Craving delicious and authentic Vietnamese food? If you’re in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), you’re in luck! This guide will introduce you to 25 must-try Vietnamese dishes and where to find the best versions of them. From iconic pho to lesser-known regional specialties, get ready for a culinary adventure.
A typical Vietnamese menu with a variety of dishes to choose from.
Must-Try Vietnamese Dishes in Saigon
Vietnamese cuisine is a harmonious blend of fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and aromatic herbs. Here are some dishes you absolutely have to try:
Noodle Soups
- Pho: This iconic Vietnamese noodle soup needs no introduction. Choose between beef (pho bo) or chicken (pho ga) broth, soft rice noodles, and a variety of toppings. Don’t forget the fresh herbs and chili sauce!
- Bun Rieu: A flavorful crab-based broth with tomatoes, vermicelli noodles, tofu, pork, and crab paste. A unique and satisfying soup.
- Bun Mam: This Southern Vietnamese specialty features a pungent fermented fish sauce broth, vermicelli noodles, seafood, and eggplant.
- Bun Bo Hue: Originating from Hue, this spicy beef noodle soup is packed with lemongrass, beef, and pork knuckle. A must-try for spice lovers.
- Bun Moc: A comforting pork-based noodle soup with pork, meatballs, and Vietnamese sausage. Perfect for a rainy day.
- Hu Tieu Nam Vang: A Cambodian-Chinese influenced pork noodle soup with various organ meats and shrimp.
- Banh Canh Cua: Thick, chewy tapioca noodles in a rich crab stew. A hearty and flavorful dish.
A delicious spread of Vietnamese noodle soups, showcasing the diversity of flavors.
Other Savory Dishes
- Banh Mi: The quintessential Vietnamese sandwich. A crusty baguette filled with savory meats, pate, pickled vegetables, and fresh cilantro.
- Op La: Sunny-side-up eggs cooked in a personal pan with meat and onions, served with a baguette. A popular breakfast choice.
- Bun Cha: Hanoi’s famous grilled pork patties served with vermicelli noodles, dipping sauce, and fresh herbs.
- Bun Thit Nuong: Grilled pork with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a sweet and salty fish sauce.
- Banh Tam Bi: Thick rice noodles topped with shredded pork skin, pork meat, and a rich coconut cream sauce.
- Banh Cuon: Steamed rice noodle rolls filled with minced pork, shrimp, and mushrooms, served with a sweet fish sauce.
- Banh Xeo: A crispy savory crepe filled with pork belly, shrimp, and bean sprouts, served with herbs and dipping sauce.
- Banh Khot: Mini savory pancakes with shrimp and green onions, served with dipping sauce and fresh herbs.
- Bot Chien: Crispy fried rice cakes with egg and green onions. A popular street food snack.
- Goi Cuon & Cha Gio: Fresh spring rolls (goi cuon) and deep-fried spring rolls (cha gio), both packed with flavor.
- Banh Trang Tron: A popular street food snack of shredded rice paper mixed with chili sauce, herbs, seafood, and quail eggs.
- Com Tam Suon Nuong: Broken rice topped with a grilled pork chop, often served with fish sauce and pickled vegetables.
- Com Binh Dan: “Commoner’s rice,” a budget-friendly meal of rice with a variety of pre-cooked dishes.
- Ca Kho To: Braised catfish in a sweet caramel sauce, traditionally served in a clay pot.
- Chao: Vietnamese rice porridge, often with pork, pig organs, or duck. A comforting and flavorful meal.
- Oc: Vietnamese sea snails, prepared in various ways like grilled, sauteed, or steamed.
- Bo Kho: Vietnamese beef stew, a rich and flavorful dish served with bread or noodles.
- Bo La Lot: Grilled minced beef wrapped in wild betel leaves. A flavorful and aromatic dish.
Finding Vietnam Food Near Me
With this guide, you’ll be able to find incredible Vietnamese food near you in Saigon. Explore local markets, street food stalls, and restaurants. Don’t be afraid to try new things and ask for recommendations!
Fresh banh mi being prepared at a bustling street food stall in Saigon.
Enjoy Your Vietnamese Food Journey!
Saigon is a food paradise, and this guide is just a starting point for your culinary adventure. Embrace the vibrant food culture, savor the delicious flavors, and enjoy your Vietnamese food journey! Remember to look for restaurants and stalls with high customer traffic – a sure sign of quality and deliciousness. Happy eating!
