Jan - 06 - 2026
Street foods in Ho Chi Minh City are a vibrant explosion of flavors, sights, and sounds found on every corner. The true soul of Saigon's cuisine is served from humble carts and bustling sidewalk kitchens. This GTrip guide is your ultimate passport to navigating this delicious landscape. We will provide everything you need to know, from the world-famous banh mi to the adventurous Balut, and tell you exactly where to find the best examples of each. This article covers essential dishes that define the city's culinary identity, ensuring you experience the most authentic tastes Ho Chi Minh City has to offer.
1. Banh mi (Vietnamese baguette sandwich)
Banh mi is the quintessential Vietnamese sandwich, a perfect fusion of French culinary influence and local flavors. The experience starts with a crusty, light, and airy baguette, a legacy of the colonial era. Inside, it’s a packed party of textures and tastes. The base is often a smear of savory pork liver pate and mayonnaise. This is layered with various proteins, such as sliced Vietnamese ham, grilled pork, or shredded chicken,...
For those looking for the best banh mi in Saigon, fresh and pickled vegetables. Crisp cilantro, spicy chilies, and tangy pickled daikon and carrots cut through the richness of the meat and sauces, creating a harmonious and utterly addictive bite. Each sandwich is a complete, satisfying meal you can enjoy on the go.
Recommended places to try banh mi in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Banh Mi Bay Ho: 10 Huynh Khuong Ninh, Tan Dinh Ward (formerly Da Kao Ward, District 1), HCMC
- Banh Mi Huynh Hoa: 26 Le Thi Rieng, Ben Thanh Ward (formerly Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1), HCMC
- Banh Mi Nhu Lan: 68 Ham Nghi, Sai Gon Ward (formerly Ben Nghe Ward, District 1), HCMC
Banh mi is a flavorful Vietnamese sandwich that perfectly balances a crispy baguette with savory fillings and fresh, tangy herbs and pickles
2. Pha lau (Vietnamese offal stew)
Pha lau is a rich and aromatic stew that showcases the Vietnamese talent for turning humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. This beloved street food is made from pork or beef offal, including parts like the stomach, intestines, and lungs. These ingredients are meticulously cleaned and then simmered for hours in a flavorful, coconut-milk-based broth. The broth is infused with fragrant spices, such as five-spice powder, star anise, and cinnamon, giving it a distinctive sweet and savory flavor profile. The offal becomes incredibly tender and absorbs all the aromatic goodness of the stew. Typically served with a small, crusty banh mi for dipping or with instant noodles, pha lau is a comforting and deeply satisfying dish.
Recommended places to try pha lau in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Pha Lau Bet: 55B Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ben Thanh Ward (formerly Ben Thanh Ward, District 1), HCMC
- Pha Lau Bo Co Thao: 243/29G Ton Dan, Xom Chieu Ward (formerly Ward 15, District 4), HCMC
- Pha Lau Di Nui: 243/30 Ton Dan, Xom Chieu Ward (formerly Ward 15, District 4), HCMC
3. Sup cua (Vietnamese crab soup)
Sup cua is a thick, gelatinous, and comforting soup that's beloved by Saigonese of all ages. This heartwarming dish is a perfect light meal or afternoon snack. The base of the soup is a clear, savory broth thickened with tapioca starch, which gives it its signature viscous texture. The star ingredients are delicate, flaky crab meat and often shredded chicken, which are suspended throughout the soup. It is always served piping hot and garnished with a variety of toppings, such as a boiled quail egg, fresh cilantro, a dash of black pepper, and a few drops of sesame oil. The combination of the sweet crab, savory broth, and flavorful toppings makes for a wonderfully complex yet soothing experience. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out.
Recommended places to try sup cua in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Soup cua Hanh: 549 Su Van Hanh, Hoa Hung Ward (formerly District 10), HCMC
- Soup cua Co Lan: 239 Luong Nhu Hoc, Cho Lon Ward (former District 5), HCMC
- Soup cua Ghien: 43 Huynh Man Dat, Binh Loi Trung Ward (former Binh Thanh District), HCMC
Sup cua is a warm, comforting Vietnamese crab soup with a thick, silky texture and delicate, savory flavors
4. Oc (Vietnamese snails / street-style snails)
Eating oc in Ho Chi Minh City is less about a single dish and more about a social dining experience. Sidewalks, particularly on streets like Vinh Khanh, come alive at night with the sights and sounds of snail eateries. You’ll find plastic tables overflowing with diners grilling, boiling, and devouring a vast assortment of shellfish. The term oc covers all kinds of snails, clams, and scallops.
