Immerse in the top 10 best local dishes in Ho Chi Minh City

For culinary enthusiasts, Ho Chi Minh City's cuisine is an incredible treat. On your Ho Chi Minh City food tour, you may sample a wide variety of delectable meals, from fine dining to street food. Prepare yourself for a gastronomic adventure by discovering some of the top 10 best local dishes in Ho Chi Minh City!

Bun Bo - a must-try dish that visitors to Ho Chi Minh City 

Beef, herbs, spices, and thin rice noodles are the ingredients of Bun Bo. Typically, beef stock and fish sauce are used to make its broth, which gives it the umami flavor and fragrance associated with Vietnamese cooking. Depending on how they are cooked, the noodles can have a variety of textures, from soft to more al dente. Aromatic herbs like perilla leaf, lemongrass, and sawtooth coriander give this traditional meal even more flavor depth.

Rice noodles, meat, broth, pig knuckles, crab sausage, and other toppings are the ingredients of the delectable Vietnamese cuisine of Bun Bo Hue

Bun Bo is still one of the top 10 best local dishes in Ho Chi Minh City, regardless of your preferred method of preparation. A typical dish of Bun Bo often includes thinly sliced onions, cilantro, scallions, and bean sprouts for texture and freshness. It's usually served with lettuce leaves wrapped around the noodles to make eating simpler.

Bun Bo isn't just for breakfast anymore, thanks to cultural fusion. It is guaranteed to fill you up and may be consumed at any time. You can choose your preferred toppings while placing your order. It's acceptable to select the ingredients you want at the food counter, so don't be scared to do so.

Before eating, it’s recommended to taste the broth to see if it meets your flavor preferences. Locals frequently use the spices on the table to season the food to their taste. Adding a little lime juice and lemongrass sauté can enhance the flavor of the broth, particularly in the South. Including green vegetables can help balance the dish’s high protein and starch content.

Broken Rice (Com Tam) - a delectable delicacy

Vietnamese broken rice is a flavorful, straightforward dish which is listed among the top 10 best local dishes in Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnamese broken rice is an excellent option if you're looking for tasty Vietnamese cuisine at a fair price. It is sold by street vendors and fine-dining restaurants alike around the country.

One of the top ten finest local meals in Ho Chi Minh City is broken rice, or Com Tam, which is a characteristic dish. This traditional Vietnamese meal is served with grilled pork, pickled vegetables, fried eggs, and a zesty fish sauce.

In the 1930s, the working class invented broken rice as a low-cost dinner choice. The rice grain head that breaks off during the milling process is the kind used to make Vietnamese broken rice. Broken rice is traditionally best cooked in an earthenware pot or a cast-iron pot over firewood. Nowadays, though, steaming rice is a common way to save time.

A classic Vietnamese meal called Com Tam is usually served as street food

The grains of broken rice will be softened by soaking them in water for a few hours prior to cooking. After that, the rice is cooked by steaming it in water. Cooked, broken rice has an incredibly enduring scent.

A Vietnamese broken rice plate usually comes with salad made of tomatoes, lettuce, and cucumbers, pickles made of carrots and radishes, sunny-side-up eggs, or meatloaf, along with a good dollop of fish sauce.

Nobody can deny that dipping sauce is the essence of Vietnamese broken rice. Fish sauce, lemon, garlic, chile, and sugar combine to make a delectable dipping sauce. There are numerous variations in how the dipping sauce is made, depending on regional preferences. Saigon residents, as well as those from the surrounding area, have a unique way of enjoying Vietnamese broken rice: instead of dipping it into a bowl of sauce as is customary, sprinkle the dipping sauce over the dish and enjoy.

The top 10 best local dishes in Ho Chi Minh City -  the Saigon sandwich, or Banh Mi

All around Vietnam, Banh Mi is a popular meal with distinct regional variations. The original Vietnamese bread is called Banh Mi Saigon, or Banh Mi Thit Nguoi. It is renowned for having a unique flavor profile derived from the marriage of fresh herbs, chili sauce, pickled vegetables, pate, and pig. While other places may utilize different types of sauces, such as soy sauce or fish sauce, banh mi Saigon is often served with a fiery chili sauce.

