Ho Chi Minh City street food is renowned for its vibrant flavors and diverse culinary offerings. Whether you choose to embark on a street food tour with a knowledgeable local guide or explore the bustling food stalls on your own, the city’s streets are filled with tantalizing dishes waiting to be savored. From the iconic pho and banh mi to mouthwatering spring rolls and flavorful seafood dishes, there is an array of must-try delicacies that will leave you craving for more.
- Exploring street food yourself
- Ben Thanh Street Food Market
- Ho Chi Minh City street food tour
- 10 best street food dishes to try
Exploring street food yourself
Exploring street food on your own in Ho Chi Minh City is an exciting culinary adventure. With food available on almost every street at any time of the day, it’s easy to immerse yourself in the local food scene. It’s one of the best ways to experience the city.
Exploring street food on your own in Ho Chi Minh City is an exciting culinary adventure. With food available on almost every street at any time of the day, it’s easy to immerse yourself in the local food scene. It’s one of the best ways to experience the city. While street food in Ho Chi Minh City is generally safe to eat, it’s always good to take a few precautions.
Look for places with a high number of locals dining, as it indicates both the quality of the food and its freshness. This ensures that the food is made to order and reduces the risk of any food safety concerns.
It’s important to note that each region or city in Vietnam has its own distinct dishes and flavors. So, even if you’ve tried a particular dish in another city like Hanoi, it may have a different taste in Ho Chi Minh City. Embrace the opportunity to discover new flavors and culinary variations specific to this vibrant city.
Lastly, it’s advisable to prioritize properly cooked food and avoid consuming raw meat or vegetables from street food stalls. Opt for dishes that are cooked thoroughly to reduce any potential health risks.
Ben Thanh Street Food Market
Ben Thanh Street Food Market in Ho Chi Minh City is a special place for newcomers and travelers who may be hesitant to dive into the street food scene. Designed specifically for tourists, this clean and trendy market offers a welcoming environment to sample local delicacies. With around 20 to 25 food stalls, it provides a curated selection of dishes, making it easier for you to take your first steps into the world of street food.
While Ben Thanh Street Food Market may be slightly pricier compared to traditional street food vendors, it still offers affordable options for those seeking a taste of Vietnam’s culinary delights. Although the experience may be less authentic than exploring street food in local neighborhoods, it serves as a stepping stone for travelers to familiarize themselves with the vibrant flavors and diverse cuisine the city has to offer.
Ho Chi Minh City street food tour
Embarking on a street food tour in Ho Chi Minh City with a knowledgeable local guide adds an extra layer of safety and excitement to your culinary adventure. With their expertise, you can trust that they will lead you to the best and hygienic food establishments in the city. However, a street food tour is not just about the food; it’s an immersive and engaging experience that allows you to discover hidden gems and learn fascinating insights about the city.
Exploring street food with a local guide opens up a world of cultural exploration and storytelling. They can share interesting anecdotes about the history, traditions, and culinary customs of Ho Chi Minh City. It’s an opportunity to gain deeper insights into the local way of life and connect with the vibrant street food culture on a more meaningful level.
To take your street food adventure up a notch, consider opting for a motorbike street food tour. Riding on the back of a motorbike with your guide allows you to navigate the bustling streets like a local, immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the city. It adds an element of thrill and authenticity to your experience, making it even more memorable.
10 best street food dishes to try
When it comes to street food in Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll find a delightful array of dishes that showcase the city’s culinary diversity. While many popular Vietnamese dishes can be found here, such as Pho and Bun Cha from Hanoi, the city also boasts its own unique street food specialties.
As the economic hub of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City has attracted people from all over the country, bringing with them their regional dishes that have become integral to the local street food scene.
However, most of the dishes in this of list of must-try street food, actually originated in Ho Chi Minh City or the southern regions of Vietnam.
1. Bánh Xèo
Bánh Xèo is a savory Vietnamese pancake filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and sometimes mung beans. The pancake is made from rice flour and turmeric, giving it a vibrant yellow color. It’s often served with fresh herbs and a dipping sauce, offering a delicious combination of textures and flavors.
2. Gỏi Cuốn
Gỏi Cuốn, also known as fresh spring rolls or summer rolls, are made by wrapping rice paper sheets around a variety of ingredients like shrimp, pork, rice vermicelli noodles, lettuce, and herbs. These healthy and refreshing rolls are typically served with a peanut dipping sauce, making them a popular choice during hot summer days.
3. Cơm Tấm
Cơm Tấm is a dish featuring broken rice served with grilled pork, a fried egg, pickled vegetables, and fish sauce. The broken rice grains have a slightly different texture, making them absorb the flavors of the accompanying ingredients. It’s a hearty and satisfying street food option.
4. Bánh Tráng Trộn
Bánh Tráng Trộn is a unique Vietnamese rice paper salad. It consists of thin rice paper strips mixed with green mango, herbs, dried shrimp, peanuts, and a spicy dressing. The combination of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors creates a delightful explosion of tastes in every bite.
5. Oc Hải Sản
Oc Hải Sản refers to a variety of seafood dishes commonly enjoyed as street food in Ho Chi Minh City. These dishes feature different types of shellfish like snails, clams, and mussels, prepared in various ways such as steamed, grilled, or stir-fried. They are often seasoned with aromatic herbs and served with dipping sauces, offering a flavorful and unique culinary experience.
6. Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang
Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang is a popular Vietnamese noodle soup originating from the Cambodian-Chinese community in Southern Vietnam. It typically consists of a clear broth filled with rice noodles, pork slices, shrimp, quail eggs, and various toppings like fried shallots and fresh herbs. The soup is flavorful and comforting, making it a beloved street food dish.
7. Bột Chiên
Bột Chiên, also known as fried rice flour cake, is a beloved street food snack in Ho Chi Minh City. It’s made by frying cubes of rice flour dough until they turn crispy on the outside while maintaining a soft and chewy texture on the inside. The fried cakes are then stir-fried with eggs and green onions, creating a tasty and satisfying dish.
8. Bún Mắm
Bún Mắm is a flavorful Vietnamese noodle soup made with fermented fish paste broth. It’s typically served with rice vermicelli noodles, various toppings such as shrimp, pork, and eggplant, and garnished with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime. The soup has a rich umami flavor and is a favorite among locals.
9. Chè
Chè refers to a wide variety of sweet soups or desserts made with ingredients such as beans, glutinous rice, coconut milk, and fresh fruits. From Chè Ba Màu (Three-color dessert) to Chè Chuối (Banana and Coconut Milk Sweet Soup), these sweet treats are a delightful way to end a street food feast.
10. Bánh Mì
Bánh Mì is arguably one of the most iconic and beloved Vietnamese street foods. Not typical food from Ho Chi Minh City, but a travelers favorite.
It is a delicious sandwich made with a French-inspired baguette, typically filled with various ingredients such as grilled pork, pâté, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and mayonnaise. The combination of flavors and textures creates a mouthwatering experience that is both savory and satisfying. Bánh Mì is readily available throughout the streets of Ho Chi Minh City and is a must-try for any food enthusiast visiting the city.
