Ho Chi Minh cuisine: Top 10 best dishes must try

Ho Chi Minh City is not only a vibrant economic hub but also a true culinary paradise that captivates travelers from the very first visit. Every street corner and alleyway holds a unique flavor, reflecting the rich and refined culture of Southern Vietnam. Exploring Ho Chi Minh cuisine is a journey of emotions and unforgettable taste experiences, through iconic local dishes.

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Top 10 must-try dishes in Ho Chi Minh you shouldn’t miss

When it comes to Ho Chi Minh cuisine, the city is a paradise for food lovers. Here’s a guide to the best food in Ho Chi Minh, complete with recommended spots and average prices!

Cơm tấm (Broken rice with grilled pork)

Cơm tấm is a signature dish in Ho Chi Minh cuisine, showcasing the rich and refined culinary culture of Southern Vietnam. The dish features broken rice, a distinct type of fractured grain, served with flavorful grilled pork chops, a sunny-side-up egg, shredded pork skin, pickled vegetables, and a sweet-sour fish sauce. Each component contributes to a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, tangy, and rich flavors. With its appealing taste and simple yet thoughtful presentation, cơm tấm is not only a familiar breakfast but also a standout symbol of Ho Chi Minh street food.

📍Where to try:

• Com Tam Ba Ghien: 84 Dang Van Ngu, Ward 10, Phu Nhuan District

• Com Tam Moc: 85 Ly Tu Trong, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1

• Com Tam Minh Long: 607 Nguyen Thi Thap, Tan Hung Ward, District 7

💸 Average price: 60,000 – 80,000 VND (~$2.45 – $3.25)

Bánh mì

Bánh mì is a beloved street food and a quintessential part of Ho Chi Minh cuisine, representing the perfect fusion of Vietnamese ingredients and French influence. This crispy baguette is typically filled with a variety of savory options like grilled pork, pâté, cold cuts, pickled vegetables, cucumber, cilantro, and a splash of chili sauce or mayonnaise. The textures and bold flavors make bánh mì a quick yet satisfying meal that’s both affordable. As a symbol of Vietnam’s culinary creativity, bánh mì continues to capture the hearts of both locals and travelers in Ho Chi Minh City.

📍Where to try:

• Banh mi Huynh Hoa: 26 Le Thi Rieng, District 1

• Banh mi Co Diep: No.238, Vo Thanh Trang Street, Tan Binh District

• Banh mi Nhu Lan: No.50, Ham Nghi Street, District 1

💸 Average price: 30,000 – 60,000 VND (~$1.20 – $2.45)

Phở

Phở is another iconic dish that holds a special place in Ho Chi Minh cuisine, despite its Northern origins. This fragrant noodle soup, made with flat rice noodles, thin slices of beef or chicken, and a richly seasoned broth simmered for hours with bones, star anise, and cinnamon, is often enjoyed for breakfast or lunch. In Ho Chi Minh City, phở is typically served with fresh herbs, lime, chili, and bean sprouts, allowing each diner to personalize their bowl. Its comforting warmth and delicate balance of flavors have made phở a cornerstone of Vietnamese culinary identity.

📍Where to try:

• Pho 2000 Saigon: No. 208 - 210, Le Thanh Ton Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

• Pho Dau: No. 288, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

• Pho Tau Bay: No. 435, Ly Thai To Street, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City

💸 Average price: 50,000 – 70,000 VND (~$2.05 – $2.85)

Hủ tiếu (Rice noodles soup)

Hủ tiếu is one of the must-try dishes in Ho Chi Minh, loved for its light yet flavorful broth and variety of toppings. Unlike phở, hủ tiếu has a slightly sweeter, clearer broth and is served with chewy rice noodles, often accompanied by pork, shrimp, quail eggs, and fresh herbs. It can be enjoyed either as a soup or dry (hủ tiếu khô) with a side of broth, offering flexibility in texture and taste. With its comforting flavor and local charm, hủ tiếu is undoubtedly one of the best foods in Ho Chi Minh that reflects the city’s culinary diversity.

📍Where to try:

• Hu Tieu Thanh Xuan: 62 Ton That Thiep, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

• Thai Style Mixed Hu Tieu: 375/2 Hoang Sa, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

• Aunt Năm Sadec - Hu Tieu & Bánh Tằm: 166 Bùi Thị Xuân, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

💸 Average price: 60,000 – 70,000 VND (~$2.45 – $2.85)

Bánh xèo (Crispy pancakes)

Bánh xèo, a crispy Vietnamese savory pancake, is another must-try dish in Ho Chi Minh. Made from rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk, it's filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, then folded like an omelet and served with fresh herbs and dipping sauce. Eaten wrapped in lettuce or rice paper, bánh xèo offers a delightful contrast of textures — crispy, fresh, and juicy — making it one of the best foods in Ho Chi Minh for those seeking an authentic and fun eating experience.

📍Where to try:

• Banh Xeo 46A: 46A Dinh Cong Trang St, District 1

• Banh Xeo Muoi Xiem: 204 Nguyen Trai St, District 1

• Banh Xeo Mien Tay: 31/6 Hoang Hoa Tham St, Tan Binh District

💸 Average price: 80,000 – 100,000 VND (~$3 – $4)

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Bún bò (Beef noodle soup)

Bún bò is a bold, spicy noodle soup originally from Central Vietnam, but it has become one of the must-try dishes in Ho Chi Minh thanks to its deep, complex flavors and hearty ingredients. Unlike phở, bún bò features thicker round rice noodles and a broth infused with lemongrass, chili oil, shrimp paste, and beef bones simmered for hours. The bowl is typically topped with slices of beef shank, pork knuckle, and sometimes congealed pig’s blood, served alongside fresh herbs and lime. It’s a flavorful, aromatic, and satisfying dish that stands out among the best food in Ho Chi Minh for its balance of spice and richness.

