[Ep.1] Top 10 Vietnamese Dishes You Must Try in Saigon

Category: Restaurants
Created: 15/05/2025
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Contents

  1. 1. Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup)
  2. 2. Banh Mi (Vietnamese Baguette Sandwich)
  3. 3. Bun Thit Nuong (Grilled Pork Noodles)
  4. 4. Goi Cuon (Fresh Spring Rolls)
  5. 5. Com Tam (Broken Rice)
  6. 6. Hu Tieu (Southern Noodle Soup)
  7. 7. Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Sizzling Pancake)
  8. 8. Bun Bo Hue (Spicy Beef Noodle Soup)
  9. 9. Ca Kho To (Caramelized Fish in Clay Pot)
  10. 10. Che (Vietnamese Sweet Dessert Soup)
  11. Final Tips

When you visit Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), you step into a vibrant world of flavors, aromas, and textures. Vietnamese cuisine is known for its balance, freshness, and unique blend of herbs and spices. Whether you're a first-time traveler or a seasoned foodie, here are the top 10 Vietnamese dishes you absolutely must try while in Saigon.

1. Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup)

Pho is Vietnam's most famous dish, and Saigon offers some of the best bowls in the country. Made with flat rice noodles, aromatic beef or chicken broth, and topped with fresh herbs like basil and lime, this dish is a perfect comfort food any time of the day.

Where to Try: Pho Hoa Pasteur, Pho Le

2. Banh Mi (Vietnamese Baguette Sandwich)

A fusion of French and Vietnamese culinary traditions, banh mi is a crispy baguette filled with ingredients like pork, pate, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and chili. It’s the ultimate street food in Saigon.

Where to Try: Banh Mi Huynh Hoa, Banh Mi 37 Nguyen Trai

3. Bun Thit Nuong (Grilled Pork Noodles)

This dry noodle dish combines vermicelli noodles with grilled pork, fresh vegetables, peanuts, and a sweet-savory fish sauce. It’s light, flavorful, and very satisfying.

Where to Try: Bun Thit Nuong Chi Tuyen

4. Goi Cuon (Fresh Spring Rolls)

Healthy and refreshing, goi cuon are rice paper rolls stuffed with shrimp, pork, vermicelli, and herbs, served with a hoisin-peanut dipping sauce. Great for a light snack or appetizer.

Where to Try: Quan An Ngon, local street vendors

5. Com Tam (Broken Rice)

A classic Saigon street food, com tam features broken rice served with grilled pork chop, fried egg, pickled vegetables, and fish sauce. It's simple but packed with flavor.

Where to Try: Com Tam Ba Ghien

6. Hu Tieu (Southern Noodle Soup)

Distinct from pho, hu tieu has a lighter, sweeter broth and often includes pork, shrimp, and squid. It comes in both soup and dry versions, and is a must-try in Southern Vietnam.

Where to Try: Hu Tieu Nam Vang Lien Hua

7. Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Sizzling Pancake)

Banh xeo is a crispy rice flour pancake filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. It’s served with fresh herbs and lettuce to wrap, and dipped in fish sauce.

Where to Try: Banh Xeo 46A Dinh Cong Trang

8. Bun Bo Hue (Spicy Beef Noodle Soup)

Originating from Hue but loved in Saigon, this spicy beef noodle soup has a rich broth flavored with lemongrass, chili oil, and shrimp paste.

Where to Try: Bun Bo Hue Dong Ba

9. Ca Kho To (Caramelized Fish in Clay Pot)

A traditional Vietnamese home-cooked dish, ca kho to features fish braised in a thick, savory caramel sauce. It’s usually eaten with white rice.

Where to Try: Cuc Gach Quan

10. Che (Vietnamese Sweet Dessert Soup)

No food journey is complete without dessert. Che comes in many varieties, often made with beans, coconut milk, jellies, and tropical fruits. It’s sweet, fun, and always colorful.

Where to Try: Che 3 Mien, Che Co Co

Final Tips

When exploring Saigon's culinary scene, be adventurous and don’t hesitate to try food from local markets and street stalls. Vietnamese food is best experienced fresh and close to where it’s made. Whether you're wandering through Ben Thanh Market or dining at a hidden local gem, each bite tells a story of culture and tradition.

 

Ready to explore Saigon? Stay with Rory's Home and enjoy authentic local food just steps away from your apartment.