All About Street Food In Saigon
Whether you're on a whirlwind business trip, a fleeting 1-day adventure, or a seasoned traveler seeking deeper culinary experiences, Saigon's streets will tantalize your taste buds. Here's a guide to navigate this delicious landscape, from universally loved classics to hidden gems favored by locals.
Everyone's Must-Try List:
This trio forms the holy trinity of Saigon street food. No visit is complete without experiencing them:
Banh Mi:
This iconic Vietnamese sandwich is a symphony of flavors and textures. Freshly baked baguettes are filled with savory, marinated meats like pork or pate, pickled vegetables like cucumber and carrot, and a touch of creamy mayonnaise or pâté. Every bite explodes with a delightful contrast of crisp bread, succulent meat, and tangy vegetables.
Pho:
This fragrant noodle soup is a national treasure. Thin rice noodles bathe in a rich, flavorful broth simmered for hours with bones, spices, and sometimes charred onions. Slices of tender beef or chicken are added, along with a vibrant array of fresh herbs and bean sprouts, allowing you to customize the taste to your liking.
Com Tam:
This broken rice dish is a quintessential lunch or dinner option. Fragrant, broken rice forms the base for various toppings, often including grilled pork, fried egg, pickled vegetables, and a savory fish sauce or shrimp paste sauce. Each bite offers a medley of textures and flavors, making it a satisfying and comforting meal.
Next Level:
If you're looking to venture beyond the essentials, Saigon offers a wealth of classic Vietnamese dishes:
Bun Thit Nuong:
This dish translates to "vermicelli with grilled pork." Thin rice noodles are served with perfectly marinated and grilled pork skewers, fresh lettuce, herbs, and a sweet-and-sour dipping sauce. The smoky char of the pork paired with the refreshing crunch of vegetables creates a delightful combination.
Bun Bo Hue:
This spicy noodle soup hails from the former imperial capital, Hue. Thick rice noodles sit in a vibrant beef broth tinged with chilies and lemongrass. Slices of marinated beef, pork, and sometimes offal add protein, while a sprinkle of herbs and vegetables completes the dish. For the adventurous palate, this flavorful and fiery soup is a must-try.
Bo Kho:
This comforting slow-cooked beef stew is a Vietnamese staple. Tender chunks of beef simmer for hours in a rich broth infused with star anise, cinnamon, and fish sauce. Served with rice and a side of pickled vegetables, Bo Kho provides a warm and satisfying experience.
Mi Quang:
This turmeric-infused noodle dish originates from Quang Nam Province. Thin yellow rice noodles are tossed in a fragrant broth, often accompanied by turmeric-dyed rice cakes, pork slices, peanuts, and fresh herbs. The vibrant yellow color and unique blend of spices make Mi Quang a visually and tastefully memorable dish.
Banh Xeo:
This crispy crepe is a true street food adventure. A turmeric-dyed batter is filled with savory ingredients like shrimp, pork belly, bean sprouts, and green onions before being pan-fried until crispy. Banh Xeo is typically served wrapped in lettuce leaves with herbs and dipped in a sweet and savory fish sauce.
Almost Local:
For a deeper dive into the daily lives of Saigonese, consider these local favorites:
Oc (Snails):
This dish is an acquired taste, but it's a Saigon street food staple. Various types of snails are skewered, boiled, or grilled, then served with a side of dipping sauce and herbs. The chewy texture and unique flavors are an experience for adventurous foodies.
Bun Cha:
This dish originated in Hanoi but has become widely popular in Saigon. Grilled marinated pork patties are served on a bed of vermicelli noodles with fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and a sweet and savory dipping sauce. The combination of textures and flavors is truly satisfying.
Bun Rieu:
This crab noodle soup offers a lighter alternative to Bun Bo Hue. Thin rice noodles swim in a fragrant broth flavored with tomatoes, dried shrimp, and the sweet and savory essence of crab. Served with slices of pork or crab sticks alongside fresh herbs, Bun Rieu is a refreshing and delicious choice.
Thit Kho (Braised Pork):
This dish is a staple in Vietnamese kitchens. Pork belly is slow-cooked in a rich broth of fish sauce, coconut milk, and spices until tender and flavorful. Thit Kho is typically served with rice and pickled vegetables, offering a comforting and homey taste.
The Local's Choice: A Love-Hate Affair with Authenticity
For the intrepid explorer, Saigon's street food throws open a window into the heart of Vietnamese cuisine. Here, we encounter dishes that may surprise and challenge your palate, offering a chance to experience Vietnamese food in its most authentic form.
Bun Dau Mam Tom:
This iconic dish features fermented shrimp paste (mam tom) served alongside rice vermicelli (bun), fried tofu (dau), and a medley of fresh herbs. The intense aroma and flavor of the mam tom can be an acquired taste, but it's a true street food staple. Prepare for a "love-hate" relationship with this dish – you may find yourself completely hooked or running for the hills!
An Vat:
This catch-all term translates to "snack," encompassing a vast array of streetside nibbles. From savoury skewers of grilled meats and vegetables to crispy deep-fried treats, an vat offers a delicious way to graze your way through the city. Be sure to try nem chua (fermented pork spring rolls), banh mi (Vietnamese baguettes filled with savory ingredients), and Goi Cuon (fresh spring rolls) – they're Saigon street food classics for a reason.
