Must-Try Foods In FITO Museum (Museum Of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine) (Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)) For Tourists 2025

Food History at FITO Museum, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The FITO Museum, short for the Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine, showcases the history and practices of traditional Vietnamese medicine, which includes the use of natural and nutritional elements from food for healing and well-being. Traditional Vietnamese medicine often incorporates dietary remedies and utilizes a holistic approach, highlighting the importance of a balanced diet for maintaining health and treating illnesses. Many of the exhibits in the museum include ancient implements used to prepare traditional medicine, some of which incorporate ingredients from Vietnamese cuisine, reflecting a deep connection between food and health.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Ho Chi Minh City

While FITO Museum itself does not offer food, visitors can explore a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes in the surrounding area of Ho Chi Minh City. Here are the top 10 must-try dishes:

Banh Mi - A Vietnamese sandwich that combines French colonial influences with local ingredients. (Non-Veg/Veg options available)
Pho - A fragrant rice noodle soup often served with herbs and meat, such as chicken or beef. (Non-Veg/Veg options available)
Goi Cuon - Fresh spring rolls filled with vegetables, herbs, and sometimes shrimp or pork. (Non-Veg/Veg options available)
Banh Xeo - A crispy, savory pancake filled with shrimp, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs. (Non-Veg/Veg options available)
Che - A traditional Vietnamese sweet dessert soup or pudding. (Veg)
Hu Tieu - A rice noodle dish that can be served in soup or dry with a variety of toppings. (Non-Veg/Veg options available)
Banh Cuon - Steamed rice rolls often filled with ground pork and mushrooms. (Non-Veg/Veg options available)
Canh Chua - A sour soup distinguished by its sweet and sour flavors, usually made with fish, pineapple, tomatoes, and bean sprouts. (Non-Veg)
Com Tam - Broken rice served with grilled pork (or other meats) and a variety of accompaniments. (Non-Veg/Veg options available)
Chao - Vietnamese rice porridge that can be served with various toppings, including vegetables and meats. (Non-Veg/Veg options available)

Top Famous Restaurants Near FITO Museum, Ho Chi Minh City

Hum Vegetarian, Lounge & Restaurant
Address: 2 Thi Sach, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Famous Food: Plant-based dishes inspired by Vietnamese cuisine (Veg)
Propaganda Bistro
Address: 21 Han Thuyen, District 1, Ho Chi and Minh City
Famous Food: Bahn Mi and modern twists on classic Vietnamese dishes (Non-Veg/Veg options available)
Quan An Ngon
Address: 18 Phan Boi Chau, Ben Thanh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Famous Food: A variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes (Non-Veg/Veg options available)
The Hungry Pig
Address: 144 Cong Quynh, Pham Ngu Lao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Famous Food: Customizable sandwiches and bacon-based dishes (Non-Veg/Veg options available)
Secret Garden Home-cooked Vietnamese Restaurant
Address: Alley 158 Pasteur St, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Famous Food: Home-style, traditional Vietnamese dishes (Non-Veg/Veg options available)