Discover Saigon’s Flavors: A Food Guide for First-Timers and Experts

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is a paradise for food lovers. From world-famous classics to local street-food favorites, the city offers a mix of flavors that impress every traveler. Here are the 10 signature dishes you shouldn’t miss when staying in Saigon.

1. Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup)

The most iconic dish of Vietnam.A fragrant broth simmered for hours, tender beef or chicken, fresh herbs, and rice noodles — simple yet unforgettable.Where to try: Pho Hoa Pasteur – District 3Image (alt text): A steaming bowl of Vietnamese pho with herbs and lime.

2. Banh Mi (Vietnamese Baguette Sandwich)

Crispy on the outside, soft inside, packed with pâté, grilled meats, pickles, herbs, and chili.Often called “the best sandwich in the world.”Where to try: Banh Mi Huynh Hoa – District 1Image (alt text): A Vietnamese banh mi cut in half showing colorful filling.

3. Fresh Spring Rolls (Goi Cuon)

A light, healthy appetizer made with shrimp, pork, fresh herbs, and vermicelli wrapped in rice paper.Where to try: Tôn Đản Spring Rolls – District 4Image (alt text): Fresh spring rolls served with peanut dipping sauce.

4. Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Crispy Pancake)

Golden, crispy, stuffed with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and eaten with a large basket of fresh herbs.A fun dish to “wrap & roll.”Where to try: Banh Xeo Muoi Xiem – District 3Image (alt text): Crispy banh xeo broken open showing fillings.

5. Com Tam (Saigon Broken Rice)

A true Saigon specialty: grilled pork chop, shredded pork skin, steamed egg loaf, pickles & fish sauce.Where to try: Com Tam Ba Ghien – Phu Nhuan DistrictImage (alt text): Broken rice plate with grilled pork chop and egg loaf.

6. Bun Thit Nuong (Grilled Pork Vermicelli)

A refreshing bowl of noodles with char-grilled pork, herbs, peanuts, and sweet fish sauce.Beloved by both locals and visitors.Where to try: Bun Thit Nuong Chi Thong – District 3Image (alt text): A bowl of bun thit nuong with grilled pork and herbs.

7. Hu Tieu Nam Vang (Phnom Penh Noodle Soup)

A Southern classic with a clear flavorful broth, shrimp, minced pork, quail eggs, and garlic oil.Where to try: Thanh Dat Hu Tieu – District 1Image (alt text): A bowl of hu tieu with shrimp, minced pork, and quail eggs.

8. Bun Bo Hue (Hue Spicy Beef Noodle Soup)

Strong flavors, aromatic lemongrass broth, tender beef shank, and thick noodles.Not too spicy for foreigners, but full of character.Where to try: Dong Ba Bun Bo Hue – District 1Image (alt text): Bun bo Hue with chili oil and fresh herbs.

9. Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Ca Phe Sua Da)

Rich, bold Robusta coffee with sweet condensed milk — a must-try Vietnamese experience.Where to try: Ba Lu Filter Coffee – District 1Image (alt text): A glass of Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk.

10. Vietnamese Desserts (Che)

Colorful sweet soups made with coconut milk, beans, jelly, fruits — fun, refreshing, perfect for photos.Where to try: Che Thai Y Phuong – District 10Image (alt text): A colorful bowl of Vietnamese sweet dessert “che”.