+84 978 388 058 As a global culinary hotspot, Ho Chi Minh City offers an incredible diversity of best places to eat in Saigon Vietnam, from classic Vietnamese street food to innovative modern cuisine. n these pages, we’ll share in-depth profiles of Saigon’s signature dishes and the eateries that do them best. You’ll find insider tips on navigating the street food scene, discover hidden local haunts, and uncover the most Instagrammable culinary experiences. Whether you’re craving pho, banh mi, or a modern Vietnamese feast, our Saigon Foodie’s Guide has you covered. Let’s go!
Top 14 Best Places to Eat in Saigon Vietnam
1. Pho Hoa
- Located in District 1, the heart of Saigon
- Open daily from 6 AM to 10 PM
Pho Hoa is a Saigon institution, serving up some of the most authentic and delicious pho in the city. This family-run establishment has been perfecting their signature beef noodle soup recipe for over 60 years, resulting in a rich, aromatic broth that simmers for hours. Be sure to order the classic pho tai, with thinly sliced rare beef that cooks right in the hot broth tableside. Pair it with a strong Vietnamese coffee for the ultimate breakfast of champions.
2. Banh Mi Huynh Hoa
- Found in the bustling Cho Lon neighborhood
- Open from 6 AM to 8 PM daily
No visit to Saigon is complete without indulging in the city’s iconic banh mi sandwiches, and Banh Mi Huynh Hoa is widely considered one of the best. These freshly baked Vietnamese baguettes are stuffed to the brim with savory grilled pork, pâté, pickled vegetables, and a heavenly mix of fresh herbs and sauces. Get there early to avoid the lines and watch the skilled sandwich artists in action.
3. Cục Gạch Quán
- Nestled in a quiet alley in District 3
- Open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM
For a more upscale dining experience, head to Cục Gạch Quán, a beautifully decorated restaurant serving refined Vietnamese fare in a tranquil setting. Standout dishes include the caramelized pork belly, the crispy imperial rolls, and the divine passion fruit crème brûlée for dessert. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or romantic dinner away from the bustling city streets.
4. Ngon Villa
- Conveniently located in District 1, just minutes from major landmarks
- Open from 7 AM to 10 PM daily
Ngon Villa offers a delightful taste of Vietnamese culinary traditions in a beautiful colonial-style villa setting. Their menu features a wide array of regional specialties, from the ubiquitous pho to lesser-known delicacies like bún chả Huế and cơm tấm. Be sure to save room for the chè, a variety of sweet Vietnamese desserts served in colorful cups.
5. Áo Bà Ba
- On the lively Pasteur Street in District 1
- Open from 7 AM to 10 PM
For a truly authentic Vietnamese street food experience, make your way to Áo Bà Ba. This casual eatery is known for its exceptional rendition of bánh mì, with freshly baked baguettes stuffed with a tasty combination of grilled pork, pâté, pickles, and fragrant herbs. Their rice dishes, like cơm tấm and cơm gà, are also exceptional and served in generous portions.
6. Fanny Ice Cream
- Multiple locations across Saigon, including in District 1 and District 3
- Open daily from 8 AM to 10 PM
No matter how hot and humid the Saigon weather gets, a stop at Fanny Ice Cream is always a refreshing treat. This beloved local chain offers a wide variety of innovative ice cream flavors, from traditional Vietnamese options like durian and coconut to creative fusion flavors like avocado and condensed milk. The perfect way to cool down after a day of sightseeing.
7. Nhà Hàng Ái Xiêm
- Situated in the charming District 3 neighborhood
- Open from 11 AM to 10 PM daily
For a truly memorable dining experience, reserve a table at Nhà Hàng Ái Xiêm, a restaurant that specializes in imperial Vietnamese cuisine. Feast on delicate dishes like imperial rice, caramelized pork, and steamed sea bass, all presented with impeccable attention to detail. The serene setting, complete with a koi pond and traditional decor, transports you back in time.
8. Com Nieu Sai Gon
- Located in the lively District 1, just steps from the Bitexco Financial Tower
- Open from 10 AM to 10 PM
Com Nieu Sai Gon offers a unique take on the classic Vietnamese rice dish, com. Here, the rice is served in a traditional clay pot, which is dramatically flipped over tableside to reveal the perfectly cooked grains. Top your com with a variety of toppings, from grilled pork and fried eggs to sautéed water spinach and fermented shrimp.
