Ho Chi Minh Food Tour or Saigon Food Tour is one of the best ways to explore Vietnam’s most exciting city. It’s not just about trying delicious dishes – it’s about diving into local culture, meeting real people, and discovering places you’d never find on your own. From sizzling street grills to quiet alleys packed with plastic stools, a food tour lets you taste the soul of the city one bite at a time.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or you’ve been to Vietnam before, here’s everything you need to know: what kinds of tours are available, how to choose the best one for you, where to go, and 15 must-try dishes that define Saigon’s street food scene.

This original content is created by SaigonVibes. We’ve also included a selection of top-rated tours in Ho Chi Minh City from GetYourGuide. We hope you enjoy it and find the best tours to suit your travel plans

Not all food tours are the same. Some are slow, guided walks through local neighborhoods. Others are fast-paced motorbike adventures. Here are the main styles:

• Walking Food Tours
  You explore on foot, usually around districts like District 1, District 3, or District 4. These tours are relaxed and perfect for anyone who wants to take their time, ask questions, and soak in the atmosphere.
• Motorbike Food Tours
  This is the most thrilling way to explore. You hop on the back of a local guide’s scooter and zip through busy districts, stopping at hidden gems known only to locals. Great for adventurous eaters and anyone wanting a deeper look at how the city moves.
• Market Tours
  Focused on morning or afternoon markets like Ben Thanh, Tan Dinh, or Ho Thi Ky. You’ll see how ingredients are sold, learn about fresh herbs and tropical fruits, and eat at stalls right inside the market.
• Night Street Food Crawls
  Best for those who want to experience Saigon’s energy after dark. These tours take you through alleys, curbside grills, and bustling night markets where locals go to unwind after work.
• Custom or Private Food Tours
  Want vegetarian food only? Looking for halal-friendly dishes? Craving a specific dish like hủ tiếu (a southern noodle soup) or cơm tấm (broken rice)? Many companies offer tailored experiences that match your dietary preferences or travel style.

In short: eat, learn, laugh, repeat.

A good food tour gives you more than just meals. It gives you stories – of families who have cooked the same dish for 40 years, of immigrant flavors that found a home in Saigon, and of young vendors reinventing tradition with a twist. You’ll eat at places with no English signs, sometimes no signs at all. You’ll sit on tiny red stools next to strangers who quickly become friends. And you’ll taste things you didn’t even know existed.

Here are the stars of the show. These are the dishes that every great tour should include – or at least introduce to you.

• Bánh mì – A Vietnamese sandwich with French roots, filled with pâté, cold cuts, pickled vegetables, chili, and herbs
• Phở – A famous noodle soup with clear beef broth, fresh herbs, and flat rice noodles
• Hủ tiếu – A sweet pork-based noodle soup, often topped with shrimp, minced pork, and fried garlic
• Cơm tấm – Broken rice served with grilled pork chop, egg meatloaf, and sweet fish sauce
• Bún thịt nướng – Grilled pork with cold vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and peanut sauce
• Gỏi cuốn – Fresh spring rolls with shrimp, pork, and herbs wrapped in rice paper
• Chả giò – Crispy fried spring rolls usually filled with pork and taro
• Ốc – Snails and seafood grilled or stir-fried with butter, tamarind, or lemongrass
• Bánh xèo – Crispy turmeric rice pancakes filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts
• Bún bò Huế – A spicy beef noodle soup from central Vietnam, bolder than phở
• Bánh tráng nướng – Often called “Vietnamese pizza,” grilled rice paper topped with egg, sausage, and chili sauce
• Bánh căn – Mini savory pancakes made from rice flour and egg, usually served with fish sauce
• Chè – Vietnamese sweet dessert soups, often made with beans, coconut milk, jelly, and ice
• Sữa đậu nành – Sweet, warm soy milk, perfect for late-night sipping
• Nước mía – Fresh sugarcane juice with kumquat, refreshing and lightly sweet

These neighborhoods are packed with authentic food experiences and are often featured on the best food tours:

• District 1: Great for walking tours. You’ll find famous banh mi shops, old-school Pho spots, and lively food alleys like Co Giang Street.
• District 3: Known for a mix of old houses and traditional eateries. This is where many locals go for cơm tấm, chè, and grilled pork noodles.
• District 4: Famous for its street food alleys like Xóm Chiếu and Vĩnh Khánh Street – also called “snail street.” A paradise for seafood lovers.
• District 10: Home to Ho Thi Ky Market, where you can try Cambodian-Vietnamese fusion dishes, street snacks, and colorful chè desserts.
• Chinatown (District 5): Known in Vietnamese as Chợ Lớn, this area is packed with Chinese-Vietnamese food, including wonton noodles, roast duck, and dim sum.

Not all food tours are created equal. Here’s how to pick the right one for you:

✅ Check the Style: Do you want to ride a motorbike or prefer a walking pace? Night markets or morning markets? Look for tours that match your energy.

✅ Look at the Food List: Make sure they include local specialties. If all you see is bánh mì and phở, you’re missing out. A good tour goes deeper.

✅ Small Group or Private: Smaller groups often mean better interaction with the guide and more flexibility. Private tours are great if you have food restrictions or want something custom.

✅ Local Guides: Choose tours with guides who grew up in the city. They’ll know hidden spots, local slang, and how to avoid tourist traps.

✅ Read Reviews: Check real reviews on Google, GetYourGuide, or Airbnb Experiences. Look for mentions of food quality, guide friendliness, and authenticit

• First-Time Visitors
  Want to dive straight into the local culture and cuisine without getting overwhelmed or lost? Food tours offer a curated, safe, and tasty experience.

• Foodies & Culinary Enthusiasts
  People who love trying new dishes, exploring street food, or learning about regional flavors and ingredients will love the variety and insight.

• Solo Travelers
  Joining a food tour is a great way to meet others, enjoy shared meals, and explore hidden gems with a local guide.

• Couples & Families
  Perfect for bonding over new dishes and discovering spots locals actually eat at—especially for couples on a date or families with curious kids.

• Culture Seekers
  Food is deeply tied to history, identity, and daily life. If you’re into storytelling, traditions, and local customs, food tours bring it all together.

• Short-Term Visitors
  Don’t have time to explore on your own? A half-day or evening food tour offers a rich and efficient taste of the city.

• Content Creators & Bloggers
  Food tours lead you to vibrant places, photogenic dishes, and unique stories you can share with your audience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Ho Chi Minh Food Tour is the tastiest way to explore Ho Chi Minh City, taking you through local streets and hidden alleys to sample some of the most amazing dishes Vietnam has to offer. Taste your way through flavors from North Vietnam, Hue, and the South in one delicious adventure.
Led by passionate local guides, these tours combine mouthwatering bites with fun stories, cultural insights, and your choice of motorbike or walking routes. Perfect for foodies, first-time visitors, and anyone hungry for authentic local vibes.

Ready to eat your way through Ho Chi Minh? Check out top rated food tours from SaigonVibes on Tripadvisor