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Ho Chi Minh City food guide
Signature dishes, best food neighborhoods, and the dining etiquette that actually matters — all specific to Ho Chi Minh City.
What to eat in Ho Chi Minh City
6 signature dishes, 4 food-forward neighborhoods, and the etiquette you actually need to know.
Must-try dishes
Bánh Mì
A crispy baguette filled with various ingredients like pâté, grilled meats, pickled vegetables, and cilantro. It's a delicious and affordable fusion of French and Vietnamese flavors.
Phở
A fragrant noodle soup, typically with beef (phở bò) or chicken (phở gà), featuring a rich broth, fresh herbs, and tender meat. It's a comforting and iconic Vietnamese staple.
Cơm Tấm
Broken rice grains served with grilled pork chops, shredded pork skin, steamed egg cake, and a fried egg. The smoky char of the pork and the savory accompaniments make it a hearty and flavorful meal.
Bún Chả
Grilled pork patties and slices served in a sweet and savory broth with vermicelli noodles and fresh herbs. The smoky aroma of the grilled pork is irresistible.
Gỏi Cuốn
Fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp, pork, vermicelli, and herbs, served with a peanut dipping sauce. They are a light and refreshing appetizer or snack.
Hủ Tiếu
A savory noodle soup with a lighter, more complex broth than pho, often featuring pork, shrimp, and quail eggs. It's a popular breakfast and lunch option.
Where locals eat — best neighborhoods
Bustling with a mix of upscale dining, historical eateries, and lively street food. It's the city's commercial and tourist heart.
More local and laid-back, offering authentic street food experiences and traditional restaurants away from the main tourist crowds.
Known for its vibrant seafood scene and local street food stalls, especially along the Vĩnh Khánh street.
The city's Chinatown, a sensory overload of bustling markets, traditional Chinese-Vietnamese cuisine, and unique snacks.
Dietary notes
Vietnamese cuisine heavily features meat and seafood, with fish sauce being a common ingredient. While vegetarian options exist, especially in temples or specific vegetarian restaurants, they may require careful inquiry due to the prevalence of meat broths and fish sauce in many dishes.
Local etiquette
- •Tipping is not obligatory but is appreciated for excellent service, especially in higher-end establishments.
- •Carry cash, as many street food vendors and smaller eateries only accept cash.
- •Reservations are generally not needed for street food but can be helpful for popular sit-down restaurants, especially on weekends.
- •It's common to eat with chopsticks and spoons; slurp your noodles if you wish, it's not considered rude.
- •When eating at a communal table, wait for the host to start before digging in.