12 Must-Try Foods in Ho Chi Minh City [And Where to Find Them]

Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is a vibrant melting pot of flavors and cultures, making it a paradise for food lovers. From savory street snacks to exquisite dishes passed down through generations, here are 12 must-try foods in Ho Chi Minh City and the best places to savor them.

1. Bánh Mì

Bánh Mì is a perfect example of Vietnam’s colonial past meeting its vibrant food culture. This Vietnamese sandwich starts with a crispy, airy baguette, filled with savory cold-cut meats like pork, pâté, cucumber, pickled vegetables, and cilantro.

Where to find it:

• Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa (26 Lê Thị Riêng, District 1) – The most famous Bánh Mì shop in the city, it serves generously filled sandwiches that often result in long queues of eager customers. Each bite is a mouthwatering balance of salty, sweet, and tangy flavors.
• Bánh Mì Bà Huynh (Madam Win) (197A Đ. Nguyễn Trãi, District 1) – Known for its more traditional take, this spot serves fresh and balanced sandwiches, focusing on quality ingredients.

2. Phở

A Vietnamese national dish, Phở is an aromatic noodle soup that balances delicate and deep flavors. The broth, simmered for hours, is packed with beef bones, star anise, cinnamon, and other spices. It is served with tender rice noodles, beef or chicken, and garnished with fresh herbs like basil, lime, and bean sprouts.

Where to find it:

• Phở Quỳnh (323 Phạm Ngũ Lão, District 1) – Known for its rich, flavorful broth and tender beef, this restaurant serves bowls that are big enough to fill you up while still leaving you craving more.
• Phở Hùng (243 Nguyễn Trãi, District 1) – A local favorite, their broth is slightly sweeter, and they serve it with plenty of meat and fresh garnishes, offering a comforting experience.

3. Bánh Xèo

Bánh Xèo, often called Vietnamese pancakes, are crispy, golden crepes filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. The batter, made from rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric, is cooked to a crunchy perfection and served with fresh herbs and dipping sauce. The fun part? Wrapping a portion of the pancake in rice paper or lettuce, then dipping it into a bowl of nuoc cham (fish sauce-based dipping sauce).

Where to find it:

• Bếp Mẹ Ỉn (136/15 Lê Thánh Tôn, District 1) – A homey spot serving Bánh Xèo with a focus on fresh ingredients and well-balanced flavors.
• Bánh Xèo Ngọc Sơn (103 Ngô Quyền, District 5) – This eatery is known for its giant-sized Bánh Xèo, offering crispy edges and juicy fillings.

4. Cơm Tấm

Cơm Tấm, or broken rice, was once a simple meal made from broken grains of rice. Today, it’s a signature dish served with grilled pork, a fried egg, pork skin, and often pickled vegetables. The mix of sweet, smoky grilled pork (sườn nướng) and soft, slightly chewy broken rice makes this dish special.

Where to find it:

• Cơm Tấm Ba Ghiền (84 Đặng Văn Ngữ, District 3) – Widely regarded as the best place for Cơm Tấm, they serve generous portions with perfectly grilled pork and a rich, flavorful dipping sauce.

5. Nem Cua Biển (Deep-Fried Crab Spring Roll)

Nem Cua Biển is a seafood lover’s dream. These deep-fried spring rolls are filled with crabmeat, minced pork, mushrooms, and vermicelli noodles. Crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, they’re usually served with fresh lettuce, herbs, and dipping sauce.

Where to find it:

• Quán Nem Restaurant (58/12 Phạm Ngọc Thạch, District 3) – Known for their perfectly crispy and flavorful crab spring rolls, this restaurant is a go-to for seafood lovers.

6. Bún Chả

Bún Chả is a dish from Hanoi, consisting of grilled pork patties and pork belly served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce. The pork is grilled over charcoal, giving it a distinctive smoky flavor, and paired with the lightness of the noodles and herbs.

