle of hot woks amidst the cacophony of the vendors calling out make for essentially an atmosphere that is Saigon.
What makes the food so special in Ho Chi Minh City is this eclectic mix of traditional Vietnamese ingredients with modern ways of preparing them. Here, you will find the freshest herbs, aromatic spices, and local produce combined in inventive ways that will make each dish a delightful surprise. From the simple street food carts to the trendy fusion restaurants, the city is proud of its rich culinary heritage and its contemporary spirit.
This Ho Chi Minh City Food Guide will take you into finding the secrets of these unforgettable dishes, and insider tips to explore culinary hotspots in the best possible way. Get your foodie hat, bring your chopsticks, and dive right into the delicious diversity that defines Ho Chi Minh City!
Broken Rice
No Ho Chi Minh City Food Guide would be complete without Com Tam, the city’s favorite “broken rice" dish. Visualize a plate of fluffy broken rice, topped with a smoky grilled pork chop (sườn nướng), crispy shredded pork skin (bì), a savory slice of egg meatloaf (chả trứng), and pickled veggies. All these flavors then come alive with the generous drizzle of sweet and salty (nước mắm), creating a delightful symphony of textures and flavors that is uniquely Vietnamese.
Com Tam is more than just a meal, but is part of the daily rhythm in Ho Chi Minh City, from breakfast to late-night snacks. It connects generations and tells the story of resilience and creativity in turning one simple grain into an icon of culinary taste. Locals and tourists alike go to their favorite places, ready to taste each delicious bite.
To try this must-eat dish, head over to Com Tam Moc at 85 Ly Tu Trong, District 1, where the flavors come across as bold and strong and mostly in generous portions. Yet another fantastic option would be Com Tam Phuc Loc Tho at 114 Yersin, District 1, which is favored by locals for its authentic taste and cozy atmosphere. Join us on one of our Ho Chi Minh Tours to check out these hotspots and find out why Com Tam is still a staple in the heart of Saigon!
The other star of our Ho Chi Minh City Food Guide has to be the iconic Banh Mi: a baguette from colonial roots that has finally traveled to become a global phenomenon. Filled with a mix of meats, herbs, pâté, and pickled vegetables, this sandwich just represents the perfect example of a creative fusion that defines Vietnamese cuisine. Whether you like the smoky flavors of Banh Mi Thit Nuong or the comforting warmth of Banh Mi Xiu Mai with its juicy meatballs, there is something for every palate when it comes to Banh Mi.
Go for an unforgettable experience at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa at 26 Le Thi Rieng, District 1, with generous fillings and fresh bread. Or try Banh Mi Bay Ho at 19 Huynh Khuong Ninh, District 1, a favorite among locals, where every single simple bite is filled with flavor. Make sure to include these stops in your itinerary on our Ho Chi Minh Tours, so you get to taste one of the world’s most famous street foods right in its homeland!
Banh Mi
No Ho Chi Minh City Food Guide is complete without Bun Rieu, a flavorful crab-paste vermicelli soup that is quintessential Southern Vietnam! Rich crab paste, sour tomatoes, silky tofu, and soft vermicelli noodles-thin, delicate angel hair-all come together in a rich broth. Fresh herbs and shrimp paste pulled everything together in refreshing and soothing spoonfuls.
Representative of the South, Bun Rieu captures the freshness and vibrancy in its ingredients as much as in the strong flavorings. One should not miss this at Bun Rieu Ganh: 63 Nguyen Du, District 1; Bun Rieu Nguyen Canh Chan: 18/5 Nguyen Canh Chan, District 1. Not to be missed during any Ho Chi Minh Tours!
For seafood lovers, Ốc or Vietnamese snails are a must-try in our Ho Chi Minh City Food Guide! The love of Saigon for snails is legendary, from steamed Ốc Hương or stir-fried Ốc Móng Tay with an explosion of flavors from mild and fragrant down to spicy and smoky.
These popular delicacies are available in Oc Dao at 212B/C79 Nguyen Trai, District 1, and Oc Nhu at 650/4/29D Dien Bien Phu, District 10. Add these places to your Ho Chi Minh Tours and dive into Saigon’s vibrant seafood scene!
