HO CHI MINH CITY FOOD – EATING LIKE A LOCAL
Coming to the dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, tourists can hardly overlook the delicious and richly flavored dishes. The local cuisine is very diverse, from the presentation and ingredients to the cooking methods.
Ho Chi Minh is a “city that never sleeps”, and the eateries reflect this too. You can easily find food outlets open both day and night, ready to serve those visiting this bustling city.
The upbeat culinary scene of Ho Chi Minh City nowadays.
Ho Chi Minh City Food – The Intersection of Cuisine
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.
The culinary scene of Ho Chi Minh City in the past
Ho Chi Minh City is becoming increasingly modern, thriving to be the busiest city in the country and South East 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.
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.
The culinary scene of Ho Chi Minh City nowadays
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, Ho Chi Minh City food always satisfies your hunger, even if you’re the most discerning diner.
Nowadays, people in big cities often tend to eat at fine dining restaurants.
Top 5 Dishes You Can Not Miss In Ho Chi Minh City
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
Phở, 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.
Phở, the quintessential Vietnamese dish, is more than just a soup; it’s a cultural experience.
Whether you’re enjoying it at a street-side stall or a cozy restaurant, Phở 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
Com Tam, or broken rice, is a Vietnamese dish 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.
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 the country’s food culture.
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
Banh Mi, a quintessential Vietnamese street food, epitomizes a fusion of French colonial influences and vibrant local flavors. 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.
Traditional fillings include seasoned pork, pâté, fresh cucumber slices, pickled carrots and daikon, cilantro, and a splash of soy or fish sauce. What sets Banh Mi apart is its unique blend of textures and flavors—salty, sweet, crunchy, and spicy—all in one hand-held package.
A breakfast set of Banh My, Banh My Chao, and Ca phe Sua Da (Vietnamese Condensed milk coffee).
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.
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 dish is a textural symphony, made primarily from thinly sliced rice paper mixed with a melange of exciting ingredients.
A set of Banh Trang Tron 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.
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.
The final outcome of Banh Trang Tron when you mix all the ingredients altogether.
This snack 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 visiting Ho Chi Minh City. 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- Vietnamese famous street food style in Ho Chi Minh city.
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 a plethora of 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 Ho Chi Minh City’s dynamic food scene and vibrant nightlife.
Vietnamese delicious stir fried horse snail.
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
Surely your stomach is growling after reading this article. If you want a rich culinary journey in Ho Chi Minh City, contact Lua Viet Tours right away to discover the best eateries.
