What to Eat in Saigon: 15 Must-Try Dishes

Saigon, officially known as Ho Chi Minh City, is a vibrant metropolis that offers a culinary experience like no other. From bustling street stalls to high-end restaurants, the city’s food scene is as diverse as it is delicious. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, exploring the local cuisine is a must. Here’s your guide to what to eat in Saigon, featuring 15 must-try dishes that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey.

1. Bánh Mì: The Vietnamese Sandwich

What Makes Bánh Mì So Special?

Bánh mì is more than just a sandwich; it combines French and Vietnamese culinary traditions. This iconic street food features a crispy baguette with various ingredients such as pate, cold cuts, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and a drizzle of spicy sauce. The contrast between the crunchy bread and the savoury fillings makes bánh mì a perfect snack or meal any day.

Where to Find the Best Bánh Mì in Saigon

Bánh mì stalls are scattered throughout Saigon, but some of the best can be found at Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa and Bánh Mì 37 Nguyen Trai. These spots are famous for their generous fillings and perfect bread-to-filling ratio.

2. Phở: Vietnam’s Famous Noodle Soup

The Soul of Vietnamese Cuisine

Phở is perhaps the most famous dish in Vietnam, known for its aromatic broth, tender slices of beef or chicken, and fresh herbs. The secret to a great phở lies in its broth, which is simmered for hours with bones, spices, and herbs to create a rich and flavorful base.

Best Places to Enjoy Phở in Saigon

When it comes to phở, Phở Lệ and Phở Phú Vương are top contenders in Saigon. These establishments are popular by their flavorful broths and high-quality ingredients, making them a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy this classic dish.

3. Cơm Tấm: Broken Rice Delight

A Hearty Meal for Any Time of Day

Cơm tấm, or broken rice, is a popular dish in Saigon. Vietnamese people often enjoy it for breakfast or lunch. The dish typically features broken rice grains with grilled pork, fried eggs, pickled vegetables, and fish sauce. The combination of flavours and textures makes it a satisfying and hearty meal.

Where to Savor Cơm Tấm in Saigon

For a truly authentic experience, head to Cơm Tấm Ba Ghiền or Cơm Tấm Mộc. These restaurants are beloved by locals and tourists alike for their perfectly grilled pork and flavorful rice.

4. Bún Chả: Grilled Pork with Noodles

A Taste of Northern Vietnam in Saigon

Originally from Hanoi, bún chả has made its way to Saigon and become a local favourite. The dish consists of grilled pork with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce. Combining smoky, savoury pork with the light and refreshing noodles makes for a delightful meal.

Best Spots for Bún Chả in Saigon

Bún Chả Hương Liên and Bún Chả 145 are two excellent places to try bún chả in Saigon. Both offer delicious versions of this northern speciality, with perfectly grilled meat and flavorful dipping sauce.

5. Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm: Fermented Shrimp Paste and Tofu

A Bold and Flavorful Dish

Bún đậu mắm tôm is not for the faint-hearted, but it’s a must-try for adventurous eaters. This dish features fried tofu, vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a fermented shrimp paste dipping sauce. The strong aroma and intense flavour of the shrimp paste are balanced by the freshness of the herbs and the crispiness of the tofu.

Where to Experience Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm in Saigon

To enjoy this dish at its best, visit Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm Cô Khàn or Bún Đậu Homemade. Both spots are famous for their authentic preparations and the quality of their ingredients.

6. Bún Thịt Nướng: Grilled Pork Vermicelli

A Perfectly Balanced Dish

Bún thịt nướng is a popular Vietnamese dish that combines grilled pork with vermicelli noodles, fresh vegetables, and a tangy fish sauce dressing. The grilled pork is marinated in lemongrass, garlic, and sugar, giving it a slightly sweet and smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the lightness of the noodles.

Top Places to Try Bún Thịt Nướng in Saigon

For an unforgettable bún thịt nướng experience, check out Bún Thịt Nướng Kiều Bảo and Bún Thịt Nướng Chị Thông. These eateries are known for their flavorful pork and well-balanced bowls.

7. Gỏi Cuốn: Fresh Spring Rolls

A Light and Refreshing Snack

Gỏi cuốn, or fresh spring rolls, are a healthy and delicious snack that features rice paper wrapped around shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles, and fresh herbs. The rolls are typically served with a peanut dipping sauce that adds a rich and creamy element.

Where to Find the Best Gỏi Cuốn in Saigon

For the best gỏi cuốn in Saigon, head to Gỏi Cuốn Thanh Vân or Gỏi Cuốn Ngon 138. Both places offer fresh and flavorful rolls perfect for a light meal or snack.

8. Bánh Xèo: Vietnamese Sizzling Pancakes

Crispy, Savory, and Delicious

Bánh xèo is a crispy, savoury pancake from rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. The pancake is typically served with fresh herbs and a side of fish sauce for dipping. The combination of crispy pancakes and fresh fillings makes bánh xèo popular among locals and tourists.

