Ho Chi Minh City, often affectionately referred to by its old name Saigon, is a culinary paradise where the line between Michelin-starred dining and humble street stalls blurs beautifully. For any traveler, the true soul of the city is found on the sidewalks, sitting on small plastic stools, and enjoying dishes that have been perfected over generations.

From the sizzling baguettes of Bánh Mì to the aromatic steam of Phở rising from stone pots, the street food scene here is vast and varied. Visitors are often surprised by the hygiene and quality; contrary to some stereotypes about Southeast Asian street food, many travelers find the stalls generally clean and the ingredients incredibly fresh, with no stomach issues reported even after days of "food tours". Whether you are looking for a hearty breakfast of sizzling eggs or a late-night seafood feast, this guide covers the essential stops based on real traveler experiences.

Get ready to explore the Best Street Food in Saigon with these top 10 recommendations that locals and savvy tourists swear by.

If you only eat one sandwich in Ho Chi Minh City, many travelers argue it should be at Bánh Mì Hồng Hoa. While some visitors might initially be skeptical about sandwiches—viewing them as merely "dry bread and dry meat"—this spot completely changes that perception. It is often described as a life-changing culinary experience that travelers are willing to sing praises for.

• The Taste Profile: The baguette is roasted to perfection, offering a fragrant and crispy texture that crumbles delightfully when bitten without being choking. The filling is a complex layering of flavors: flavorful fried meat slices, ham, and a crucial "bomb" of taste from the rich chicken liver pate. To cut through the richness, it is packed with pickles, cucumber, and cilantro, creating a "left-and-right fight" between rich and refreshing flavors in your mouth.
• Ordering Tips: There are two signs with the same name on the street; typically, you order at the left counter and pick up at the right. A standard baguette is quite large—often enough for two people—so you can ask the staff to cut it in half. It offers a "cheap and shocking satisfaction" that makes it perfect for a quick meal or even a plane snack.

Find Bánh Mì Hồng Hoa

For a unique twist on the national dish, Phở Việt Nam is a must-visit, having earned Michelin recommendations. Unlike standard bowl-served pho, this shop specializes in Stone Pot Pho, which keeps the broth boiling hot throughout your meal.

• The Experience: The broth is described as incredibly fresh—so good that diners often drink it all. The defining feature is the DIY aspect; you are served a boiling stone pot and a side of raw meat, allowing you to cook the beef to your preferred level of tenderness. The rice noodles here are noted for being particularly soft and glutinous, fresh hand-cut, and distinct from other shops.
• Recommendations: Travelers recommend adding garlic juice to the soup to enhance the layers of flavor. Popular menu items include the #13 (mixed beef/oxtail) or the raw scalded beef which is exceptionally tender. It is located near the Ben Thanh market area and often has a queue, but the turnover is fast. It is also quite affordable, with bowls costing around 85,000 VND.

Explore Phở Việt Nam

If you are looking for the gold standard of traditional Southern-style pho, Phở Hòa Pasteur is the place. Another Michelin-recognized establishment, this shop is almost always packed with locals, a testament to its quality.

• What to Expect: The broth is famous for being clear yet sweet and flavorful. A unique feature of this shop is the option to add beef meatballs, which is not found everywhere. The beef is described as super tender.
• Dining Etiquette: In true Vietnamese fashion, you will be served a heaping plate of bean sprouts and herbs. A pro tip from seasoned eaters: pluck the leaves off the herbs to eat them; don't chew on the tough stems. The menu is picture-based, making ordering easy for tourists.

Visit Phở Hòa Pasteur

For a truly local experience away from the fancy restaurants, head to Bánh Canh Cua 87. This is described as a "fly restaurant" (a small, humble eatery), but it packs a punch in flavor and value.

• The Dish: This is a thick crab tapioca noodle soup. The broth is slightly sour and spicy with a heavy crab flavor. It is loaded with toppings: large shrimp, crab meatballs, real crab meat, quail eggs, pork blood, and meat slices. The noodles themselves are thick, resembling udon or "mouse tail" noodles.
• Why it's special: It's incredibly cheap (around 15 RMB or 60k-80k VND depending on toppings) and very authentic. Locals love it. A highly recommended way to eat this is to soak "youtiao" (dough sticks) into the soup, described by fans as a taste that will make you "ascend to heaven."