Where to find it:

• Quán Nem Restaurant (58/12 Phạm Ngọc Thạch, District 3) – Their Bún Chả is as close to Hanoi as you can get in Ho Chi Minh City, with juicy, flavorful pork and perfectly balanced dipping sauce.

7. Chả Giò (Fried Spring Roll)

A Vietnamese staple, Chả Giò are crispy fried spring rolls stuffed with a mixture of pork, shrimp, mushrooms, and vermicelli noodles. They are often served with fresh herbs, rice paper, and a dipping sauce, creating a wonderful contrast between crispy, savory rolls and light, refreshing accompaniments.

Where to find it:

• Bánh Xèo Ngọc Sơn (103 Ngô Quyền, District 5) – Known for their crispy, golden Chả Giò, this restaurant serves them hot and fresh, with perfectly seasoned fillings.

8. Bánh Cóng (Fried Shrimp Cake)

Bánh Cóng is a specialty from southern Vietnam, consisting of a fried cake made from rice flour and topped with shrimp. It’s crispy on the outside, with a soft, chewy center, making it an irresistible snack.

Where to find it:

• Bánh Xèo Ngọc Sơn (103 Ngô Quyền, District 5) – A top spot for authentic Bánh Cóng, their version is perfectly fried, with shrimp that’s crispy and savory.

9. Vietnamese Street Food

Ho Chi Minh City is a street food paradise, and no culinary adventure here is complete without exploring the bustling food stalls. You can find everything from grilled meats, skewers, noodles, and fresh fruit to exotic snacks like balut (fertilized duck egg).

Where to find it:

• Hồ Thị Kỷ Food Street (District 10) – This street market is a haven for street food enthusiasts, offering everything from seafood to skewers and desserts.

10. Snails (Ốc)

Vietnamese Ốc (snails) are a delicacy, served in a variety of ways—steamed, stir-fried, grilled, or cooked in lemongrass and chili. If you’re feeling adventurous, trying Ốc is a must for a unique culinary experience.

Where to find it:

• Hồ Thị Kỷ (District 10) – A fantastic place for all kinds of snail dishes, from spicy stir-fries to creamy coconut-based options.
• Ốc Đào (212B/D48 Đ. Nguyễn Trãi, Phường Nguyễn Cư Trinh, District 1) – Known for its extensive snail menu and bold flavors, Ốc Đào is a favorite among locals and tourists.

11. Earl Grey Rondo

For something a bit more modern, the Earl Grey Rondo is a fusion dessert that blends the floral notes of Earl Grey tea with a delicate, buttery pastry, offering a sophisticated end to a meal.

Where to find it:

• Soko Cake and Bakes (27a Đ. Nguyễn Trung Trực, Phường Bến Thành, District 1) – A trendy bakery offering a refined take on pastries, including the fragrant and delicious Earl Grey Rondo.

12. Vietnamese Coffee

Vietnamese coffee is known for its strength and distinctive preparation, often brewed using a slow drip filter and sweetened with condensed milk. Whether you prefer it iced (cà phê sữa đá) or hot, it’s a must-try for coffee lovers.

Where to find it:

• The Workshop Coffee (27 Ngô Đức Kế, District 1) – A specialty coffee shop offering a wide variety of brews.
• Trung Nguyên Legend (multiple locations) – One of Vietnam’s most famous coffee chains, offering robust and aromatic brews.
• Cộng Cà Phê (multiple locations) – A quirky spot known for its unique coconut coffee.
• Phúc Long (multiple locations) – Famous for strong, no-nonsense Vietnamese iced coffee.
• Bogaurus Coffee Roasters (multiple locations) – Artisanal coffee roasting at its finest, perfect for coffee connoisseurs.

From iconic street food to refined desserts, Ho Chi Minh City offers an exciting culinary journey for any traveler. Whether you’re enjoying a hot bowl of Phở or the crispiness of Bánh Xèo, these dishes provide a true taste of Vietnam’s rich food culture.