Banh Mi is a popular street food in Ho Chi Minh City that is loved by both residents and tourists due to its unique flavor combination. A variety of meats, vegetables, and sauces are stacked within a crispy French baguette to create this traditional sandwich.

In addition to being a well-liked dish, Banh Mi is a cultural icon that contributes to the varied cuisine that the area needs

The Banh Mi originated in the 19th century as a modified version of the typical French baguette. Typically, this Saigon sandwich has pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber slices, cilantro, mayonnaise, and chili sauce, along with pork or chicken pâté. Two freshly cooked golden-brown baguettes are layered with all of these components. 

Both residents and visitors to Ho Chi Minh City agree that Banh Mi Saigon is a genuine culinary gem that has won over hearts. When visiting Ho Chi Minh City, make sure to visit the many Banh Mi Saigon eateries to sample this filling sandwich, regardless of your preference for the traditional version or one of the many inventive varieties available. This list of the top 10 best local dishes in Ho Chi Minh City absolutely amazes visitors worldwide.

Ho Chi Minh City food tour -  Pho

Pho Saigon's distinctive combination of many protein components, the enticing aroma of fresh herbs, and the mouthwatering taste of bone broth leave a lasting impression on diners worldwide. Don't miss the chance to try this mouthwatering food, which is on the list of the top 10 best local dishes in Ho Chi Minh City, while you're in Vietnam.

The renowned Pho Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City is a must-try for everyone interested in tasting the real flavors of Vietnam. People have been perfecting the subtle harmony of flavors in this Vietnamese noodle soup for millennia. It's made out of thin rice noodles, fresh herbs, a flavorful broth made with chicken or beef, bean sprouts, cilantro, lime, basil leaves, and chili peppers for garnish.

In all parts of the nation, Pho is still regarded as one of the national dishes favorites among Vietnamese people

While Pho Hanoi is usually served with thin slices of cow shank, a bowl of Pho Saigon can also have meatballs, tendons, and beef intestines as additional protein toppings. Furthermore, distinct ingredients are employed to make Pho Saigon's broth. To make the soup sweeter to their taste, the Saigonese add dried squid, beef fat, chicken bones, and daikon to it, along with some common spices such as roasted ginger, pepper, onion, cinnamon, cilantro root, and Chinese chives.

The pride of the Vietnamese people has long been Vietnamese Pho in general. Particularly, the aromatic Pho Saigon dazzles both visitors and residents with its ideal fusion of fresh herbs and protein-rich ingredients. To experience the best Pho Vietnam has to offer, make sure to visit the well-known Pho restaurants if you have the opportunity to travel to Ho Chi Minh City.

Pha Lau - a local dish in Ho Chi Minh City

Pha Lau, or stew made with beef offal, is a centuries-old Ho Chi Minh City specialty. A robust stew composed of beef offal, veggies, and pork belly is called Pha Lau. 

When it comes to mouthwatering street cuisine, Pha Lau is a well-known brand on Vietnam's energetic streets. Foodies must sample Pha Lau because of its unique and delicious flavor, which sets it apart. The main ingredient of Pha Lau, a traditional cuisine of the Tieu people, who are from Chaozhou, is animal organs.

The recipe is cooked patiently over low heat until all the ingredients meld together to produce a really distinctive and delectable dish. The end product is a thick and creamy soup-like meal that is frequently topped with fresh herbs and Vietnamese rice paper rolls.

Pha Lau is a dish that originated in China, was introduced to Vietnam, and became a familiar dish among Saigonese

The origins of this customary dish date back to the 18th century, when local restaurants purchased livestock from farmers and prepared this delicious stew with the offal. Since then, it has grown in popularity and is now a meal that many people eat on festive occasions all year round. It is a well-liked meal that is often served at street markets alongside noodle soups, or Banh Mi.

Although Pha Lau has changed over time, its reputation as a favorite dish among fans of Chinese cuisine hasn't changed. This delicious dessert is served by vendors tucked into the corners of the streets while you meander through the Chinese market.

Pha Lau has a rich flavor enhanced by a hint of coconut water that provides depth and aroma. Biting on a crispy piece of heart is a delightful feeling. This dish is ideal for an unexpected downpour in Saigon and provides comfort. You can never go wrong with a combination of a plate of Pha Lau, a loaf of bread, and a cup of savory and sweet dipping sauce.

