Discover the Best Local Food in Ho Chi Minh City

Are you planning a visit to the beautiful Ho Chi Minh City and wondering where to get the best local food? Look no further! Vietnam is known for its delicious and diverse cuisine, and Ho Chi Minh City is the perfect destination to indulge in a culinary adventure. From mouth-watering street food to high-end restaurants, Ho Chi Minh City has a lot to offer. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best local food in Ho Chi Minh City to make your experience unforgettable.

Pho

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Pho is one of the most popular dishes in Vietnam, and you cannot leave Ho Chi Minh City without trying it. This famous noodle soup is made with beef or chicken, rice noodles, and a variety of herbs and spices. You can find Pho in almost every corner of the city, but we recommend visiting Pho Hoa Pasteur or Pho Thin for the ultimate experience.

Banh Mi

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Banh Mi is a Vietnamese sandwich made with a crispy baguette, meat (usually pork), vegetables, and sauce. This delicious sandwich is perfect for a quick breakfast or lunch. Ho Chi Minh City has several Banh Mi places, but Banh Mi Huynh Hoa is one of the most famous and definitely worth a try.

Bun Cha

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Bun Cha is a traditional Vietnamese dish made with grilled pork, rice noodles, herbs, and dipping sauce. This dish is a perfect combination of sweet, sour, and salty flavors and is very popular in Ho Chi Minh City. Bun Cha 145 is a great place to try this delicious dish.

Com Tam

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Com Tam is a Vietnamese broken rice dish served with grilled pork, egg, and salad. This popular dish is a staple of Ho Chi Minh City’s street food and can be found at almost every food market in the city. Com Tam Cali is a great place to try this dish.

Banh Xeo

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Banh Xeo is a savory Vietnamese pancake made with rice flour, coconut milk, turmeric, and filled with meat, bean sprouts, and herbs. This dish is crispy and delicious and perfect for sharing with friends. Banh Xeo 46A is one of the most famous places to try this dish in Ho Chi Minh City.

Cao Lau

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Cao Lau is a Vietnamese noodle dish made with pork, noodles, and herbs. This dish is unique to Hoi An but can also be found in Ho Chi Minh City. The noodles used in Cao Lau are made from local ingredients and have a distinctive texture and flavor. You can try this dish at Cao Lau Hoi An or Mrs. Nam.

Banh Cuon

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Banh Cuon is a Vietnamese dish made with steamed rice rolls filled with pork, mushrooms, and herbs. This dish is light and healthy and perfect for breakfast or a quick snack. You can find Banh Cuon at many street food vendors in Ho Chi Minh City.

Ca Kho To

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Ca Kho To is a Vietnamese fish dish made with caramelized fish in a clay pot. This dish is sweet and savory and perfect for dinner. You can try this dish at Cuc Gach Quan or Ngon Restaurant.

Goi Cuon

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Goi Cuon is a Vietnamese spring roll made with pork, shrimp, vermicelli noodles, and vegetables wrapped in rice paper. This dish is light and refreshing and perfect for a summer day. You can find Goi Cuon at many street food vendors in Ho Chi Minh City.

Che

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Che is a Vietnamese dessert made with sweet beans, jelly, fruits, and coconut milk. This dessert is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth after a meal. You can find Che at many street food vendors and dessert shops in Ho Chi Minh City.

Ca Phe Sua Da

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Ca Phe Sua Da is a Vietnamese iced coffee made with strong coffee, condensed milk, and ice. This coffee is sweet and creamy and perfect for a hot day. You can find Ca Phe Sua Da at many coffee shops in Ho Chi Minh City.

Bun Bo Hue

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Bun Bo Hue is a spicy Vietnamese noodle soup made with beef, pork, and lemongrass. This dish is perfect for those who love spicy food. You can try this dish at Bun Bo Hue Oi or Bun Bo Hue 31.

Bia Hoi

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Bia Hoi is a Vietnamese draft beer that is brewed daily and sold at street-side pubs. This beer is cheap and perfect for those who want to experience the local drinking culture. You can find Bia Hoi at many street-side pubs in Ho Chi Minh City.

Pha Lau

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Pha Lau is a Vietnamese stew made with beef or pork offal and served with noodles or bread. This dish is unique and perfect for those who want to try something different. You can find this dish at many street food vendors in Ho Chi Minh City.

Where to find the Best Local Food in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is a food paradise, and the best local food can be found at street food vendors and food markets. Ben Thanh Market, Binh Tay Market, and Nguyen Van Cu Street are great places to explore the local food scene. For those who prefer high-end restaurants, we recommend visiting Ngon Restaurant, Cuc Gach Quan, and The Refinery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City to enjoy the local food scene?

A: The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City for food lovers is from December to April, which is the dry season.

Q: Is it safe to eat street food in Ho Chi Minh City?

A: Yes, it is safe to eat street food in Ho Chi Minh City. Just make sure to choose vendors that have a lot of customers and avoid those that look unclean.

Q: How much does it cost to eat at a local restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City?

A: The cost of a meal at a local restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City ranges from VND 50,000 to VND 150,000 per person (approximately $2 to $6).

Q: Can I find vegetarian food in Ho Chi Minh City?

A: Yes, you can find vegetarian food in Ho Chi Minh City. Some vegetarian restaurants to try are Hum Vegetarian, 3T Quan Nuong, and Saigon Vegan.

Q: What is the best way to explore the local food scene in Ho Chi Minh City?

A: The best way to explore the local food scene in Ho Chi Minh City is to join a food tour or hire a local guide who can take you to the best food spots in the city.

Q: What is the most popular local food in Ho Chi Minh City?

A: Pho is the most popular local food in Ho Chi Minh City.

Q: Can I try exotic food in Ho Chi Minh City?

A: Yes, you can try exotic food in Ho Chi Minh City, such as fried insects, snails, and snake meat.

Q: Can I find halal food in Ho Chi Minh City?

A: Yes, you can find halal food in Ho Chi Minh City. Some halal restaurants to try are Halal Saigon, Halal@Saigon, and Bismillah Halal Saigon.

Q: What is the best dessert to try in Ho Chi Minh City?

A: Che is the best dessert to try in Ho Chi Minh City.

Q: Can I find international cuisine in Ho Chi Minh City?

A: Yes, you can find international cuisine in Ho Chi Minh City, such as Italian, French, Japanese, and Korean.

Q: Can I find seafood in Ho Chi Minh City?

A: Yes, you can find seafood in Ho Chi Minh City. Some seafood restaurants to try are Oc Dao Seafood Restaurant, Quan Ut Ut, and The Crab Shack.

Q: What is the best way to order food in a local restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City?

A: The best way to order food in a local restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City is to use simple phrases in Vietnamese, such as mot (one), hai (two), mon