Saigon, also known as Ho Chi Minh City, is a bustling metropolis filled with vibrant culture and mouth-watering street food. From traditional Vietnamese delicacies to international flavors, the city offers a diverse culinary experience that will leave your taste buds craving for more. In this guide, we’ll take you on a gastronomic journey through the top five places for street food in Saigon.
Su Van Hanh Street
Located amidst Soviet-style apartment blocks, Su Van Hanh Street is a hidden gem for food lovers. This bustling street is a melting pot of regional Vietnamese street foods, Korean delights, Japanese favorites, and even Western cuisines. Step into the cramped spaces with dark diamond-shaped floor tiles and pull up a wooden stool. Here, amateur cooks whip up quintessential dishes that will tantalize your taste buds.
One of the highlights of Su Van Hanh Street is the famous “banh xeo,” a savory crepe filled with pork and bean sprouts. Head over to the original family-owned food cart at 004 Block H and 579 Su Van Hanh, District 10, for an authentic taste. If you’re a fan of fried chicken, don’t miss Chicken Kitchen at 796/19B Su Van Hanh, where they showcase the versatility of chicken with their eight different sauces. And for a delicious Chinese-style noodle with duck meat and aromatic broth, make your way to Tai Phat stall at the Hoa Hao intersection.
Co Giang Street
Escape the formal sit-down restaurants and immerse yourself in the local food scene at Co Giang Street. Situated in the midtown of District 1, this street offers a wide selection of street food just a stone’s throw away from the Bui Vien backpacker area. The low-key atmosphere and outdoor stainless steel counters with stools create an authentic local feel.
Start your culinary adventure at Hoang Yen, located at 121 Co Giang, and try the mouthwatering “bo la lot,” cylindrical beef meatballs marinated and grilled to perfection. Quan 79, at the corner of Co Giang and De Tham Street, is known for its delightful “hu tieu xao,” Chinese-style fried noodles. And don’t forget to end your meal with a sweet treat, whether it’s a pudding, sweet soup, or fruit juices.
Van Kiep Street
If you’re on a budget but still want to indulge in gourmet street food, Van Kiep Street is the place to be. Located between Phu Nhuan and Binh Thanh Districts, this short yet vibrant street is filled with sidewalk street food booths against polished concrete walls. It’s a favorite spot for locals and seasoned travelers alike.
Meat lovers will find their paradise at Quan 104, where sumptuous marinated octopus is grilled over flames and served with a plate of herbs and pickled cucumbers. Other must-try dishes include fresh water-crab soup, egg rolls, and fermented thick Vietnamese vermicelli soup, all easily available at various food and drink outlets along Van Kiep Street.
Nguyen Thuong Hien Street
Known as the seafood hub of Saigon, Nguyen Thuong Hien Street is a haven for seafood enthusiasts. Situated in the heart of District 3, this bustling street is lined with sidewalk eateries and offers a mind-boggling variety of dining options. Seafood lovers will be spoiled for choice with an abundance of snails and shellfish carts.
For a sensory overload of fresh oysters, crab claws, sea snails, and draft beer, head to A Soi at 237 – 239 Nguyen Thuong Hien. Other famous establishments along the street include Nhan Quan, where you can enjoy a steaming hot bowl of ‘hu tieu Nam Vang’ (Phnom Penh-style noodle soup), and Huong Giang restaurant, famous for its delicious Hue beef noodle soup. Quench your thirst with fresh juices bottled on-premises at Buoi Ep Phat Dat.
Tran Khac Chan Street
Indulge in a quick and flavorful lunch at Tran Khac Chan Street, where locals and foreigners alike flock to enjoy the delicious offerings. This bustling street is home to nearly 50 food outlets that serve everything from barbecued chicken to traditional Vietnamese favorites.
One standout dish is the “banh canh cua” (fresh-water crab noodle soup) at 87 Tran Khac Chan. This delightful bowl of goodness features sticky and thick noodles submerged in savory broth, topped with crab meat, shrimps, green onions, and black peppers. Other must-try dishes include “banh bot chien” (pan-fried scrambled egg rice cake) and Vietnamese pancakes at 79 Tran Khac Chan, as well as fresh fruit juices at 114 Tran Khac Chan.
Ready to embark on a culinary adventure in Saigon? Visit our Travel Guide to discover the best that the city has to offer.
So, grab your appetite and get ready to indulge in the vibrant street food scene that Saigon has to offer. From succulent grilled meats to savory soups and mouth-watering desserts, these five places will leave you craving for more. Don’t miss out on this gastronomic experience when you’re in Ho Chi Minh City!