Monday, June 8, 2026
The best bo kho in Ho Chi Minh City can be found at everything from long standing local institutions to hidden neighborhood favorites. Rich, aromatic, and deeply comforting, this beloved Vietnamese beef stew remains a staple of the city's food scene. In this GTrip guide, discover the top places to enjoy bo kho in Saigon, along with the signature flavors and specialties that make each spot worth a visit.
1. Bo Kho Co Mai Since 1984
- Address:
- 17C Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Saigon Ward (formerly District 1), HCMC
- 71 Ho Tung Mau, Saigon Ward (formerly District 1), HCMC (Oppoite Bitexco)
- Opening hours: 6:30 AM - 9:30 PM
- Price: 59,000 VND ($2.26)
Bo Kho Co Mai is a trusted name for a consistently delicious and clean bo kho experience in the heart of central Ho Chi Minh City. This spot is perfect for those who want a reliable and satisfying meal without venturing too far off the beaten path. The broth is beautifully balanced, leaning towards a slightly sweeter, Southern-style flavor profile. What truly stands out here is the incredibly tender beef that has been simmered to perfection, practically melting in your mouth. Served with your choice of crusty banh mi or noodles, it is a comforting and accessible introduction to authentic Vietnamese beef stew.
Bo Kho Co Mai is a reliable central spot for flavorful Southern-style Vietnamese beef stew, known for its tender beef and balanced broth
2. Bo Kho Di Ut An Do - Vo Van Tan
Tucked away in a former District 3 alley, Bo Kho Di Ut An Do offers a culinary twist that sets it apart from the competition. The "An Do" in its name hints at an Indian influence, and the flavor profile confirms it. While still fundamentally a bo kho, the broth carries a unique aromatic depth with a more prominent curry-like spice blend. This results in a distinctively fragrant and robust flavor that is both familiar and excitingly different. The beef is tender, the carrots are soft, and the entire bowl provides a memorable experience for adventurous eaters looking to try a variation on the classic recipe.
- Address: 194/5 Vo Van Tan, Ban Co Ward (formerly Ward 5, District 3), HCMC
- Opening hours: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Price: 50,000 VND ($1.92)
3. Bo Kho 158 Nguyen Cong Tru
- Address: 158 Nguyen Cong Tru, Saigon Ward (formerly Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1), HCMC
- Opening hours:
- Mon - Sat: 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- Sun: Closed
- Price: ~50,000 VND ($1.92)
For a truly local and authentic street food experience, Bo Kho 158 Nguyen Cong Tru is a must-visit. This humble sidewalk eatery has been serving the community for years, earning a loyal following for its unapologetically traditional flavors. The broth here is rich, savory, and deeply beefy, with the classic aromatics of lemongrass and star anise shining through. It's the kind of bowl that tastes like a family recipe passed down through generations. The main attraction is its authentic, no-frills street-side character, offering a taste of Saigon's vibrant food culture. It's the perfect spot to pull up a small plastic stool and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal.
Bo Kho 158 Nguyen Cong Tru is a classic sidewalk spot serving rich, traditional Vietnamese beef stew for an authentic Saigon street food experience
4. Bo Kho Chi Tuoi
- Address: 19/23 Tran Dinh Xu, Cau Ong Lanh Ward (formerly Cau Kho, District 1), HCMC
- Opening hours: 3:30 PM - 9:00 PM
- Price: 45,000 VND ($1.73)
Seek and you shall find one of District 1's best-kept secrets. Bo Kho Chi Tuoi is a classic hidden gem, nestled in a small alley where the aroma of simmering stew guides you in. This spot is all about home-style cooking at its finest. The bo kho is wonderfully balanced, not too oily and packed with flavor that feels both comforting and clean. What makes this place special is its quintessential "hidden gem" status, rewarding those who venture off the main road with a genuinely delicious and affordable meal. The beef is tender, and the broth pairs perfectly with a fresh, airy banh mi for dipping.
5. Bo Kho 163
- Address: 163/12 To Hien Thanh, Hoa Hung Ward (formerly Ward 13, District 10), HCMC
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Price: 60,000 VND ($2.30)
Bo Kho 163 is a beloved local institution known for its generous portions and consistently high quality. This spot nails the fundamentals of a great bo kho: a rich, dark, and aromatic broth and high-quality cuts of meat. The stew is famous for its fall-off-the-bone tender beef shank and tendon, which have absorbed all the complex flavors from the slow-simmered broth. The flavors are a perfect mix of savory, sweet, and spicy, creating a deeply satisfying bowl. It's a go-to destination for residents who demand an excellent, well-balanced, and hearty bo kho every time.