Locate Bánh Canh Cua 87

You cannot visit Ho Chi Minh City without experiencing the Ốc (snail/shellfish) culture. This is the ultimate street food vibe: sitting on small chairs, fans blowing, and enjoying fresh seafood with beer.

• Where to go:
  • Cua Bùi Viện: Highly recommended for being fresh and cheap. The squid mouths are crunchy, and the razor clams and sweet snails are plump and elastic. It's a great spot to pair seafood with ice-cold beer.
  • Ốc Đào 2: If you want a bustling "Dai Pai Dong" atmosphere, this is the spot. The charcoal grilled flavor here is stronger. Their garlic butter tamarind crab is a standout dish with an incredibly fresh and sweet taste.
• The Vibe: It's grounded and authentic. Don't expect white tablecloths; this is about getting your hands dirty and enjoying the local nightlife.

Search for Ốc Đào

Often referred to playfully as the "poor ghost" meal due to its humble origins using broken rice grains, Cơm Tấm is a flavor powerhouse. It's a staple that locals eat from morning until afternoon.

• The Dish: The star is the pork chop, which is marinated to be slightly sweet and grilled until fragrant. It is typically served with a sunny-side-up egg, pickles, and the signature broken rice.
• Verdict: Travelers describe the combination of the sweet pork chop, egg, and rice as extremely satisfying ("Ba Shi"/comfortable). It pairs perfectly with a glass of Thai milk tea or Vietnamese iced coffee. Some popular local spots open as early as 7 AM and close by 3 PM.

Find Cơm Tấm

While Hong Hoa is loved for its balance, Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa is famous for its sheer volume and richness. It is widely considered one of the most famous sandwich shops in the city, often commanding long queues.

• The Sandwich: This bánh mì is a beast. The baguette is re-baked before serving to ensure maximum crispiness. The filling is incredibly solid and packed with layers of ham and meat slices, making it extremely filling—suitable for brunch or a heavy lunch.
• Warning: It is very rich and meaty. If you prefer lighter flavors, it might be overwhelming, but for meat lovers, it's a must-try. The service is fast despite the lines.

Check out Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa

For those who prefer chicken over beef, Phở Miến Gà Kỳ Đồng is the unanimous favorite. Also a Michelin-recommended spot, this shop feels like a bustling market with its energetic atmosphere.

• The Specialty: The chicken soup here is described as super rich and concentrated—a "tonic for chicken lovers." Unlike typical pho shops, they offer a variety of noodle bases including instant noodles and, most notably, crystal glass noodles (Miến).
• Extras: You can also find chicken giblets here, which are a rare find in other shops. The huge variety of choices makes it a crowd-pleaser.

Directions to Phở Miến Gà Kỳ Đồng

Move over baguette sandwiches; Bánh Mì Chảo serves the bread on the side of a sizzling iron plate. Bánh Mì Chảo Dì Nữ is a highly recommended spot for this hearty breakfast.

• The Dish: Eggs are fried on a hot iron plate until they sizzle with oil, served alongside ham, bacon, fish cakes, and other toppings. It's a calorie bomb of happiness.
• How to Eat: Tear off pieces of the baguette and dip them into the hot, oily mix on the plate. Pairing this with a Vietnamese iced coffee injects "soul" into the meal. It's affordable (around 30 RMB) and requires cash payment.

Visit Bánh Mì Chảo Dì Nữ

To wash down all the savory food, head to Five Boys Number One for a refreshing fruit smoothie. It's a humble street stall, not the cleanest environment, but the quality of the product is undeniable.

• The Drink: They are famous for their Avocado + Mango smoothie. It is thick, creamy, and made with real ingredients without being diluted by too much water.
• Value: It is extremely cheap (under 50 TWD or a few dollars) and has been rated as a top drink spot by netizens. Despite the simple setting, travelers report no stomach issues and pure satisfaction.

Find Five Boys Number One