Saigon Food – Eating Like A Local
Saigon, or Ho Chi Minh City, is always considered “a city that never sleeps”. Tourists can hardly overlook the delicious and richly flavored dishes. It can be reflected on the Saigon food too. You can easily find food outlets open both day and night, ready to serve those visiting this bustling city. Let’s embark on a culinary adventure with Lua Viet Tours to discover Saigon food.
The upbeat culinary scene of Ho Chi Minh City nowadays. (Image Source: Internet)
Saigon Food: Intersection from Past to Present
Ho Chi Minh City Food can be likened to a “mixed hotpot”. It gathers a wide variety of culinary cultures, not only from all over Vietnam but also from other countries.
In the Past
Ho Chi Minh City is becoming increasingly modern, thriving to be the busiest city in the country and Southeast Asia region. Somewhere, people still reminisce about the rustic flavors of the street vendors along the roadsides or the aromatic smoke from carts wafting through the alleys.
A common scene of the locals eating at a food stall in Ho Chi Minh City. (Image Source: Internet)
Not only the flavors, but also the culinary scene of the old city also evokes memories with the familiar calls of the bread vendor, the ice cream bike, or the fragrant sticky rice. As the city continues to develop, these memories persist, reminiscent of a bygone city and its distinctive flavors.
In the Present
As city life becomes busier, the culinary scene also evolves to meet the demands of the people. While in the past, simple dishes were prevalent, nowadays, the variety of food has expanded significantly, from bustling street food stalls and local specialty eateries to upscale restaurants. Whether it’s affordable or upscale cuisine, Saigon food always satisfies your hunger, even if you’re the most discerning diner.
The eating style of Saigon locals nowadays (Image Source: Internet)
Top 5 Best Saigon Foods You Cannot Miss
Let Lua Viet Tours take you on a tour around Ho Chi Minh City and experience dining like a local! Get your pen and paper ready to jot down some notes for your upcoming trip to Ho Chi Minh City!
Pho (Vienamese Noodle Soup)
Pho, the quintessential Vietnamese dish, is more than just a soup; it’s a cultural experience. Steaming bowls filled with fragrant broth, tender rice noodles, and an array of meats or vegetables greet travelers in every corner of Vietnam. Originating from Hanoi, Pho has become a beloved staple nationwide.
Pho, the quintessential Vietnamese dish, is more than just a soup; it’s a cultural experience. (Image Source: Internet)
Whether you’re enjoying it at a street-side stall or a cozy restaurant, Pho offers a glimpse into the soul of Vietnam, enticing travelers with its tantalizing aroma and unforgettable taste.
Suggestions for some delicious Pho restaurants:
- Pho Hoa: 260A Pasteur Street, Ward 8, District 3.
- Pho Le: 415 Nguyen Trai Street, Ward 7, District 5.
- Pho Phu Vuong: 120 Nguyen Thai Binh Street, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1.
Com Tam (Broken Rice)
Com Tam, or broken rice, is a famous Saigon food that’s both delicious and accessible to everyone. Imagine a plate of fragrant broken rice topped with a variety of savory delights like grilled pork, crispy pork skin, and fresh vegetables. It’s a staple food in southern Vietnam, known for its simplicity and bold flavors.
Com Tam is a staple dish in southern Vietnam, known for its simplicity and bold flavors. (Image Source: Internet)
Whether you’re exploring bustling street markets or dining in a cozy restaurant, Com Tam offers a taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Don’t miss the chance to experience this culinary delight during your visit to Vietnam—it’s a dish that truly captures the essence of Saigon food.
Suggestions for some delicious Com Tam restaurants:
- Com Tam Ba Ghien: 84 Dang Van Ngu Street, Ward 10, Phu Nhuan District.
- Com Tam Nguyen Van Cu: 74 Nguyen Van Cu Street, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1.
- Com Tam Ba Nam: 34 Tan Canh Street, Ward 1, Tan Binh District.
Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwiches)
Banh Mi, a quintessential Vietnamese street food, epitomizes a fusion of French colonial influences and vibrant local flavors. Recently, Vietnam’s Banh Mi was ranked first in the list of the top 100 sandwiches in Taste Atlas, March 2024. This humble baguette sandwich combines a crispy exterior with a soft, airy inside and is generously filled with a variety of ingredients, making each bite a delightful experience.
Close-up of traditional Vietnamese baguette filled with pate, meat, and vegetables. (Image Source: Internet)
Traditional fillings include seasoned pork, pâté, fresh cucumber slices, pickled carrots and daikon, cilantro, and a splash of soy or fish sauce. What sets this Saigon food apart is its unique blend of textures and flavors—salty, sweet, crunchy, and spicy—all in one hand-held package.
Often topped with chili sauce or mayonnaise, it caters to a wide range of tastes. Available at nearly every street corner in Saigon, this affordable culinary delight offers a tasty snapshot of Vietnamese culture, perfect for on-the-go exploration of bustling city life.