9. Anan Saigon
- Nestled in a quiet alley in the trendy Bình Thạnh district
- Open from 11 AM to 11 PM daily
Anan Saigon is a standout in the city’s vibrant dining scene, blending traditional Vietnamese flavors with modern, creative flair. Indulge in dishes like the crispy pork belly with fish sauce caramel, the smoked mackerel with young banana, and the decadent chocolate fondant for dessert. The industrial-chic setting and innovative cocktails make this a true foodie’s paradise.
10. Lemongrass
- Conveniently located on Pasteur Street in District 1
- Open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM
For a taste of authentic Vietnamese home cooking, make your way to Lemongrass. This cozy, family-run restaurant serves up delectable regional specialties, including tender beef stew, fragrant lemongrass chicken, and hearty bowls of pho. The portions are generous, the prices are reasonable, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere makes it a local favorite.
11. Hùng Phát
- Tucked away in the bustling Cho Lon neighborhood
- Open from 6 AM to 10 PM daily
Hùng Phát is renowned for its exceptional xôi, a savory sticky rice dish that is a quintessential Vietnamese breakfast. Here, you’ll find an array of toppings to choose from, including mung bean, salted egg, and sweet Chinese sausage. Pair your xôi with a strong Vietnamese coffee for a truly satisfying start to the day.
12. Cuc Gach Quan
- Situated in a charming colonial-style villa in District 3
- Open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM
Cuc Gach Quan offers a refined, upscale dining experience that showcases the best of Vietnamese cuisine. The menu features a wide range of regional specialties, from the classic pho to innovative fusion dishes like the braised pork belly with passion fruit. The elegant setting, complete with a tranquil garden courtyard, makes it the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or romantic dinner.
13. Banh Mi Hoa Ma
- Located in the bustling Tan Dinh Market in District 1
- Open from 6 AM to 6 PM daily
For the ultimate Saigon street food experience, head to Banh Mi Hoa Ma, a beloved banh mi stall tucked away in the lively Tan Dinh Market. Here, you’ll find some of the most perfectly crisp and flavorful Vietnamese baguettes, stuffed with a variety of fillings like grilled pork, chicken liver pâté, and pickled vegetables. Be prepared to join the queue, as these sandwiches are in high demand.
14. Com Tam Tran Qui Cap
- The restaurant is located at 26 Tran Quy Cap Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
- Com Tam Tran Quy Cap is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
Com Tam Tran Quy Cap is a renowned Vietnamese eatery located in Ho Chi Minh City. It first opened its doors in 1985 and has since become a local institution, beloved by both Vietnamese diners and international visitors alike.
The restaurant specializes in com tam, which is a classic Vietnamese dish consisting of broken rice, grilled pork, and an assortment of tasty accompaniments. At Com Tam Tran Quy Cap, they take great pride in using high-quality, freshly sourced ingredients to prepare their com tam.
Some of the signature dishes include:
- Com Tam Bi Suon Op La – Broken rice served with grilled pork chop, shredded pork skin, and a fried egg
- Com Tam Suon Bi Trung – Broken rice with grilled pork chop, shredded pork skin, and a fried egg
- Com Tam Cha Trung – Broken rice with grilled pork patty and a fried egg
Tips to Hack Saigon’s Signature Dishes
Timing is Key
- Visit street food stalls and restaurants early in the morning or late afternoon
- This ensures you get the freshest, most flavorful dishes before the crowds arrive
Follow the Locals
- Seek out bustling, no-frills eateries packed with Vietnamese diners
- These establishments are likely to serve up the most authentic regional specialties
Embrace the Outdoor Experience
- Many of Saigon’s iconic dishes are best enjoyed al fresco
- Grab a plastic stool, order up a feast, and immerse yourself in the vibrant street life
Explore the Side Streets
- While famous spots are worth visiting, some of the most exciting finds are in hidden alleys and local neighborhoods
- Venture off the beaten path to uncover lesser-known gems
Keep an Open Mind
- Saigon’s food scene is incredibly diverse, with a wide range of unfamiliar flavors and ingredients
- Approach each dish with an adventurous spirit – you might just discover a new favorite
With this expert guidance, you’ll unlock the secrets to Saigon’s vibrant food landscape and embark on an unforgettable culinary adventure. So grab your appetite, get ready to explore, and savor every bite of this captivating city’s signature dishes.
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