When people think of Vietnamese cuisine, one word usually comes to mind: Pho.
Don’t get us wrong—a steaming bowl of Pho Bo (beef noodle soup) is delicious. But limiting yourself to just Pho in Ho Chi Minh City is like going to Italy and only eating spaghetti. You are missing out on 90% of the magic.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is arguably the street food capital of the world. It is a city where million-dollar business deals are discussed over plastic stools, and where the best chefs don’t wear white hats—they wear conical hats and cook on sidewalks.
In this guide, we are taking you beyond Pho. Here are the 7 iconic street foods that define the soul of Saigon, and exactly where you can find the best versions in 2026.
1. Com Tam (Broken Rice)
The Soul of Saigon
If Hanoi has Pho, Saigon has Com Tam. Originally a peasant dish made from fractured rice grains that couldn’t be sold, it has evolved into the city’s most beloved meal. It is eaten for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night snacks.
- What is it? A plate of steamed broken rice (which has a unique, slightly firmer texture) topped with a grilled pork chop (Suon), shredded pork skin (Bi), and a steamed egg meatloaf (Cha). It is served with sliced cucumber, pickled vegetables, and a small bowl of sweet and savory fish sauce (Nuoc Mam) that you drizzle over everything.
- How to eat it: Pour the sauce over the rice. Use a spoon and fork. Don’t leave a single grain behind.
📍 Where to find it:
- Com Tam Ba Ghi: 84 Dang Van Ngu, Phu Nhuan District. (Famous for their massive ribs).
- Com Tam Moc: 85 Ly Tu Trong, District 1. (Cleaner, air-conditioned, and beginner-friendly).
2. Banh Mi (Vietnamese Baguette)
The World’s Best Sandwich
You might have had Banh Mi in your home country, but the Banh Mi in Saigon is on a different level. It is the perfect marriage of French colonial influence (the baguette and pâté) and Vietnamese ingredients (cilantro, chili, pickles, and meats).
- What is it? A crispy, airy baguette filled with a variety of meats (cold cuts, grilled pork, or meatballs), pâté, butter, cucumber, cilantro, pickled carrots, and daikon radishes.
- The Secret: The bread in Saigon is incredibly light and crispy, not chewy. It shatters when you bite into it.
📍 Where to find it:
- Banh Mi Huynh Hoa: 26 Le Thi Rieng, District 1. Known as the “heavyweight” champion. It is expensive and crowded, but packed with meat.
- Banh Mi Hong Hoa: 62 Nguyen Van Trang, District 1. A great alternative that is crispy and delicious, perfect for a quick breakfast before heading to Ben Thanh Market.
3. Bun Thit Nuong (Vermicelli with Grilled Pork)
The Perfect Salad Noodle
For those sweltering days in Ho Chi Minh City when a hot soup feels too heavy, Bun Thit Nuong is the answer. It is fresh, cold, savory, and sweet all at once.
- What is it? Cold rice vermicelli noodles topped with marinated grilled pork, crispy spring rolls (Cha Gio), fresh herbs, bean sprouts, pickled carrots, and roasted peanuts. It is served with a side of fish sauce.
- How to eat it: Pour the fish sauce into the bowl, mix everything thoroughly so the noodles absorb the flavor, and enjoy the crunch of the spring roll with the tenderness of the pork.
📍 Where to find it:
- Chi Tuyen: 175C Co Giang, District 1. A legendary spot popular with locals for decades.
- Bun Thit Nuong Kieu Bao: 139 De Tham, District 1. Affordable and right in the backpacker area.
4. Banh Xeo (Sizzling Pancake)
The Vietnamese Crepe
The name “Banh Xeo” literally translates to “Sizzling Cake,” named after the loud sound the rice batter makes when it hits the hot skillet.
- What is it? A giant, crispy yellow crepe made from rice flour, water, and turmeric (no eggs!). It is stuffed with pork, shrimp, bean sprouts, and mung beans.
- How to eat it: This is a hands-on dish. You break off a piece of the pancake, wrap it in a large mustard leaf or lettuce along with some herbs, dip the whole roll into the fish sauce, and take a bite. The freshness of the greens balances the oiliness of the pancake perfectly.