A breakfast set of Banh My, Banh My Chao, and Ca phe Sua Da (Vietnamese Condensed milk coffee).
Suggestions for some delicious Banh Mi brands:
- Banh Mi Cu Ly: 189 Hai Ba Trung Street, Ward 6, District 3.
- Banh Mi Bay Ho: 19 Huynh Khuong Ninh Street, Da Kao Ward, District 1.
- Banh Mi Co Diep: 238 Vo Thanh Trang Street, Ward 11, Tan Binh District.
Rice Paper Mixed
Rice paper mixed is a vibrant and addictive snack that captures the essence of Vietnamese street food culture. This Saigon food is a textural symphony, made primarily from thinly sliced rice paper mixed with a melange of exciting ingredients.
It typically includes shredded green mango, dried shrimp, quail eggs, and Vietnamese coriander. Tossed with a tangy-sweet sauce made from chili paste, lime juice, and fish sauce, each handful offers a crunchy, chewy, and utterly flavorful experience.
A set of Banh Trang Tron ingredients. (Image Source: Internet)
Peanuts and fried shallots are sprinkled on top for an extra crunch, making rice paper mixed not just as a snack but a complete sensory adventure.
This Saigon food is beloved by young locals and is usually enjoyed in bustling markets or street corners, providing a quick, delicious, and affordable way to dive into the heart of Vietnam’s culinary diversity.
Suggestions for some delicious rice paper mixed brands:
- Bien Vuong: 62 Tran Nhan Ton Street, Ward 2, District 10
- Nhat Quynh: 78/10 Ho Thi Ky, Ward 8, District 10
- Ba Bac: 40 Street 11, Ward 4, District 4
Vietnamese Snails
Vietnamese snails are a must-try for anyone looking for the sweetness of Saigon food. This popular street food dish is about more than just eating; it’s a social experience. Typically enjoyed in the evenings at bustling outdoor stalls, diners gather around small tables to share various types of snails, each prepared in unique ways.
Snail feast—a Vietnamese famous street food style in Ho Chi Minh City. (Image Source: Internet)
Options range from Oc Hut (sucked-out snails) doused in spicy lemongrass broth to Oc Nuong Tieu (grilled snails with pepper). Each dish is served with flavorful sauces, most commonly a punchy mix of salt, lime, chili, and lemongrass. Pairing perfectly with cold local beers, this culinary adventure offers a taste of the Saigon food scene and vibrant nightlife.
Suggestions for some delicious Vietnamese snail brands:
- Oc Quang Anh: 189 To Hien Thanh Street, Ward 13, District 10
- Oc Dao: 212B/C79 Nguyen Trai Street, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1
- Oc Sam: 203 Hoang Dieu 2 Street, Linh Trung Ward, Thu Duc City
>>> You may also like: Ho Chi Minh City Street Food: Top 10 Must-tries
Where to Discover Other Asian Cuisine at Saigon?
This city is well-known not just for its traditional Saigon specialties, but also for its Asian Cuisine, which is sure to impress visitors. Let’s explore the Asian marketplaces with Lua Viet Tours!
Chinatown Cholon
Saigon’s Chinatown captivates tourists with its genuinely Chinese architecture and cuisine. Duck noodles, wontons, and dumplings are served at many places. There are several Chinese beverages and treats to enjoy, like milk tea and sweet soup, for those with a sweet tooth. The majority of the bilingual menus and signboards in this region are written in Vietnamese and Chinese.
Address: District 5, Ho Chi Minh City.
Saigon’s Chinatown captivates tourists with its Chinese cuisine. (Image Source: Internet)
Japanese Quarter
The Japanese Quarter, often referred to as Little Japan Town, is well-known for its sushi, ramen, sashimi, okonomiyaki, and other classic Japanese foods. Sukiya, Dambo Ramen Shop, and Tomidaya Ramen are a few eateries that are suggested for you. In addition to being a great area to eat Japanese food, the Japanese Quarter is well-known for its vibrant lanterns and numerous graffiti walls.
Address: Le Thanh Ton, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Japanese Quarter is well-known for its distinctive cuisine (Image Source: Internet)
Korean Quarter
Over the years, many South Koreans have settled in District 7, creating a close-knit community and a haven for Korean cuisine. The most popular dish here is spicy chicken with cheese, available at places like Don Chicken, Chaos Chicken, and Papa’s Chicken.
Address: District 7, Ho Chi Minh City.
If you have a sweet tooth, you should try bingsu, a Korean shaved ice dessert. You can also find other typical Korean dishes such as kimbab (Korean-style sushi), bibimbap (Korean-style mixed rice), and tteokbokki (Korean rice cakes).
Korean Quarter at night (Image Source: Internet)
From bustling street food markets to elegant dining establishments, every bite tells a story of the city’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, Saigon food promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you craving more. If you want a richer culinary journey in Ho Chi Minh City, contact Lua Viet Tours right away to discover the best eateries.
>>> Discover Ho Chi Minh City Food Tour here!
