Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s most dynamic city, is a food lover’s paradise. The bustling metropolis is a melting pot of culinary delights, with recipes from all over Vietnam converging here. Whether you have just one day or more to explore, make sure you dedicate some time to exploring the city’s vibrant food scene. In this insider guide, we will take you through five dishes that should be on every foodie’s list when visiting Ho Chi Minh City.
Broken Rice Equals a Wholesome Breakfast
If you ask the locals in Ho Chi Minh City for their go-to breakfast spot, they will likely mention cơm tấm, also known as broken rice. This dish originated in the city and has become a beloved staple. Cơm tấm features honey-glazed barbecued pork chops, sunny-side-up eggs, spring onions, and pickled papaya served on a bed of rice. Pour some sweet fish sauce over everything, and you have a perfect start to your day. Don’t hesitate to try the cơm tấm spot closest to you, as they are all equally delicious.
Snails, Skewers, and Seafood
For a lively dining experience, head to the District 4 area, where you’ll find numerous sidewalk BBQ seafood and snail joints. One street, Vĩnh Khánh, comes alive after dark, offering a bustling atmosphere filled with diners enjoying snails and seafood skewers. You’ll find different snail varieties cooked in various ways, from stir-fried with butter and garlic to grilled with sea salt and chili. If you’re overwhelmed by the choices, just ask the locals for recommendations.
The Many Faces of Hủ Tiếu
Hủ tiếu is a dish that perfectly represents the cultural diversity of Ho Chi Minh City. It has Chinese, Cambodian, and Vietnamese origins and has evolved over time, becoming a beloved local favorite. You can easily find a bowl of hủ tiếu Nam Vang, which features thin rice noodles in a flavorful bone broth topped with shrimp, pork, quail eggs, and fried garlic. Alternatively, try hủ tiếu Sa Đéc, a dish originating from the Mekong Delta, which has a unique sweet sauce and a delightful crunch from mung bean sprouts and lettuce.
A Bánh Mì Like No Other
Bánh mì, a Vietnamese sandwich, can be found throughout Vietnam, but each region has its own twist on this classic dish. In Ho Chi Minh City, a typical bánh mì comes with char siu pork, homemade paté, soft butter, pickled papaya, and hot chili peppers. One highly recommended spot is Bánh mì Huỳnh Hoa, known for its generous fillings and spectacular flavors. Despite the long queue outside the shop, it’s worth the wait to savor every bite of this extraordinary bánh mì.
Summertime Spring Rolls
Fresh spring rolls, known as gỏi cuốn, evoke fond memories for many locals who grew up in Ho Chi Minh City. You can find them at street food vendors across the city, offering a taste of this simple yet special dish. Gỏi cuốn consists of rice noodles, steamed pork, a single prawn, lettuce, and herbs wrapped in rice paper. The secret lies in the dipping sauce, which adds a bold and distinct flavor. After a long day of exploring the city, indulge in some gỏi cuốn and iced tea for a perfect break.
By experiencing these five dishes, you’ll get a taste of the vibrant culinary scene in Ho Chi Minh City. Remember to bring your appetite and an open mind to try new flavors and textures. For more travel ideas and tips, sign up for our newsletter and receive our best stories in your inbox.