Top 15 Best Must Try Food Ho Chi Minh City that you can not miss out

When coming to one of the most vibrant cities of Vietnam, you may wonder what is the must try food Ho Chi Minh City. Lucky for you, this absolutely is a vibrant metropolis that tantalizes the taste buds of food lovers from around the world. From street food stalls to upscale restaurants, Ho Chi Minh City offers an array of delectable dishes that will leave you craving for more. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 15 must-try foods in Ho Chi Minh City that you simply can’t miss out on during your visit.

Top 15 must try food Ho Chi Minh City

1. Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup (Pho)

• Location: Pho Hoa, 260C Pasteur Street, District 3
• Open time: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily

No culinary journey in Ho Chi Minh City is complete without sampling a steaming bowl of Vietnamese beef noodle soup. This iconic Vietnamese soup consists of fragrant broth, rice noodles, herbs, and your choice of meat. Pho Hoa is renowned for its rich, flavorful broth that’s simmered for hours. We highly recommend trying their rare beef pho, featuring thinly sliced rare beef that cooks to perfection in the hot broth.

2. Vietnamese Sandwich (Banh Mi)

• Location: Huynh Hoa Sandwich Shop, 26 Le Thi Rieng, District 1
• Open time: 2:30 PM – 11:00 PM daily

The Vietnamese sandwich is Vietnam’s answer to the sandwich, and Huynh Hoa Sandwich Shop serves some of the best for must try food Ho Chi Minh City. This tiny shop creates a perfect balance of flavors in their crispy baguettes filled with a variety of meats, pâté, vegetables, and sauces. Don’t miss their signature cold cuts and pâté sandwich – it’s a local favorite and perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.

3. Broken Rice (Com Tam)

• Location: Ba Ghien Broken Rice, 84 Dang Van Ngu, Phu Nhuan District
• Open time: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily

Broken rice is a quintessential Saigonese dish. Ba Ghien Broken Rice is famous for its perfectly grilled pork chops served over broken rice with a fried egg, pickled vegetables, and fish sauce. We highly recommend trying their broken rice with pork chop, shredded pork skin, and steamed egg meatloaf. This will surprise you while explore must try food Ho Chi Minh City.

4. Grilled Pork with Vermicelli (Bun Thit Nuong)

• Location: Chi Tuyen Grilled Pork with Vermicelli, 195 Co Giang, District 1
• Open time: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily

This refreshing dish combines grilled pork, fresh herbs, and rice vermicelli noodles. Chi Tuyen Grilled Pork with Vermicelli is a local favorite, known for its perfectly seasoned and chargrilled pork. We highly recommend adding a crispy spring roll to your bowl for an extra layer of texture and flavor for this must try food Ho Chi Minh City.

5. Vietnamese Savory Pancake (Banh Xeo)

• Location: Banh Xeo 46A, 46A Dinh Cong Trang, District 1
• Open time: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily

The Vietnamese savory pancake is a crispy pancake filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts. Banh Xeo 46A has been serving this delicious dish for decades. We highly recommend ordering their signature pancake and enjoying it the traditional way – wrapped in rice paper with fresh herbs and dipped in fish sauce-based dipping sauce.

6. Phnom Penh Noodle Soup (Hu Tieu Nam Vang)

• Location: Nhan Quan Phnom Penh Noodle Soup, 72 Nguyen Thuong Hien, District 3
• Open time: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM daily

Phnom Penh noodle soup is a Cambodian-influenced noodle soup that’s become a Saigon favorite. Nhan Quan serves an excellent version with a clear, flavorful broth and a variety of toppings. We highly recommend trying their dry version where the broth is served on the side, allowing you to appreciate the individual flavors of the ingredients.

7. Crab and Tomato Noodle Soup (Bun Rieu)

• Location: Nguyen Canh Chan Crab and Snail Noodle Soup, 18/5 Nguyen Canh Chan, District 1
• Open time: 6:30 AM – 1:00 PM daily

Crab and tomato noodle soup is a tangy tomato and crab soup with rice vermicelli noodles. This small family-run eatery serves one of the best versions in the city. We highly recommend adding snails to your bowl for an authentic Saigonese experience. The rich crab flavor and the slight sourness of the broth make this dish truly unforgettable.

8. Fried Rice Flour Cakes (Bot Chien)

• Location: Dat Thanh Fried Rice Flour Cakes, 277 Vo Van Tan, District 3
• Open time: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM daily

Fried rice flour cakes are a popular street food dish of crispy fried rice flour cakes. Dat Thanh is famous for their perfectly crispy exterior and soft, chewy interior. We highly recommend trying both the regular version with eggs and the one with Chinese sausage. Don’t forget to dip them in the tangy soy sauce provided!

