The Best Street Food in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is a bustling metropolis in southern Vietnam, known for its vibrant street food scene.

The city is a melting pot of different cultures, and its street food reflects this diversity. From savory snacks to sweet treats, Ho Chi Minh City's street food scene has something for everyone.
In this guide, we will explore some of the best street food in Ho Chi Minh City and where to find it. So, let's get started!

Banh Mi
Banh Mi is a Vietnamese sandwich that is a must-try when in Ho Chi Minh City. It is made with a French baguette, stuffed with a variety of fillings, including grilled pork, pâté, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and chili sauce. Banh Mi is a perfect on-the-go snack, and it's a popular breakfast item in Vietnam.

One of the best places to try Banh Mi in Ho Chi Minh City is Banh Mi Huynh Hoa. This small street-side stall is located in District 1, and it's been serving Banh Mi for over 30 years. The stall is always packed with locals and tourists, and it's known for its generous portions and delicious fillings.

Pho
Pho is a popular Vietnamese noodle soup, made with beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, and a variety of herbs and spices. It's a staple dish in Vietnam and is often eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

One of the best places to try Pho in Ho Chi Minh City is Pho 2000. This small restaurant in District 1 is known for its celebrity clientele, including former US President Bill Clinton, who famously visited the restaurant in 2000. Pho 2000 is also known for its delicious Pho, which is made with a secret family recipe.

Banh Xeo
Banh Xeo is a savory Vietnamese pancake, made with rice flour, turmeric powder, coconut milk, and filled with bean sprouts, shrimp, and pork. It's a popular street food in Ho Chi Minh City and is often eaten as a snack or a light meal.

One of the best places to try Banh Xeo in Ho Chi Minh City is Banh Xeo 46A. This small restaurant in District 1 is famous for its crispy Banh Xeo, which is served with a variety of herbs and dipping sauce. The restaurant also offers vegetarian options, making it a great option for all types of eaters.

Bun Cha
Bun Cha is a traditional Vietnamese dish, consisting of grilled pork patties, vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a sweet and sour dipping sauce. It's a popular street food in Ho Chi Minh City and is often eaten for lunch or dinner.

One of the best places to try Bun Cha in Ho Chi Minh City is Bun Cha Ta. This small restaurant in District 1 is known for its delicious Bun Cha, which is served with a generous portion of pork patties and a flavorful dipping sauce. The restaurant also offers vegetarian options, making it a great option for all types of eaters.

Com Tam
Com Tam, also known as broken rice, is a popular Vietnamese dish, made with broken rice, grilled pork chops, a fried egg, and pickled vegetables. It's a filling and delicious meal, and it's often eaten for lunch or dinner.

One of the best places to try Com Tam in Ho Chi Minh City is Com Tam Ba Ghien. This small restaurant in District 3 is known for its flavorful Com Tam, which is served with a variety of toppings, including grilled pork, pork skin, and egg. The restaurant also offers vegetarian options, making it a great option for all types of eaters.

Banh Cuon
Banh Cuon is a Vietnamese dish, consisting of steamed rice rolls filled with minced pork and mushrooms, and topped with fried shallots and dipping sauce. It's a popular breakfast item in Vietnam, and it's often served with Vietnamese iced coffee.

One of the best places to try Banh Cuon in Ho Chi Minh City is Banh Cuon Hai Nam. This small restaurant in District 1 is known for its soft and silky Banh Cuon, which is served with a flavorful dipping sauce. The restaurant also offers vegetarian options, making it a great option for all types of eaters.

Goi Cuon
Goi Cuon, also known as Vietnamese spring rolls, is a light and refreshing dish, made with rice paper, shrimp or pork, vermicelli noodles, and a variety of fresh herbs and vegetables. It's a popular street food in Ho Chi Minh City and is often eaten as a snack or an appetizer.

One of the best places to try Goi Cuon in Ho Chi Minh City is at street vendors throughout the city. You can find Goi Cuon at small stalls on almost every street corner in Ho Chi Minh City. Look for vendors who make the rolls fresh to order, and be sure to try them with the sweet and tangy peanut dipping sauce.

Ca Phe Sua Da
Ca Phe Sua Da, or Vietnamese iced coffee, is a must-try when in Ho Chi Minh City. It's made with strong Vietnamese coffee, sweetened condensed milk, and ice, and it's a delicious and refreshing way to beat the heat.

One of the best places to try Ca Phe Sua Da in Ho Chi Minh City is at Trung Nguyen Coffee. This popular coffee chain has locations throughout the city, and it's known for its high-quality coffee beans and delicious iced coffee. The chain also offers a variety of other coffee drinks and snacks, making it a great option for a quick break while exploring the city.

Che
Che is a Vietnamese dessert, made with a variety of ingredients, including beans, fruits, and coconut milk. It's a sweet and refreshing dish, and it's often eaten as a snack or a dessert.

One of the best places to try Che in Ho Chi Minh City is at Che Me in District 10. This small restaurant is known for its delicious and colorful Che, which is made with a variety of ingredients, including mung beans, coconut milk, and fruit. The restaurant also offers vegetarian options, making it a great option for all types of eaters.

Chao
Chao is a Vietnamese rice porridge, made with rice, chicken or pork, and a variety of herbs and spices. It's a popular breakfast item in Vietnam, and it's often eaten with bread or Banh Mi.
One of the best places to try Chao in Ho Chi Minh City is Chao Thanh Da. This small restaurant in District 1 is known for its flavorful Chao, which is served with a variety of toppings, including chicken, pork, and seafood.

The restaurant also offers vegetarian options, making it a great option for all types of eaters.
In conclusion, Ho Chi Minh City is a foodie's paradise, and its street food scene is a testament to its culinary diversity. From Banh Mi to Pho to Che, there's no shortage of delicious and affordable food to try in the city. So, grab a plastic stool, sit down at a street-side stall, and enjoy some of the best street food in Ho Chi Minh City!

Ksenia Sobchak
Cosmetologist/Dermatologist, Clinical Nutritionist – Central Saint Martins, BA (HONS)
Company: Glow Bar London
Address: 70 Mortimer St, London W1W 7RY
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