15 Must-Try Dishes in Ho Chi Minh City for Foodie Travelers

Astrid Freja

2025-02-25

Having called Vietnam home for eight enriching years, I've gathered countless authentic stories that I'm now eager to share with you. As a VietAdvisor contributor, my passion lies in the freedom of discovery, allowing me to deeply immerse myself in Vietnam's rich, diverse cultures from north to south. Let my experiences help you forge a deeper connection with this extraordinary country.

Hey, fellow food-loving explorers! If you’ve got a taste for adventure and a trip to Vietnam on your radar, let me whisk you away to Ho Chi Minh City—where the streets hum with scooters and the air’s thick with the scent of sizzling goodness. I landed here wide-eyed and starving, and oh man, did this city deliver.

Imagine this: vendors flipping crepes on curbside griddles, bowls of noodle soup steaming under neon lights, and tiny plastic stools where locals slurp down meals that cost less than a Starbucks run. For foodie travelers, Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon, as the locals still call it) is pure magic.

The street food in Saigon is cheap, bursting with flavor, and totally unforgettable. Today, I’m dishing out the ultimate guide to the must-try dishes in Ho Chi Minh City for foodie travelers—15 of them, because narrowing it down was impossible. Buckle up, you’re in for a tasty ride!

A Taste of Ho Chi Minh City – Why Foodies Love It

Stepping off the plane, I was hit with a wall of humidity and the smell of grilled meat from a street cart across the road. Jet lag? Forgotten. Hunger? Through the roof. Ho Chi Minh City’s food scene is a wild ride—think French baguettes from colonial days mashed up with Chinese spices and Vietnam’s obsession with fresh herbs, lime, and fish sauce. It’s loud, it’s chaotic, and it’s deliciously approachable, even if you’re a newbie to Vietnam like I was.

For us international travelers, this place is a dream. You don’t need to speak a lick of Vietnamese or have a fat wallet to dive in. Street food in Saigon is the beating heart of it all—vendors whip up cheap food on every corner, from noodle soups to crispy pancakes, all served with a side of culture. Think pho simmering at dawn, banh mi stuffed to the brim, or com tam with juicy pork sizzling over rice.

These are just the start of the must-try dishes in Ho Chi Minh City for foodie travelers. It’s not just about eating—it’s about tasting Vietnam’s story, one bite at a time. Stick with me, because we’re about to get into the good stuff.

Craving more Vietnam foodie vibes? Check out my post on Why Vietnam is a Food Lover’s Paradise!

Top 15 Must-Try Dishes in Ho Chi Minh City for Foodie Travelers

Alright, here’s where I spill the beans—or rather, the noodles, rice, and sauces. I’ve eaten my way across this city, and these 15 must-try dishes in Ho Chi Minh City for foodie travelers are the ones I’d fly back for. Let’s dig in.

1. Pho

Vietnam’s noodle soup superstar! Picture a steaming bowl of silky rice noodles drowned in a broth that’s simmered for hours—star anise, cinnamon, and ginger weave this magical, aromatic hug. I went for pho bo (beef) at Pho Le in District 5, elbow-to-elbow with locals at 7 a.m. The beef was tender, the broth rich and clear, and I piled on fresh basil, bean sprouts, and a lime squeeze. For $2, it’s cheap food that feels like a warm embrace—perfect to kick off a Saigon day.

2. Banh Mi

This French-Vietnamese mash-up is a crusty baguette bursting with flavor—smooth pate slathered inside, topped with juicy pork, crunchy pickled carrots, cool cucumber, and a fiery chili kick. I snagged one at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa in District 1 for $1.50, balancing it on my lap on a park bench as scooters roared by. The bread’s crisp outside gave way to a soft, chewy center—every bite a salty-sweet symphony. It’s Saigon’s ultimate grab-and-go gem.

3. Banh Xeo

Think of banh xeo as Vietnam’s answer to a savory crepe—golden, crispy, and sizzling right off the pan. It’s stuffed with plump shrimp, fatty pork, and crunchy bean sprouts, served with a side of lettuce to wrap it in. I tried it at a tiny stall near Ben Thanh Market, where the vendor poured the batter with a hiss and a pop. Dipped in tangy fish sauce, it’s a texture party—crisp, tender, fresh. A must-try dish in Ho Chi Minh City for foodie travelers who love a crunch.