📍Where to try:

• Ba Nghi: 446 Nguyen Tri Phuong Street, Ward 9, District 10

• Bun Bo Ut Hung: 6C Tu Xuong, Ward 7, District 3

• Bun Bo Hanh: 135 Banh Van Tran, Ward 7, Tan Binh District

💸 Average price: 50,000 – 70,000 VND (~$2.05 – $2.85)

Bò kho (Vietnamese beef stew)

Bò kho is one of the most flavorful dishes in Ho Chi Minh cuisine. This aromatic beef stew features tender chunks of slow-cooked beef with carrots, lemongrass, ginger, and five-spice powder, resulting in a rich, slightly spicy broth. It’s typically served with a warm baguette or rice noodles (hủ tiếu), depending on your preference. With its deep flavor and fragrant aroma of lemongrass and cinnamon, bò kho is a beloved breakfast dish in Saigon, especially on rainy mornings.

📍Where to try:

• Bo kho Ti Ti: 353/37 Pham Ngu Lao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

• Bo kho Ong ba gia: 84/34 Bui Vien, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

• Bo kho Co Mai: 17C Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

💸 Average price: 60,000 – 80,000 VND (~$2.45 – $3.25 USD)

Gỏi cuốn (Fresh spring rolls)

Gỏi cuốn (fresh spring rolls) is one of the top must-try dishes in Ho Chi Minh, known for its refreshing taste and balanced ingredients. Wrapped in soft rice paper, it’s filled with boiled shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles, and fresh herbs, typically served with peanut hoisin sauce or a sweet fish sauce dip. Light, healthy, and flavorful, this dish showcases the delicacy and freshness of Ho Chi Minh cuisine, making it a perfect choice for those exploring the best food in Ho Chi Minh in a lighter, yet satisfying way.

📍Where to try:

• Goi Cuon Tom Nhay: 424 Lac Long Quan, Ward 5, District 11

• Goi Cuon Le Van Sy: 359/1/9A Le Van Sy, Ward 13, District 3

• Goi Cuon Ngon Ngon: 322/13 An Duong Vuong, Ward 4, District 5

💸 Average price: 25,000 – 30,000 VND per roll (~$1)

Bánh canh cua (Crab noodle soup)

Bánh canh cua is a thick, savory noodle soup featuring chewy tapioca noodles in a hearty crab-based broth. Toppings often include crab meat, pork, quail eggs, and a drizzle of annatto oil for color. The texture of the noodles and richness of the broth make this a comfort dish that stands out in Ho Chi Minh cuisine. It’s warm, filling, and full of umami flavor—a perfect pick for lunch or dinner.

📍Where to try:

• Banh canh cua 87: 87 Tran Khac Tran, District 1

• Bánh canh cua Ut Thao: 171 Le Thanh Tong, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1

• Bánh canh cua Co Nam Loan: 324 Thong Nhat, 16 Ward, Go Vap

💸 Average price: 60,000 – 80,000 VND (~$2.45 – $3.25 USD)

Chè (Vietnamese sweet dessert soup)

Chè is a beloved dessert option that showcases the diversity and creativity of Ho Chi Minh cuisine. Each bowl is a colorful mix of ingredients like beans, jellies, fruits, coconut milk, and sticky rice. Served hot or cold depending on the variety, chè offers a refreshing and satisfying end to any meal. It’s undoubtedly one of the best foods in Ho Chi Minh for those with a sweet tooth or anyone curious about Vietnamese desserts.

💸 Average price: 20,000 – 30,000 VND (~$0.80 – $1.20)

Tips for enjoying Ho Chi Minh cuisine

Exploring Ho Chi Minh cuisine is a flavorful adventure, but to truly enjoy the experience like a local, here are a few practical tips to keep in mind:

• Eat where the locals eat: Busy street stalls and crowded eateries are often signs of great food. Don’t be afraid to try a small sidewalk shop—it’s often where the best food in Ho Chi Minh is found.

• Try everything fresh: Fresh herbs, rice noodles, and dipping sauces are essential parts of Ho Chi Minh street food. Don't skip the greens—they're part of the flavor experience!

• Learn basic food phrases: Knowing a few Vietnamese words like “ngon” (delicious) or “không cay” (not spicy) can make your food hunt smoother and more fun.

• Carry small change: Many street food vendors prefer cash and may not have change for large bills. Keep 10,000 – 100,000 VND notes ready.

• Always ask the price before ordering: At some street stalls or smaller eateries without menus, prices might not be clearly listed. Politely ask about the cost before ordering to avoid surprises.

Ho Chi Minh City is more than just a bustling metropolis—it’s a culinary playground where every dish tells a story. Exploring Ho Chi Minh cuisine is not just about eating; it’s about connecting with the soul of the city through its flavors.

If you’re ready to dive into the vibrant world of Vietnamese food, let Hanoi Voyages be your trusted guide. We’ll take you beyond the tourist spots to discover authentic tastes, local secrets, and unforgettable food moments.