Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam, known for its developed economy and diverse culture. If you are looking for a destination to discover Vietnamese cuisine, Ho Chi Minh City is a great choice. With a mixture of cultures and a variety of culinary styles, Ho Chi Minh City has many unique and attractive dish that always make visitors come here not wanting to return.

1. The Banh Mi

The Banh Mi, originating from Vietnam, is a delectable and iconic culinary creation that beautifully reflects the country's rich cultural heritage. A symphony of flavors and textures, the Banh Mi features a crisp French-inspired baguette filled with an array of tantalizing ingredients, typically including savory grilled meats, fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, and piquant condiments like pickled daikon and carrot. This fusion of Vietnamese ingredients and French colonial influence yields a harmonious balance that has made Banh Mi a beloved street food enjoyed globally. Its delightful marriage of contrasting elements makes each bite a journey through Vietnam's culinary evolution and international connections.

Let's take a look at some HOT Banh Mi selling addresses with Visithcmc today:

• Banh Mi Huynh Hoa: 26 Le Thi Rieng Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 6am - 10pm.

• Banh Mi Ba Huynh : 185K Cong Quynh Street, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 6am - 9pm.

• Banh Mi Seven Tiger: 19 Huynh Khuong Ninh, Da Kao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 5:30am - 10:30am, 12am - 6pm.

• Banh Mi Dang Tran Con : 8 Dang Tran Con, District 1, City. HCM. Opening hours: 04:00 – 10:30.

• Banh Mi Nguyen Trai: 37 Nguyen Trai, Ben Thanh ward, district 1, HCMC. Opening hours: 16:00 - 21:00.

2. Pho

Pho, a wonderful Vietnamese dish, is a testament to the nation's culinary artistry and history. A soul-warming bowl of aromatic broth, rice noodles, and tender slices of meat, usually beef or chicken, Pho captures the essence of Vietnamese flavors. This iconic dish is elevated by the inclusion of fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime, and chili, allowing each diner to customize their bowl to perfection. Whether enjoyed as a hearty breakfast or a comforting evening meal, Pho embodies the heart and soul of Vietnamese cuisine, reflecting a blend of local ingredients and cultural influences that have evolved over time.

Let's take a look at a few highly rated delicious pho restaurants:

• Pho Le: 415. Nguyen Trai, Ward 7, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City.

Opening hours: 6am until late.

• Pho Hoa: 260C Pasteur, Ward 8, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. 

Opening hours: 5am - 23h30.

• Pho Hung: 243 . Nguyen Trai, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. 

Opening hours: 6am - 3pm.

• Pho Dau: 288 M1, D. Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ward 8, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. 

Opening hours: 5am - 1pm.

3. Com tam (broken rice)

Cơm tấm is a popular Vietnamese dish that consists of broken rice grains, which are fragments of rice that remain after the milling process. This type of rice was traditionally considered less valuable, but it has since become a cherished staple in Vietnamese cuisine. Cơm tấm is typically served with a variety of toppings, often including grilled pork (either shredded or as a chop), shredded pork skin, steamed egg meatloaf, and a side of various accompaniments like pickled vegetables, cucumber slices, and fresh herbs. The dish is often drizzled with a flavorful sauce, which can vary regionally but is commonly a mixture of fish sauce, garlic, sugar, and chili. Cơm tấm is enjoyed as a hearty and satisfying meal, showcasing Vietnam's ability to turn ordinary ingredients into a delightful culinary experience.

Here are a few delicious Com Tam restaurants you can visit to enjoy:

• Com Tam Phuc Loc Tho : 236 Dinh Tien Hoang, Da Kao, District 1, HCMC and many other branches. Opening hours: 6am - 10pm.

• Com Tam Moc:: 85 Ly Tu Trong, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, HCMC. Opening hours: 8:00am - 10:00pm.

• Com Tam Nguyen Van Cu: 74 Nguyen Van Cu, Ward 2, District 5, HCMC. Opening hours: 7:30 am - 3:30 pm.

• Cali Com Tam : 236 Le Thanh Ton, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, HCMC and many other branches. Opening hours: 7:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

• Com Tam  Bai Rac:: 73 Le Van Linh, Ward 13, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 16h30 - 0h.

