Must-Try Foods In Ben Thanh Market (Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City

Ben Thanh Market serves as a historical symbol of Ho Chi Minh City and plays a pivotal role in the daily life of the local residents. Established by the French colonial powers in the late 17th century and relocated to its current position in 1912, the market offers a wide array of goods, with its food section being an integral part of Vietnamese culinary heritage. It reflects the evolution of Vietnamese cuisine, incorporating Chinese, Khmer, Indian, and French influences to create a diverse array of flavors unique to Vietnam. The market is a hub of various street food vendors and food stalls that promote traditional Vietnamese food culture to both locals and visitors alike.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Ben Thanh Market

• Pho (Non-Veg) - Vietnam's national dish featuring rice noodles in a savory broth with herbs, ordinarily served with chicken (Pho Ga) or seafood.
• Banh Mi (Non-Veg) - A Vietnamese sandwich with French influence; a crispy baguette filled with variety of ingredients like vegetables, herbs, pâté, and typically pork or chicken.
• Spring Rolls (Can be Veg/Non-Veg) - Fresh spring rolls (Goi Cuon) filled with greens, minced pork, shrimp, and vermicelli or fried spring rolls (Cha Gio) filled with either vegetables or meat.
• Banh Xeo (Non-Veg) - A crispy crepe bulging with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts and egg; often wrapped in lettuce with fresh herbs and dipped in a tangy sauce.
• Hu Tieu (Non-Veg) - A flavorful rice noodle soup with a clear and aromatic broth, served with pork or seafood and a variety of herbs.
• Bun Thit Nuong (Non-Veg) - Vermicelli noodles topped with grilled pork, fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, and crispy spring rolls, all drizzled with fish sauce.
• Banh Cuon (Can be Veg/Non-Veg) - Steamed rice rolls filled with ground pork and mushrooms or a vegetarian filling, served with a light fish sauce.
• Com Tam (Non-Veg) - Broken rice typically served with grilled pork (or ribs), pickled vegetables, and a fried egg.
• Che (Veg) - A sweet dessert soup or pudding with ingredients like beans, tapioca, jellies, and fruit, often mixed with coconut milk.
• Banh Bao (Can be Veg/Non-Veg) - Steamed buns filled with a combination of meat and vegetables or purely vegetarian fillings.

Top Famous Restaurants in Ben Thanh Market and Their Specialty Dishes

1. Pho 2000 - Address: 1-3 Phan Chu Trinh, Ben Thanh, District 1
   Specialty: Pho (Non-Veg) - Noted for its aromatic broth and tender meat.
2. Banh Mi Huynh Hoa - Address: 26 Le Thi Rieng, Ben Thanh, District 1
   Specialty: Banh Mi (Non-Veg) - Famous for its generous fillings and flavorful sauces.
3. Quan An Ngon - Address: 160 Pasteur, Ben Thanh, District 1
   Specialty: Banh Xeo (Non-Veg) - Renowned for its crispy crepes and savory fillings.
4. Bep Me In - Address: 136/9 Le Thanh Ton, Ben Thanh, District 1
   Specialty: Che (Veg) - A variety of Che for dessert lovers.
5. Wrap & Roll - Address: 62 Hai Ba Trung, Ben Thanh, District 1
   Specialty: Spring Rolls (Can be Veg/Non-Veg) - Offers an extensive selection of fresh and fried rolls.

Many of these eateries are nestled within the market's premises or in close proximity, offering an authentic taste of Saigon's culinary delights.