Amid the relentless hum of Ho Chi Minh City’s motorbikes, a gastronomic adventure beckons. If you’re a foodie, you’re in for a treat with the street food in Ho Chi Minh City, commonly known as Saigon.
Here, the streets are a vibrant tableau, painted with the aromas of garlic and the sounds of sizzling woks. Here, tradition seeps into every bite, and the essence of Vietnam is served up on bustling sidewalks.
Prepare to weave through the alleys where family recipes are treasures, and each dish tells a story. Prepare your senses; we’re about to plunge into the heart of Saigon’s food scene, exploring a mosaic of flavors that promise to sew themselves into your culinary memory.
Join me on this street food journey, a vibrant foray into the soul of this city, one savory, unforgettable bite at a time.
Related read: Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City: A Guide for Travelers
Here is an overview:
Eat Your Way Through Ho Chi Minh City: A Foodie’s Guide to the Best Street Treats
Here’s where to enjoy the most delicious street food in Ho Chi Minh City.
Street Food An Duong Vuong
An Duong Vuong is an ideal place to enjoy regional specialties! Here, you will not only indulge in delicious street food but also immerse yourself in a lively, vibrant atmosphere, attracting diverse social classes. With diversity in dishes and top-notch quality as the top priority, each dish brings every visitor an enjoyable experience.
From fragrant beef rolls and crispy grilled octopus to enticing dim sum and refreshing spring rolls, everything is available here to satisfy your taste buds. With affordable prices, each dish is a worthwhile experience for both tourists and locals alike.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity with flexible operating hours from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Once you set foot here, you won’t forget it and surely will want to come back for a second time!
Address: An Duong Vuong Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
Alley 200 Xom Chieu
Explore Saigon’s street food culture at Xom Chieu Market, just a 15-minute drive from the city center. Known as the “Market 200” in District 4, it’s a familiar destination for food enthusiasts. More than just a traditional market, it’s a haven for diverse and flavorful Ho Chi Minh City street food.
With affordable prices catering to both tourists and locals, Xom Chieu Market is the perfect choice for a culinary adventure in the evening. From banh mi, pho, bun bo, to tropical-flavored drinks, it offers a wide range of unique experiences.
Experience this unique culinary culture and indulge in an unforgettable food paradise at Xom Chieu Market.
Address: Market 200, Xom Chieu, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City
Phan Xich Long Culinary Street
Phan Xich Long – the street of culinary enthusiasts in Phu Nhuan District, where visitors can find any desired dish. Renowned for its braised dishes and specialties of the Chinese community, this street, though only about 200 meters long, overwhelms diners with its diverse and enticing eateries.
Here, visitors can freely choose any dish they desire, with unquestionable quality and extremely reasonable prices. Besides the upscale restaurants, Phan Xich Long Street is also famous for its delicious snacks, such as Singaporean frog porridge, Zen tea, and Ban Me steamed rice rolls, all at incredibly attractive prices.
For these reasons, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the specialties on Phan Xich Long Street – one of the culinary destinations not to be missed when visiting Saigon.
Address: Phan Xich Long Street, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City
Turtle Lake Snack Area
Located in the heart of Saigon, Turtle Lake has long been a relaxing rendezvous spot for students, youths, and foreign visitors alike. The street food area around Turtle Lake, commonly known as Pham Ngoc Thach and Vo Van Tan streets, is renowned for its delicious and affordable snacks, ranking among the favorite culinary streets in Saigon.
Operating only from around 4 p.m. until late at night, this area attracts hundreds of different snacks, deeply ingrained in the psyche of Saigonese. For locals, the Turtle Lake street food area is an indispensable part of life, and for foreign visitors, if you want to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy characteristic snacks favored by the young, don’t hesitate to experience it now.
Address: International Square Roundabout, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Thi Ky Culinary Street
When in Saigon, Hồ Thị Kỷ Market is an unmissable destination. Not only renowned as the city’s largest fresh flower market, it also boasts a culinary area offering a variety of delicious dishes at very affordable prices.
Hồ Thị Kỷ Culinary Street is the perfect combination of a flower market and a food paradise. Here, visitors can admire flowers while indulging in enticing dishes such as grilled beef with lemongrass, Thai noodles, grilled skewers, fried chicken, skewered meats, Hu Tieu (noodle soup), papaya salad with shredded beef jerky, marinated chicken feet with lemongrass and tamarind, grilled snails, and grilled Dalat rice paper.
Prepare your appetite and wallet for a diverse range of delicious flavors here!
Address: 45 Alley, Ward 3, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City
Nguyen Thuong Hien Culinary Street
On the list of Saigon’s famous culinary streets, Nguyen Thuong Hien is one of the most renowned in District 3, a haven for street food enthusiasts. This street specializes in serving light snacks, perfect for those craving desserts. However, if you’re looking for dinner options, it’s also a great choice with signature dishes such as banh mi, broken rice, beef stew, and Hu Tieu noodle soup.
Particularly unique is that the vendors here don’t have fixed shops; instead, they use small carts and a few plastic tables and chairs for customers to sit and enjoy. Despite the narrow and cramped space, this is the essence of Saigon’s sidewalk culinary culture, which is close-knit and friendly to locals.
