What to Do in Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City? Gastronomy and Restaurants

What to Do in Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City? Gastronomy and Restaurants

Article from : 31 mars 2025 - Last update : 04 avril 2025

Ho Chi Minh City: A Paradise for Food Lovers

Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit destination for food lovers. With Chinese, French, and Khmer influences, the city offers an impressive culinary diversity, ranging from street food to fine dining restaurants. Whether you're looking for the best local specialties, an authentic culinary experience, or an iconic restaurant, this city will satisfy all your cravings.

Must-Try Culinary Specialties

Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its freshness and balance of flavors. In Ho Chi Minh City, several dishes are absolute must-tries. Bún bò Huế, a spicy noodle soup originally from Huế but extremely popular in Saigon, is one of the most beloved dishes among locals. Its fragrant broth, made with beef, lemongrass, and shrimp paste, makes it a must-try.

Phở, a beef or chicken noodle soup, remains a Vietnamese classic. Bánh mì, the Vietnamese sandwich combining a crispy baguette with meat, pickled vegetables, and coriander, is a street food staple. Bún thịt nướng, a dish of rice vermicelli with grilled pork and fresh herbs, delights those who enjoy well-balanced flavors.

Don't miss gỏi cuốn (fresh spring rolls) and chả giò (fried spring rolls), often served with a fish sauce and peanut dip. Seafood lovers will enjoy ốc, sea snails prepared in various ways, a local favorite.

Lẩu (Vietnamese hot pots) are also a must, especially for communal meals. You can find seafood, beef, or mushroom hot pots, accompanied by a fragrant broth and fresh vegetables. Many specialty restaurants offer these, particularly in Districts 3 and 10.

Another beloved culinary experience is Vietnamese BBQ. In these restaurants, diners grill their own meats and seafood at the table, often marinated in flavorful sauces. This type of dining is very popular, especially in Binh Thanh District, where several establishments offer all-you-can-eat BBQ.

Best Places to Enjoy Local Cuisine

Ho Chi Minh City is full of small eateries and restaurants serving authentic local cuisine. Some must-visit spots include:

• Bún Bò Huế Đông Ba (110A Nguyen Du, District 1): One of the best places to enjoy authentic bún bò Huế.

• Pho Hoa Pasteur (260C Pasteur, District 3): One of the most renowned restaurants for traditional phở.

• Banh Mi Huynh Hoa (26 Le Thi Rieng, District 1): Considered one of the best bánh mì spots in the city.

• Bun Thit Nuong Cha Gio Nguyen Trung Truc (District 1): Famous for its delicious and well-prepared bún thịt nướng.

• Oc Dao (District 4): A great place to try Vietnamese-style seafood and snails.

• Lẩu Cá Kèo Bà Huyện (District 3): A restaurant specializing in fish hot pot, highly appreciated by locals.

• Lau De 304 (District 10): Ideal for trying goat hot pot, a regional specialty.

• BBQ 123 (Binh Thanh): A popular restaurant offering all-you-can-eat grilled meats and seafood.

Iconic Restaurants in the City

For those looking to experience Vietnamese cuisine in a more refined setting, several iconic restaurants are worth a visit:

• Quan An Ngon (160 Pasteur, District 1): This restaurant offers a wide selection of traditional Vietnamese dishes in a charming setting inspired by old houses.

• Cuc Gach Quan (10 Dang Tat, District 1): A rustic-style restaurant serving home-cooked, authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

• Nha Hang Ngon (District 1): Perfect for discovering different Vietnamese specialties all in one place.

• The Refinery (74 Hai Ba Trung, District 1): Located in a former opium refinery, this restaurant offers a fusion of Vietnamese and French cuisine.

Best Dining Areas in the City

Ho Chi Minh City has many vibrant districts where you can enjoy a variety of cuisines, from Vietnamese specialties to international dishes.

• Backpacker Area (Bui Vien Street, District 1): A lively street with a wide range of restaurants offering Vietnamese, Indian, Thai, Chinese, and Western cuisines.

• Le Thanh Ton Street (District 1): Known for its variety of restaurants, particularly its numerous Japanese eateries.

• District 4: Famous for its street food stands, this area focuses mainly on seafood. However, the variety of dishes here is somewhat limited.

• Van Kiep Street (Binh Thanh District): A lesser-known but highly interesting street offering a diverse selection of street food.

• District 5: The city's Chinatown is well-known for its restaurants serving Cantonese dishes, dim sum, and other Asian specialties.

A Unique Culinary Experience

Exploring the gastronomy of Ho Chi Minh City means diving into a rich and vibrant culture. From traditional street vendors to elegant restaurants, every meal is an experience in itself. Whether you're a street food enthusiast or looking for gourmet dishes, this city has plenty of culinary surprises in store for you.