Ho Chi Minh City eats on the street, at plastic tables spilling out of alleyways, on motorbike-mounted carts, and in markets that never really stop moving. Vietnamese cuisine's emphasis on fresh herbs, balanced flavors, and light broths is on full display here, in a city that treats a $2 bowl of noodles as seriously as any restaurant meal.
What to Eat in Ho Chi Minh City
Pho, the iconic beef or chicken noodle soup, is technically a northern dish but is eaten everywhere, often for breakfast. Banh mi — a French-Vietnamese sandwich on a light, crackly baguette stuffed with pate, pickled vegetables, and your choice of meat — is one of the great street food inventions and best from a cart with a line of regulars. Com tam (broken rice with grilled pork and a fried egg) is the city's everyday lunch of choice, and banh xeo, a crispy turmeric crepe filled with shrimp and bean sprouts, is a must for dinner.
Ben Thanh Market and Street Food Alleys
Ben Thanh Market in District 1 is the city's most famous market, with a food section serving Vietnamese classics alongside the souvenir stalls. For a more local experience, the food alleys of Ho Ky Ho Street and the night market stalls around Bui Vien serve some of the best and cheapest food in the city, often cooked on a single burner at the edge of the sidewalk.
Motorbike Food Tours
One of the best ways to experience the city's food scene is on the back of a motorbike, hopping between five or six hole-in-the-wall spots that would be nearly impossible to find on your own. These evening tours are a genuine Ho Chi Minh City institution and consistently rank among visitors' best experiences in the city.
What to Pack for a Ho Chi Minh City Food Trip
Street stalls and market vendors run almost entirely on cash, and small dong notes make transactions quick — the VacationGrabs Genuine Leather Coin Wallet is ideal for this kind of trip. For eating on the move between stalls, the VacationGrabs Leather Sling Bag keeps your essentials secure and your hands free.
Book a Ho Chi Minh City Food Tour
Motorbike street food tours, Mekong Delta day trips, and Vietnamese cooking classes are among the best ways to eat through the city with a local guide. Browse Ho Chi Minh City food tours on Viator to plan your trip.
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