While exploring the culinary landscape near the Chinatown areas, District 10 offers some authentic gems that are highly recommended by travelers. One standout location is Ho Thi Ky Food Street (District 10), which is famous not only as a flower market but as a vibrant night market where you can find a variety of local snacks.

For those craving savory rice dishes, the Singapore Hainan Chicken Rice shop at 402 Nguyễn Tri Phương (District 10) is a must-visit. It is a hidden gem loved by locals, known for its slippery, tender chicken and fragrant rice accompanied by a delicious chili sauce. It offers a "Singaporean flavor" right in the heart of Vietnam.

• Ho Thi Ky Food Street: A bustling spot for local snacks and flowers.
• Singapore Hainan Chicken Rice: Located at 402 Nguyễn Tri Phương, famous for tender chicken.

No guide to Ho Chi Minh City's food scene is complete without diving into its legendary Pho culture. Several spots have garnered Michelin attention or massive local followings.

Pho Hoa Pasteur is a Michelin-recommended establishment known for its sweet, clear broth and substantial portions. A unique feature here is the option to add beef balls. Be sure to pick the leaves off the herb plate rather than eating the stems!

For a different experience, Pho Vietnam serves a stone pot Pho where you add fresh meat into the boiling broth yourself, ensuring the beef remains soft and tender. Another favorite is Pho Mien Ga Ky Dong, specializing in rich chicken soup where you can choose between instant noodles or glass noodles.

• Pho Hoa Pasteur: Michelin-rated, famous for beef balls.
• Pho Vietnam: Features stone pot serving style.
• Pho Mien Ga Ky Dong: Best for chicken glass noodles.

The Banh Mi is a staple of Saigon cuisine. Two names frequently rise to the top of traveler lists: Banh Mi Hong Hoa and Banh Mi Huynh Hoa.

Banh Mi Hong Hoa is celebrated for its freshly baked, crispy baguettes that crumble upon biting without being choking. The filling is a complex mix of fried meat, pickles, cucumber, cilantro, and a rich liver pâté that provides a "flavor bomb."

Banh Mi Huynh Hoa is often cited as the "heavyweight" champion. The bread is re-toasted before serving for extra crispiness, and the filling is incredibly generous, packed with ham, meat slices, and sauces, making it substantial enough to serve as a full meal.

• Banh Mi Hong Hoa: Known for crispy bread and rich pâté.
• Banh Mi Huynh Hoa: Famous for massive, meat-packed portions.

Beyond traditional street food, the city offers exceptional international and fusion cuisine. Pizza 4P's is a consistent favorite, often requiring reservations. Their House-made 4 Cheese Pizza served with honey and the Crab Tomato Cream Spaghetti are highly recommended dishes.

For a more upscale experience, Quince is a must-try, with travelers raving about the delicious duck breast. Additionally, Man Moi offers a Michelin-recognized take on Vietnamese home cooking, located conveniently near the War Remnants Museum.

• Pizza 4P's: Famous for cheese pizza with honey and crab pasta.
• Quince: Highly recommended for duck breast.
• Man Moi: Refined Vietnamese home cooking.