Top Dishes to Try and Where to Try Them in Saigon
Top Dishes to Try and Where to Try Them in Saigon
Saigon, also known as Ho Chi Minh City, is a bustling metropolis that offers a rich culinary experience for food lovers. From the iconic Pho (Phở) to the flavorful Banh Mi (Bánh Mì), the city is home to a wide variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes that reflect the diverse and vibrant culture of the region. Whether you’re a street food enthusiast or prefer dining in restaurants, Saigon has something to satisfy every palate. Here are the top dishes to try and the best places to find them when visiting the city.
1. Phở
No trip to Vietnam is complete without sampling Phở, a beloved noodle soup made with aromatic broth, tender slices of beef or chicken, rice noodles, and fresh herbs. It’s a national dish that captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine.
- Where to try:
- Phở Hòa Pasteur (260C Pasteur, District 3) – One of the oldest and most famous phở spots in the city.
- Phở Phú Vương (339 Lê Văn Sỹ, Tân Bình District) – Known for its flavorful broth and generous portions.
2. Bánh Mì
A French-inspired Vietnamese sandwich, Bánh Mì is a crispy baguette stuffed with a variety of fillings like pâté, cold cuts, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and chili. It’s perfect for a quick and tasty meal on the go.
- Where to try:
- Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa (26 Lê Thị Riêng, District 1) – Often regarded as the best bánh mì in Saigon.
- Bánh Mì Hồng Hoa (62 Nguyễn Văn Tráng, District 1) – Another local favorite with a lighter bread and generous fillings.
3. Com Tam (Cơm Tấm – Broken Rice)
Cơm Tấm is a Saigon specialty consisting of broken rice grains, typically served with grilled pork (sườn nướng), a fried egg, and a side of fish sauce. It’s a hearty meal perfect for breakfast or lunch.
- Where to try:
- Cơm Tấm Ba Ghiền (84 Đặng Văn Ngữ, Phú Nhuận District) – Famous for its large pork chops and flavorful sides.
- Cơm Tấm Mộc (85 Lý Tự Trọng, District 1) – A more upscale spot offering a refined version of the dish.
4. Bun Thit Nuong (Bún Thịt Nướng – Grilled Pork Noodles)
For those who love a combination of noodles, grilled meat, and fresh herbs, Bún Thịt Nướng is a must-try. This dish is made with vermicelli noodles, topped with grilled pork, peanuts, and served with a tangy fish sauce dressing.
- Where to try:
- Bún Thịt Nướng Chị Thông (195 Cô Giang, District 1) – A small but popular spot known for its delicious grilled pork.
- Bún Thịt Nướng Bà Tám (66 Nguyễn Thái Học, District 1) – Another great option for this tasty noodle dish.
5. Banh Xeo (Bánh Xèo)
Bánh Xèo is a crispy, savory pancake filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, served with fresh lettuce and herbs for wrapping. The name translates to “sizzling cake,” referring to the sound it makes when cooking.
- Where to try:
- Bánh Xèo Đinh Công Tráng (46A Đinh Công Tráng, District 1) – Famous for its large, crispy pancakes.
- Bánh Xèo 46A (46A Đinh Công Tráng, District 3) – A popular spot with a long history of serving traditional bánh xèo.
6. Goi Cuon (Gỏi Cuốn – Spring Rolls)
Gỏi Cuốn, also known as fresh spring rolls, are made with shrimp, pork, vermicelli, and fresh vegetables, wrapped in rice paper. They’re light, healthy, and perfect as a snack or appetizer.
- Where to try:
- Gỏi Cuốn Ngọc Sương (60 Pasteur, District 1) – A great spot for authentic fresh spring rolls.
- Thanh Mai Gỏi Cuốn (15 Phan Văn Trị, District 5) – Another well-known place for delicious gỏi cuốn.
7. Hu Tieu (Hủ Tiếu – Rice Noodle Soup)
A versatile noodle soup, Hu Tieu comes with a clear broth and various toppings such as pork, shrimp, and quail eggs. It’s a popular dish in southern Vietnam and a favorite among locals.
- Where to try:
- Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang Nhân Quán (72 Nguyễn Thượng Hiền, District 3) – Known for its flavorful broth and tender noodles.
- Hủ Tiếu Mì Thiệu Ký (66-68 Lê Đại Hành, District 11) – A family-run establishment famous for its noodle soups.
8. Banh Canh Cua (Bánh Canh Cua – Crab Noodle Soup)
If you love seafood, Bánh Canh Cua is a rich, comforting soup made with thick noodles, crab meat, and a flavorful broth. It’s both hearty and satisfying.
- Where to try:
- Bánh Canh Cua Trần Khắc Chân (87 Trần Khắc Chân, District 1) – Popular for its rich crab broth and fresh ingredients.
- Bánh Canh Cua Út Lệ (204 Nguyễn Tri Phương, District 10) – A highly rated spot known for its generous servings.
9. Che (Chè – Vietnamese Sweet Soup)
End your meal with Chè, a sweet Vietnamese dessert made with ingredients like beans, fruits, jellies, and coconut milk. There are many varieties to choose from, each offering a unique combination of flavors and textures.
- Where to try:
- Chè Hiển Khánh (718 Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, District 3) – A traditional spot with a wide range of sweet soup options.
- Chè Kỳ Đồng (153/7 Kỳ Đồng, District 3) – Another well-known establishment offering both classic and modern versions of chè.
10. Oc (Ốc – Vietnamese Snails and Shellfish)
Saigon is famous for its street food culture, and Ốc (snails and shellfish) are a must-try for seafood lovers. There are endless varieties of snails and shellfish, all cooked in different styles like steaming, grilling, or stir-frying with garlic, chili, and lemongrass.
- Where to try:
- Ốc Đào (132 Nguyễn Thái Học, District 1) – One of the best places in Saigon for a seafood feast.
- Ốc Oanh (534 Vĩnh Khánh, District 4) – Famous for its variety of snails and lively atmosphere.
Conclusion
Saigon’s culinary scene is a vibrant blend of traditional flavors and modern influences, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers. Whether you’re savoring a bowl of Phở at a local eatery or enjoying fresh Gỏi Cuốn at a street food stall, the city’s diverse food offerings will leave you wanting more. Make sure to explore these top dishes and visit the recommended spots to experience the best of Saigon’s food culture.