• Com Tam Ba Cuong: 263 Tran Quang Khai, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1, HCMC. Opening hours: 7:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.

4. Hu Tieu nam vang

Hu Tieu Nam Vang, often simply referred to as "Nam Vang" or "Cambodian-style Hu Tieu," is a noodle soup dish that originated from the Cambodian-Chinese community in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Over time, it has become popular in southern Vietnam, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City. This dish features clear and flavorful broth, usually made from pork bones, seafood, and sometimes chicken, accompanied by a medley of ingredients such as flat rice noodles, sliced pork, shrimp, squid, and sometimes quail eggs. The soup is often garnished with chopped green onions, cilantro, and fried shallots. Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang reflects the cross-cultural influences in Vietnamese cuisine, as it combines Cambodian, Chinese, and Vietnamese elements to create a unique and delicious fusion dish.

Let's take a look at a few famous Hu Tieu Nam Vang restaurants in Ho Chi Minh city::

• Nhan Quan: 122D Cach Mang, Ward 7, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 5am - 11pm.

• Dat Thanh Hu Tieu Nam Vang: 232 Nguyen Thi Thap, Binh Thuan Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 7am - 11pm.

• Thanh Dat Hu Tieu Nam Vang: 607C Cach Mang Thang 8, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City and many other branches. Opening hours: Open all day.

• Lien Hua Hu Tieu Nam Vang: No. 381 Vo Van Tan - Ward 5 - District 3 - City. Ho Chi Minh. Opening hours: 6am - 10pm.

• Quynh Nam Hu Tieu Nam Vang: No. A65 Nguyen Trai - Cu Trinh Ward - District 1 - City. HCM. 5:30 - 21:30.

5. Bun bo Hue

Bun Bo Hue is a very famous Vietnamese noodle soup that originates from the city of Hue, located in central Vietnam. Known for its robust and spicy flavors, Bun Bo Hue features a lemongrass-infused broth that is rich and deeply aromatic. The dish typically includes round rice noodles, slices of beef and often includes ingredients like pork bologna, congealed blood cubes, and even sometimes cubes of pig's feet.

What sets Bun Bo Hue apart is its distinctively spicy and complex flavor profile, thanks to the use of chili oil, fermented shrimp paste, and other regional spices. The dish is typically garnished with fresh herbs, such as mint and cilantro, along with lime wedges and shredded banana blossom. Bun Bo Hue is a beloved and iconic Vietnamese dish, offering a unique and flavorful taste of central Vietnamese cuisine.

The following delicious beef noodle shops will be suggested by Visithcmc for you to enjoy:

• Bun Bo Xua: 48 Cach Mang Thang Tam, Ward 6, District 3, HCMC and other branches. Opening hours: Open all day.

• Bun Bo Hue Dong Ba: 110A Nguyen Du, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, City. HCM. Opening hours: 6am - 10pm.

• Bun Bo Hue Ba Nghi: 466. Nguyen Tri Phuong, Ward 9, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 6am - 2pm, 4pm - 9pm.

• Bun Bo Hue Nam Giao: 696 Pham The Hien, Ward 4, District 8, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 6am - 10pm.

• Bun Bo Hue Hanh: 135 Banh Van Tran, Tan Binh district, HCMC. Opening hours: 6am - 2pm, 4pm - 10pm.

6. Bun rieu

Bún Riêu is a popular Vietnamese noodle soup that showcases a unique blend of flavors and textures. The dish is highlighted by its distinctive reddish broth, which is made from tomatoes and crab or shrimp paste, giving it a tangy and slightly sweet taste. Bún Riêu typically includes a variety of ingredients such as rice vermicelli noodles, freshwater crab or shrimp meat, tofu, and sometimes pork or snails.

One of the defining elements of Bún Riêu is the use of "riêu cua," which are small crab or shrimp cakes made by pounding the crab or shrimp meat and forming them into small patties. These patties are then cooked in the flavorful tomato-based broth. The soup is often served with an array of fresh herbs, including perilla leaves, shredded banana blossom, and bean sprouts, allowing each diner to customize their bowl to their liking. Bún Riêu is a delightful representation of Vietnamese culinary creativity, offering a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and savory flavors in each spoonful.

