Best Things To Eat In Ho Chi Minh

The Ultimate Guide to Vietnamese Cuisine in Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh, the largest city in Vietnam, is also a food paradise for culinary enthusiasts. The cultural melting pot has resulted in an extensive variety of exquisite dishes that are unique to the region. From street-side stalls to high-end restaurants, Ho Chi Minh City offers a vast array of options that cater to every taste palate.

If you are planning a trip to Ho Chi Minh and wondering what to eat, this guide is for you. We have curated the best dishes and places to try them, ensuring that your food journey in Ho Chi Minh is unforgettable.

🍲 Pho

Pho is a staple dish in Vietnam and a must-try when visiting Ho Chi Minh. This noodle soup is made with rice noodles, a savory broth, and sliced beef or chicken. It’s typically served with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime wedges. The best place to try Pho is at Pho Hoa, located at 260C Pasteur Street, District 3.

🐔 Banh Mi

Banh Mi is a Vietnamese sandwich that is famous worldwide. It’s made with a baguette, pickled vegetables, cilantro, hot peppers, pate, and meat. The most popular version uses grilled pork, but you can also get chicken, beef, or vegetarian options. Head to Banh Mi Huynh Hoa at 26 Le Thi Rieng, District 1, for the tastiest Banh Mi in town.

🍤 Banh Xeo

Banh Xeo is a savory pancake that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It’s made with rice flour, turmeric, coconut milk, and filled with pork, shrimp, bean sprouts, and herbs. It’s served with a dipping sauce made with fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili. Banh Xeo 46A, located at 46A Dinh Cong Trang, District 1, is the perfect place to try this dish.

🍛 Bun Bo Hue

Bun Bo Hue is a spicy beef noodle soup that originated in the city of Hue. It’s made with beef bones, lemongrass, chili, and served with rice noodles, beef shank, and pork trotters. The perfect place to try this dish is at Bun Bo Hue O Kim Ly, located at 63 Thu Khoa Huan, District 1.

🐟 Cha Ca

Cha Ca is a dish made with grilled fish, turmeric, dill, and served with vermicelli noodles, peanuts, and fresh herbs. It’s a specialty dish from Hanoi, but you can find it in Ho Chi Minh as well. Cha Ca La Vong, located at 242 Pasteur Street, District 3, is the best place to try this dish.

🦐 Oc

Oc refers to a variety of shellfish that are grilled, boiled, or stir-fried. They are typically served with chili and lemongrass, providing a unique blend of flavors. Try Oc Dao Seafood Restaurant at 234 Bui Vien, District 1, for the best Oc in Ho Chi Minh.

🥢 Com Tam

Com Tam is a plate of broken rice served with grilled pork, a fried egg, and pickled vegetables. It’s a popular snack among locals and can be found in various street-side stalls. The best place to try Com Tam is at Com Tam Ba Ghien, located at 84D Xuan Thuy, District 2.

🍜 Hu Tieu

Hu Tieu is a noodle soup that can be made with either pork or seafood. It’s served with rice noodles, broth, and vegetables. The most popular version is the Hu Tieu Nam Vang, which is a pork-based soup that originated in Cambodia. Try Hu Tieu Nam Vang Ky at 303 Vo Van Tan, District 3, for the best Hu Tieu in Ho Chi Minh.

🍘 Banh Cuon

Banh Cuon is a rice noodle roll that is filled with pork and mushrooms. It’s served with a dipping sauce made with fish sauce, vinegar, and sugar. Banh Cuon Hai Nam, located at 11A Cao Thang, District 3, is the perfect place to try this dish.

🍢 Nem Nuong

Nem Nuong is a grilled pork sausage that is served with fresh herbs, rice paper, and a dipping sauce. It’s a popular dish in Central Vietnam and is now widely available in Ho Chi Minh. Try Nem Nuong Ninh Hoa at 25 Nguyen Thien Thuat, District 3, for the best Nem Nuong in town.

🍜 Bun Rieu

Bun Rieu is a crab-based noodle soup that is served with rice noodles, tomatoes, and tofu. It’s a popular dish in the Mekong Delta region and can be found in many street-side stalls. The best place to try Bun Rieu is at Bun Rieu Cua Dong at 126 Bach Dang, District 1.

🍲 Bun Mam

Bun Mam is a noodle soup that is made with fermented fish sauce. It’s served with rice noodles, pork belly, and seafood. Bun Mam Soc Trang, located at 207 Le Quang Dinh, District 2, is the perfect place to try this dish.

🍢 Banh Khot

Banh Khot is a savory pancake that is made with rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric. It’s filled with shrimp, mung beans, and served with fresh herbs and a dipping sauce. Try Banh Khot Co Ba Vung Tau at 51 Cao Thang, District 3, for the tastiest Banh Khot in Ho Chi Minh.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Vietnamese cuisine known for?

Vietnamese cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors, fresh herbs, and unique blend of sweet, sour, and salty tastes.

2. Are there vegetarian options in Ho Chi Minh?

Yes, Ho Chi Minh has a variety of vegetarian options, including Banh Mi Chay, Bun Cha Gio Chay, and Com Chay.

3. What is the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh for food?

The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh for food is during the dry season, which is from December to April. During this time, the street-side stalls and restaurants are bustling with locals and tourists alike.

4. Can I find Halal food in Ho Chi Minh?

Yes, Ho Chi Minh has a few Halal restaurants that serve traditional Vietnamese cuisine, including Halal Saigon and Vietnam Food Safari.

5. Is street food safe to eat in Ho Chi Minh?

Yes, street food is generally safe to eat in Ho Chi Minh. However, it’s advisable to choose stalls that are busy and have a high turnover of food.

6. What is the price range for food in Ho Chi Minh?

The price range for food in Ho Chi Minh varies depending on the type of establishment. Street food can be as low as VND 20,000 ($0.90), while high-end restaurants can cost upwards of VND 1,000,000 ($44).

7. What is the best way to explore the food scene in Ho Chi Minh?

The best way to explore the food scene in Ho Chi Minh is to go on a food tour. This way, you can try a variety of dishes and get to know the local culture and history.

Conclusion

Ho Chi Minh is an excellent destination for food lovers. The city offers a wide range of dishes that cater to every taste preference. From Pho to Banh Mi, Banh Xeo to Cha Ca, Ho Chi Minh has something to offer for everyone. So, make sure to try out these delicious dishes on your next trip to Ho Chi Minh.

Do you have any favorite Vietnamese dishes that we missed? Let us know in the comments below!

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of any business or organization mentioned. The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication; however, the author does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information contained herein, and readers should always conduct their research before taking any action based on the information provided.