You choose your preferred seafood from a fresh display, and then select your preparation method. Popular cooking styles include grilling with scallion oil and peanuts, stir-frying in a tangy tamarind sauce, or steaming with lemongrass. It's a hands-on, communal feast, best enjoyed with a group of friends and a cold beer.
Recommended places to try oc in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Vinh Khanh Food Street (formerly District 4), HCMC
- Oc Nhu: 650/4/29D Dien Bien Phu, Vuon Lai Ward (formerly Ward 11, District 10), HCMC
- Oc Hoa Truong Sa: 1446 Truong Sa, Tan Son Hoa Ward (formerly Ward 3, Tan Binh District), HCMC
5. Banh trang nuong (Vietnamese grilled rice paper - “Vietnamese pizza”)
Banh Trang Nuong is a creative, modern street food snack that originated in Da Lat and quickly conquered Saigon's sidewalks. The "crust" is a thin sheet of rice paper, grilled over hot coals until crispy. On top of this, a vendor cracks a quail egg and swiftly spreads it across the surface. Then comes a flurry of delicious toppings. Standard ingredients include minced pork, dried shrimp, chopped scallions, and a drizzle of chili sauce and mayonnaise. The entire creation is grilled until the base is perfectly crunchy and the toppings are cooked through. It’s then folded in half like a taco for easy eating. The result is a smoky, savory, crispy, and slightly spicy snack that is both cheap and incredibly satisfying, perfect for a late-night craving.
You’ll usually find them at street corners and tucked away in small alleys, at stalls with names such as:
- Banh trang nuong 61 Cao Thang: 61 Cao Thang, Ban Co Ward (formerly Ward 3, District 3), HCMC
- Banh trang nuong 2 chi em: 48 Ngo Duc Ke, Sai Gon Ward (formerly Ben Nghe Ward, District 1), HCMC
- Banh trang nuong Thanh Da: Thanh Da Apartment, Binh Quoi Ward (formerly Ward 27, Binh Thanh District), HCMC
Banh Trang Nuong is a crispy Vietnamese street snack made from grilled rice paper topped with savory, smoky, and slightly spicy ingredients
6. Banh trang tron (Rice paper salad / Vietnamese mixed rice paper)
Banh Trang Tron is a testament to the ingenuity of Vietnamese street food, transforming simple rice paper into a vibrant and addictive salad. Vendors start with shredded rice paper, which serves as the base. To this, they add a whirlwind of ingredients that create a party in your mouth. Common additions include dried beef jerky, dried shrimp, thinly sliced green mango, fresh Vietnamese coriander, and crushed peanuts for crunch. The salad is brought together with a zesty, umami-packed dressing. The dressing is a signature blend of tamarind juice, soy sauce, and chili oil, tossed with quail eggs for richness. Every bite offers a different combination of chewy, crunchy, sour, spicy, and savory notes, making it an incredibly popular snack, especially among the city's youth.
Recommended places to try banh trang tron in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Banh Trang Tron Co Sau: 212B/D93 Nguyen Trai Street, Cau Ong Lanh Ward (formerly District 1), HCMC
- Banh Trang Co Giang: 118/29/1 Tran Ke Xuong, Cau Kieu Ward (formerly Ward 7, Phu Nhuan District), HCMC
- Banh Trang Cham Co Ganh: Phan Xich Long Apartment, Cau Kieu Ward (formerly Ward 7, Phu Nhuan District), HCMC
7. Goi cuon (Vietnamese fresh spring rolls)
Goi cuon, or fresh spring rolls, are the light, healthy, and refreshing counterpart to the fried spring rolls found in many Asian cuisines. These translucent rolls are a beautiful showcase of fresh ingredients. A delicate sheet of rice paper is softened in water and then carefully packed with a variety of fillings, including cooked pork, whole boiled shrimp, crisp lettuce, fresh herbs, and rice vermicelli. These rolls are rarely eaten alone; they are always paired with a rich, creamy hoisin-peanut dipping sauce, topped with crushed peanuts and a hint of chili.
