Ho Chi Minh City, with its bustling streets and vibrant markets, is a haven for food enthusiasts seeking an authentic culinary experience. We’ll embark on a tantalizing journey to explore the best street food in Ho Chi Minh City, where flavors from across Vietnam converge in a symphony of taste.

Banh Mi, a Vietnamese sandwich, showcases the fusion of Vietnamese and French culinary influences. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, the baguette is filled with an array of ingredients – grilled meats, pate, pickled vegetables, and a medley of sauces. The result is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that perfectly encapsulates Saigon’s cultural diversity.

Suggestion: 26 Le Thi Rieng, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1

Co Giang is the street to go for bun thit nuong (grilled pork with noodles) served with crispy cha gio (deep fried spring rolls). A wonderful blend of herb and spice flavours. The pork had a great charred, flavourful taste, and mixed with the fish sauce and vermicelli noodles – it made for a filling and satisfying meal

Strongly recommend: Bun thit nuong Chi Tuyen- 175C Co Giang, Co Giang Ward, District 

Com Tam, or broken rice, is a dish that reflects the resourcefulness of Vietnamese cuisine. Fragrant broken rice is served with an assortment of toppings such as grilled pork, fish, or shrimp, along with pickled vegetables and a drizzle of fish sauce. This dish not only celebrates the art of repurposing ingredients but also the complexity of flavors that Saigon’s street food scene embodies.

Suggestion: 84 Dang Van Ngu street, Ward 10, Phu Nhuan

Banh Xeo is made by creating a batter from rice flour, turmeric powder (which gives it the signature golden color), coconut milk, and water. This batter is then poured onto a hot skillet, where it’s cooked until it forms a thin, crispy crepe. The crepe is typically filled with a mixture of ingredients, which can vary based on regional preferences and personal taste.

Suggestion: 103 Ngo Quyen street, Ward 11, District 5

Bánh bột chiên, known as fried rice flour cakes, is a dish with Chinese influence, found in various Asian versions. In the Vietnamese rendition, it includes rice flour cubes, fried eggs (duck or chicken), and vegetables, served with a unique tangy soy sauce on the side. Often enjoyed as a favored after-school treat, particularly among young students in the southern regions of Vietnam

Suggestion: Bột chiên Đức Hoa – 001 Lô K – chung cư Ngô Gia Tự, phường 02, quận 10 (copy and paste it in Google for the detail direction)

In the bustling streets and hidden alleys of Ho Chi Minh City, a rich tapestry of flavors unfolds. The best street food in Saigon isn’t merely a collection of dishes – it’s a culinary journey that encapsulates the city’s history, culture, and vibrant spirit. So, put on your walking shoes, follow the tantalizing scents, and uncover the street food gems that make Ho Chi Minh City a gastronomic paradise.