Saigon, the Pearl of the Far East, captivates visitors not only with its dynamic pace of life and modern skyscrapers but also with its rich and diverse street food scene. It’s hard to definitively say where to find the best pho or the best banh mi, as everyone has their own taste and experience.
And that’s precisely the charm! With millions of residents and countless sidewalk eateries, Saigon is a food paradise where you can easily find delicious, unique, and authentic local dishes. Join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” to explore the most outstanding street foods in Saigon, the flavors that have shaped the culinary identity of this city.
Com Tam – “Queen” of Saigon Street Food
Com Tam (Broken Rice) is not just a dish, but also a symbol of Saigon. From a meal for the working class, Com Tam has risen to become a favorite dish for everyone. A full plate of Com Tam typically includes grilled pork chop, shredded pork skin, steamed pork and egg patty, fried egg, and pickled vegetables, creating a harmonious and irresistible flavor.
You can find Com Tam anywhere in Saigon, from humble street stalls to luxurious restaurants. However, to experience the authentic Saigon Com Tam flavor, visit these locations:
- Com Tam Co Hong (128 Doan Van Bo, District 4): Open from 4 PM to 1 AM, famous for its delicious, flavorful grilled pork chop.
- Com Tam Bai Rac (73 Le Van Linh, District 4): The name might sound “shocking” (Bai Rac means “garbage dump”), but don’t worry, the stall has been around for a long time and is loved by many.
- Com Tam Nguyen Van Cu (74 Nguyen Van Cu, District 1): Famous for its “full topping” Com Tam with grilled pork chop, shredded pork skin, and steamed pork and egg patty, a bit pricey but the quality is undeniable.
A hearty and appealing plate of Com Tam with grilled pork chop, shredded pork skin, and steamed pork and egg patty
Bun Rieu – Countryside Flavors in the City Center
Bun Rieu (Crab Noodle Soup) is a familiar dish to Vietnamese people, but in Saigon, Bun Rieu carries a unique flavor. The broth is clear and sour, rich in crab paste flavor, combined with toppings like tofu, congealed pig blood, tomatoes, and fresh herbs, creating a tempting and unforgettable bowl of Bun Rieu.
If you want to enjoy delicious Bun Rieu in Saigon, go to Bun rieu cua oc Phan Rang (66 Nguyen Thai Binh, District 1). The restaurant is famous for its generous, clean, and flavorful Bun Rieu with crab and snails.
Oc – Seafood Paradise for Food Connoisseurs
Saigon is known as a “snail paradise” with countless Oc (snails/shellfish) dishes prepared in various styles. From stir-fried snails with butter and garlic, coconut stir-fried snails to grilled snails with scallion oil, each Oc dish carries a unique flavor, captivating many diners.
To enjoy delicious Oc in Saigon, you cannot miss Vinh Khanh food street (District 4). Here, you can find dozens of Oc restaurants with all kinds of snails and cooking methods. One of the most famous Oc restaurants in Vinh Khanh is Oc Oanh (534 Vinh Khanh, District 4).
Diverse and appealing Oc dishes in Saigon
Bun Thit Nuong – An “Addictive” Dish for Young People
Bun Thit Nuong (Grilled Pork Vermicelli) is a dish loved by many, especially young people. Soft fresh vermicelli noodles, fragrant grilled pork, fresh herbs, crispy roasted peanuts, and sweet and sour fish sauce, all blend together to create a delicious and nutritious dish.
In Saigon, you can enjoy Bun Thit Nuong in many places, but the most famous are Bun thit nuong Nguyen Trung Truc (1 Nguyen Trung Truc, District 1) and Bun Thit Nuong Kieu Bao (139 De Tham, District 1).
Pho – The Quintessence of Vietnamese Cuisine
Pho is the national dish of Vietnam, and Saigon also has famous Pho restaurants that are loved by many. Whether you like beef pho or chicken pho, Hanoi style or Saigon style, you can find a Pho restaurant to your liking in Saigon.
- Pho Mien Ga Ky Dong (14/5 Bis Ky Dong, District 3): Famous for its Southern-style chicken pho, open from early morning to late night.
- Pho Phuong (25 Hoang Sa, District 1): If you are a fan of beef pho, don’t miss this restaurant. Pho Phuong is famous for its rich broth, fresh beef, and soft noodles.