Here are a few noodle shops that are loved by many diners:

• Bun Rieu Ganh Cho Ben Thanh market: 163. Le Thanh Ton, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 7:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

• Bun Rieu Nguyen Canh Chan: TK18/5 Đ. Nguyen Canh Chan, Cau Kho, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 9am - 7pm.

• Bun Rieu Nguyen Thai Binh: 66. Nguyen Thai Binh, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 7am - 9pm.

• Bun Rieu Thu Nga: Vinh Hoi Residence/Lot/Q32 Nguyen Huu Hao, Ward 6, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 11am - 7pm.

• Bun rieu Yen: 1348  Truong Sa Street, Ward 3, Tan Binh, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 6am - 6pm.

7. Oc

"Ốc" refers to shellfish or snails in Vietnamese, and "Ốc dish" generally refers to a dish that features these shellfish or snails as the main ingredient. In Vietnamese cuisine, various types of shellfish and snails are commonly used to create flavorful and unique dishes that are often enjoyed as street food or casual dining options.

One popular example is "Ốc Luộc" or boiled snails, where snails are boiled and often served with dipping sauces that can range from spicy and tangy to savory and garlicky. Another well-known dish is "Ốc Xào Sả Ớt" which features stir-fried shellfish or snails with lemongrass and chili peppers, providing a burst of aromatic and spicy flavors.

The specific preparation and flavors of Ốc dishes can vary widely depending on the region and local culinary traditions within Vietnam. These dishes are often enjoyed with friends and family, making for a lively and communal dining experience.

Here are a few suggestions for famous Oc restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City:

• Oc Dao - District 1: 212B/D48 E. Nguyen Trai, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 10:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.

• Oc Quang Anh - To Hien Thanh: 189. To Hien Thanh, Ward 13, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 13:00 - 23:00.

• Oc Nhu - District 10: 650/4/29D E. Dien Bien Phu, Ward 11, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 11am - 20h30.

• Oanh Oanh - District 4: 534 Vinh Khanh, Ward 8, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 13:00 - 00:00.

• Oc Khanh - District 1: 25/5 Nguyen Binh Khiem, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 11:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

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8. Banh xeo

Bánh Xèo is a savory Vietnamese dish that can be best described as a crispy Vietnamese pancake or crepe. The name "Bánh Xèo" translates to "sizzling cake" in English, referring to the sizzling sound the batter makes when poured into a hot skillet. This dish is popular in Vietnamese cuisine and is enjoyed as a casual meal, often served as a snack or main course.

Bánh Xèo is made from a batter primarily consisting of rice flour, turmeric powder (which gives it its characteristic yellow color), coconut milk, and water. The batter is poured into a large skillet or pan, where it's cooked until it becomes crispy along the edges. Inside, the crepe is usually filled with a combination of ingredients such as shrimp, slices of pork, bean sprouts, and green onions. The crepe is then folded in half and served with a variety of fresh herbs, lettuce leaves, and dipping sauce, typically made from fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili.

To enjoy Bánh Xèo, you would often tear off a piece of the crepe, wrap it in lettuce leaves and herbs, and dip it in the sauce before taking a flavorful bite. The contrast between the crispy crepe, the tender fillings, and the vibrant herbs and dipping sauce creates a delightful harmony of flavors and textures.

Take a look at some famous delicious Banh Xeo shop in Ho Chi Minh City:

• Banh Xeo An La Ghien: 11A Tu Xuong, Vo Thi Sau, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 9am - 11pm.

• Banh Xeo Ba Hai: 49 Nguyen Trong Tuyen, Ward 15, Phu Nhuan, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 14:00 - 21:00.

• Banh Xe Binh Dinh: 238 Le Duc Tho, Ward 6, Go Vap District, City. HCM. Opening hours: 9am - 24h.

• Banh Xe Thanh Phuong: April 31 - June 31, Hoang Hoa Tham, Ward 13, Tan Binh, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 7am - 10pm.