Address: Nguyen Thuong Hien Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Tan Dinh Market
Tan Dinh Market is an icon of Saigon, bustling both day and night. During the day, visitors can find all kinds of goods, from fabrics and clothing to food, seafood, fresh flowers, and household items. As night falls, the market lights up with a multitude of street food stalls, offering a variety of delicious dishes.
The most famous dish here is the incredibly tasty broken rice, which combines flavorful rice with tender, aromatic ribs marinated in spices. If you’re in Saigon and craving delicious broken rice, Tan Dinh Night Market is the place to go. Additionally, you can enjoy many other enticing dishes, such as frog porridge, beef noodle soup, sweet desserts, and more.
Adress: 336 Hai Ba Trung, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Co Giang Culinary Street
Co Giang Street ranks 8th on the list. In your culinary exploration of Saigon, don’t forget this street. It’s filled with various eateries and diverse dishes, allowing visitors to easily choose dishes to their liking. The ideal time to explore Saigon’s street food is after 5 p.m.
Here, visitors can enjoy a variety of delicious dishes such as chicken rice, grilled beef in betel leaf, noodle soup, and broken rice. Additionally, there are many bubble tea shops and snack stalls where visitors can sit and enjoy the bustling city view.
Address: Co Giang Street, Ward 1, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
177 Ly Tu Trong Alley
Located at 177 Ly Tu Trong Street, this food alley is a destination for many Saigonese food lovers and an ideal hangout spot for culinary enthusiasts. Although the alley is not very large, it still retains its characteristic charm with its flavorful Chinese dishes and longstanding eateries.
Here, you can enjoy dishes like “phá lấu” (offal stew), fruit cocktails, steamed dumplings, and many other snacks. With familiar and light dishes arranged closely together for easy selection and exploration, this is the ideal destination for those looking to explore Saigon’s culinary scene.
Address: 177 Ly Tu Trong, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Van Kiep Sreet
Vạn Kiếp Food Street is a must-visit destination for travelers exploring Saigon. Situated in the city’s heart, this area boasts a wide variety of enticing dishes and local specialties.
With its cozy and lively atmosphere, Vạn Kiếp Food Street attracts visitors with its snack stalls and restaurants that exude the essence of Saigon’s culinary culture. Visitors can enjoy delicious dishes such as steak sandwiches, pho, crab noodle soup, Hu Tieu (noodle soup), broken rice, spring rolls, and many other local specialties.
Beyond being a place to indulge in delicious food, Vạn Kiếp Food Street is also a meeting point for friends to gather, chat, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Saigon in the evening.
Spend an evening relaxing and exploring the unique flavors of Saigon at Vạn Kiếp Food Street!
Address: Van Kiep Street, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
Top Ho Chi Minh Food Tours
Many visitors value street food tours in Ho Chi Minh City as an important experience. These tours offer a unique way to navigate the city and sample a wide range of local cuisine.
The food served is an appealing representation of local flavors. The tour guides are friendly and communicative, speak good English and care about the safety and satisfaction of their guests.
The guides have extensive knowledge of the city and its food culture. They provide an educational experience, giving visitors an insight into the culinary offerings and different neighborhoods of the city. The tours are designed to take place during peak seasons, such as the Tet Festival, and provide a positive experience regardless of the time of year.
Although these excursions are organized on foot or by motorbike, the focus is usually on safety and comfort, as well as the social aspect of interacting with the tour guides.
Those considering a street food tour are advised to arrive with a good appetite to fully enjoy the gastronomic variety.
The tours are a fun and convenient option for those who want to deepen their understanding and appreciation of Ho Chi Minh City’s street food scene.
Super Niche Walking Street Food Tour
Saigon Vibes offers an authentic food walking tour led by local food experts from Saigon. Get ready to indulge in a variety of delicious dishes with our Best Price Guarantee.
No frills, just genuine experiences. Dine like a local, chat like a local. Sample the finest street food in the city with ten dishes, drinks, and Saigon beer included.
Explore the intricate back alleys and visit historic apartments dating back to 1968, built during the Tet Offensive. Our tours are flexible and can be tailored to accommodate all dietary restrictions.
- Ten dishes, snacks, drinks & local beer included (no hidden cost)
- Free pick-up & drop-off right at your hotel in district 1,3 and 4
- Friendly English-speaking tour guide
- Transportation by Taxi or Grab
- Accident Insurance up to 5000$ per case
Tour times are available at 12PM, 1PM, 5:30PM, and 6PM, or you can choose your preferred time.
Join this tour for an unforgettable culinary adventure through the vibrant streets of Saigon!
The food tour begins at Chuoi Nep Nuong Vo Van Tan in District 3, where participants will enjoy the Vietnamese-Cambodian dish “Chuoi Nep Nuong,” a family specialty for over forty years. Next, visitors venture through the Nguyen Thien Thuat residential area, known for its extensive street food offerings, including the remarkable Bun Bo Hue, which takes 8-10 hours to prepare for its rich broth flavor and is owned by a Hue native with a quarter-century of culinary practice.
