Ho Chi Minh City food guide
As Vietnam’s largest and most modern city, Ho Chi Minh City, still commonly called Saigon by many locals, is one of the best places to experience Vietnam’s incredible food culture. While northern cuisine tends to be more subtle, southern food is bold, vibrant, and bursting with herbs, sweetness, and spice, and there’s no better place to experience it than here.
Saigon is a city full of energy and contrasts, where sleek skyscrapers rise beside old crumbling colonial buildings. It’s a place where tradition and innovation blend seamlessly, not just in its skyline but also with its food.
In this quick guide, we’ll take you through some of our favourite places to eat in Saigon.
Best places for Bánh Mì (Vietnamese baguette)
A hugely popular spot serving generously stuffed, modern style bánh mì. With a production line setup and a constant stream of Grab drivers, it runs like a bánh mì factory, fast, efficient, and slick. Seating is limited and prices are higher than more traditional stalls, but if you're after a filling and tasty sandwich, this one delivers.
This nice, family run shop offers a more old-school bánh mì experience. It’s great value, with simple, well balanced fillings and a welcoming atmosphere. Some indoor seating is available, but takeaway is also easy.
A near perfect mix of traditional flavours and modern twists, with vegetarian options including a standout tofu bánh mì. Seating is limited to a few outdoor spots, but the friendly staff, fantastic taste, and excellent prices made this our personal favourite in the city.
The best vegan bánh mì we tried in Vietnam. Everything is 100% plant based, including the thập cẩm (mixed) option, which we highly recommend. It’s a takeaway focused chain with a few locations across the city.
Other good restaurants we found
Found down an unassuming alley, Hẻm Đậu serves up one of the best Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm we tried in Ho Chi Minh City. This classic Vietnamese dish of rice noodles with crispy fried tofu and a fermented shrimp paste dipping sauce. Portions are large, everything’s made fresh to order, and the service is warm and efficient. The tofu arrives hot and crispy, and the mắm tôm hits just the right balance, flavourful without being overpowering. Excellent value for money.
This small, family run place is our top choice for trying Bò Lá Lốt in Ho Chi Minh City. A popular local favourite, the dish features seasoned beef wrapped in lá lốt, aromatic leaves similar to, but distinct from, betel leaves, then grilled to order right inside the restaurant. It’s full of flavour, reasonably priced, and served with a mountain of fresh herbs and vegetables.
Our favourite spot for Bò Kho in Ho Chi Minh City. This rich, fbeef stew is mildly spiced with a touch of sweetness, and like many Vietnamese dishes easily customisable at the table with fresh herbs, chillies, and lime. You can choose to have it with noodles or bread, we recommend the thập cẩm option, which gives you a bit of everything. Nice staff, big portions, and great value.
