What is Bun Mam? a bold and aromatic Vietnamese noodle soup that hails from the Mekong Delta. Known for its distinctive fermented fish broth, this dish delivers a powerful depth of flavor that’s both savory and umami-rich. Bún Mắm is typically served with rice vermicelli noodles and a generous mix of seafood like shrimp, squid, and catfish, often accompanied by slices of pork belly, eggplant, and fresh herbs.

The combination of robust broth, vibrant toppings, and fragrant greens makes Bun Mam a cherished street food in southern Vietnam. It’s not for the faint of heart, but for those open to its intensity, it’s a truly unforgettable culinary experience that captures the soul of the Mekong.

Here is a list of 10 Bun Mam places in Ho Chi Minh City that SaigonVibes recommends you try. We’ve also included a Google Maps link for each restaurant to make it easy for you to find them, along with a selection of well-rated tours in Ho Chi Minh City from GetYourGuide. We hope you enjoy and find the best tours that suit your travel plans

Bún Mắm Cô Chính is a signature dish from the Mekong Delta, celebrated for its rich and flavorful taste. The broth is slow-cooked from pure fermented fish with lemongrass and pineapple, creating a deep yet smooth flavor. Noodles are topped with fresh seafood and perfectly roasted pork. She sells about 60 kg of noodles and 15 kg of roasted pork each day, showcasing the popularity of this beloved dish. This place not only offers a delicious meal but also represents the vibrant culinary culture of the Mekong Delta, leaving a lasting impression on all who try it.
Service: Friendly and quick. Despite the crowd, the staff handles orders efficiently. It feels like a local gem.

Bun Mam Co Chinh
Address: 108/20A Tran Quang Dieu, Ward 14, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 6AM – 12PM

Bún Mắm Cô Ba on Nguyen Tri Phuong street is known for its rich fermented fish broth, this spot serves one of the best versions of bún mắm in Saigon. The bowl is packed with fresh vermicelli noodles, crispy pork belly, shrimp, squid, and eggplant, all brought together by the savory, slightly pungent broth. It’s perfectly balanced with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime, creating a delicious harmony of taste and aroma.
Service: Small but clean place. The staff is polite and food comes out fast. Ideal for a quick, satisfying lunch.

Bun Mam Co Ba
Address: 523/8 Nguyen Tri Phuong, Ward 8, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 9AM – 9PM

Nestled in the heart of Phu Nhuan District, Bún Mắm Phan Xích Long is a beloved spot for those craving authentic Southern Vietnamese flavors. The broth is simmered with coconut water and local herbs, giving it a slightly sweet aroma and mellow taste. Complemented by a generous serving of fresh herbs and vegetables, each bowl offers a balanced and satisfying experience.
Service: Relaxed vibe. The owner is welcoming and treats guests like regulars. Very homey.

Bun Mam Phan Xich Long
Address: 11 Hoa Su, Ward 7, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 9:30AM – 9PM

Bún Mắm 444 is a long-standing favorite for those craving authentic Bun Mam. With over two decades of history, this spot is known for its meticulously strained for clarity, with layers of umami from aged fish sauce and roasted garlic. Fresh herbs and vegetables balance out the bold flavors, making each bowl deeply satisfying. Despite its modest appearance, Bun Mam 444 attracts a steady stream of customers, especially during peak hours from 4 to 7 PM. The restaurant’s commitment to quality and tradition has made it a beloved spot for both locals and visitors seeking an authentic taste of Southern Vietnamese cuisine.
Service: Simple decor but solid service. Locals keep coming back. Speaks volumes.

SaigonVibes strongly recommends this one

Bun Mam 444
Address: 375 Le Quang Dinh, Ward 5, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 9AM – 9PM

Bún Mắm Miền Tây is a cozy eatery with a long-standing reputation among locals, this spot is known for its rich, aromatic broth that is cooked with bone stock and fermented fish, balanced by rock sugar and herbs. Rich but never overpowering. The dish is served with a generous basket of fresh herbs and vegetables like banana blossom, water spinach, and bean sprouts, all clean, crisp, and thoughtfully prepared to complement the strong flavors of the broth. A squeeze of lime and a slice of chili bring the bowl to life.
Service: Staff are attentive, the space is modest but well-kept. Good portions at great value.

Bun Mam Mien Tay
Address: 26 Nguyen Thien Thuat, Ward 2, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 8AM – 8PM

Bún Mắm Cô Bông: has been passed down through two generations, from the owner’s mother to her. Originally, the main dishes were fermented fish noodle soup and Thai-style noodle soup, but now the place also offers other options like thick noodle soup and turmeric noodles. The bowl comes loaded with shrimp, squid, crispy pork belly, and whole cuts of snakehead fish. What makes it special is that the fish is served in full pieces, not filleted. The shrimp and squid are fresh and tender. The crispy pork belly usually comes in three to four flavorful slices. The broth is aromatic and packed with the bold, savory taste of the Mekong region.
Service: Warm-hearted and personal. She makes you feel like you’re dining at a friend’s house.

Bun Mam Co Bong
Address: 125 Nguyen Huu Cau, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 4AM – 4PM

Tucked deep in an alley, this local favorite is famed for its broth made from both henicorgynchus and trichogaster pectoralis, giving off a rich, unmistakable aroma. For 75,000 VND, each bowl is packed with plump shrimp, tender squid, and crispy pork belly. A standout is the lemongrass pork cracklings, adding fragrance and creaminess. Only a few fish head portions are available daily, making them a rare treat. Don’t miss the thick tamarind dip sweet, tangy, and unforgettable. The broth is bold, but finely balanced perfect for true bún mắm lovers.
Service: Friendly service and unique touches like limited daily fish heads.

This place is popular with locals and hard to find. The price is a bit high for a first-time try of fermented fish noodle soup

Bun Mam Vui
Address: 188/117/26A Khanh Hoi, Ward 4, District4, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: 9AM – 4PM

Bún Mắm Chị Yến is famous for being a “best seller” dish, available only on Tuesdays. Each bowl offers great value, packed with generous toppings such as fish cake, crispy pork belly, your choice of catfish or snakehead fish, shrimp, squid, and crab cake. What truly draws customers here is her rich and flavorful broth, which leaves everyone satisfied with its deep, savory taste. The fresh, abundant vegetables served alongside the soup add a refreshing balance and can be enjoyed freely.
Service: She sells seven different dishes on different days, so the fermented fish noodle soup is available on Tuesdays or Sundays. The other dishes are also worth trying

Bun Mam Chi Yen
Address: 61 Phan Van Han, Ward 17, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: 7AM – 12PM

This well-loved spot serves a classic bún mắm crafted from fermented fish broth simmered with sauté lemongrass, caramelized shallots, and roasted garlic for extra aroma and depth. Each serving is loaded with fresh shrimp, squid, crispy pork belly, and a colorful mix of herbs and greens. With its warm, no-fuss atmosphere and wallet-friendly prices, Bun Mam 47 continues to draw both locals and curious visitors seeking an honest taste of Southern Vietnamese home cooking.

Bun Mam 47
Address: 91A Le Quang Sung, Ward 2, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 11AM – 9PM