If you're looking for the ultimate guide to trying goi cuon in Ho Chi Minh City, here are some top spots you shouldn't miss.
- Goi Cuon Ba Dzu: 26/26 Do Quang Dau, Cau Ong Lanh Ward (formerly Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1), HCMC
- Goi Cuon Chi Hue: 384/91A Ly Thai To, Vuon Lai Ward (formerly Ward 10, District 10), HCMC
- Goi Cuon Quyen Tran: An Quang Apartment, Ba Hat, Vuon Lai Ward (formerly Ward 9, District 10), HCMC
Goi cuon are fresh Vietnamese spring rolls filled with herbs, shrimp, and pork, served with a rich, flavorful dipping sauce
8. Bo bia (Vietnamese spring rolls with jicama and sausage)
While it shares a similar rolled appearance with goi cuon, bo bia is a distinct and flavorful spring roll with its own unique identity. Thought to have Chinese Teochew origins, this version is sweeter and crunchier. The roll is filled with a specific set of ingredients that create its signature taste. The core fillings are julienned and sauteed jicama and carrots, slices of red Chinese sausage, and dried shrimp. These fillings are wrapped in a thin rice paper roll, often along with a slice of fried egg and fresh herbs like basil. Bo bia is typically served with a much spicier and more pungent dipping sauce made from hoisin, peanut butter, and a generous amount of chili and fried shallots. It's a fantastic, texturally interesting snack.
Recommended places to try bo bia:
- Bo Bia Hai Ngan: 371/76A Truong Chinh, Tan Binh Ward (former Ward 14, Tan Binh District), HCMC
- Bo Bia Co Ly: 120E Le Van Duyet, Tan Dinh Ward (formerly Da Kao Ward, District 1), HCMC
- Bo Bia Tan Dinh Market: Tan Dinh Market, 336 Hai Ba Trung, Tan Dinh Ward (formerly Tan Dinh Ward, District 1), HCMC
9. Trung vit lon (Balut - fertilized duck egg)
Trung Vit Lon, known internationally as balut, is a street food that is definitely for the more adventurous eater, but it is a deeply cherished local delicacy. This is a fertilized duck embryo that is boiled and eaten in the shell. The flavor is surprisingly rich and complex, unlike a regular boiled egg. To eat it, you tap a hole in the top of the shell, slurp the savory broth inside, and then break away the rest of the shell. The egg is always served with a specific set of condiments: a small dish of salt and pepper mixed with lime juice, and a handful of fresh Vietnamese coriander. The sharp, peppery herb perfectly balances the richness of the yolk and the firm texture of the developing embryo. It's a high-protein snack beloved for its unique taste.
Recommended places to try trung vit lon:
- Hot vit lon Kim Thao: 104 Thao Dien, An Khanh Ward (formerly Thao Dien Ward, District 2), HCMC
- Vit lon 72: 72 Xo Viet Nghe Tinh, Thanh My Tay Ward (formerly Ward 21, Binh Thanh District), HCMC
- Hot vit lon Trung Hieu: 5 Tran Binh Trong, Binh Loi Trung Ward (formerly Ward 5, Binh Thanh District), HCMC
Trung vit lon is a bold Vietnamese street food delicacy, prized for its rich, savory flavor and enjoyed with herbs, salt, and lime
10. Bap xao (Vietnamese stir-fried corn with butter and chili)
Bap xao is a simple yet incredibly flavorful and aromatic street snack that tantalizes the senses. The smell of sweet corn sizzling in butter is impossible to resist as you walk past a street stall. Vendors stir-fry kernels of sweet corn in a large wok with a generous knob of butter. The magic happens when they add tiny, savory dried shrimp and a spoonful of chili sauce or paste. The combination is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, buttery, and slightly spicy flavors. Chopped green onions are tossed in at the last minute for a touch of freshness and color. Served hot in a small cup or box with a tiny plastic spoon, Bap Xao is a comforting and addictive snack that perfectly captures the simple joys of Saigon's street food scene.