Bo Kho 163 is a local favorite known for its rich, aromatic broth, generous portions, and melt-in-your-mouth beef shank and tendon
6. Bo Kho Ut Nhung
- Address: 109/7 Nguyen Thien Thuat, Ban Co Ward (formerly Ward 2, District 3), HCMC
- Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Price: 25,000 - 45,000 VND ($0.96 - $1.73)
Bo Kho Ut Nhung is the epitome of an authentic, budget-friendly local eatery that excels at one thing. This spot in former District 3 is a favorite for both early risers and the late-night crowd, thanks to its split hours. The bo kho here is a testament to the idea that fantastic food doesn't need to be expensive. The broth is fragrant and flavorful, and while the portions are simple, they are incredibly satisfying. The key draw is its unbeatable value for a truly authentic taste, making it a popular choice for students and workers. It's the perfect place for a quick, delicious, and easy-on-the-wallet meal.
7. Bo Kho Ganh
- Address: 029 Lo H, Chung Cu Ngo Gia Tu, Vuon Lai Ward (formerly Ward 2, District 10), HCMC
- Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Price: 15,000 - 120,000 VND ($0.57 - $4.59)
Bo Kho Ganh, located within an old apartment complex in former District 10, offers a taste of history. The term "Ganh" refers to the traditional carrying poles vendors once used, and this spot stays true to that rustic, old-world charm. The bo kho here is known for its intensely traditional and rustic flavor profile, reminiscent of how the dish was made decades ago. The broth is dark, thick, and potent with spices. The wide price range reflects the variety of options available, from a simple, small bowl to a large one loaded with extra beef and tendon, catering to every appetite and budget.
Bo Kho Ganh in former District 10 is a nostalgic spot serving deeply traditional Vietnamese beef stew with rich, rustic flavors
8. Bo Kho Chi Van
- Address: 27A Thach Thi Thanh, Tan Dinh Ward (formerly District 1), HCMC
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Price: 40,000 VND ($1.53)
If you want to taste what the locals line up for, head to Bo Kho Chi Van, but make sure you get there early. With opening hours from just 9 AM to 11 AM, this place operates on a "first-come, first-served" basis until they sell out. This exclusivity is a testament to its quality. The bo kho is meticulously prepared, boasting a clean yet deeply flavorful broth that has foodies flocking. The main reason to visit is to experience a bowl that is so popular it sells out in just two hours. It's a morning ritual for many in former District 1, offering a fresh, fragrant, and highly sought-after start to the day.
9. Bo Kho Quan Ba Ba
- Address: 25/21 Cong Quynh Street, Cau Ong Lanh Ward (formerly Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1), HCMC
- Opening hours:
- Mon - Sat: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Sun: 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Price: ~50,000 VND ($1.92)
Bo Kho Quan Ba Ba is a friendly, reliable neighborhood eatery in former District 1 that has perfected the art of comforting Vietnamese beef stew. This is the kind of place you can count on for a consistently delicious meal from morning until evening. The bo kho is well-executed, with tender beef, soft carrots, and a savory broth that has just the right amount of spice. It stands out as classic, dependable comfort food that hits the spot every time. It’s an ideal choice for a leisurely breakfast or lunch, served with a side of fresh herbs and a choice of bread or noodles to complete the satisfying experience.
Bo Kho Quan Ba Ba is a dependable District 1 eatery serving comforting Vietnamese beef stew with tender beef and a well-balanced, savory broth
10. Bo Kho Nam Xua
- Address: 265 Nguyen Thi Thap, Tan My Ward (formerly Tan Phu Ward, District 7), HCMC
- Opening hours: 24/7
- Price: 50,000 - 70,000 VND ($1.92 - $2.68)
For those inevitable late-night cravings, Bo Kho Nam Xua in former District 7 is your savior. The name "Nam Xua" translates to "Old South", hinting at the nostalgic, traditional flavors you'll find here. Its biggest selling point, however, is that it’s open 24/7, serving delicious bo kho around the clock. The broth is rich and aromatic, and the beef is consistently tender, no matter when you visit. This makes it the ultimate destination for shift workers, late-night adventurers, or anyone who believes a craving for delicious beef stew can strike at any hour. It's a reliable and tasty option anytime, day or night.
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Finding the best bo kho in Ho Chi Minh City is a rewarding way to experience the city's vibrant food culture. From long-established local favorites to hidden neighborhood gems, each spot on this list offers its own take on Vietnam's iconic beef stew. To discover even more of Saigon's cuisine, culture, and history, explore the city's highlights with GTrip - Vietnam Travel Agency and its carefully curated Ho Chi Minh City tours.