Banh Canh Cua:
This noodle soup features thick, chewy rice noodles (banh canh) in a fragrant crab broth. Topped with crab meat, pork, and a sprinkle of herbs, banh canh cua is a hearty and flavorful dish. Perfect for a rainy afternoon or a quick lunch on the go.
Banh Cuon:
Delicate steamed rice crepes (banh cuon) are filled with savory ingredients like minced pork, shrimp, and wood ear mushrooms. Dipped in a nuoc mam (fish sauce) dipping sauce and garnished with fresh herbs, banh cuon offers a delightful explosion of textures and flavors.
Extreme Gourmand: Balut – Not for the Faint of Heart
For the truly adventurous eater, Saigon offers a culinary challenge unlike any other – Balut. This fertilized duck egg is boiled and eaten in the shell, with the developing chick still visible. Traditionally considered a source of strength and virility, balut is not for the faint of heart. If you're feeling brave, head down to a street vendor specializing in this unique dish.
Sweet Endings: Vietnamese Dessert Treat for the Senses
No Saigon street food exploration is complete without indulging in a sweet and refreshing dessert.
Che:
This umbrella term encompasses a wide variety of sweet soups and puddings. From creamy coconut-based che to fruit-laden iterations, there's a che to satisfy every craving. Popular options include che chuoi (banana sweet soup) and che xoa (plantain sweet soup).
Banh Chuoi:
Fried banana fritters are a delightful sweet treat found throughout Saigon. These crispy golden bites are often coated in a light batter and sprinkled with sesame seeds for an extra crunch. Perfect with a cup of Vietnamese coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up.
Sinh To:
Beat the Saigon heat with a refreshing sinh to (smoothie). Made with fresh fruits, ice, and sometimes condensed milk, sinh to offers a healthy and delicious way to cool down. Popular flavors include mango, avocado, and durian (be warned, durian has a strong and pungent smell that may not be for everyone!).
Where To Try Street Food in Saigon?
Saigon on Film has been exploring the vibrant street food scene of Saigon, discovering hidden gems and iconic eateries. From bustling night markets to cozy street corners, we've tasted the city's diverse flavors and authentic dishes. We're excited to share our top picks for safe and delicious street food experiences. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a first-time visitor, we've got you covered.
Vinh Khanh: Ocean Delights by the Streetlight
Venture into District 4 and lose yourself in the vibrant bustle of Vinh Khanh Street, a haven for seafood enthusiasts. As the sun dips below the horizon, the aroma of grilling shellfish and bubbling broth fills the air. Here, locals gather for a post-work feast, indulging in fresh oysters, clams, crabs, and an array of other delicacies. Grab a stool at a bustling stall, order a cold beer, and savor the freshest catches Saigon has to offer. Vinh Khanh offers a truly authentic experience, perfect for those seeking a taste of local life.
Bui Vien: Street Food with a Side of Nightlife
Once solely known for its pulsating nightlife, Bui Vien in District 1 has undergone a delightful transformation. While neon signs and thumping music still paint the evening scene, an abundance of food stalls has emerged, catering to hungry revelers. Whether you crave steaming bowls of pho or crispy fried spring rolls, Bui Vien offers a vibrant combination of street food delights and buzzing nightlife. Grab a bite, mingle with fellow travelers, and soak up the infectious energy of this unique district.
Ben Thanh Market & Beyond: Unveiling Culinary Gems
After navigating the bustling stalls of Ben Thanh Market in District 1, don't miss the culinary treasures waiting just beyond. The surrounding streets are a treasure trove of street food vendors. Sample savory banh mi, crusty baguettes filled with savory meats and pickled vegetables. Indulge in goi cuon, fresh spring rolls bursting with vibrant flavors. From sweet and tangy nem nuong (grilled pork skewers) to creamy chè (sweet dessert soups), the options are endless.
Sui Cao Street: A Dim Sum Paradise
Saigon's Chinatown is a cultural immersion in itself, and no visit is complete without a stroll down Sui Cao Street. As dusk settles, the air fills with the fragrant steam of steaming dumplings. This street transforms into a haven for dim sum lovers. Choose from an assortment of intricately folded dumplings filled with savory meats, seafood, and vegetables. Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere and enjoy a quintessential Chinatown experience.
Tan Dinh Market: Street Food with a Youthful Twist
Head to District 1's Tan Dinh Market and explore the vibrant streets surrounding it. As darkness falls, a youthful crowd descends upon the area, seeking an authentic street food adventure. This is your chance to sample local favorites like banh beo (steamed rice cakes), banh khot (mini crispy pancakes), and bot chien (fried spring rolls). The atmosphere is electric, with sizzling grills and laughter filling the air.
Independence Palace Food Court: A Family-Friendly Feast
Located in the heart of Saigon, the food court opposite the iconic Independence Palace offers a convenient and family-friendly option for street food exploration. This open-air haven boasts a wide array of vendors offering everything from Vietnamese classics like pho and bun bo hue to international cuisines. With ample seating and a clean environment, it's a perfect choice for families or those seeking a more relaxed dining experience.
Hồ Thị Kỷ Night Food Market: Dive into the Saigon Chaos
For the truly adventurous foodie, Hồ Thị Kỷ Night Food Market in District 10 offers a chaotic yet exhilarating culinary experience. This local haven pulsates with energy as vendors cook up an endless array of street food dishes. From grilled meats and seafood to noodle soups and vibrant salads, the choices are as diverse as they are delicious. Embrace the bustling atmosphere, navigate the maze of stalls, and discover the hidden gems that await your taste buds.