Recommended places to try bap xao:
- Bap Xao Co Ba: 24C Cao Thang, Ban Co Ward (formerly Ward 5, District 3), HCMC
- Bap Xao Turtle Lake: 11 Co Giang, Cau Kieu Ward (formerly Ward 2, Phu Nhuan District), HCMC
- Bap Xao SUDO: 435/47/12C Huynh Tan Phat, Tan Thuan Ward (formerly Tan Thuan Dong Ward, District 7), HCMC
11. Bot chien (Vietnamese fried rice flour cake with egg)
Bot chien is Saigon’s savory, crispy answer to a pancake, and a classic after-school or late-night snack. The dish begins with cubes of rice flour and tapioca starch cake. These dense, chewy cakes are pan-fried in a wide, flat skillet with plenty of oil until they become golden and crispy on the outside while remaining soft on the inside. An egg is then cracked over the top and cooked until just set. The dish is served hot, topped with shredded green papaya to cut the richness, and drizzled with a tangy soy-vinegar sauce. Chopped scallions and sometimes a bit of chili sauce are added for extra flavor. The textural contrast between the crispy fried cake, the soft egg, and the crunchy papaya makes this a truly satisfying and popular dish.
Recommended places to try bot chien in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Bot chien Dat Thanh: 277 Vo Van Tan, Ban Co Ward (formerly Ward 5, District 3), HCMC
- Bot chien 187 Nguyen Kim: 187 Nguyen Kim, Dien Hong Ward (formerly Ward 7, District 10), HCMC
- Bot chien 51: 51 Nguyen Van Lac, Binh Loi Trung Ward (formerly Ward 21, Binh Thanh Ward), HCMC
Bot chien is a crispy, savory Vietnamese street snack made from pan-fried rice cakes, eggs, and tangy sauce
12. Goi bo kho (Vietnamese beef jerky salad)
Goi Bo Kho is a light, zesty, and spicy salad that packs a powerful flavor punch. It's the perfect snack for a hot Ho Chi Minh City afternoon. The base of the salad is usually shredded green papaya or other crunchy vegetables. The star of the show, however, is the beef jerky. This is not the thick, leathery jerky you might be used to, it’s a thinner, drier, and spicier version, often shredded. The salad is assembled with the jerky, fresh herbs like mint and basil, and roasted peanuts, then tossed in a sweet and sour dressing made from fish sauce, lime, sugar, and chili. The combination of textures, crunchy papaya, chewy jerky, and fresh herbs, along with the bold, spicy-sour dressing makes for an incredibly refreshing and invigorating dish.
Recommended places to try goi kho bo:
- Goi kho bo Le Van Tam Park: Le Van Tam Park 253 Hai Ba Trung, Xuan Hoa Ward (formerly Ward 6, District 3), HCMC
- Goi kho bo ong 5: 76 Nguyen Van Thu, Tan Dinh Ward (formerly Tan Dinh Ward, District 1), HCMC
- Banh mi va goi kho bo Phuong Lien: 12 Nguyen Huy Tu, Sai Gon Ward (formerly Da Kao Ward, District 1), HCMC
13. Che (Vietnamese sweet dessert soup)
Che is not a single dish but a broad category of Vietnamese sweet dessert soups, beverages, and puddings. You'll find Che stalls all over the city, recognizable by the rows of colorful glass containers filled with various ingredients. Often considered one of the most popular desserts in Ho Chi Minh City, a bowl of Che is completely customizable. You can choose from a staggering array of options, such as different types of beans (mung, black, red), jellies, tapioca pearls, lotus seeds, and fruits like longan and jackfruit. These are then ladled into a bowl and topped with a sweet, fragrant coconut cream sauce and crushed ice. One of the most famous and elaborate versions is che mam, which features a tray of over a dozen different small bowls, each with a unique type of Che for you to sample.