Guests then meander through a seafood barbecue center to sample “Bò Lá Lốt,” followed by a live demonstration of “Bánh Xèo” and “Bánh Khọt,” both from the Mekong Delta, at a local street food paradise. The tour continues with “Bo Nuong Sa”, a BBQ grilled pork in lemongrass, a traditional Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwich, and a sugar cane drink to refresh the palate.
The trip continues to the Khmer Market, where participants can enjoy Vietnamese pizza, a student favorite, accompanied by a local Saigon beer or jasmine tea. Conversations with student guides enrich the experience as they share insights into local lifestyles.
The tour concludes with “Che Mam Khanh Vy,” a Vietnamese sweet soup dessert offered by a vendor with 45 years of experience located under an old apartment complex in District 10, which is part of Chinatown.
The tour is not only a culinary exploration but also a walk through the historical and cultural landscapes of Ho Chi Minh City, lasting several hours.
Top Notch Street Food Motorbike Tour
Explore hidden gems off the beaten path with our local foodie guides! Say goodbye to boring food tours and hello to authentic street eats in lesser-known spots.
Your package includes a delicious sampling of 8 of the city’s best street foods, along with a refreshing drink, Saigon beer, and a sweet treat. Venture through secret alleyways to discover non-touristy destinations and experience the city like a local.
Join us for a ride on a motorbike through four vibrant districts, including Chinatown. Travel with our local student friends and feel like you’re exploring with your own group of buddies.
- Ten dishes, snacks, drinks & local beer included (no hidden cost)
- Friendly English-speaking tour guide
- Convenient pickup directly from your hotel
- Helmet
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Transportation by motorbike. One guest with one guide (separate motorbike)
- Accident Insurance up to 5000$ per case
- Photos from your tour guide
Choose from multiple starting times to fit your schedule – 11AM, 12PM, 1PM, 5:30PM, 6PM, or request a time that works best for you.
Don’t miss out on this unique culinary adventure!
The food tour begins in District 3 with a refreshing taste of kumquat or pineapple jam coconut, where guides introduce participants to each other. The group then moves to Le Van Tam Park to enjoy an exclusive papaya salad, the tour’s signature dish.
As the tour continues, participants will visit the Thich Quang Duc Monument in District 3, where they will learn about the significant historical event of a monk’s self-immolation.
The culinary journey then leads to the discovery of the grilled banana dessert chuoi nuong, which offers a traditional blend of sweet and salty flavors topped with coconut milk sauce. The tour continues to Nguyen Thien Thuat, the oldest and largest apartment complex in the city. It offers a glimpse into the lives of local residents living in multi-generational apartments, as well as a chance to sample bun bo hue and participate in local karaoke.
Participants then explore Ho Chi Minh City’s largest flower market, which also offers a variety of street food options, including Vietnamese pizza and grilled beef with lemongrass paired with a local beer.
The adventure continues with a scooter ride through quaint alleyways and Chinatown for an authentic banh mi and the popular street food banh xeo. The tour concludes with a stop at Chè mâm Khánh Vy, a popular dessert destination known for its irresistible local sweets.
Tasty Vegan Food Motorbike Tour
For all you food lovers out there, get ready for an amazing vegan food tour in Vietnam that will blow your taste buds away! Dive into the vibrant culture of Ho Chi Minh City and have the time of your life.
Hop on a motorbike and cruise through the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City at night. Connect with fellow travelers and expand your circle of friends while exploring the city. Indulge in a delicious array of vegan dishes crafted by top-notch chefs in the city.
Choose your preferred starting time: 12PM, 1PM, 5:30PM, 6PM, or let us know your preferred time.
- Eight dishes, snacks, drinks & local beer included (no hidden cost)
- Friendly English-speaking tour guide
- Convenient pickup directly from your hotel
- Helmet
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Transportation by motorbike. One guest with one guide (separate motorbike)
- Hand sanitizer and face masks (if you require via message before the tour)
- Accident Insurance up to 5000$ per one case
- Photos from your tour guide
The food tour itinerary highlights a journey through Ho Chi Minh City’s District 3, beginning with a choice of kumquat coconut or pineapple jam coconut drinks. Participants will be introduced before heading to Le Van Tam Park to enjoy a unique vegan papaya or lotus salad exclusive to the tour.
Following the park visit, guests will be taken to the Thich Quang Duc Monument, where they will learn about the historical significance of a monk’s self-immolation. The culinary exploration continues with a serving of chuoi nuong, a grilled banana with coconut milk that blends sweet and salty traditional flavors.
The next stop is Nguyen Thien Thuat’s oldest and largest apartment complex, which offers a glimpse of multi-generational living in close quarters and enriches guests’ cultural understanding, where they will enjoy vegan bun bo hue.
Participants then experience the city’s largest flower market, which doubles as a street food hotspot, where they sample sweet grilled rice paper and vegan banh xeo along with goi cuon (fresh spring rolls) at a Cambodian street food market.
The tour concludes in District 10, part of Chinatown, where participants create their own banh mi and enjoy Vietnamese sweet soup. The itinerary includes a variety of vegan options, historical site visits and hands-on activities.