Hu Tieu - meal for the night in Ho Chi Minh City

This comforting soup of noodles is a delicacy that is highly sought-after in Ho Chi Minh City's street markets. Vendors often offer toppings, such as chopped spring onions and fresh herbs, to customers who wish to customize their Hu Tieu. This recipe tastes even better served warm in the winter, when the temperatures are lower. Try Hu Tieu, one of the top 10 best local dishes in Ho Chi Minh City, if you have the opportunity to visit Saigon. 

Hu Tieu was originally created by Chinese immigrants who were residents of Ho Chi Minh City in the 1800s. Nowadays, as a specialty, it is becoming more and more well-known throughout Vietnam. Different from other Vietnamese soup kinds that are typically made with beef fat or broth seasoned with spices, Hu Tieu stands out for its mild flavor, which comes from the use of tapioca flour. This flour thickens the soup without taking away from its flavor.

The long-standing cuisine of Hu Tieu Saigon is intimately connected to the livé of laborers

Hu Tieu has been in existence for more than a century and rose to prominence, especially in Saigon, throughout the 1950s. It was served on food carts adorned with calligraphy and drawings in Chinese during that era. The taste and ingredients were modified over time to accommodate regional tastes, leading to the production of excellent Hu Tieu variations, the most well-known of which are Nam Vang, My Tho, and Sa Dec.

All Hu Tieu recipes have a tasty soup with a thin layer of oil on top, regardless of the variances. Beneath is a clear, light soup that has been slow-cooked for seven or eight hours, giving the white carrots and pig bones a delicious flavor. The three main components - shrimp, dried squid, and grilled red onions - give the soup a subtle sea flavor and a smokey depth. We'll go into more detail on the toppings and garnishes that really distinguish the three well-known Hu Tieu types.

Goi Cuon (Fresh spring rolls) - a must-try dish in Ho Chi Minh City

Another dish that visitors to Ho Chi Minh City must eat is Goi Cuon, or Fresh spring rolls. Soft rice paper is used to make this traditional dessert, and it is loaded with a variety of foods, including shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles, herbs, and veggies. This dish is one of the top 10 best local dishes in Ho Chi Minh City on your trip because of the way all these components come together to produce an explosion of flavors and textures in your mouth. 

Goi Cuon is especially well-suited to Saigon's sweltering weather

Goi Cuon's history began in the early 1900s, when Chinese immigrants arrived in Vietnam and brought with them their own culinary traditions and customs. The cuisine that is today known as Goi Cuon originated when Vietnamese people added more regional ingredients, such as dipping sauce, fresh mint leaves, and herbs, to it throughout time.

There are many varieties of spring rolls accessible all around the nation, so once you are in Vietnam, you won't have to worry about where to get Vietnamese spring rolls. Given that the ingredients vary by location, it is difficult to declare which Vietnamese spring roll is the best.

Vietnamese spring rolls are served with dipping sauce, which is typically a flavorful concoction of fish sauce, lemon juice, sugar, pepper, minced garlic, and chili, combining salty, sweet, and sour notes. You can include some pickled carrot, green papaya, or kohlrabi with the dipping sauce.

Vietnamese cuisine has long been a feature of this S-shaped nation; the varied varieties of Vietnamese spring rolls have astonished many tourists. Taste these delicacies to witness the essence of the locals' ingenuity and Vietnam's traditional identity! Put Gio Cuon, one of the top 10 best local dishes in Ho Chi Minh City, into your bucket list now!

Bun Rieu Cua (Crab paste vermicelli soup) - Delicious food

Vietnamese food is renowned for its rich flavors, aromatic herbs, and diverse dishes that tantalize taste buds. One such delicacy that has won over the hearts and palates of foodies all over the world is "Bun Rieu Cua," or Vietnamese crab noodle soup. This dish perfectly captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine with its exquisite blend of fresh crab, vermicelli noodles, and fragrant spices.

Made with pork stock and crab paste, this flavorful noodle soup dish is garnished with thin rice noodles, herbs, and veggies like tomatoes and tofu. The end product is a very tasty soup that will please even the most discriminating palates.

