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

Food History of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a melting pot of cultures, and this diversity is reflected in its vibrant culinary scene. The city's food history is deeply influenced by a mix of indigenous Khmer cuisine, French colonial cooking techniques, and flavors from China, India, and other Southeast Asian nations. Vietnamese cuisine in Ho Chi Minh City is known for its light, fresh flavors, contrasting textures, and the abundant use of fresh herbs and vegetables. Street food plays a crucial role in the lives of locals, with a variety of regional dishes available at nearly every corner.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam

1. Pho (Non-Veg) - This iconic Vietnamese noodle soup typically features chicken or duck and is accompanied by herbs and lime.
2. Banh Mi (Non-Veg/Veg) - A French-Vietnamese fusion sandwich that can be found with a wide range of fillings including meats and vegetarian options.
3. Goi Cuon (Non-Veg/Veg) - Also known as spring rolls, these are filled with greens, and can include shrimp or tofu, served fresh or fried.
4. Banh Xeo (Non-Veg/Veg) - A crispy Vietnamese pancake filled with ingredients such as shrimp, bean sprouts, and onion; vegetarian versions are available.
5. Hu Tieu (Non-Veg/Veg) - A versatile noodle soup that can be prepared with chicken, seafood, or in a vegetarian style.
6. Bun Thit Nuong (Non-Veg) - Vermicelli noodles with grilled meat, usually pork, herbs, and a side of fish sauce.
7. Com Tam (Non-Veg) - Broken rice served with grilled pork, typically topped with a fried egg and served with pickled vegetables.
8. Banh Bao (Non-Veg/Veg) - A steamed bun filled with pork, eggs, mushrooms, and vegetables, but also available in vegetarian options.
9. Chè (Veg) - A traditional Vietnamese sweet dessert soup or pudding that comes in many varieties with different ingredients like beans, fruit, and sticky rice.
10. Banh Cuon (Non-Veg/Veg) - Steamed rice rolls filled with ground pork and wood-ear mushrooms, or with a vegetarian filling.

Top Famous Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam

Quan An Ngon

Address: 160 Pasteur Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Famous Food: Pho (Non-Veg), Banh Xeo (Non-Veg/Veg)

Cuc Gach Quan

Address: 10 Dang Tat, Ward Tan Dinh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Famous Food: Traditional Vietnamese home-cooked dishes (Non-Veg/Veg)

Banh Mi Huynh Hoa

Address: 26 Le Thi Rieng, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Famous Food: Banh Mi (Non-Veg/Veg)

Pho Hoa Pasteur

Address: 260C Pasteur Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

Famous Food: Pho (Non-Veg)

Propaganda Bistro

Address: 21 Han Thuyen Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Famous Food: Modern Vietnamese dishes (Non-Veg/Veg)

The Deck Saigon

Address: 38 Nguyen U Di, Thao Dien Ward, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City

Famous Food: International and Vietnamese cuisine (Non-Veg/Veg)

Secret Garden

Address: Alley 158 Pasteur Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Famous Food: Authentic Vietnamese food (Non-Veg/Veg)

Humm Vegetarian Cafe & Restaurant

Address: 32 Vo Van Tan, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

Famous Food: Vegetarian Vietnamese Cuisine

Nha Hang Ngon

Address: 160 Pasteur, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Famous Food: Comprehensive menu of Vietnamese flavors (Non-Veg/Veg)

Anan Saigon

Address: 89 Ton That Dam, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Famous Food: Unique takes on street food favorites (Non-Veg/Veg)