Banh Xeo
Get ready for a crispy, savory delight on our Ho Chi Minh City Food Guide: Banh Xeo! It is native to Central Vietnam, but this delicious dish found its place in Southern Vietnamese cuisine. Banh Xeo is more than just a pancake; it is a cultural symbol of celebration often enjoyed during family gatherings or special occasions.
Think of a hot skillet to which is added a rice flour batter, thin in consistency, golden, and crispy. Filled with juicy shrimp, tender pork, and fresh bean sprouts, the pancake is folded into a delicious crunchy treat. Served with a side of leafy greens and herbs, and dipped into sweet and tangy fish sauce, each bite dances on your palate-a mix of textures and flavors!
To try the best Banh Xeo in Ho Chi Minh City, you may head towards 74 Suong Nguyet Anh, District 1 for Banh Xeo Eat and Get Addicted, which always serves crispy pancakes amidst a bustling atmosphere. Another great destination is Banh Xeo Ba Hai at 49A Nguyen Trong Tuyen, Phu Nhuan District; it is the local favorite Da Nang Street Food that has been in the business thereby making diners love it for decades. Add these to your Ho Chi Minh Tours to indulge in this iconic dish!
And no Ho Chi Minh City Food Guide would ever be complete on a sweet note, which, of course, is Che! This favorite Vietnamese dessert is popular in many forms: creamy-rich Che Thai, a colorful mix of fruits and jellies with coconut milk; comforting Che Đau Xanh made from mung beans; and delicious Che Bap, featuring sweet corn.
Che is more than a dessert; it is a part of dearly loved Vietnamese culture pulled out as a refreshing treat on a sweltering hot day or a sweet conclusion to a family meal. And with the flavors being innumerable, there is always a new one to be tried and relished!
The Mam Khanh Vy on 242B Su Van Hanh, District 10 is probably one of the best in town for its assortment of sweet soups on a tray. This highly recommended Thai Che is at 80 Nguyen Tri Phuong, District 5. The most ordered is Che Thai, besides other desserts in this shop. Make sure to include the following sweet spots in your Ho Chi Minh Tours and indulge yourself in the world of Vietnamese desserts!
One of the must-tries in the Ho Chi Minh City Food Guide is refreshing Goi Cuon or Vietnamese fresh spring rolls! Filled with shrimp, slices of pork, vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and lettuce, the delicate rice paper wraps these into perfection, combining balance and flavors. With rich hoisin-peanut or sour fish sauce served on the side, these are light, healthy, and amazingly good.
Goi cuon embodies Vietnam’s cuisine: fresh, balanced, and tasty. For the best rolls in Ho Chi Minh City, take a trip to Goi Cuon Ngon at 111 Le Thanh Ton, District 1, or Goi Cuon Hoang Yen at 7 Ngo Duc Ke, District 1. Add these to your Ho Chi Minh Tours itinerary and indulge in this mouth-watering, healthy snack!
Starred in our Ho Chi Minh City Food Guide, Hu Tieu is a versatile noodle dish from a wide variety of cooking styles that captured the hearts of both locals and tourists. This mouthwatering soup provides something a bit different from the usual noodle soups, fusing flavors from Chinese, Cambodian, and Vietnamese cuisines together. You can enjoy it in many forms: either as a comforting soup or dry with a rich broth on the side.
Hu Tieu Nam Vang A Phnom Penh-style soup filled with fresh shrimp, sliced pork, quail eggs, and crunchy vegetables. Hu Tieu My Tho is Recognized for its sweet, clear broth and chewy noodles. Whichever way, this dish is so emblematic of the South: light, aromatic, and full of local herbs and ingredients.
For the real taste of Hu Tieu, go to 122D Cach Mang Thang 8, District 3, and search for Hu Tieu Nhan Quan. Or you can also try Hu Tieu Dat Thanh located at 212B Nguyen Trai, District 1. Both are considered favorite places for locals with their rich and full-of-flavor broths along with well-cooked noodles. Remember to add it to your list on our Ho Chi Minh Tours!
Hu Tieu (Vietnamese Noodle Soup)
Another must-try in our Ho Chi Minh City Food Guide, Bun Thit Nuong is the epitome of freshness in Vietnamese cuisine. Thinly sliced grilled pork, marinated to perfection, sits atop soft vermicelli noodles and a heavy sprinkle of peanuts, fresh herbs, and pickled vegetables. Then there is the big drizzle of savory-sweet fish sauce binding all flavors into a harmonious symphony.
