Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a vibrant and dynamic metropolis that is the heart of southern Vietnam’s culinary culture. With a rich history and a mix of diverse regional flavors, the city offers an incredible food scene that draws from both traditional and contemporary influences. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or just someone looking to enjoy a delicious meal, Ho Chi Minh City has something for everyone.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the best ways to experience Vietnamese culinary culture in the city, from street food to fine dining, local markets, cooking classes, and more. Let’s dive into the flavors of Ho Chi Minh City and explore the unique tastes and culinary traditions that make this city a food lover’s paradise.

1. Explore the Street Food Scene

Why it’s a must:

The streets of Ho Chi Minh City are teeming with food stalls and vendors offering some of the best Vietnamese dishes. From savory snacks to refreshing drinks, the street food in the city is an essential part of the local culinary experience. Sampling street food is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture.

What to try:

• Bánh Mì: A Vietnamese sandwich made with a crispy baguette filled with a variety of ingredients such as grilled pork, pate, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and chili. It’s a perfect blend of French influence and Vietnamese flavors.
• Phở: A quintessential Vietnamese dish, pho is a fragrant noodle soup made with either beef (phở bò) or chicken (phở gà), herbs, and a flavorful broth. It’s typically enjoyed for breakfast, but you can find it all day long.
• Gỏi Cuốn (Spring Rolls): These fresh rice paper rolls are filled with shrimp, herbs, vermicelli noodles, and lettuce. They are served with a savory peanut or hoisin dipping sauce.
• Bánh Xèo: A crispy Vietnamese pancake made from rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk, filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and herbs. It’s a fun dish to share with friends as it’s often served with lettuce for wrapping.
• Sữa Chua (Vietnamese Yogurt): For a refreshing treat, try a cup of sữa chua, a sweet, creamy yogurt often served with condensed milk and a drizzle of honey.

Where to find it:

• Bến Thành Market: One of the city’s most famous markets, offering a wide variety of street food options.
• Nguyễn Văn Cừ Street: Known for its variety of street food vendors offering dishes like bánh mì and pho.
• Vĩnh Khanh Street: A hotspot for Vietnamese-style seafood.

2. Visit Local Markets for Fresh Ingredients and Unique Dishes

Why it’s a must:

Vietnamese cuisine is all about fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and the best way to experience this firsthand is by visiting Ho Chi Minh City’s bustling markets. These vibrant spots offer a glimpse into the daily life of the locals and provide a great opportunity to sample some of the freshest produce, meats, seafood, and more.

What to try:

• Cơm Tấm (Broken Rice): This dish consists of broken rice served with grilled pork (often pork chops) and a variety of accompaniments like pickled vegetables, fried egg, and fish sauce.
• Hủ Tiếu: A noodle soup typically made with a clear broth and served with pork, shrimp, and sometimes even crab. You can find many variations depending on the region.

Where to find it:

• Bến Thành Market: This iconic market offers a wide selection of local ingredients, fresh herbs, and traditional Vietnamese foods. It’s a great place to sample local dishes while soaking in the lively atmosphere.
• Chợ Lớn (Bình Tây Market): This is Saigon’s Chinatown and is a perfect place to explore exotic ingredients and traditional foods that reflect the city’s Chinese influence.
• Tân Định Market: Known for its diverse offerings, including fresh produce, meats, and Vietnamese delicacies like bánh mì.

3. Take a Cooking Class to Learn the Secrets of Vietnamese Cuisine

Why it’s a must:

To truly understand Vietnamese cuisine, there’s no better way than to dive into it yourself by taking a cooking class. Many local cooking schools in Ho Chi Minh City offer hands-on experiences where you can learn how to prepare popular dishes from scratch. Not only will you learn valuable culinary skills, but you’ll also get a deeper appreciation for the ingredients and techniques that make Vietnamese food so unique.

What to learn:

• Making Pho: Learn the art of making this iconic Vietnamese soup, from crafting the aromatic broth to assembling the dish with noodles and fresh herbs.
• Spring Rolls and Bánh Xèo: Discover how to make the perfect rice paper rolls and savory pancakes, as well as the essential dipping sauces.
• Vietnamese Sauces: Master the art of making fish sauce-based dipping sauces (nuoc cham) that accompany many dishes in Vietnamese cuisine.

Where to take a class:

• Hoa Sua Cooking Class: Known for its professional teaching and immersive experience, Hoa Sua provides an in-depth class that introduces you to the essentials of Vietnamese cooking.
• Saigon Cooking Class: This cooking school offers hands-on lessons in a relaxed environment, with a focus on traditional Vietnamese recipes and techniques.
• Vietnam Cookery Center: A popular cooking school that offers a range of classes, from street food to gourmet Vietnamese dishes.

4. Try the Regional Specialties

Why it’s a must:

Vietnam’s cuisine varies from region to region, and Ho Chi Minh City is the perfect place to explore the southern specialties that define the area. Southern Vietnamese cuisine tends to be sweeter, with an emphasis on fresh herbs, seafood, and rice dishes.

What to try:

• Bánh Mì Sài Gòn: The southern version of the famous Vietnamese sandwich, featuring a crispy baguette filled with a variety of meats and garnishes like pickled vegetables, cilantro, and chili.
• Cà Ri Gà (Vietnamese Chicken Curry): A mild, coconut-based curry served with rice, potatoes, and chicken. This dish is especially popular during the colder months.
• Lẩu (Hot Pot): A fun and interactive way to dine, hot pot involves cooking your choice of meat, seafood, vegetables, and noodles in a shared bubbling pot of broth.

Where to find it:

• Cơm Niêu Sài Gòn: A restaurant that specializes in southern Vietnamese rice dishes, including cơm tấm and other regional favorites.
• Công Dụng 1950: A cozy restaurant known for its authentic southern Vietnamese hot pot and curry dishes.
• Nguyễn Trãi Street: A great area for finding delicious southern Vietnamese specialties, especially grilled seafood and rice dishes.

5. Experience Fine Dining with a Vietnamese Twist

Why it’s a must:

If you’re looking to enjoy a more refined version of Vietnamese cuisine, Ho Chi Minh City boasts a range of upscale restaurants that elevate traditional dishes while maintaining the authenticity of local flavors. Dining at these fine restaurants gives you a unique opportunity to experience Vietnamese cuisine in a sophisticated setting.

Where to eat:

• Ciel Saigon: A rooftop restaurant offering stunning views of the city skyline and an extensive menu of both traditional and modern Vietnamese dishes.
• The Deck Saigon: Located by the river, this fine-dining restaurant offers a fusion of Vietnamese and international flavors, making it the perfect place for an elegant meal.
• Quince Saigon: A contemporary restaurant known for its inventive take on Vietnamese dishes, using seasonal ingredients and modern cooking techniques.

Conclusion

Ho Chi Minh City is a paradise for food lovers, offering a perfect blend of traditional and modern culinary experiences. Whether you’re wandering the lively streets sampling street food, exploring the vibrant markets, taking a cooking class, or enjoying a refined dining experience, the city’s food culture will captivate your senses and leave you with unforgettable memories. To truly experience Vietnamese culinary culture, make sure to embrace the diversity of flavors and dishes that define this fascinating and flavorful city.