From sophisticated fine dining to authentic regional flavors and hidden culinary gems, let District 0 guide you to the best Vietnamese cuisine in Saigon. These locations are recommendations from people who live in Ho Chi Minh City that we've recently profiled.
Best Northern Style / Hanoi Food
Béo Ơi Quán: A taste of Northern Vietnam in District 1.
Recommended by local artist, Mike.
About Béo Ơi Quán: This restaurant is a hidden gem in District 1, offering authentic Northern Vietnamese home-style cooking. The space is comfortable and airy, with a cheerful vibe and cartoon illustrations of the food on the walls. It was also selected by the Michelin Guide in 2025.
Try: Bún riêu cua (crab and tomato noodle soup topped with crispy deep-fried tofu), the crab hotpot, the Hanoi style spring rolls.
Price Range: 50k - 150k for typical dishes, 350k for a hotpot.
Hear more from Mike here and here.
Xèng Quán: A go-to spot near Phạm Viết Chánh for Northern style food and drink.
Recommended by Louis, head chef at Oliuu Bistro.
About Xẻng Quán: Located in Bình Thạnh, Xèng Quán is known for tasty and affordable food and drink that's perfect for a night out with friends. Specializing in Hanoi cuisine, the restaurant has a wide range of Northern specialities.
Try: the Hanoi style spring rolls, the snails stuffed with meat, the cheap Bia Hà Nội
Price range: typical dishes 70k-100k, beer goes for 22k a glass.
Address: 53 Huỳnh Mẫn Đạt, Phường 19, Bình Thạnh
Hear more from Louis here and here.
Curious about the best bars in the city? Here's our list of the best bars in Saigon, recommended by locals.
Best Breakfast in Saigon
Bò Né Nano: A sizzling steak breakfast in District 2.
Recommended by local artist and DJ, Dano.
About Bò Né Nano: This spot is a local favorite for bò né, a classic Vietnamese sizzling steak and eggs breakfast. Located in Thảo Điền, the atmosphere is casual, lively, and perfect for a quick, hearty meal to kickstart your day.
Try: The signature bò né (sizzling steak) served on a hot iron plate with a fried egg, pate, and a side of Vietnamese baguette (bánh mì).
Price range: 50k to 100k depending on what you want on your sizzling plate.
Address: 47/41 Quốc Hương, Thảo Điền, District 2.
Hear more from Dano here and here.
Curious about the best cafes to visit in the city? Here's our list of the best cafes in Saigon, recommended by locals.
Best Central Vietnamese (Huế) Cuisine
Hương Ngự Quán: Traditional Huế flavors on a daily rotating menu in District 1.
Recommended by Đức, head chef at Adau Kitchen.
About Hương Ngự Quán: Step into a warm and welcoming atmosphere that feels just like a traditional Vietnamese home. This restaurant is a hidden gem known for its authentic cuisine from the ancient city of Huế. The menu changes based on fresh ingredients available at the market, ensuring a high-quality, seasonal dining experience. It's an excellent choice for a cozy dinner with family or friends.
Try: Bún chả cua (crab noodle soup), cơm hến (clam rice), braised fish (cá kho tộ)
Price range: Set menu of the day 60k-90k
Address: 90A/2 Thạch Thị Thanh, Phường Tân Định, District 1
Hear more from Đức here and here.
Huế Corner: A taste of Central Vietnam in Thảo Điền.
Recommended by local singer, TK.
About Hue Corner: As the name suggests, this restaurant specializes in the traditional cuisine of Huế. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, making it a great place for a laid-back meal with friends or family. The food is known for its authentic flavors, making you feel like you've been transported from Saigon to Central Vietnam.
Try: The bún bò (Huế-style beef noodle soup), cơm hến (rice with baby clams)
Price Range: dishes typically between 60k and 130k per dish.
Address: 5 Đường số 40, Thảo Điền, Thành phố Thủ Đức
Hear more from TK here and here.
Nhà Hàng Cố Đô: A royal taste of Huế in District 5.
Recommended by local singer, Lựu.
About Nhà Hàng Cố Đô: With its elegant and luxurious decor, this restaurant is perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner date. The menu features an impressive array of authentic Huế dishes, prepared with an artistic touch. If you want to experience the sophisticated side of Central Vietnamese food, this is the place to go.
Try: The assorted Huế cakes (bánh bèo, bánh nậm, bánh bột lọc), the Chè (sweet pudding) for dessert.
Price Range: Dishes typically between 100k and 200k.
Address: 367 An Dương Vương, Phường 2, District 5
Hear more from Lựu here and here.
Best Fine Dining in Saigon
Miên Saigon: A modern Vietnamese fine dining journey in District 1.
Recommended by Ivy, founder of Ivy+Partners.
About Miên Saigon: Miên Saigon is a restaurant recognized in the Michelin Guide for its innovative take on Vietnamese cuisine. It’s not a traditional fine-dining restaurant, but it elevates Vietnamese dishes with modern, global culinary techniques and exceptional seasonal ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and intimate, with an open kitchen and three dining zones separated by sheer curtains, creating a sense of cozy privacy.
