There is no denying the fact that Ho Chi Minh City, the largest city in Vietnam, has a rich cultural heritage and a buzzing energy. It is, however, the city’s exceptional cuisine that makes it so special. Ho Chi Minh City’s culinary scene is diverse, colorful, and absolutely delicious, from street vendors to fine-dining restaurants. Choosing where to begin can be challenging for visitors with so many tempting options. We’ve put together this food guide to highlight some of the must-try dishes you should try when you’re in Ho Chi Minh City. Let’s embark on a culinary adventure through one of the world’s most exciting food cities. Grab your chopsticks and prepare your taste buds.
- Pho
Ho Chi Minh City’s iconic Vietnamese dish is a must-try. It is a fragrant soup made from beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat. Pho is typically served for breakfast or lunch, and it can be found at street vendors, local eateries, and high-end restaurants. - Banh Mi
As another classic Vietnamese dish, banh mi is a sandwich made from a French baguette. This dish contains a variety of ingredients, including pork belly, pate, pickled carrots, daikon, cucumbers, cilantro, and chili sauce. Several street vendors and markets sell this meal as a grab-and-go option. - Com Tam
A Com Tam dish consists of broken rice, grilled pork chops, shredded pork, and a fried egg on top. The dish is often served with pickled vegetables and fish sauce in Ho Chi Minh City for lunch. - Bun Cha
It is a popular dish in Hanoi, but it is also available in Ho Chi Minh City. In this dish, pork patties are grilled with rice noodles, herbs, and a dipping sauce. You will find it to be a refreshing and light meal that is perfect for lunch. - Banh Xeo
The crispy and savory pancake is made with rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric, and stuffed with bean sprouts, pork, and shrimp. Many food stalls and markets in Ho Chi Minh City sell this popular street food. - Goi Cuon
Rice paper is used in the preparation of these fresh spring rolls. Pork, shrimp, herbs, and vermicelli noodles are all wrapped in rice paper. The perfect snack for a hot day. They are healthy and refreshing. - Ca Phe Sua Da
Visiting Ho Chi Minh City is not complete without experiencing Vietnamese coffee. Dark roast coffee is blended with sweetened condensed milk and served over ice. After a long day of exploring the city, this is an ideal pick-me-up.
Food lovers will find Ho Chi Minh City to be a food lover’s paradise, and these dishes are only the tip of the iceberg. Try as many dishes as you can from the city’s street food scene. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try something completely new. Your new favorite dish may just be waiting for you.
Don’t miss out on Vietnam’s flavors! You can obtain an urgent visa, express tourist visa, and tourist visa within 24 hours. Online application made easy by Express Vietnam.