• Banh Xe Thanh Dieu: 80 Ung Van Khiem, Ward 25, Binh Thanh, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 10am - 22h30

9. Pha lau bo

Phá lấu bò is a Vietnamese dish that features tender beef offal stewed in a flavorful and aromatic broth. The term "phá lấu" originates from Chinese and Teochew cuisine, and in Vietnamese culinary context, it refers to a dish that includes various types of offal, which are the internal organs of an animal, particularly beef or pork in this case.

Phá lấu bò typically includes a variety of beef offal such as tripe, intestines, tendons, and other organs, which are simmered or stewed until they become tender and absorb the rich flavors of the broth. The dish is often cooked with fragrant spices and herbs, such as star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and lemongrass, resulting in a savory and aromatic stew.

The dish is enjoyed with a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili, which adds a tangy and spicy element to the tender offal. Phá lấu bò is often served with noodles or French baguette to soak up the flavorful broth, and it's commonly found at street food stalls and local eateries in Vietnam. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a unique and satisfying dish for those who appreciate offal and adventurous eating experiences.

Let's take a look at some delicious Pha Lau restaurants in Ho Chi Minh:

• Pha Lau Co Thao Pha Lau: 243/29G Ton Dan, Ward 15, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 11am - 9pm.

• Pha Lau Di Nui: 243/30 Ton Dan, Ward 15, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 14h - 22h30.

• Pha Lau Ba Hat: 533 Ba Hat, Ward 8, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 16h30 - 20h.

• Pha Lau Cay Tram: 208. Cay Tram, Ward 8, Go Vap, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 3pm - 9pm.

• Pha Lau Li: 1A. Suong Nguyet Anh, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 11am - 9pm

10. Bun thit nuong (grilled meat and rice noodle)

Bún thịt nướng is a popular Vietnamese dish that translates to "grilled meat and rice noodles." It's a flavorful and well-balanced dish that's enjoyed by many people in Vietnam and around the world. Here's what the dish typically consists of:

• Bún (Rice Noodles): The dish starts with a bed of thin rice vermicelli noodles, which are soft and slightly chewy.

• Thịt Nướng (Grilled Meat): The grilled meat is the highlight of the dish. It's usually marinated with a combination of ingredients like lemongrass, garlic, sugar, fish sauce, and sometimes soy sauce. Common types of meat used for bún thịt nướng include pork, chicken, and occasionally beef.

• Nước Mắm Nướng (Grilled Meat Dipping Sauce): This dipping sauce is a crucial component of bún thịt nướng. It's made from fish sauce, water, sugar, lime juice, garlic, and chili. The sauce adds a balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors to the dish.

• Fresh Herbs and Vegetables: Bún thịt nướng is typically served with a variety of fresh herbs and vegetables, which often include lettuce, mint leaves, cilantro, perilla leaves, and bean sprouts. These elements add freshness and crunch to the dish.

• Crushed Peanuts: Crushed roasted peanuts are often sprinkled on top of the dish, adding a delightful nutty flavor and texture.

• Fried Shallots: Crispy fried shallots are commonly used as a garnish, enhancing the overall flavor and texture.

To enjoy bún thịt nướng, you usually mix all the components together. First, place the fresh herbs and vegetables on top of the noodles. Then add the grilled meat, crushed peanuts, and fried shallots. Finally, drizzle the nước mắm nướng dipping sauce over the top.

Take a look at some typical addresses selling  bún thịt nướng in Saigon:

• Saigon Taste -: Tran Quy Khoach, Tan Dinh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 7am - 8pm
• Bún thịt nướng Hai Dang: 149 Chan Hung, Ward 6, Tan Binh, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 10am - 20h30
• Bún thịt nướng 339: No. 7 To Hien Thanh, Ward 13, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 9am - 9pm
• Bun thit nuong Ms. Tuyen : 175C Co Giang, Co Giang Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 7am - 9pm
• Bun thit nuong Kieu Bao: 12-14 To Hien Thanh, Ward 12, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City and some other branches. Opening hours: 11am - 9pm

Ho Chi Minh City is a great destination to discover Vietnamese cuisine. With the list of Top 10 famous delicious dishes in Ho Chi Minh City that Visithcmc has shared, we hope you will have more culinary choices when you come here.