Ho Chi Minh street foods are one of the most exciting parts of visiting Vietnam’s southern metropolis. More than just quick bites, these dishes reflect the rich cultural blend and everyday lifestyle of Saigon. From bubbling soups and grilled meats to fresh rolls and tropical desserts, the city’s food stalls invite you to taste Vietnam one dish at a time.
In this article, AFS Travel introduces 14 iconic street foods you should try — complete with prices and helpful tips for every foodie.
Pha lau
Pha lau is a rich stew made from pork or beef organs, simmered in a coconut milk-based broth infused with warm spices. This hearty dish offers tender textures and a deep, savory taste, often served with crusty bread or noodles.
Price range: 35,000–60,000 VND (approx. 1.50–2.50 USD)
Banh beo
Banh beo is a delicate yet flavorful dish often found among popular Ho Chi Minh street foods. These soft steamed rice cakes are served in small saucers, topped with dried shrimp, scallions, crispy shallots, and finished with a splash of fish sauce. Light in texture but rich in taste, banh beo is a perfect street snack to start your food journey in Saigon.
Price range: 25,000–40,000 VND (approx. 1.00–1.70 USD)
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Banh canh cua
This crab noodle soup features thick tapioca noodles in a crab-infused broth, often served with crab meat, pork skin, and quail eggs. Rich and filling, it’s a favorite among locals.
Price range: 45,000–70,000 VND (approx. 1.90–2.90 USD)
Goi cuon
Fresh spring rolls made with shrimp, pork, vermicelli, and herbs wrapped in rice paper. Goi cuon is served cold with peanut sauce and offers a light, healthy choice.
Price range: 10,000–20,000 VND per roll (approx. 0.40–0.85 USD)
Banh khot
Banh khot are mini crispy pancakes made with rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk, topped with shrimp and scallions. Typically served with lettuce and herbs for wrapping.
Price range: 60,000–80,000 VND (approx. 2.50–3.40 USD)
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Banh tam bi
A southern specialty combining thick rice noodles, shredded pork skin, coconut cream, pickled vegetables, and peanuts. The dish offers a unique sweet-savory balance.
Price range: 30,000–50,000 VND (approx. 1.30–2.10 USD)
Bot chien
Bot chien is a beloved late-night snack made from pan-fried rice flour cubes and egg. It’s served with green onions, soy-based dipping sauce, and sometimes pickled papaya.
Price range: 25,000–40,000 VND (approx. 1.00–1.70 USD)
Banh mi
Vietnam’s most iconic street food, banh mi features a crusty baguette filled with meats, pickles, pate, and herbs. It’s the perfect on-the-go meal.
Price range: 15,000–35,000 VND (approx. 0.60–1.50 USD)
Bun mam
Bun mam is one of the most distinctive Ho Chi Minh street foods, known for its bold, fermented fish broth and deep umami flavor. The soup is typically served with thick rice noodles, shrimp, squid, eggplant, and a mix of fresh herbs. Its strong aroma may surprise first-time visitors, but the rich, layered taste makes it a favorite among locals and adventurous food lovers alike.
Price range: 45,000–70,000 VND (approx. 1.90–2.90 USD)
Che chuoi
A sweet dessert of ripe banana cooked in coconut milk with tapioca pearls. Che chuoi is often served warm and topped with roasted peanuts for extra texture.
Price range: 15,000–25,000 VND (approx. 0.60–1.10 USD)
Com tam
Broken rice served with grilled pork chop, fried egg, pickled vegetables, and scallion oil. Com tam is one of the most popular street foods in Ho Chi Minh City.
Price range: 40,000–65,000 VND (approx. 1.70–2.80 USD)
Hu tieu
Hu tieu is a popular noodle soup commonly found among Ho Chi Minh street foods. It features a light, savory broth made from pork bones, often paired with thin rice noodles, slices of pork, shrimp, and quail eggs. Its clean flavor and variety of toppings make hu tieu a versatile and satisfying choice for any time of day.
Price range: 40,000–65,000 VND (approx. 1.70–2.80 USD)
Pho
Pho in the South features a slightly sweeter broth than its northern counterpart. Made with simmered beef bones, spices, and rice noodles, it’s topped with herbs and chili for a well-rounded dish.
Price range: 50,000–75,000 VND (approx. 2.10–3.20 USD)
Mi Quang
Mi Quang is a turmeric-infused noodle dish from central Vietnam, also popular in Saigon. It’s topped with pork, shrimp, peanuts, herbs, and served with a light broth and sesame rice crackers.
Price range: 30,000–50,000 VND (approx. 1.30–2.10 USD)
Where to explore Ho Chi Minh street foods
To truly enjoy the variety of Ho Chi Minh street foods, explore different districts and neighborhoods known for their vibrant food culture. Markets, alleyways, and food streets in central districts are excellent places to start. Street vendors often serve the most authentic versions of these beloved dishes, and sampling them at the source is part of the experience.
Conclusion
From light snacks to hearty meals, sweet desserts to savory broths, Ho Chi Minh street foods offer something for everyone. These dishes are not just meals, but stories of culture, family, and local flavor passed down through generations.
Plan your journey with AFS Travel and let us help you explore the soul of Saigon through its incredible street food. Join a guided food tour or customize your own food crawl — either way, your taste buds are in for a journey worth remembering.
