Top Famous Street Foods in Saigon

Saigon’s street food is unique, rich, and colorful. You can enjoy many specialties without spending too much money.

Com Tam (Broken Rice) Com Tam is a special dish in Saigon, similar to how Pho is famous in Hanoi. You’ll find it everywhere, from small alleys to main streets. The key attraction is the large, well-marinated grilled pork chop, crispy on the outside, tender inside, paired with sweet and sour fish sauce, pork skin, and egg cake.

Banh Khot These are small, crispy pancakes topped with shrimp and cooked to perfection. They’re sprinkled with dried shrimp powder and scallions, then dipped in savory fish sauce.

Sui Cao (Dumplings) Influenced by Chinese cuisine due to the significant Chinese population in Saigon, these dumplings are filled with rich, aromatic ingredients.

Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Pancakes) These crispy pancakes contain bean sprouts, pork, or shrimp, wrapped in lettuce and dipped in sweet and sour fish sauce.

Che Thai (Thai Dessert) A sweet coconut milk dessert mixed with fruits like jackfruit and lychee, perfect for a hot day.

Saigon’s Delicious Snails Despite being far from the sea, Saigon is famous for its snail dishes, enjoyed with friends on the bustling streets.

Fried Macaroni and Fried Dough These snacks are crispy and delicious, served with sweet and spicy fish sauce.

Bo Bia (Spring Rolls) Fresh spring rolls filled with shredded vegetables, lap xuong (Chinese sausage), and dried shrimp, served with a peanut sauce.

Dried Beef Salad A flavorful mix of shredded papaya, dried beef, herbs, and peanuts with sweet and sour fish sauce.

Braised Duck Noodles These noodles are a blend of chewy strands and tender duck meat, served in a broth seasoned with unique herbs.

Famous Saigon Banh Mi Saigon’s Banh Mi comes in two popular types:

• Pan-fried Banh Mi: Filled with sausage, eggs, and herbs.
• Cambodian Butter Grilled Banh Mi: Includes grilled meat skewers and pickled papaya.

Bun Mam Originating from the Mekong Delta, this noodle soup includes fish, roasted pork, squid, and shrimp.

Banh Trang Tron (Mixed Rice Paper) A popular snack made with rice paper, dried beef, peanuts, and a mix of sauces.

Dua Tac (Coconut Kumquat Juice) A refreshing drink combining coconut water with kumquat juice, served with coconut flesh.

Grilled Rice Paper This street snack features rice paper grilled over charcoal, topped with sausage and dried meat.

Delicious Ice Cream Saigon offers a variety of ice cream flavors, including vanilla, green tea, and chocolate, at popular places like Roseice Saigon.

Saigon Fresh Beer Known for its refreshing taste and affordability, perfect with BBQ or hotpot.

Rice Paper Platter Offers a variety of rice paper dishes like mixed, grilled, or with salted eggs.

Delicious Saigon Banh Canh A thick noodle soup with options like fish or pork, served in a rich bone broth.

Banh Bot Loc (Hue’s Special Dumplings) These translucent dumplings filled with minced pork and shrimp are a must-try.

Pha Lau A rich stew made from offal and coconut milk, often eaten with bread or noodles.

“Virtual” Cafes Cafes in Saigon offer a vibrant atmosphere and are perfect for photos, located in areas like District 1 and District 2.

Hu Tieu A versatile noodle dish with variations like beef stew or fish.

Sticky Rice Comes in sweet or savory versions with toppings like roasted chicken or lap xuong.

Mixed Noodles with Pork Lard and Runny Egg A trendy dish with pork lard and runny eggs, often topped with fish cakes and meatballs.

Top Gourmet Dishes in Saigon’s Upscale Restaurants

Buffet Saigon offers diverse buffets, including Vietnamese, Asian, and vegetarian options.

Thai Hotpot Spicy and sour, mixed with meats and seafood, perfect for family dinners.

Fish Hotpot Known for its unique sour broth made with special leaves.

Dim Sum Served in small portions with a variety of fillings, popular in Saigon.

BBQ Available from street stalls to upscale restaurants, offering a smoky flavor.

Goat Hotpot & Grilled Goat Grilled goat is a must-try, often paired with goat hotpot.

Bo Ne (Sizzling Beef) Served on a hot skillet, this tender beef is seasoned with rich tomato sauce.

Saigon’s cuisine is incredibly diverse and rich, offering a memorable culinary journey.