Saigon's soul can be found on its streets, sizzling in woks, simmering in broths, and served on small plastic stools. From legendary late-night institutions to authentic international eateries and entire streets dedicated to dining, let District 0 take you on a tour of the city's most authentic and unforgettable street food.
These locations are recommendations from people who live in Ho Chi Minh City that we've recently profiled.
District 1
Cơm tấm Đề Thám: A 24-hour street food spot for classic cơm tấm (broken rice) near Bùi Viện
Recommended by Dat, owner of East Borough Pizza.
About Cơm tấm Đề Thám: Situated on a busy corner in District 1's Bùi Viện area, this humble sidewalk spot is a true Saigon institution. For years, it has been a must-visit destination for locals and travelers alike seeking a satisfying plate of cơm tấm after a night out. The setup is as simple as it gets with plastic tables and chairs on the pavement. The magic here lies in the delicious, smoky, and savory broken rice dishes served 24 hours a day.
Try: The signature grilled pork chop (sườn), the steamed egg meatloaf (chả), and the shredded pork skin (bì).
Price Range: 40k - 60k per plate, depending on your choice of toppings.
Address: 113 Đề Thám, Phường Cô Giang, District 1
Hear more from Dat here and here.
Bún Thịt Nướng Chả Giò Nguyễn Trung Trực: A popular District 1 lunch spot for bún thịt nướng (grilled pork noodles).
Recommended by Thomas, founder of BằNG.
About Bún Thịt Nướng Nguyễn Trung Trực: Tucked away on a small street just a block from Ben Thanh Market, this bustling spot is a master of one dish. It’s a classic Saigon lunch staple, known for serving up delicious bowls of bún thịt nướng to a loyal crowd of office workers and locals. Service is fast and efficient, making it the perfect place to grab a quick, authentic, and delicious meal in the heart of the city's chaos.
Try: The signature bowl of grilled pork and noodles (bún thịt nướng) topped with a crispy fried spring roll (chả giò) and drenched in sweet and savory fish sauce (nước mắm).
Price Range: 70k per bowl.
Address: 1 Nguyễn Trung Trực, Phường Bến Thành, District 1
Hear more from Thomas here and here.
Curious about the best hidden gems in the city? Here's our list of hidden gems in Saigon, recommended by locals.
District 2/ Thủ Đức
Pasteloa: An authentic taste of Brazilian street food in a Thủ Đức hidden gem.
Recommended by Val, writer and Newsletter Manager for Marc Manson.
About Pasteloa: Tucked away in a quiet Thủ Đức alley, this spot is a true hidden gem, offering an authentic taste of Brazil in the heart of Saigon. Run by a Brazilian chef, the eatery is celebrated for its homemade specialties and cozy, welcoming atmosphere. It’s a fantastic find for anyone looking to explore unique international flavors and street food styles.
Try: a traditional pastel (a crispy, savory pastry), the hearty feijoada (black bean stew), the coxinha (chicken croquette).
Price Range: Dishes from 70k - 200k.
Address: 43 Đường số 6, Phường An Khánh, Thủ Đức
Here more from Val here and here.
Bún Cá & Hủ Tiếu: The noodle soup staples of Thảo Điền.
Recommended by Anh, Dano and Rosi.
About: While Thảo Điền is known for its international restaurants and cafes, it's also home to some incredible local eateries. Tucked along the main roads, you'll find spots serving up fantastic Vietnamese noodle soups at any time of day. For those craving bún cá (fish noodle soup) or a hearty bowl of hủ tiếu (rice noodle soup with various toppings), the neighborhood offers some truly outstanding options. Weary to try a streetside noodle? Head to the Michelin Guided Hủ Tiếu Hồng Phát located on the popular Xuân Thủy street.
Try: Bún Cá at the local neighborhood staple located at 55 Quốc Hương, morning hủ tiếu across from the Starbucks Thao Dien
Price Range: 30k-80k depending on location.
Hear more from Rosi here and here.
Hear more from Dano here and here.
Hear more from Anh here.
Curious about the best international cuisine restaurants to visit in the city? Here's our list of the best international restaurants in Saigon, recommended by locals.
District 3
Chè Cô Điệp: A beloved District 3 sidewalk spot for traditional Vietnamese desserts.
Recommended by Nhi, co-founder of 2cms.
