Ho Thi Ky Food Street: Saigon Street Food Guide & Must-Try Dishes

Ho Thi Ky Food Street is a sensory explosion and a must-visit destination for any food lover exploring Ho Chi Minh City. This is another collection of food stalls and a living, breathing artery of Saigon's culinary heart, pulsing with history, energy, and an almost overwhelming variety of incredible flavors. For travelers seeking an authentic taste of the city, this bustling market in former District 10 is an unmissable experience. In this GTrip guide, we will take you on a comprehensive journey through this foodie paradise. We’ll explore its rich history, highlight must-try dishes, share directions, and offer insider tips for the best experience. Get ready to eat your way through one of Saigon's most iconic culinary landmarks!

Overview of Ho Thi Ky Food Street

• Address: Alley 52, Ho Thi Ky Street, Vuon Lai Ward (formerly District 10), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM daily (though some vendors open earlier for breakfast and lunch)
• Entrance fee: Free, but you will pay a park fee
• Best time to visit: The market becomes most crowded between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM. To avoid the biggest crowds and have a more relaxed experience, consider visiting before 6:00 PM or after 9:00 PM.

Once a small market, Ho Thi Ky Food Street is now a lively alley of over 125 vendors and one of Saigon’s top culinary spots. Its charm lies in its rich food diversity, deep history, and maze of alleys that preserve the authentic spirit of Saigon’s street food scene. Amid the lively crowds, you’ll be surrounded by the sights, sounds, and irresistible aromas of Saigon’s sizzling street food.

Ho Thi Ky Food Street captures the essence of Saigon’s street food culture, rich flavors, deep history, and a vibrant energy that fills every corner

How to get to Ho Thi Ky Food Street

Conveniently located in former District 10, approximately 4 kilometers from the city center (former District 1), Ho Thi Ky Food Street is easily accessible from all major tourist areas. Here are the best ways to get there:

• By motorbike/car: This is the most flexible option for exploring the city at your own pace. A popular route from Ben Thanh Market is via Le Lai Street -> Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street -> Ly Thai To Street -> Ho Thi Ky Street. Several paid parking lots are available nearby.
• By bus: For a local experience, multiple bus routes stop near the market. Routes such as 05, 14, 27, 69, 91, and 150 have stops on major streets like Le Hong Phong or Ly Thai To.
• By ride-hailing service: Using a service like Grab/Xanh SM/Be (car or bike) or a traditional taxi is the most convenient and hassle-free way to arrive. Simply enter "Ho Thi Ky Food Street" as your destination, and your driver will drop you off right at the entrance without you having to worry about navigation or parking.

Things to do at Ho Thi Ky Food Street

Beyond the flavors, Ho Thi Ky is a place to wander, taste, and feel Saigon’s multicultural heartbeat. Here’s how to make the most of your visit.

Savoring the Cambodian culinary heritage

Eating at Ho Thi Ky is an opportunity to connect with the living history of the Cambodian-Vietnamese community. When you order a bowl of Bun Num Bo Choc or a cup of Che Campuchia from a vendor whose family has been here for generations, you are tasting a story of resilience and cultural preservation. Take a moment to appreciate the unique flavors and the legacy behind them. This culinary heritage is what makes the market truly special and distinct from any other food street in Saigon.

Dining at Ho Thi Ky offers a taste of Cambodian-Vietnamese heritage, where every dish tells a story of tradition, resilience, and cultural pride

Exploring the labyrinth of alleys

Part of the adventure is simply getting lost in the maze. The main food alley is just the beginning. Branching off from it are countless smaller, narrower laneways where local life unfolds. The air is thick with the chatter of vendors, the sizzle of grills, the laughter of families sharing a meal, and the vibrant glow of colorful signs. Embrace the chaotic energy, wander without a destination, and let your senses guide you. You might just discover a hidden gem or a perfect photo opportunity away from the main crowds.

Visiting the adjoining Ho Thi Ky flower market

To fully appreciate the area, plan to arrive a little before sunset and visit the Ho Thi Ky flower market first. Operating 24/7 but most vibrant in the late afternoon and very early morning, it's a beautiful, fragrant oasis. The sight and smell of thousands of colorful blooms provide a stunning and peaceful contrast to the energetic food street you're about to enter. It’s the perfect "appetizer" for your senses, allowing you to experience the two distinct yet intertwined identities of this historic neighborhood.

