Best Street Food in Ho Chi Minh City: What & Where to Eat (2025 Guide)

Taste the Heart of Saigon in 2025

In Ho Chi Minh City — still affectionately called Saigon by locals — food isn’t just a meal; it’s a thrilling journey through history, culture, and passion served on tiny plastic stools under neon lights. In 2025, the city’s vibrant street food scene continues to captivate travelers with bold flavors, sizzling woks, and the irresistible scent of fresh herbs drifting through lively alleyways.

Whether it’s your first time in Vietnam or you’re a seasoned foodie, nothing beats wandering Saigon’s bustling streets after sunset, bowl of steaming pho in hand, and the hum of scooters in the background. Here, food stalls become social hubs where locals and travelers share stories over spicy noodle soups, grilled meats, and sweet treats.

In this guide, discover the best street food in Ho Chi Minh City to try in 2025, plus where locals actually go. From iconic dishes like banh mi and pho to lesser-known treasures, you’ll find the soul of Saigon on every plate.

👉 Ready to trade fancy restaurants for flavorful alleys? Let’s dive fork-first into Saigon’s tastiest street eats! 

1. Banh Mi – Vietnam’s Legendary Sandwich

Crispy French baguette meets savory fillings: grilled pork, pate, pickled veggies, cilantro, and chili.
Best spots:

• Banh Mi Huynh Hoa (District 1) – iconic, slightly pricier but worth it.

• Banh Mi Hong Hoa – loved by locals for perfect bread crunch.

Tip: Try variations like “banh mi xiu mai” (with meatballs) or “banh mi op la” (with eggs).

2. Pho – Vietnam’s National Comfort Food

Slow-cooked beef broth, rice noodles, fresh herbs, lime, and chili. Best enjoyed early morning or late at night.

Best spots:

• Pho Le (District 5) – rich broth, tender meat.

• Pho Hoa Pasteur – legendary, popular with locals and tourists alike.

Don’t skip: “Pho tai” (rare beef slices) or “pho bo vien” (with beef meatballs).

3. Goi Cuon – Fresh Spring Rolls

Light, refreshing rice paper rolls filled with pork, shrimp, vermicelli, and herbs. Dip in hoisin-peanut sauce.

Find them: Street stalls near Ben Thanh Market or around Turtle Lake (Ho Con Rua).

Perfect for: A quick snack while exploring.

4. Bun Thit Nuong – Grilled Pork Noodle Bowl

Vermicelli noodles topped with smoky grilled pork, fresh herbs, peanuts, and crispy spring rolls, finished with sweet-savory fish sauce.

Local favorite:

• Bun Thit Nuong Chi Tuyen (District 1) – authentic, packed with locals.

5. Oc – Saigon’s Addictive Shellfish Stalls

Endless varieties of clams, snails, and mussels cooked with chili, garlic, lemongrass, or tamarind sauce. Best enjoyed with a cold beer.

Best streets:

• Vinh Khanh Street (District 4) – famous “seafood street” alive every night.

Tip: Try “oc len xao dua” (snails in coconut sauce) — unique and delicious.

6. Com Tam – Broken Rice with Grilled Pork

Fragrant broken rice, tender grilled pork chop, fried egg, pickled veggies, and fish sauce. Hearty and comforting.

Top spot:

• Com Tam Ba Ghien (District 3) – beloved for juicy pork and huge portions.

7. Hu Tieu – Southern Vietnam’s Special Noodle Soup

Clear, slightly sweet pork broth with chewy noodles, pork slices, shrimp, and quail eggs.

Don’t miss:

• Hu Tieu Thanh Xuan (District 1) – serving for over 70 years.

Perfect for: Breakfast or late-night cravings.

8. Banh Xeo – Crispy Vietnamese Pancake

Large rice flour crepe stuffed with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, folded and wrapped in lettuce and herbs.

Where:

• Banh Xeo 46A (District 3) – crunchy, flavorful, and authentic.

Tip: Eat it wrapped in greens for fresh contrast.

9. Che – Sweet Vietnamese Dessert Soups

Colorful combinations of beans, jelly, fruit, coconut milk, and crushed ice. Fun, refreshing, and perfect after spicy dishes.

Popular place:

• Che Mam Khanh Vy – offers dozens of varieties on a single tray.

10. Ga Nuong – Vietnamese Grilled Chicken

Marinated chicken grilled to perfection, crispy outside and juicy inside. Best paired with sticky rice.

Local hotspot:

• Quan Com Ga Xoi Mo Su Su – famous for golden, crispy skin.

Taste the Soul of Saigon

In Ho Chi Minh City, street food isn’t just about filling your stomach — it’s about discovering stories, family secrets, and traditions kept alive on sidewalks and street corners. Every bite connects you to generations of cooks perfecting their craft over sizzling woks and charcoal grills.

From the crunch of fresh banh mi to the comforting warmth of pho at dawn, Saigon’s street food scene is a journey through Vietnam’s heart and history. It’s where strangers become friends over shared tables, and where the city’s true spirit comes alive: vibrant, generous, and bursting with flavor.

In 2025, step off the tourist track, follow your nose through hidden alleys, and taste Saigon like a local. The city changes fast, but these timeless recipes — and the passion behind them — remain at its delicious core.

👉 So bring your appetite, curiosity, and a sense of adventure. Saigon is ready to serve you its best stories — one unforgettable dish at a time. 🍜✨

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