Bun Thit Nuong is more than just food; it speaks to a theme of Vietnamese cuisine: fresh, balanced ingredients along with bold flavors. This dish appeals to tourists who seek something light and refreshing yet satisfyingly full in the tropical heat of Ho Chi Minh City.
To enjoy the most delicious Bun Thit Nuong, come to Saigon Taste at 134 Le Thanh Ton, District 1, or Bun Thit Nuong Hai Dang at 149 Chan Hung, Tan Binh District, since these stalls have a great taste and warm reception. One should try to click the Mark option to visit these stalls during Ho Chi Minh Tours for the most authentic taste of Vietnamese street food!
Eat your way through Saigon, as that is an absolute adventure. Well, our Ho Chi Minh City Food Guide has got you covered. Here’s a bunch of tips that will ensure you make the most of your foodie experiences during Ho Chi Minh Tours.
First, get ready to enjoy the local dining etiquette! For meals at street stalls or local restaurants, good etiquette involves using chopsticks or spoons provided and washing your hands before eating places will have tissues or hand sanitizer available. Not being afraid to eat street food is better; just head toward busy spots because high turnovers mean freshness and quality.
If you are vegetarian or have diet restrictions, fear not! Many dishes can be adapted, and “Chay" is a keyword that means vegetarian food. Keep an eye out for signs reading “Quán Chay," which are strictly vegetarian restaurants. You would always communicate as clearly as possible and find the locals very accommodating.
Eat safely: at stalls, choose the ones that have a clean preparation area and fresh ingredients. If hygiene is an issue, guard against foods with raw or undercooked ingredients; hydrate, but with bottled water.
Finally, remember that sharing food is a big part of Vietnamese culture; therefore, be my guest and have a little of each. Enjoy meals together in celebration of community and culture, and dive in with an open mind and a hearty appetite. Add these tips to your Ho Chi Minh Tours experience, and you will be eating like a local in no time!
Ho Chi Minh City is running riot with flavors from every part of Vietnam. Crunchy Bánh Xèo and fresh Gỏi Cuốn-the names speak volumes for culture and tradition. Bursts of bustling markets, street-side gastronomic freshmen, and making friends with the locals: all help round out an experience of the city’s food culture. Book a food tour with IMPRESS TRAVEL during your Ho Chi Minh Tours to create an unforgettable adventure and find the best-hidden gems. Now, let’s eat our way through this exciting city! Don’t forget to regularly follow our Impress Travel for more interesting information about traveling Ho Chi Minh City to and to book Ho Chi Minh City Tours at the best prices.
What is included today: Transfer, tour guide, hotel in Ho Chi Minh city
Your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel. We will visit the following places of interest:
• Free time & overnight at hotel in central Ho Chi Minh City
• Your free leisure time may be spent shopping in Ho Chi Minh City center at Supermarkets etc or at Ben Thanh market.
• You will be transferred to the Ho Chi Minh city airport via your scheduled flight back home or continue seeing other cities in Vietnam.
• We hope you enjoyed your trip and see you again!
3 STAR HOTELS & CRUISES IN VIETNAM SELECTED
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Destination |
Room Type |
HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE |
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Ho Chi Minh City 3-star Hotels |
Signature Deluxe |
HA HIEN SIGNATURE HOTEL Refer:http://hahienhotel.vn |
4 STAR HOTELS & CRUISE IN VIETNAM SELECTED
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Destination |
Room Type |
HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE |
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Ho Chi Minh City 4-star Hotels |
Palace Saigon Suite Room |
SAIGON PALACE HOTEL Refer: www.palacesaigon.com/en/ |
5 STAR HOTELS & CRUISE IN VIETNAM SELECTED
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Destination |
Hotel Category |
HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE |
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Ho Chi Minh city |
Superior Room Sofitel Hotel Saigon |
SOFITEL HOTEL SAIGON Refer: https://sofitel.accorhotels.com/ |
The hotels and cruise are subject to change to similar category in case of fully booked
We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.
Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!
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Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.
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My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide).
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