Recommended places to try che in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Che khuc bach Khanh: 210 Tran Quang Khai, Tan Dinh Ward (formerly Tan Dinh Ward, District 1), HCMC
- Lam Vinh Mau: 31 Nguyen Thai Binh, Ben Thanh Ward (formerly Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1), Ho Chi Minh
- Quan Be Che: Strore No.7 Ben Thanh Market, Ben Thanh Ward (formerly District 1), HCMC
Che is a colorful Vietnamese dessert made from sweet beans, jellies, fruits, and coconut cream, enjoyed cold and fully customizable
14. Ca vien chien (Fried fish ball)
Ca Vien Chien is the ultimate social street snack, often found at mobile carts surrounded by students and young people. It's a simple concept executed perfectly. Various types of processed meatballs, including fish balls (ca vien), beef balls (bo vien) are deep-fried to golden-brown perfection. They are served piping hot on a skewer or in a small bag. The experience isn't complete without the accompanying sauces. You'll typically get a choice of tangy chili sauce and a sweet black hoisin sauce for dipping. Some vendors also offer pickled cucumber or daikon on the side to provide a crunchy, refreshing contrast to the salty, savory fried balls. It’s a cheap, cheerful, and incredibly popular snack to enjoy while chatting with friends.
Recommended places to try ca vien chien in Ho Chi Minh City:
- An vat 150: 150 Bui Thi Xuan, Cau Ong Lanh Ward (formerly Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1), HCMC
- Ca Vien Chien Son Ca: 30 Vo Thi Sau, Tan Dinh Ward (formerly Tan Dinh Ward, District 1), HCMC
- Ca Vien Chien 33LHK: 33 Luong Huu Khanh, Cau Ong Lanh Ward (formerly Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1), HCMC
15. Xoi (Sticky rice)
Xoi is a beloved traditional Vietnamese dish that plays an important role in everyday life, from simple breakfasts to special occasions and rituals. Made from glutinous rice, it has a naturally fragrant aroma and a soft, sticky texture that is especially comforting when served warm. What makes xoi truly special is its variety. Savory versions are topped with ingredients like braised meat, sausage, egg, or shredded pork, while sweet versions feature mung beans, peanuts, sesame seeds, grated coconut, and rich coconut milk. Each region in Vietnam offers its own unique styles and flavors, reflecting local tastes and culture
Recommended places to try xoi in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Xoi Binh Tien: 56 Minh Phung, Cho Lon Ward (formerly Ward 5, District 6), HCMC
- Xoi Cay Hai Co: 64 Nguyen Duy Duong, An Dong Ward (formerlu Ward 9, District 5), HCMC
- Xoi ga 310: 297 Hai Ba Trung, Xuan Hoa Ward (formerly Ward 8, District 3), HCMC
Xoi is a traditional Vietnamese sticky rice dish, loved for its comforting texture and diverse sweet and savory toppings
16. Hu tiu (Rice noodle soup)
Hu tiu is a popular and comforting Vietnamese noodle dish, especially beloved in Southern Vietnam. Known for its light yet flavorful broth, hu tiu is typically made with rice noodles served alongside sliced pork, minced meat, seafood, or offal, depending on the style. The broth is clear, subtly sweet, and simmered from bones and dried seafood, creating a balanced and fragrant base. What makes hu tieu special is its versatility, you can enjoy it as a soup, dry-tossed with sauce, or even stir-fried. Fresh herbs, bean sprouts, garlic oil, and chili are often added, allowing each bowl to be customized to taste. If enjoyed at a busy street stall or a family-run eatery, hu tieu represents the warmth of everyday Vietnamese cuisine and is a dish closely tied to daily life, comfort, and local food culture.
Recommended places to try hu tiu in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Hu tiu Nam vang Nhan Phat: 122D Cach Mang Thang 8, Xuan Hoa Ward (formerly Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3), HCMC
- Hu tiu My Tho Thanh Xuan: 62 Ton That Thiep, Sai Gon Ward (formerly Ben Nghe Ward, District 1), HCMC
- Hu tiu Di Nam Sa Dec: 155 Bui Thi Xuan, Cau Ong Lanh Ward (formerly Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1), HCMC
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Ho Chi Minh City’s streets are a living, breathing cookbook, and this guide is just the first chapter. Exploring the world of street foods in Ho Chi Minh City is a sensory adventure that will define your trip. The true magic lies in pulling up a tiny plastic stool, pointing at something that smells amazing, and diving into the local experience. So, be adventurous, trust the crowds, and let your taste buds lead the way. This culinary journey is an essential part of any visit, offering authentic flavors and lasting memories that you simply won't find anywhere else. Let GTrip - Vietnam Travel Agency be your companion in discovering the true taste of Saigon.