Best Spots for Bánh Xèo in Saigon

Bánh Xèo 46A and Bánh Xèo Mười Xiềm are two of the best places to try bánh xèo in Saigon. Both restaurants are known for their crispy pancakes and generous fillings.

9. Bò Lá Lốt: Grilled Beef in Betel Leaves

A Unique and Flavorful Dish

Bò lá lốt is a dish that features ground beef seasoned with garlic, lemongrass, and spices, wrapped in betel leaves and grilled to perfection. The betel leaves impart a unique, slightly peppery flavour to the beef, making this dish a must-try for anyone looking to explore the diverse flavours of Vietnamese cuisine.

Where to Try Bò Lá Lốt in Saigon

For the best bò lá lốt, visit Bò Lá Lốt Tân Thành or Bò Lá Lốt Nam Bộ. Both places are known for their expertly grilled beef and flavorful betel leaves.

10. Bò Né: Sizzling Beef Steak

A Vietnamese Twist on Steak

Bò né is the Vietnamese take on a sizzling beef steak, typically served with eggs, pâté, and bread. The dish is cooked on a hotplate, giving the beef a nice sear and keeping the eggs running smoothly. The combination of flavours and textures makes bò né a satisfying meal for any time of day.

Top Places for Bò Né in Saigon

For an authentic bò né experience, head to Bò Né 3 Ngon or Bò Né Lệ Hồng. These spots are known for their tender beef and flavorful accompaniments.

11. Chè: Vietnamese Sweet Soup

A Refreshing Dessert

Chè is a traditional Vietnamese dessert that comes in many forms, from sweet soups to puddings. Common ingredients include mung beans, lotus seeds, jelly, and coconut milk. You can enjoy Chè hot or cold, making it a versatile treat for any time of year.

Best Places to Enjoy Chè in Saigon

For a taste of authentic chè, visit Chè 3 Miền or Chè Mười Sáu. These dessert shops offer various chè options, each more delicious than the last.

12. Ốc: Vietnamese Snails

A Popular Street Food

Ốc, or Vietnamese snails, are a popular street food in Saigon. There are many types of snails, each prepared in various ways, such as steamed, grilled, or sautéed with garlic and chilli. Ốc is typically enjoyed with a cold beer and a side of dipping sauce, making it a favourite among locals for a casual night out.

Where to Try Ốc in Saigon

Ốc Đào and Ốc Oanh are two of the best places to try ốc in Saigon. Both restaurants offer snail dishes prepared with fresh and flavorful ingredients.

13. Mì Quảng: Central Vietnamese Noodles

A Unique Regional Specialty

Mì Quảng is a noodle dish that originates from Central Vietnam but has become popular in Saigon. The dish features wide rice noodles with a rich, flavorful broth, and topped with shrimp, pork, quail eggs, and fresh herbs. Combining textures and flavours makes mì quảng a unique and satisfying meal.

Where to Enjoy Mì Quảng in Saigon

For the best mì quảng in Saigon, visit Mì Quảng 85 or Mì Quảng Mỹ Sơn. These restaurants are well-known for their authentic take on this Central Vietnamese speciality, offering a taste that transports you to the heart of Vietnam.

14. Bún Riêu: Crab Noodle Soup

A Tangy and Savory Delight

Bún riêu is a flavorful Vietnamese noodle soup featuring a tangy tomato broth, freshwater crab, tofu, and vermicelli noodles. This dish is often garnished with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime, giving it a refreshing yet hearty flavour profile. It’s a popular choice for breakfast or lunch in Saigon.

Best Places for Bún Riêu in Saigon

Bún Riêu Gánh and Bún Riêu Nguyễn Cảnh Chân are two spots where you can experience this delicious soup at its best. Both are famous for their rich broths and fresh, high-quality ingredients.

15. Bún Bò Huế – Spicy Beef Noodle Soup

The Bold Flavors of Central Vietnam

Bún bò Huế is a spicy beef noodle soup from the city of Huế in Central Vietnam. Bún bò Huếis famous for its bold flavors, featuring a fragrant broth made from lemongrass, chili, and shrimp paste, thick rice noodles, and tender slices of beef. It’s a dish that warms you up from the inside out.

Where to Find the Best Bún Bò Huế in Saigon

Bún Bò Huế Đông Ba and Bún Bò Huế Bà Tuyết are the go-to places for this fiery soup in Saigon. Both are known for their authentic recipes and flavorful broths that capture the essence of Huế cuisine.

Conclusion

Saigon’s food scene is a treasure trove of flavours and experiences, offering something for every palate. Whether you’re craving the simplicity of bánh mì, the comforting warmth of phở, or the bold flavours of bún bò Huế, the city has it all. 

Ready to dive into Saigon’s culinary delights? Explore the flavours that make this city a food lover’s paradise, from street food favourites to iconic Vietnamese classics. Plus, join Saigon Scene today to enjoy a 10% discount at some of the best restaurants in the city. Grab your chopsticks, follow our guide, and taste the best of Saigon while saving on every delicious bite!