Top Foods to Try in Ho Chi Minh City – A Travey Club Food Guide
One thing we realized very quickly while exploring Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is that this city is a dream for food lovers. Everywhere you turn there’s something sizzling on a grill, a bowl of noodles being prepared, or the rich aroma of Vietnamese coffee filling the air.
At Travey Club, we believe the best way to understand a destination is through its food. During our time in Saigon, we spent hours wandering through small alleys, local markets, and family-run eateries trying some of the city’s most iconic dishes.
If you’re visiting Ho Chi Minh City, here are some must-try foods and the places we loved eating them.
Pho – Vietnam’s Most Famous Noodle Soup
You can’t visit Vietnam without trying Pho. This comforting noodle soup is made with slow-cooked broth, rice noodles, fresh herbs, and tender slices of beef or chicken.
What surprised us was how balanced the flavours were — light, aromatic, and incredibly satisfying, especially in the morning.
Where we recommend:
Pho Hoa Pasteur
This place has been serving pho for decades and is a favourite among locals. The broth is rich without being heavy, and the portion sizes are generous.
Address: 260C Pasteur Street, District 3
Travey Tip: Add fresh lime, chilli, and herbs to customize the flavour.
Banh Mi – The Ultimate Vietnamese Sandwich
If there’s one street food that perfectly represents the fusion of cultures in Vietnam, it’s Banh Mi. The crispy French baguette filled with grilled meats, pickled vegetables, herbs, and pate is simple but unbelievably delicious.
We grabbed one while walking through District 1, and honestly, it might be one of the best sandwiches we’ve ever had.
Where we recommend:
Banh Mi Huynh Hoa
This spot is legendary in Saigon. Expect a line, but it moves fast and the sandwiches are packed with flavour.
Address: 26 Le Thi Rieng Street, District 1
Bun Thit Nuong – Grilled Pork Noodle Bowl
This dish became one of our personal favourites during our visit. Bun Thit Nuong is a bowl of vermicelli noodles topped with grilled pork, fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and crunchy spring rolls.
Everything comes together with a light fish sauce dressing that makes the dish refreshing yet filling.
Where we recommend:
Bun Thit Nuong Kieu Bao
This small local restaurant serves one of the most authentic versions we tried. The grilled pork is smoky and perfectly seasoned.
Address: 191 Co Giang Street, District 1
Banh Xeo – Vietnamese Crispy Pancake
The first time we saw Banh Xeo, it immediately caught our attention. It’s a large crispy pancake made with rice flour and turmeric, filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts.
You wrap pieces of the pancake in fresh herbs and lettuce before dipping them in fish sauce — it’s interactive, messy, and incredibly fun to eat.
Where we recommend:
Banh Xeo 46A
This place is famous for its crispy pancakes cooked right at the entrance, so you can watch the entire process.
Address: 46A Dinh Cong Trang Street, District 1
Vietnamese Coffee – Strong, Sweet, and Unforgettable
Vietnamese coffee deserves its own category. The classic Ca Phe Sua Da (iced coffee with condensed milk) is strong, bold, and slightly sweet — perfect for the hot Saigon weather.
Watching the slow drip from the traditional metal filter is part of the experience.
Where we recommend:
The Workshop Coffee
This café has a modern atmosphere but still respects the traditional brewing methods.
Address: 27 Ngo Duc Ke Street, District 1
Final Thoughts from Travey Club
Food in Ho Chi Minh City isn’t just about eating — it’s about the experience. Sitting on tiny plastic stools, watching scooters pass by, and sharing dishes with locals creates moments that make travel truly memorable.
From steaming bowls of pho in the morning to crispy banh mi grabbed on the go, Saigon’s food scene is vibrant, affordable, and full of character.
If you visit the city, come hungry — because some of the best discoveries happen simply by following the smell of grilled meat down a busy street.
At Travey Club, these food experiences were easily some of the highlights of our trip, and they’re something we’d recommend to every traveler exploring Vietnam.
Travey Club is your personal travel planning partner, dedicated to crafting truly bespoke itineraries shaped around how you travel. We believe every journey is unique—no single template, and no purely AI-generated plan, can fit all travel needs. Rather than booking flights or hotels, we focus on thoughtful, human-led planning for our members, working alongside trusted travel agents who manage reservations. Our itineraries highlight key experiences, while Travey Club brings them together through personalized insight, expertise, and attention to detail—ensuring every trip feels intentional, seamless, and distinctly yours.
Look at our three days Ho Chi Minh Itinerary : Travey Club