Arrive before sunset to explore the vibrant Ho Thi Ky flower market, a fragrant prelude to the lively food street experience that follows

What to eat at Ho Thi Ky Food Street

This food street is a true paradise, offering an incredible variety of dishes that reflect both its Cambodian roots and its evolution into a modern culinary hotspot. Savory noodle soups, smoky grilled meats and trendy international snacks and decadent desserts, there’s something to satisfy every craving.

Signature Cambodian & Vietnamese dishes

This is the soul of Ho Thi Ky. These dishes carry the history of the market and offer flavors you won't easily find elsewhere in Saigon.

• Bun num bo choc (Cambodian-style fish noodle soup): This is the market's quintessential dish and an absolute must-try. The fragrant broth is cooked from snakehead fish bones and seasoned with mam bo hoc, a unique Cambodian fermented fish paste that lends a deeply savory, umami flavor. Colored a vibrant yellow from turmeric, this soup is comforting, complex, and utterly delicious.
• Che Campuchia (Cambodian-style sweet soup): A legendary dessert, especially from famous vendors like Che Co Huoi. A textural delight of pumpkin flan, palm seeds, longan, and shredded egg fibers served over rich, fragrant coconut milk.
• Goi du du (Papaya salad): A refreshing and zesty salad that cuts through the richness of other dishes. Shredded green papaya is tossed in a punchy dressing that perfectly balances tangy, sweet, and spicy notes, often served with savory dried beef or shrimp for an extra layer of flavor.
• Hu tieu oc (Snail noodle soup): A beloved Saigon speciality, this dish features a flavor-packed broth brimming with a variety of snails and shellfish. Served with chewy rice noodles and a mountain of fresh herbs, it's a satisfying and adventurous choice for seafood lovers.

Taste the soul of Ho Thi Ky through signature dishes, each a flavorful story of Cambodian-Vietnamese heritage and Saigon’s vibrant street food culture

Must-try grilled & fried delights

The smoky aroma of charcoal grills is one of the first things you'll notice. Follow your nose to these irresistible sizzling and crispy snacks.

• Nem bo nuong sa (Grilled lemongrass beef skewers): A simple yet incredibly flavorful street food classic. Tender beef is marinated in a rich blend of spices and fragrant lemongrass, then threaded onto skewers and grilled to smoky perfection over hot coals. The result is juicy, aromatic, and highly addictive.
• Thit xien nuong pho mai (Grilled pork skewers with cheese): A modern favorite that combines savory and creamy. Juicy, well-marinated pork skewers are grilled until tender and then generously topped with a layer of melted, gooey cheese that is often torched for a slightly browned finish.
• Fried "mini buffets": A feast for the eyes and the stomach. Numerous stalls offer a colorful assortment of fried items like fish balls, shrimp balls, beef balls, squid balls, and crispy wontons. You simply grab a tray, pick and choose your favorites, and they are fried to golden-brown perfection for you on the spot.
• Muc gion vi Thai (Crispy Thai-style squid): An irresistible snack for seafood lovers. Fresh squid tentacles are coated in a light batter, deep-fried until perfectly crispy, and then tossed in a distinctive tangy and spicy Thai-flavored powder, creating a fantastic contrast of textures and flavors.

Follow the smoky scent of charcoal to discover Ho Thi Ky’s irresistible grilled and fried favorites

Popular international flavors

Reflecting Saigon's cosmopolitan nature, Ho Thi Ky has embraced a variety of international street food trends, making it a truly global culinary destination.

• Taiwanese fried sweet potato balls: These delightful treats are a viral sensation. Crispy and golden on the outside, they reveal a surprisingly soft, chewy, and slightly hollow interior. You can often find them in a variety of delicious flavors, such as original, chocolate, matcha, or savory cheese.
• Korean street food: Fans of K-culture will rejoice at the sight of classic Korean street food stalls. You can easily find comforting and delicious options like tteokbokki (chewy rice cakes drenched in a sweet and spicy gochujang sauce) and freshly rolled kimbap.
• Japanese street food: The market is also home to popular Japanese snacks. Watch as vendors expertly prepare sizzling takoyaki and an assortment of affordable, grab-and-go sushi rolls.
• Indian pani puri: An unexpected but delightful find, proving the market's incredible diversity. These are crispy, hollow shells that are filled with a mixture of potatoes and chickpeas before being dunked in tamarind-spiced water, creating a burst of flavor in every bite.

