### Food History of Binh Tay Market (Cholon Chinatown Market), Ho Chi Minh City
Binh Tay Market, located at the heart of Cholon – Ho Chi Minh City's bustling Chinatown, is steeped in history and culinary tradition. Established in the late 19th century, the market has been a vibrant hub for trade and a melting pot of Vietnamese and Chinese cultures for over a century. Its food reflects a blend of both culinary heritages, with a diverse array of flavors and dishes unique to the region. The market is a place where locals and tourists alike come to explore the intricate flavors of street food and traditional Vietnamese offerings, as well as to enjoy Chinese-influenced delicacies.
### Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Binh Tay, Ho Chi Minh City
1. Pho (Non-Veg)
A classic Vietnamese noodle soup known worldwide, Pho typically features a fragrant broth, rice noodles, herbs, and slices of chicken or pork. It's a staple at breakfast but enjoyed any time of day.
2. Banh Mi (Non-Veg/Veg Options Available)
This Vietnamese sandwich combines French baguette with fillings such as ham, pâté, cucumbers, pickled carrots, and coriander leaves — with vegetarian options also available.
3. Goi Cuon (Non-Veg/Veg Options Available)
These fresh spring rolls pack a medley of vermicelli noodles, shrimp, pork, and fresh herbs, all wrapped in a rice paper roll and often served with a peanut or hoisin dipping sauce.
4. Che (Veg)
A sweet dessert soup or pudding that comes in many variations, featuring ingredients like mung beans, black-eyed peas, fruit, tapioca, and coconut cream.
5. Banh Xeo (Non-Veg/Veg Options Available)
This sizzling cake is essentially a crispy crepe filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and mung beans, served with fresh vegetables and fish sauce.
6. Hu Tieu (Non-Veg/Veg Options Available)
A noodle soup with a lighter broth than Pho, Hu Tieu can be prepared with a variety of proteins, including shrimp or chicken, and can also be made vegetarian.
7. Com Tam (Non-Veg)
Also known as broken rice, Com Tam is typically served with grilled pork, but other meats can be used. Accompaniments often include pickled vegetables, a fried egg, and fish sauce.
8. Chao (Non-Veg/Veg Options Available)
A Vietnamese rice porridge that can be served with a variety of toppings, such as chicken, duck, or offal. Vegetarian alternatives are available and typically include an assortment of mushrooms.
9. Banh Bao (Non-Veg/Veg Options Available)
A fluffy steamed bun filled with a mixture of meat, usually pork, eggs, and mushrooms. Vegetarian versions are often filled with tofu and vegetables.
10. Dim Sum (Non-Veg/Veg Options Available)
Though of Chinese origin, the influence of Chinese cuisine in Cholon means a variety of dim sum dishes are a must-try. From shrimp dumplings (har gow) to vegetarian steamed buns, it's a crowd-pleaser.
### Top Famous Restaurants in Binh Tay Market with Addresses and Famous Food
1. Pho Hung
*Address: Cholon Branch – 241-243 Nguyen Trai, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City*
Famous for: Pho (Non-Veg), with both beef and chicken options that are famous for their rich and aromatic broths.
2. Banh Mi Hong Hoa
*Address: 62 Nguyen Van Trang, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City*
Famous for: Banh Mi (Non-Veg/Veg Options Available), offering classic Vietnamese sandwiches with a variety of fillings including vegetarian choices.
3. Banh Xeo An La Ghien
*Address: 74 Su Van Hanh, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City*
Famous for: Banh Xeo (Non-Veg/Veg Options Available), known for its crispy crepes with abundant fillings and flavors.
4. Binh Tay Food Court
*Address: Inside Binh Tay Market, 57 Thap Muoi, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City*
Famous for: A variety of street food options (Non-Veg/Veg Options Available), from Che to freshly made Goi Cuon, offering a taste of local cuisine in one place.
5. Dim Sum House
*Address: 6 Nguyen An, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City*
Famous for: Dim Sum (Non-Veg/Veg Options Available), featuring an array of traditional Chinese small plates perfect for sharing.