9. Duck Porridge (Chao Vit)

• Location: Thanh Da Duck Porridge, 118 Binh Quoi, Binh Thanh District
• Open time: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM daily

Duck porridge is a comforting rice porridge served with tender duck meat. Thanh Da Duck Porridge is renowned for its silky smooth porridge and flavorful duck. We highly recommend ordering a side of duck salad to complement your porridge. The contrast between the warm porridge and the cool, crunchy salad is divine.

10. Snails (Oc)

• Location: Oanh Snails, 534 Vinh Khanh, District 4
• Open time: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM daily

Saigon is famous for its seafood, and snails are a local favorite. Oanh Snails offers a wide variety of snails and shellfish prepared in different ways. We highly recommend trying the sea snails stir-fried with salt and chili and the grilled scallops with scallion oil.

11. Fried Chicken with Rice (Com Ga Xoi Mo)

• Location: Co Mai Fried Chicken with Rice, 360 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 3
• Open time: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily

Fried chicken with rice is crispy fried chicken served with rice and a variety of accompaniments. Co Mai’s version features perfectly crispy skin and juicy meat. We highly recommend trying their whole fried chicken if you’re dining with a group. The chicken is best enjoyed with the accompanying ginger fish sauce and pickled vegetables.

12. Crab Thick Noodle Soup (Banh Canh Cua)

• Location: Do Xuan Hop Crab Thick Noodle Soup, 103 Do Xuan Hop, District 2
• Open time: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM daily

Crab thick noodle soup is a thick noodle soup with crab meat and pork. This small eatery is known for its rich, flavorful broth and generous portions of crab meat. We highly recommend adding some pork rinds for extra crunch and flavor. The combination of chewy noodles, succulent crab, and hearty broth makes this dish a true comfort food.

13. Fresh Spring Rolls (Goi Cuon)

• Location: Hoang Ty Fresh Spring Rolls, 73 Nguyen Thai Binh, District 1
• Open time: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily

Fresh spring rolls are a light and healthy option. Hoang Ty offers a variety of fillings, but their classic shrimp and pork version is a must-try. We highly recommend trying their shrimp and pork spring rolls and their grilled pork spring rolls. Don’t forget to dip them in the rich peanut sauce!

14. Sweet Dessert Soup (Che)

• Location: Royal Sweet Soup, 138 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, District 1
• Open time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM daily

Sweet dessert soup comes in many varieties. Royal Sweet Soup offers an extensive menu of traditional and modern sweet soups. We highly recommend trying their Thai-style sweet soup with coconut milk, jellies, and tropical fruits and their refreshing almond-flavored jelly dessert.

15. Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Ca Phe Sua Da)

• Location: Nhan Filter Coffee, 330 Phan Dinh Phung, Phu Nhuan District
• Open time: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily

No culinary tour of Ho Chi Minh City is complete without trying Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk. Nhan Filter Coffee uses the traditional “vot” method, where coffee is brewed using a cloth filter. We highly recommend trying both their hot and iced versions to fully appreciate the rich, bold flavors of Vietnamese coffee.

Tips to savor the best food in Ho Chi Minh City

• Be adventurous: Don’t hesitate to try new dishes, even if they seem unfamiliar.
• Follow the locals: If you see a long line of locals at a food stall, it’s probably worth the wait.
• Eat at different times: Some dishes are traditionally eaten at specific times of the day.
• Use chopsticks: Most local eateries provide chopsticks. Practice using them to eat like a local.
• Learn basic Vietnamese phrases: Knowing how to say “thank you” (cảm ơn) and “delicious” (ngon) can enhance your dining experience.
• Stay hydrated: The heat and spicy food can be intense, so drink plenty of water.
• Practice food safety: Stick to busy eateries where food turnover is high to ensure freshness.
• Embrace street food: Some of the best food in Ho Chi Minh City is found on the streets.
• Try variations: Many dishes have regional variations, so don’t hesitate to try different versions.
• Respect local customs: If you’re invited to a local’s home for a meal, bring a small gift as a token of appreciation.

In conclusion, Ho Chi Minh City is a paradise for food lovers, offering a diverse array of flavors and culinary experiences. From steaming bowls of beef noodle soup to crispy Vietnamese sandwiches, and from sweet dessert soups to strong iced coffee, the city’s food scene is a reflection of its vibrant culture and history. By following this guide and being open to new experiences, you’ll embark on an unforgettable culinary journey through the heart of Vietnam’s largest city. So, grab your chopsticks and get ready to savor the incredible flavors of Ho Chi Minh City!

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