4. Bun Bo Hue

Spicier than its cousin pho, this noodle soup from Hue is a Saigon heavy-hitter. Thick rice noodles swim in a broth punched up with lemongrass, chili, and beefy goodness—my lips tingled just smelling it. At Bun Bo Hue 31, I paid $3 for a bowl topped with pork and herbs, sweating through the heat (bring a napkin!). It’s bold, fiery, and unforgettable—perfect for spice lovers ready to dive into Vietnam’s wild side.

5. Goi Cuon

Fresh spring rolls are Saigon’s light, breezy treat—translucent rice paper wrapped tight around shrimp, pork, thin noodles, and a fistful of herbs like mint and cilantro. I grabbed a pair for $1 from a street cart in District 3, dipping them in thick, nutty peanut sauce with a chili swirl. They’re cool, crisp, and refreshing—a lifesaver on a sticky afternoon when you need something tasty but not heavy.

6. Ca Kho To

This clay-pot caramelized fish is a sweet-salty revelation—catfish braised in fish sauce, sugar, and a dash of pepper until it’s sticky and tender. I found it at a hole-in-the-wall in District 3, served with a bowl of fluffy rice for $3. The sauce clung to every bite, balancing rich umami with a caramel edge—it’s comfort food that whispers home, even halfway across the world.

7. Com Tam

Saigon’s lunchtime MVP—broken rice grains topped with a smoky grilled pork chop, a sunny-side-up egg, and tangy pickled veggies. I devoured it at Com Tam Sa Bi Chuong, where the pork’s charred edges and the egg’s runny yolk melted into the rice for $2. A drizzle of fish sauce tied it all together—simple, hearty, and budget food that fueled my afternoon wanderings.

8. Hu Tieu

A lighter noodle soup that’s less famous than pho but just as lovable. Thin rice noodles float in a clear, delicate broth with pork slices, shrimp, and a sprinkle of crispy shallots. I slurped it down near Cholon, Saigon’s Chinatown, for $2—the subtle flavors and crunchy toppings made it a quiet star. It’s like pho’s chill cousin, perfect when you want something soothing.

9. Bo Kho

Vietnam’s take on beef stew—chunks of tender beef and carrots stewed in a rich, spiced broth with lemongrass and star anise. I had it at Bo Kho Co Mai with a crusty baguette for dunking, all for $3. The warmth of the broth and the bread’s chewiness made it a cozy escape from Saigon’s bustle—a hug in a bowl for homesick travelers.

10. Cha Gio

Crispy fried spring rolls that snap when you bite in—stuffed with minced pork, shrimp, and veggies, then plunged into fish sauce with chili. I nabbed a plate for $1.50 at a night market stall, the golden rolls still hot from the fryer. That crunch, paired with the zesty dip, is pure addictiveness—don’t sleep on these little flavor bombs.

11. Bun Thit Nuong

Grilled pork perfection over a bed of vermicelli noodles, sprinkled with crushed peanuts and fresh herbs, then doused in fish sauce. I ate it at a bustling District 1 spot for $2, the pork smoky and caramelized from the grill. It’s light yet filling, with a balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy—budget food that feels like a feast.

12. Cao Lau

A noodle dish borrowed from Hoi An but thriving in Saigon—thick, chewy noodles with sliced pork, greens, and crispy rice crackers for texture. I tried it at a small eatery for $3, the broth just a whisper under the toppings. The mix of soft noodles and crunchy crackers was a delight—proof Saigon can nail dishes from anywhere.

13. Xoi Ga

Sticky rice topped with shredded chicken and a drizzle of scallion oil—breakfast doesn’t get better. I scooped it up from a street vendor for $1, pairing it with a $0.50 iced coffee. The rice was soft and gluey, the chicken savory with a hint of grease—it’s the kind of morning fuel that keeps you going till lunch.