📍 Where to find it:
- Banh Xeo 46A: 46A Dinh Cong Trang, District 1. Famous (Anthony Bourdain visited here), serving the large Southern-style pancake.
- An La Ghien: 74 Suong Nguyet Anh, District 1. A great sit-down restaurant option.
5. Hu Tieu Nam Vang (Southern Noodle Soup)
The Chewy Delight
While Pho is king in the North, Hu Tieu rules the South. Originating from Cambodia and adapted by the Chinese-Vietnamese community, it is a complex and flavorful noodle soup.
- What is it? It can be served “wet” (with soup) or “dry” (soup on the side). The noodles are tapioca-based, making them chewier than Pho noodles. Toppings include minced pork, shrimp, quail eggs, and pork liver. The broth is sweeter and often garnished with fried garlic and shallots.
- Must Try: Order it “Kho” (Dry). The noodles are tossed in a special soy-based sauce, and the soup is served separately to sip.
📍 Where to find it:
- Hu Tieu Nam Vang Nhan Quan: 488 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 3. Open late and incredibly rich in flavor.
- Hu Tieu Hong Phat: 389-391 Vo Van Tan, District 3. An institution in Saigon.
6. Banh Trang Tron (Rice Paper Salad)
The Street Snack of the Youth
If you walk near the Notre Dame Cathedral or Turtle Lake in the evening, you will see groups of young people eating from plastic bags with chopsticks. They are eating Banh Trang Tron.
- What is it? It sounds strange, but it works. Strips of rice paper (the kind used for summer rolls) are mixed with quail eggs, shredded green mango, beef jerky, dried shrimp, peanuts, fried shallots, Vietnamese coriander, chili oil, and kumquat juice.
- The Taste: It is chewy, spicy, sour, sweet, and salty. It is essentially a deconstructed summer roll salad. It is the ultimate addictive snack.
📍 Where to find it:
- Nguyen Thuong Hien Street (District 3): This entire street is famous for Banh Trang Tron. Just look for the stalls with the most Grab drivers waiting.
- Turtle Lake (Ho Con Rua): In the evenings, street vendors sell it to students hanging out around the fountain.
7. Ca Phe Trung (Egg Coffee) & Dessert
The Sweet Finish
While Egg Coffee originated in Hanoi, Saigon has adopted it and perfected it. It is less of a drink and more of a liquid tiramisu.
- What is it? Robusta coffee topped with a thick, creamy, meringue-like layer of whipped egg yolk and condensed milk. It is rich, decadent, and eliminates the bitterness of the coffee.
- Alternative: If coffee isn’t your thing, try Che (Vietnamese Sweet Soup) at Ben Thanh Market. It’s a dessert made with coconut milk, jelly, beans, and fruit.
📍 Where to find it:
- Little HaNoi Egg Coffee: 119/5 Yersin, District 1. A cozy spot that serves an authentic version.
- Goc Ha Noi: 165 Bui Vien, District 1. A tiny hidden gem in the middle of the party street.
Food Safety Tips for Travelers (2026)
Eating street food is safe if you follow a few golden rules:
- Follow the Crowd: High turnover means fresh ingredients. If a stall is empty, skip it. If it’s packed with locals, pull up a stool.
- Ice is (Mostly) Fine: In 2026, most reputable street stalls in District 1 and 3 use factory-produced cylindrical ice, which is safe to drink. Avoid large blocks of chipped ice in very rural areas.
- Wipe Your Utensils: It is a local habit to wipe your chopsticks and spoon with a lime wedge and a tissue before eating. When in Rome (or Saigon), do as the Romans do!
Conclusion
Ho Chi Minh City offers a culinary adventure that goes far beyond the humble bowl of Pho. From the grilled smoky goodness of Com Tam to the crispy delight of Banh Xeo, every bite tells a story of the city’s history and culture.
So, put down the hotel map, step out onto the sidewalk, and let your nose guide you. The best meal of your life might just be waiting for you on a plastic stool.