The Chinese immigrants who settled in Vietnam at the beginning of the 20th century are credited with creating this famous cuisine. They used local Vietnamese herbs and other elements in their own culinary dishes. Bun Rieu Cua is a blend of regional Vietnamese flavors and traditional Chinese cooking techniques, much like other imported foods.

Bun Rieu Cua is a well-known Vietnamese noodle soup that is distinguished by spoonfuls of egg-mixed crab paste and a vivid crimson color

As you embark on your culinary journey through Vietnam, don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in the exquisite flavors of Vietnamese crab noodle soup. It is one of the top 10 best local dishes in Ho Chi Minh City, with its diverse regional variations. This is a true gastronomic treasure that captures the heart and soul of Vietnamese cuisine.

Banh Cuon (Steamed rice rolls) 

Specialty Banh Cuon is made up of steamed rice buns that are usually stuffed with spices, pork, and mushrooms. Fried shallots, onions, and herbs are placed on top of the rice rolls. For individuals seeking a tasty yet light meal, this is a fantastic choice.

Banh Cuon, another name for Vietnamese steamed rice rolls, are thin pancakes made with steamed rice batter and filled with a flavorful blend of minced wood ear mushrooms, ground pork, and onions. The topping for these rice rolls consists of thinly sliced Vietnamese ham (Chả Lụa), blanched bean sprouts, chopped lettuce, and crispy fried shallots. To tie everything together, the dish is served with a Vietnamese fish sauce dipping sauce (Nuoc Cham). 

Banh Cuon - one of the top 10 best local dishes in Ho Chi Minh City

The traditional method for making Banh Cuon is to cover a cloth with a thin layer of rice batter and place it over a pot of boiling water. After a lid is placed on it, steam is applied. Using a wooden stick, it is deftly taken off the steamer once it has set. After adding the filling, the roll-up is served with dipping sauce and different toppings. Watch the video below to learn how professionals succeed in Vietnam.

This dish is made with a special blend of spices and herbs from the area. It's also packed with lean proteins, such as pork and mushrooms, making it an excellent choice for anyone trying to eat healthy.

The traditional process of manufacturing Banh Cuon has undergone some modifications in recent times. Utilizing a frying pan is among the most widely used adaptations. People may enjoy this delectable dish at home without having to use another bulky kitchen appliance by using a decent nonstick frying pan, which makes it easy and accessible. Plus, the process is sped up considerably by owning two excellent nonstick pans. While the other is cooking, you can assemble one.

Bun Thit Nuong (Grilled pork and rice vermicelli)

Bun Thit Nuong is a classic Vietnamese meal consisting of grilled pork, fresh vegetables, and rice vermicelli noodles. Garlic, fish sauce, honey, and other spices are marinated in the pig before it is cooked to perfection on the grill. 

Fresh herbs like basil, mint, and cilantro are added to the cooked pork, vegetables, and noodles before they are all blended and served in a bowl. The mildness of the vermicelli noodles, the crunch of fresh vegetables, and the flavor of the pork combine to provide a truly lovely dinner.

A must-try food when traveling to Sai Gon is Bun Thit Nuong

The essence of Vietnamese food in a bowl is Bun Thit Nuong, or barbecued pork noodles. This dish calls for rice noodles, pickled carrots, daikon, sweet caramelized barbecued lemongrass pork, and a delectable garlic-lime fish sauce. This is the ideal way to introduce people to Vietnamese cuisine and is considered the national dish of Vietnam.

Along with sampling the cuisine, make sure to visit some of the city's well-known tourist destinations, including the Saigon Central Post Office, Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, Independence Palace, Saigon War Remnants Museum, Nguyen Hue Street, Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, Landmark 81 Vietnam, and more.

For foodies, Ho Chi Minh City's cuisine is a culinary paradise. These top 10 best local dishes in Ho Chi Minh City that have been compiled above ought to be at the top of your list! Ho Chi Minh City offers a diverse range of cuisine options to suit all tastes, whether you want traditional Vietnamese fare or something more contemporary. Prepare yourself to go on a gourmet adventure as you discover all of these mouthwatering treats in this energetic metropolis! Contact us at [email protected] for more details about the S-shaped nation - Vietnam.