14. Che

A sweet escape—dessert soup with coconut milk, mung beans, and wobbly jelly bits, served cold. I cooled off with a bowl near Nguyen Trai Street for $0.5 – $1, the creamy sweetness cutting through Saigon’s heat. It’s like a tropical smoothie you eat with a spoon—ideal for satisfying that post-meal sugar craving.

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15. Oc

Snails, y’all—Saigon’s quirky nightlife snack. I went for oc nhoi (stuffed snails) at a late-night stall for $3—tiny shells packed with pork and lemongrass, grilled till smoky and spicy. They’re chewy, bold, and paired perfectly with a cold beer. It’s an adventure on a plate, and I’m still raving about it.

You’ll find these gems everywhere, but Ben Thanh Market or District 1’s alleys are hot spots. Check out my Cheapest Markets in Ho Chi Minh City guide for more!

Best Food Tours for Sampling Street Food in Saigon

Navigating Ho Chi Minh City’s food maze solo can be daunting—streets twist, menus are in Vietnamese, and where do you even start? Food tours were my lifeline, especially as a foreigner. I tried two, and they made tasting street food in Saigon a breeze.

The motorbike food tour was my fave—$40 and worth it. You hop on the back of a bike, zooming through neon-lit streets, stopping at hidden stalls. My guide took me to a com tam spot and a banh xeo joint I’d never have found. Six must-try dishes in Ho Chi Minh City for foodie travelers, all in one night! Perfect if you love a thrill.

The walking tour in District 1 was calmer—$25 for a 3-hour stroll. We hit budget food spots for goi cuon and hu tieu, and my guide explained every dish. English-speaking guides make it so easy for us internationals to dive into the culture without stress.

Both are affordable and let you sample Saigon’s soul. More tour ideas? See my Best Guided Tours in Vietnam post!

Travel Tips for Foodie Travelers in Ho Chi Minh City

Let’s get practical—because I know foreigners like us need a little hand-holding in a new country! Here’s what I learned:

• Timing: Mornings are for pho and xoi—vendors fire up at dawn. Evenings bring night markets and oc stalls. I loved 6-9 p.m. when the city cools off and lights up.
• Spot the winners: Busy stalls with locals are gold. No crowd? Keep walking. My best cha gio came from a packed spot with zero English signage.
• Language: “Xin chao” (hello), “cam on” (thank you), and “ngon” (delicious) won me smiles. Pointing works too—I never starved!
• Safety: Bottled water’s a must—$0.50 everywhere. Ease into spicy stuff like bun bo hue if your stomach’s sensitive. These must-try dishes in Ho Chi Minh City for foodie travelers are worth savoring slowly.
• Etiquette: No tipping—vendors don’t expect it. Finish your bowl, say thanks, and you’re golden.
• Transport: Grab (like Uber) is cheap—$1-2 across town. Walking’s great in District 1, but pack comfy shoes for uneven sidewalks.

New to Vietnam? My First-Time Traveler’s Guide to Vietnam has you covered!

Costs and Pricing – Eating Cheap in Ho Chi Minh City

Money talk! Ho Chi Minh City is a budget foodie’s paradise. Street food in Saigon runs $1-3 per dish—pho’s $2, banh mi’s $1, even oc is $2. It’s cheap food that punches way above its price tag. Food tours? $25-$50 for a full experience—still a steal compared to a $60 dinner stateside.

My tip: Skip fancy restaurants. Local vendors serve the must-try dishes in Ho Chi Minh City for foodie travelers for pennies. Bring small bills (VND 20,000-50,000 notes) since change can be tricky. More savings tips in my Budget Travel Tips for Hanoi post!

Wrapping Up Your Foodie Adventure

Ho Chi Minh City stole my stomach and my heart. The must-try dishes in Ho Chi Minh City for foodie travelers—15 of them, from pho to oc—are a flavor explosion you can’t miss. Cheap, vibrant, and soulful, this city’s food scene is calling your name.

Ready to taste it for yourself? Book a food tour or dive into more Vietnam guides to plan your trip! My How to Plan Your Vietnam Food Adventure post is your next stop. See you in Saigon, foodies!