Showcasing Saigon’s global spirit, Ho Thi Ky blends local charm with international flair, it’s a true world street food hub

Other famous attractions in Ho Chi Minh City

Make a day of it by combining your food tour with a visit to some other fascinating attractions located a short drive away.

• Cho Lon (Saigon’s Chinatown): Explore one of the world’s largest and oldest Chinatowns, where history, culture, and commerce intertwine. Wander through the bustling Binh Tay Market, admire the intricate architecture of traditional Chinese temples, and experience the vibrant street life that has defined this district for generations.
• Vietnam Museum of Traditional Medicine: Step into a beautifully preserved building that showcases the fascinating history of Vietnamese herbal medicine. The museum displays hundreds of ancient tools, remedies, and rare ingredients used in healing practices passed down through centuries, all within an exquisite architectural setting.
• Independence Palace: A major symbol of modern Vietnamese history, this palace stands as a living museum capturing the pivotal moments of the Vietnam War. Visitors can explore its preserved meeting rooms, war command center, and rooftop helipad while learning about the country’s journey to reunification.
• Bitexco Financial Tower: One of Ho Chi Minh City’s most recognizable landmarks, this lotus-shaped skyscraper symbolizes the city’s rapid growth and modern spirit. Visit the Saigon Skydeck on the 49th floor for stunning panoramic views of the skyline, especially magical at sunset.
• Saigon Central Post Office: A masterpiece of French colonial architecture designed by Gustave Eiffel, this fully operational post office blends European elegance with Vietnamese charm. Inside, you’ll find soaring arches, intricate details, and a nostalgic ambiance that makes it a must-see in the heart of the city.

Enhance your Ho Thi Ky adventure by visiting nearby landmarks, each offering a unique glimpse into the city’s rich culture and history

Practical tips for visiting Ho Thi Ky Food Street

A little preparation goes a long way in navigating this bustling market. Here are some insider tips from GTrip for a smooth and enjoyable visit:

• Parking: If you arrive by motorbike, you can park securely at several locations. Reputable spots include Mr. Trump's parking lot (382 Le Hong Phong), the lot opposite Ho Thi Ky elementary school, or at the school itself after 5 PM. Parking fees are typically between 5,000 - 10,000 VND. Always confirm the price with the attendant before leaving your bike.
• Secure your belongings: The market is extremely crowded, and the alleys are narrow. Keep your phone, wallet, and other valuables in a secure bag or front pocket to prevent pickpocketing in the dense crowds.
• Look for reputable stalls: While exploring is part of the fun, stalls with consistent lines of locals or glowing online reviews are often a safe bet for ensuring quality, hygiene, and authentic taste.
• Go with a group: The best way to experience the sheer variety of food is to go with friends. This allows you to order multiple dishes from different stalls and share them, so you can sample everything without getting too full on just one or two items.
• Wear comfortable shoes: You will be doing a lot of walking and standing, often on uneven surfaces. Comfortable footwear is essential for navigating the crowds and exploring the labyrinth of alleys with ease.

Plan smart for your Ho Thi Ky visit, park safely, secure your belongings, pick trusted stalls, go with friends to share dishes, and wear comfy shoes for exploring

Ho Thi Ky Food Street is a vibrant cultural institution and a testament to Saigon's dynamic spirit. Once a humble market founded by a refugee community, it has grown into a vibrant culinary hub that beautifully blends deep history with modern energy. The symphony of flavors, traditional Cambodian noodles and trendy Taiwanese snacks, combined with the raw, energetic atmosphere, makes it an essential stop on any Vietnam itinerary. It's a place where every bite tells a story and every corner reveals a new delight. So, gather your friends, bring an empty stomach, and dive headfirst into the delicious chaos. For more insider guides to the best experiences in Vietnam, explore the travel resources from GTrip - Vietnam Travel Agency and plan your next adventure today.