Vietnam is known for its outstanding street food culture and offers wonderful culinary adventures for travelers. Ho Chi Minh City – the dynamic metropolis in the south, from humble stalls to bustling markets, the city is a foodie’s paradise, where tantalizing aromas fill the air and street vendors dish out an array of delectable treats. In this guide, we will embark on a gastronomic journey through the streets of Ho Chi Minh City, exploring the must-try street food delicacies that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
Introduce some popular street food
1. Bánh mì
When the French baguette arrived in Vietnam more than 100 years ago, no one could have guessed it would change Vietnamese cuisine forever. Banh Mi, the streetside sandwich loved by so many, is now one of the most iconic Vietnamese dishes, is an integral part of the culinary landscape of Ho Chi Minh City. With its crispy crust, flavorful fillings, and affordable price, it’s a popular street food enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
Recommend some brands to enjoy:
– Bánh mì Huỳnh Hoa: No. 26 Le Thi Rieng Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1
– Bánh mì 362: No. 25 Tran Cao Van Street, Da Kao Ward, District 1
– Bánh mì Ngọc Hoa: No. 275 Phan Xich Long Street, Ward 7, Phu Nhuan District
2. Gỏi cuốn (Spring rolls)
In 2011, American travel site CNN ranked spring rolls at number 30 in the Top 50 most delicious dishes in the world. This dish is a harmonious combination of green vegetables with tender pork, shrimp, and signature sweet and sour dipping sauce.
To make spring rolls, the rice paper wrappers are first soaked in water until they become soft and pliable. Then, the fillings are placed on the wrappers and rolled up tightly.
Recommend some brands to enjoy:
– Gỏi cuốn tôm nhảy: No. 424 Lac Long Quan Street, Ward 5, District 11
– Gỏi cuốn Lê Văn Sỹ: No. 359/1/9A Le Van Sy Street, Ward 13, District 3
– Gỏi cuốn Ngon Ngon: No. 322/13 An Duong Vuong Street, Ward 4, District 5
3. Bánh tráng trộn
Saigon mixed rice paper is known as a snack, made from dew-wetted rice paper, cut into small strips. When eating, mix it with shredded green mango, chopped laksa leaves, sprinkle with a little Tay Ninh shrimp salt, and squeeze out a little kumquat juice.
Add a little fried onion fat with peanuts and a little roasted shrimp for a richer flavor. In addition, this dish will also be eaten with boiled quail eggs and some beef jerky.
Recommend some brands to enjoy:
– Bánh tráng Cô Giang: No. 8A Nguyen Trai Street, Ward 3, District 5
– Bánh tráng chấm cô Gánh: D001 A4 Phan Xich Long apartment building, ward 7, Phu Nhuan District
– Bánh tráng trộn cô Thảo: No. 90 Nguyen Thuong Hien Street, Ward 5, District 3
4. Xôi mặn
The xôi mặn specialty is a familiar, rustic dish at every breakfast or late-night meal of many Saigonese. Xôi mặn is cooked with fragrant sticky rice with different ingredients such as sausage, meat floss, peanuts, fried onions, scallion oil,…
Recommend some brands to enjoy:
– Xôi Bình Tiên: No. 88 Minh Phung Street, Ward 5, District 6
– Xôi cay Hai cô: No. 64 Nguyen Duy Duong Street, Ward 9, District 5
– Xôi Lá Sen: No. 35 Ngo Thi Thu Minh Street, Ward 3, Tan Binh District
5. Phá lấu
Pha lau is a dish that originated in China, then was introduced to Vietnam and became a popular dish in the South, especially in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). Pha lau is made from main ingredients such as the tongue, ears, intestines, and stomach of pigs, cows, or ducks. This dish is often eaten with bread, noodles, or rice. Saigon’s specialty Pha Lau is fragrant with the scent of coconut milk, its spicy taste stimulates the senses.
Recommend some brands to enjoy:
– Phá lấu bò cô Thảo: No. 243/29G Ton Dan Street, Ward 15, District 4
– Phá lấu dì Nủi: No. 30 Ton Dan Street, Ward 15, District 4
– Phá lấu bò Marie Curie: No. 433/44 Le Dai Hanh Street, Ward 11, District 11
Apply for Vietnam visa
Apply for a Vietnam visa to enjoy all the unique street food above. Currently, there are common 3 ways to apply for a Vietnam visa.
– Visa at Embassy/ Consulate
Follow this article for more details: How to Get Vietnam Visa – Vietnam Travel Key
How to apply?
– Step 1: Fill out the required information
– Step 2: Settle payment
– Step 3: Receive your Vietnam E-Visa