This guide highlights the best and most affordable culinary experiences in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), with no meal exceeding 90,000 VND. While affiliate links may be included, they don’t affect the cost to you. My four-day Saigon adventure led to some incredible food discoveries. I often used scooter taxis and extensive walks to balance my culinary explorations!

Consider a guided culinary walking tour for a more structured approach to Saigon’s street food scene. Many options are available, offering curated experiences visiting markets and restaurants for a comprehensive taste of local cuisine.

Vietnamese food is known for its complex flavors, often salty and featuring fish sauce. While often meat-heavy, the freshness is evident, usually accompanied by fresh herbs and salad. Spice levels are generally adjustable.

Saigon’s Culinary Gems

Bún bò Huế (Spicy Beef Noodle Soup)

Often confused with pho, bún bò Huế distinguishes itself with round noodles, a tangier broth infused with lemongrass and citrus, and a spicier profile. Originating from Hue in central Vietnam, it’s now a popular dish throughout the south.

Recommended Restaurant: Bún Bò Xưa (multiple locations)

Price: 50,000 VND

Bún riêu (Crab Noodle Soup)

This rich and flavorful noodle soup features crab meat and tomato. While it sometimes includes pig’s blood, many restaurants offer variations without it. The focus on a single dish ensures freshness.

Recommended Restaurant: Bún riêu Gánh (near Ben Thanh Market)

Price: 50,000 VND

Gỏi cuốn (Fresh Spring Rolls)

These light and healthy spring rolls are a perfect counterpoint to richer dishes. Shrimp, lettuce, cucumber, and carrot are wrapped in rice paper, offering a refreshing and customizable dipping experience with sweet chili or fish sauce.

Recommended Location: Ben Thanh Street Food Market (prices may vary from street vendors)

Price: 60,000 VND (for two)

Bánh cuốn (Steamed Rice Rolls)

Originally from Northern Vietnam, bánh cuốn has gained popularity in Saigon. These rolled rice batter delicacies are filled with pork, mushrooms, and shallots.

Recommended Restaurant: Bánh Cuốn Hải Nam

Price: 30,000-40,000 VND

Phở cuốn (Rice Noodle Rolls)

Similar to bánh cuốn, phở cuốn uses rolled rice batter but incorporates vegetables inside, resembling a spring roll/banh cuon hybrid. “Phở” refers to the type of rice noodle. Look for unique variations like rainbow rolls.

Recommended Restaurant: Phở Hai Thiền (for rainbow rolls)

Price: 50,000 VND

Saigon Street Food: A Culinary Adventure

This guide explores some of Saigon’s (Ho Chi Minh City) best street food offerings. Prices listed are approximate and in Vietnamese Dong (VND).

Bánh Mì: The Ultimate Vietnamese Sandwich

Bánh mì, a quintessential Vietnamese baguette, is ubiquitous in Saigon and incredibly affordable, often costing around 15,000 VND (less than a dollar). Western-style variations feature avocado and cheese, but authentic bánh mì boast a more complex savory profile: pork, pickled carrots and cucumbers, cilantro, chili sauce, and often additions like pork pâté or shredded pork floss.

Best Bánh Mì in Saigon: Huynh Hoa Bakery (https://goo.gl/maps/aqdRzkobWem) is a popular choice, renowned for its generous meat fillings. Be prepared for a substantial serving!

Price: 40,000 VND

==>Finding the Best Banh Mi in Vietnam

Phở: Vietnam’s National Soup

Phở, Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup, is available everywhere, from street stalls to upscale restaurants. While many authentic options exist, this guide highlights a unique experience.

Best Phở in Saigon: Phở Hai Thiền (https://www.facebook.com/PHOCUONHAITHIEN) offers a creative twist with purple noodles and a variety of meat, seafood, and vegetarian options. With around 15 variations, it caters to diverse preferences.

Price: 50,000 VND

Cơm Tấm: Broken Rice Delight

Cơm tấm, or broken rice, offers a welcome change from noodle soups. This dish features imperfect rice grains, typically small in size, topped with succulent BBQ pork, a runny fried egg, and fresh cucumber and salad. The combination of textures and flavors is exceptional.

Best Cơm Tấm in Saigon: Cơm Tấm Ba Ghiền (https://goo.gl/maps/tSBtxDV9VEK2) is highly regarded for its exceptional BBQ pork and generous portions. While slightly off the beaten path (near the airport), it’s worth the trip.

Price: 55,000 VND

Bún Thịt Nướng: Grilled Pork Vermicelli

Bún thịt nướng is a flavorful dish consisting of dry rice vermicelli noodles topped with grilled pork, peanuts, fresh herbs, and crispy spring rolls. A great option for those who prefer dry noodles over soups.

Best Bún Thịt Nướng in Ho Chi Minh: While sampled at a tourist location, Bún Thịt Nướng Chị Thông (https://goo.gl/maps/5XbkEzZvfM82) in District 1 is frequently recommended for an authentic experience.

Price: 40,000 VND

Bún Mắm: Fermented Fish Noodle Soup

Bún mắm, a seafood noodle soup, includes prawns, white fish, tofu, and eggplant. The dark, flavorful broth, often served with banana flower salad and fish sauce, provides a unique culinary experience.

Best Bún Mắm in Ho Chi Minh: Quán Bún Mắm Cửa Đông (https://goo.gl/maps/zsm4orkFbPL2) is a highly recommended establishment known for its excellent quality.

Price: 70,000 VND

Bánh Xèo: Savory Vietnamese Crepe

Bánh xèo, a type of savory crepe, includes prawns and pork cooked into the batter and often served folded with bean sprouts.

Best Bánh Xèo in Saigon: Bánh Xèo 46A Đinh Công Tráng (https://goo.gl/maps/ov9w3eZq81C2) is a popular choice, known for large portions and a vibrant atmosphere. While potentially oily, this reflects a traditional style.

Price: 80,000 VND (sufficient for two)

Bánh Khọt: A Delicious Saigon Culinary Adventure

Bánh khọt, small savory Vietnamese pancakes, are a culinary highlight in Ho Chi Minh City. Similar to bánh xèo but lighter, they offer a delicious and relatively healthy (arguably!) street food experience. The typical way to enjoy them is wrapped in lettuce leaves, with a chili dipping sauce, and generously doused in fish sauce – the locals insist on it!

Where to Find the Best Bánh Khọt: The author recommends Bánh Khọt Cô Ba Vũng Tàu (https://goo.gl/maps/Ym7qZceQDEn), a restaurant offering a slightly more upscale (but still very affordable) experience compared to typical street food stalls. A meal costs approximately $5.

Price: 80,000 VND

For more organized food tours, consider exploring options through GetYourGuide.

Other Saigon Food Worth Trying:

The author’s Saigon culinary journey was extensive, but some dishes that caught their eye include:

• Bột chiên: A fried rice cake omelette, described as greasy, carb-heavy, and utterly delicious. It’s comparable to Singaporean carrot cake.
• Banh Mi Op La: A classic banh mi sandwich with an added omelette.

Despite leaving a few culinary adventures for a future trip, the author had an overwhelmingly positive experience with Ho Chi Minh City’s diverse food scene.