Ho Chi Minh City Food: Must-Try Dishes and Where to Eat
Ho Chi Minh City, often referred to as Saigon, is a bustling metropolis known not just for its rich history and dynamic energy, but also for its incredible culinary scene. As a city that thrives on vibrant street food culture, Ho Chi Minh City is a paradise for food lovers. If you’re looking to explore Ho Chi Minh City food, the variety of flavors, textures, and cooking techniques will give you a taste of the city’s heart and soul. Below are some of the must-try local dishes and the best places to experience them.
1. Banh Mi Heo Quay – Crispy Roast Pork Baguette
One of the most famous dishes in Ho Chi Minh City food culture, banh mi heo quay (crispy roast pork baguette) combines the French influence of the baguette with the bold flavors of Vietnamese-style roast pork. The crispy pork is marinated with spices, then roasted to perfection, providing a delightful crunch with every bite. This version of banh mi is typically filled with pickled vegetables, fresh cucumbers, and a generous amount of pate, creating a harmonious mix of savory and tangy flavors.
Where to eat Banh Mi Heo Quay:
- Banh Mi Hong Hoa (62 Nguyen Van Trang, District 1): A local favorite for its fresh ingredients and perfectly roasted pork.
- Banh Mi Hoa Ma (53 Cao Thang, District 3): One of the oldest banh mi spots in the city, known for its traditional preparation and flavorful roast pork.
2. Hu Tieu Go – Saigon Street Noodles
A key dish in the Ho Chi Minh City food scene, hu tieu go (Saigon street noodles) is a versatile and affordable meal served from mobile street carts. These noodles are typically served with a light and flavorful broth made from pork bones and dried shrimp. What makes this dish particularly interesting is that it can be served either dry (with a special sauce) or with broth, and toppings can include slices of pork, seafood, or quail eggs. It’s a favorite late-night snack among locals, as these carts tend to appear in the evenings.
Where to eat Hu Tieu Go:
- Hu Tieu Go (Le Van Tam Park, District 1): Street vendors gather here in the evening, offering a true taste of local street food culture.
- Hu Tieu Co Giang (187 Co Giang, District 1): Known for its rich broth and generous toppings, this spot has been popular for decades.
3. Bo La Lot – Grilled Beef Wrapped in Betel Leaf
Another standout in the Ho Chi Minh City food culture is bo la lot, which consists of seasoned ground beef wrapped in betel leaves and grilled over an open flame. The leaves impart a distinct herbal flavor to the beef, creating a smoky, slightly peppery dish that’s often served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce.
Where to eat Bo La Lot:
- Bo La Lot Co Lieng (321 Vo Van Tan, District 3): Famous for its well-seasoned beef and perfectly grilled betel leaves.
- Bo La Lot Anh Ba (99 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1): A cozy spot known for its savory bo la lot, popular with locals.
4. Banh Trang Nuong – Vietnamese Grilled Rice Paper
Popularly known as “Vietnamese pizza,” banh trang nuong is a crispy snack that has become a favorite among younger generations in Ho Chi Minh City food culture. A thin sheet of rice paper is grilled over charcoal and topped with a variety of ingredients such as eggs, minced pork, shrimp, and green onions. Once it’s crispy, the rice paper is folded or cut into pieces, making it a convenient street snack.
Where to eat Banh Trang Nuong:
- Banh Trang Nuong Da Lat (61 Cao Thang, District 3): This stall offers a unique twist on the traditional Da Lat-style banh trang nuong.
- Banh Trang Nuong Co Chinh (209 Ton That Thuyet, District 4): A street vendor known for its diverse toppings and flavorful combinations.
5. Com Ga Xoi Mo – Crispy Fried Chicken with Rice
A local favorite, com ga xoi mo is a standout dish in Ho Chi Minh City food culture. The dish features a crispy fried chicken leg deep-fried in a wok filled with hot oil (xoi mo). Served with fragrant broken rice and a side of sweet fish sauce, this hearty dish is loved for its perfect combination of crispy skin and tender meat.
Where to eat Com Ga Xoi Mo:
- Com Ga Xoi Mo Su Su (55 Phan Xich Long, Phu Nhuan District): Famous for its perfectly crispy chicken and fragrant rice.
- Com Ga Xoi Mo Anh Tu (310 Vo Van Tan, District 3): Another local favorite, offering a well-balanced and flavorful version of this dish.
6. Banh Tam Bi – Thick Noodles with Pork and Coconut Cream
Native to southern Vietnam, banh tam bi consists of thick, chewy rice noodles topped with shredded pork skin (bi), a rich coconut cream sauce, and sweet fish sauce. The combination of textures—from the soft noodles to the chewy pork skin—makes it one of the most unique and flavorful dishes in Ho Chi Minh City food offerings. The coconut cream adds a velvety richness that’s beautifully balanced by the tangy fish sauce.
Where to eat Banh Tam Bi:
- Banh Tam Bi Ba Thao (459 Le Quang Dinh, Binh Thanh District): Known for its smooth noodles and rich coconut cream.
- Banh Tam Bi Khanh (31 Nguyen Canh Chan, District 1): A hidden gem, serving one of the best versions of this southern specialty.
7. Lau Mam – Fermented Fish Hotpot
For those looking for an adventurous culinary experience, lau mam is a must-try in Ho Chi Minh City food culture. The dish features a pungent fermented fish broth (mam ca), which gives the hotpot its distinct flavor. Typically, this dish is served with an array of vegetables, meats, and seafood. While the strong aroma might be off-putting to some, the complexity of the flavors makes it a unique dish for food lovers willing to try something bold.
Where to eat Lau Mam:
- Lau Mam Ba Du (19 Tran Khac Chan, District 1): Famous for its rich, flavorful fermented fish broth.
- Lau Mam Ut Duoc (D7/4C Quoc Lo 50, Binh Chanh District): A lesser-known spot offering an authentic taste of this southern specialty.
8. Xoi Man – Savory Sticky Rice
A beloved breakfast option in Ho Chi Minh City food, xoi man is savory sticky rice topped with an array of ingredients such as Chinese sausage, shredded pork, pate, and fried shallots. This dish is filling, flavorful, and widely available across the city, making it an ideal grab-and-go meal.
Where to eat Xoi Man:
- Xoi Man Chuoi Non (409 Le Van Sy, Tan Binh District): Known for its generous toppings and savory flavors.
- Xoi Ga Number One (40 Le Thi Rieng, District 1): Famous for its chicken sticky rice with a variety of toppings.
