Ho Chi Minh City is a paradise for your taste buds. Whether you're craving street food sensations or upscale dining experiences, this city has it all. Join us on a mouthwatering adventure as we uncover the most scrumptious dishes waiting to be savored on your Ho Chi Minh food tour!
01 Beef noodle soup (Bun bo)
Bun bo, a Vietnamese favorite, features thin rice noodles, tender beef, fragrant herbs, and a medley of spices. Its flavorful broth, crafted from beef stock and fish sauce, captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine with its umami richness. The texture of the noodles ranges from soft to al dente, depending on cooking methods. Aromatic additions like sawtooth coriander, lemongrass, and perilla leaf elevate the dish to new heights, enhancing its depth of flavor.
Try it:
Bun Bo Ganh: 135 Nguyen Du, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1
Bun bo Hue 3A3: 17 Dang Tran Con, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1
02 Ho Chi Minh City Broken rice (Com tam)
Broken rice, known as "com tam," stands as a signature dish of vibrant Ho Chi Minh City. This quintessential Vietnamese delight features broken rice paired with succulent grilled pork, crispy fried eggs, tangy pickled vegetables, and a drizzle of zesty fish sauce.
Try it:
Com tam Phuc Loc Tho: 236 Dinh Tien Hoang, Da Kao Ward, District 1
Com tam Ba Ghien: 84 Dang Van Ngu, Ward 10, Phu Nhuan District.
03 Saigon Bread (Banh mi)
Banh mi, a beloved street food in Ho Chi Minh City, captures the hearts of locals and tourists with its irresistible fusion of flavors. This iconic sandwich features a crispy French baguette generously filled with an array of meats, vibrant vegetables, and flavorful sauces. All nestled between two slices of freshly baked golden-brown baguette, banh mi is a delicious embodiment of Vietnam's culinary diversity and creativity.
Try it:
Banh mi Huynh Hoa: 26 Le Thi Rieng, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1
Banh mi Phuong Lien: 12 Nguyen Huy Tu, Da Kao Ward, District 1
04 Pho Saigon
This Vietnamese noodle soup is a culinary masterpiece, crafted over centuries to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. Its soulful broth, crafted from beef or chicken, harmonizes with delicate thin rice noodles, fresh herbs, and an array of toppings. From crunchy bean sprouts to fragrant basil leaves, zesty lime, and spicy chili peppers, each element adds depth and complexity to this beloved dish.
Try it:
Pho bo Phu Gia: 146E Ly Chinh Thang, Ward 7, District 3
Pho Thin: 170 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Ward 6, District 3
05 Beef offal stew (Pha lau)
Pha Lau, a hearty stew crafted from beef offal, pork belly, and vegetables, is a culinary gem in Vietnamese cuisine. Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish melds together an array of flavors to create a uniquely rich and creamy taste sensation. Often served alongside Vietnamese rice paper rolls and fresh herbs, it offers a delightful contrast of textures and aromas. Found aplenty at street markets, Pha Lau is a favorite among locals, perfect for pairing with banh mi or noodle soups for a satisfying street food feast.
Try it:
Pha Lau Luat: 1A Suong Nguyet Anh, District 1
Pha Lau - Gia Dinh High School: 195/29 Xo Viet Nghe Tinh, Binh Thanh District
06 Clear rice noodle soup (Hu tieu)
Hu Tieu, originally introduced by Chinese immigrants in 19th century Ho Chi Minh City, has since become a beloved specialty enjoyed across Vietnam. Vendors provide an array of toppings, from fresh herbs to chopped spring onions, allowing customers to tailor their Hu Tieu to personal preferences. This versatile dish also serves as a comforting meal during the cooler months, offering warmth and satisfaction with every savory spoonful.
Try it:
Hu tieu Hong Phat: 389 - 391 Vo Van Tan, Ward 5, District 3
Hu tieu Nam Vang: A65 Nguyen Trai, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1
07 Fresh spring rolls (Goi cuon)
Fresh spring rolls, or goi cuon, are an essential delight in Ho Chi Minh City. These traditional delights feature soft rice paper filled with a tantalizing medley of ingredients, including pork, shrimp, vermicelli noodles, herbs, and vegetables. With each bite, the harmonious blend of flavors and textures creates an unforgettable culinary experience, leaving a lasting impression on your taste buds during your trip.
Try it:
Goi cuon Tom Nhay: 424 Lac Long Quan, Ward 5, District 11
Goi cuon Le Van Sy: 359/1/9A Le Van Sy, District 3
08 Crab paste vermicelli soup (Bun rieu cua)
Bun rieu cua, a cherished local delicacy in Ho Chi Minh City, is a savory noodle soup bursting with flavor. Crafted from a delectable combination of crab paste and pork stock, this comforting dish is served with thin rice noodles and adorned with ingredients like tomatoes, tofu, and fresh herbs. With its rich and satisfying taste, bun rieu cua promises to please even the most discerning palates, making it a must-try for visitors exploring the culinary delights of the city.
Try it:
Bun rieu ganh: 4 Phan Boi Chau, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1
Bun rieu 7: 183 Hau Giang, Ward 5, District 6
09 Steamed rice rolls (Banh cuon)
Banh cuon, a beloved specialty, features delicate steamed rice rolls filled with a savory mixture of pork, mushrooms, and spices. Topped with crispy fried shallots, fresh scallions, and fragrant herbs, this dish offers a light yet flavorful dining experience. Perfect for those seeking a satisfying yet refreshing option.
Try it:
Banh cuon Tay Ho: 127 Dinh Tien Hoang, Dakao Ward, District 1; or 271 Phan Xich Long, Ward 2, Phu Nhuan District
Banh cuon ngo 992: 992 Ba Thang Hai, Ward 12, District 11
10 Grilled pork and rice vermicelli (Bun thit nuong)
Grilled pork and rice vermicelli, known as bun thit nuong, is a classic Vietnamese dish brimming with flavor. Succulent grilled pork, marinated in a savory blend of garlic, fish sauce, sugar, and spices, takes center stage alongside fresh vegetables and delicate vermicelli noodles. Once cooked to perfection, everything is tossed together in a bowl and topped with vibrant herbs like cilantro, mint, and basil leaves. The rich flavors of the pork, paired with the crispness of the vegetables and the lightness of the vermicelli noodles, create a truly irresistible meal.
Try it:
Bun thit nuong Chi Tuyen: 175C Co Giang, Co Giang Ward, District 1
Bun thit nuong Hai Dang: 149 Chan Hung, Ward 6, Tan Binh District