Menu and price: The restaurant serves a seasonal tasting menu, with the current one being "Hạ Hoạch" (Summer Harvest). The tasting menu is priced at 2,550k per person. More info can be found on their website.
Address: 50A Đặng Dung, Phường Tân Định, District 1
Hear more from Ivy here.
Curious about the best date spots in the city? Here's our list of the best date spots in Saigon, recommended by locals.
Best Specialized Food
Cơm Thố Chuyên Ký: A timeless clay pot rice spot in District 1.
Recommended by local barber, Phát.
About Tiệm cơm thố Chuyên Ký: This is an old, well-known restaurant in District 1, with a history dating back to 1948. It's located inside a wet market and has a classic, nostalgic atmosphere. It specializes in Chinese-style clay pot rice (cơm thố) and has been selected by the Michelin Guide.
Try: Cơm thố bò lạp xưởng (Clay pot rice with beef and Chinese sausage), Sườn xào chua ngọt (Sweet and sour pork ribs)
Price Range: 70k-120k per dish
Address: 65-67 Tôn Thất Đạm, Bến Nghé, District 1
Hear more from Phát here.
Bánh Xèo Bình Minh: A traditional bánh xèo shop in Thủ Đức.
Recommended by Thomas, founder of BằNG.
About Bánh Xèo Bình Minh: This spot is known for its authentic bánh xèo, a crispy crepe packed with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. The atmosphere is simple and no-frills, focusing entirely on the quality of the food. It's a fantastic place for a quick and satisfying meal when you’re on the go
Try: Bánh xèo tôm thịt (shrimp and pork pancake)
Price Range: 35k to 65k depending on what ingredients you want inside.
Address: 163/22 Đặng Văn Bi, Phường Trường Thọ, Thủ Đức
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.
Best Vegetarian/Vegan Cuisine in Saigon
Vị Quê Kitchen: A modern vegan retreat in District 1.
Recommended by Rosi, founder of Social ChangeMakers, The Happievent, and Chance Charity Shop.
About Vị Quê Kitchen: This restaurant offers a modern and elegant atmosphere, perfect for a quiet, intimate date. Vị Quê Kitchen provides a refined experience for those who appreciate high-quality vegetarian food. It was even recognized with a Michelin Bib Gourmand, so you can expect a truly exceptional meal.
Try: Veggie hotpot, their various vegan versions of traditional Vietnamese dishes (like cơm tấm)
Price Range: 80-200k for a typical dish, 350k for a hotpot
Address: 110 Sương Nguyệt Ánh, Phường Bến Thành, District 1
Hear more from Rosi here and here.
Best Traditional Vietnamese Menu
Cục Gạch Quán: A taste of nostalgia in District 1.
Recommended by Anh, owner of Bluish Cafe and Mowe Wine.
About Cục Gạch Quán: Located in a beautifully preserved French colonial house, this restaurant offers a vibe that feels like a trip back in time. The atmosphere is warm, cozy, and perfect for family gatherings or a group of friends looking for a traditional Vietnamese home-cooked meal. The menu is vast and features dishes from across the country, so don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations.
Try: The soft-shell crab, braised pork and egg, fried tofu with lemongrass
Price range: dishes typically ranging from 100k to 250k.
Address: 10 Đặng Tất, Phường Tân Định, District 1
Hear more from Anh here.
Cơm Quê Dượng Bầu: Hearty traditional dishes in District 1.
Recommended by Tim, founder of Amano Pizza and Marquee Dining.
About Cơm Quê Dượng Bầu: Located on the third floor of an old apartment building, this is a great spot for a casual, relaxing meal with family or a small group of friends. The focus here is on simple, traditional Vietnamese food prepared with love and care.
Try: The thịt kho tiêu (braised pork with pepper in a clay pot), any of the canh (soup usually with fish or pork and vegetables), and rau muống xào tỏi (sauteed morning glory with garlic).
Price Range: dishes range from 150k-300k
Address: Tầng 3, Chung cư 40E Ngô Đức Kế, Phường Bến Nghé, District 1
Hear more from Tim here.
Best Seafood and Snails
Ốc Đào: A lively seafood spot in District 1.
Recommended by Dat- founder of East Borough Pizza.
About Ốc Đào: This bustling spot is a must-visit for seafood lovers. Known for its fresh snails (ốc) and other shellfish, Ốc Đào has even been recognized by the Michelin Guide as one of the top restaurants in the country. The atmosphere is casual and lively, making it a great place for a fun, energetic dinner with a group of friends. Be prepared for a crowd, as this place is a favorite among both locals and tourists.
Try: Snails with garlic butter sauce, salt and chili grilled shrimp
Price range: Considered a bit pricey for street-style seafood- dishes ranging from 50k to 150k, and even more for higher quality seafood.