A delicious and hot bowl of chicken Pho in Saigon
Banh Trang Tron – “Divine” Snack of Students
Banh Trang Tron (Mixed Rice Paper) is a familiar snack of Saigon students. Rice paper is cut into small pieces, mixed with dried beef, quail eggs, Vietnamese coriander, roasted peanuts, and tamarind sauce, creating a tempting sour, spicy, salty, and sweet snack.
You can easily find Banh Trang Tron all over the streets and alleys of Saigon. One of the most famous places is Banh Trang Tre Tron Co Du (26 Ly Tu Trong, District 1). You can also try Banh Trang Tron at Banh Trang Tron 24 (34 Nguyen Thuong Hien) on Nguyen Thuong Hien food street.
Bun Bo Hue – “Bold” Flavors of Central Vietnam
Bun Bo Hue (Hue Style Beef Noodle Soup) is a specialty of Central Vietnam, but in Saigon, Bun Bo Hue is also loved by many. The broth is rich, spicy, with tender beef shank, flavorful crab sausage, and fresh herbs, creating a tempting and irresistible bowl of Bun Bo Hue.
To enjoy delicious Bun Bo Hue in Saigon, go to Bun bo Hue Huynh Thuc Khang (62 Huynh Thuc Khang, District 1). The restaurant is open 24/7, serving Bun Bo Hue with bold, authentic Central Vietnamese flavor.
Bo Kho – Warm Flavor on Rainy Days
Bo Kho (Vietnamese Beef Stew) is a familiar dish to Saigon people, especially on rainy days. Beef is stewed until tender, infused with spices, served with crispy bread or egg noodles, creating a warm and delicious dish.
You can enjoy Bo Kho at Pho Quynh (323 Pham Ngu Lao, District 1). The restaurant is famous for its delicious, flavorful, and affordable Bo Kho.
Mi Quang – “Essence” of Quang Nam Cuisine
Mi Quang (Quang Noodles) is a specialty of Quang Nam province, but in Saigon, Mi Quang is also loved by many. Golden noodles, rich broth, flavorful chicken or pork, fresh herbs, and crispy sesame rice crackers, create a tempting and unforgettable bowl of Mi Quang.
To enjoy delicious Mi Quang in Saigon, go to Mi Quang An La Ghien (15A Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1).
Banh Mi – Icon of Vietnamese Street Food
Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwich) is the most famous street food of Vietnam, and Saigon also has famous Banh Mi shops that are loved by many. From cold cut Banh Mi, Xiu Mai (meatball) Banh Mi to Cha Lua (Vietnamese sausage) Banh Mi, each type of Banh Mi carries a unique flavor, captivating many diners.
- Banh Mi Huynh Hoa (26 Le Thi Rieng, District 1): Famous for its “super meaty” Banh Mi, loved by many tourists.
- Banh Mi Chim Chay (147 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1): A newly nổi (emerging) Banh Mi shop, known for its delicious grilled pork or chicken Banh Mi.
Bun Cha – Hanoi Flavors in the Heart of Saigon
Bun Cha (Hanoi Grilled Pork with Vermicelli) is a specialty of Hanoi, but in Saigon, you can also find delicious Bun Cha restaurants that are loved by many. Fragrant grilled minced pork patties and pork belly, served with fresh vermicelli noodles, herbs, and sweet and sour dipping sauce, creating a delicious and nutritious dish.
- Bun Cha Nem Hoang De (10 Ly Tu Trong, District 1): Famous for its generous and delicious Bun Cha with crab spring rolls.
- Quan Nem (15E Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1): A famous Bun Cha restaurant, once featured on CNN.
Delicious and appealing Hanoi Bun Cha
Banh Trang Nuong – “Vietnamese Pizza”
Banh Trang Nuong (Grilled Rice Paper) is a familiar snack of Da Lat people, but in Saigon, Banh Trang Nuong is also loved by many. Rice paper is grilled over charcoal, topped with egg, scallions, dried beef, and chili sauce, creating a crispy and delicious snack.
To enjoy delicious Banh Trang Nuong in Saigon, go to Co Map (54 Ngo Duc Ke, District 1). The restaurant is famous for its generous, delicious, and affordable Banh Trang Nuong.
Exploring Saigon Street Food – An Endless Journey
Saigon street food is a vast and diverse world, with countless delicious, unique, and authentic local dishes. Take the time to explore and experience these wonderful flavors, you will never be disappointed!
How many dishes on this list have you tried? Which one is your favorite? Share with “Du lịch khắp thế gian”!