About Chè Cô Điệp: For over 50 years this family-run stall has been a cherished fixture at the entrance of a small alley off Võ Văn Tần street. Specializing in warm chè, it’s a comforting spot especially on a rainy Saigon evening. The business, now run by the third generation, serves up classic, home-style sweet soups from large steaming pots to a consistent stream of loyal customers who pull up on their motorbikes or sit on the small plastic stools. The friendly owners will be happy to guide you through the ordering process in Vietnamese or English.
Try: Chè Chuối (sweet banana soup), Chè Bắp (sweet corn pudding), Chè Bà Ba with taro, cassava, and sweet potato.
Price Range: Around 15k per portion.
Address: 241 Võ Văn Tần, Phường 5, District 3
Hear more from Nhi here.
District 4
Tôn Đản and Vĩnh Khánh Streets: The District 4 capital of snacks, snails, and seafood.
Recommended by Mike, Rosi, and Lựu.
About: Tôn Đản is the perfect street for sampling. It's filled with smaller, specialized stalls each mastering a single dish. Walk the buzzing sidewalks, and sample a variety of classic snacks while soaking in the local atmosphere. Vĩnh Khánh offers a different kind of feast. This road is dominated by larger, open-air restaurants with tables spilling onto the road. This is where you gather with a group of friends, order a few beers, and feast on an incredible variety of fresh snails and seafood.
Try: Phá Lấu Bò (beef offal stew served with banh mi or noodles) on Tôn Đản , Ốc Oanh Restaurant (arguably the most famous restaurant in the area, serving all kinds of snails and seafood), walking the area after 6:00 pm to soak in the vibes.
Price Range: Walking the area is free, small roadside dishes from 20k-60k, a seafood dinner will be 200k+ per person.
Address: Tôn Đản and Vĩnh Khánh Streets, District 4
Hear more from Mike here and here.
Hear more from Rosi here and here.
Hear more from Lựu here and here.
Looking for the best Vietnamese food in the city? Here's our list of the best Vietnamese Food in Saigon, recommended by locals.
District 10
Hotdog 2018: A District 10 alleyway spot for fresh, homemade Vietnamese-style hotdogs.
Recommended by local barber, Phát.
About Hotdog 2018: This stall puts a distinctly Vietnamese twist on the hotdog. For Western eyes this might look more like a grilled cheese than a hotdog- you'll find an assortment of fillings that include savory local favorites like pâté (Pa-tê), pork floss (Chà Bông), and salted egg (Trứng Muối). It's a must-try for a truly unique and affordable street food snack.
Try: The Thập Cẩm hotdog loaded with pork floss, pâté, and sausage, the sweet ‘Sicula’ option.
Price Range: 13k per hotdog.
Hear more from Phát here.
Hồ Thị Kỷ Street: A vibrant District 10 hub for flowers and Cambodian-Vietnamese street food.
Recommended by Đức, head chef at Adau Kitchen.
About Hồ Thị Kỷ Street: This famous foody street offers one of Saigon's most special sensory experiences, serving as both the city's largest wholesale flower market and a bustling street food paradise. The area is unique for its concentration of authentic Cambodian cuisine, a legacy of the community that has long resided here. It’s an energetic, colorful, and essential destination for any food lover.
Try: The Bún Num Bo Chóc (Cambodian fish noodle soup), a Chè Campuchia for dessert, and the famous Bánh Tráng Nướng (Vietnamese Pizza).
Price Range: Most dishes 20k - 50k.
Address: Hồ Thị Kỷ Street, Phường 1, District 10
Hear more from Đức here and here.
Curious about the best hidden gems in the city? Here's our list of hidden gems in Saigon, recommended by locals.
Bình Thạnh
The Taco King: A late-night taco haven on Phạm Viết Chánh.
Recommended by local DJ, Max.
About The Taco King: This spot is the undisputed champion of late-night eats in the bustling Phạm Viết Chánh area. The Taco King serves up delicious tacos, quesadillas, and nachos to the hungry nightlife crowd until 2 AM (and sometimes later!). It has become an essential part of the local scene, with most of the surrounding bars letting you order their tacos and have them delivered right to your table. It’s the perfect, savory end to a night out.
Try: The 3 taco combo for 130k, the cheesy quesadillas, and the guac + nachos.
Price Range: Tacos from 40k-60k, nachos 120k, quesadillas 120k
Address: 91 Phạm Viết Chánh, Phường 19, Bình Thạnh
Hear more from Max here.
