Ho Chi Minh City is often the gateway for travellers exploring Vietnam. It’s a lively, buzzing place where every corner holds something to taste. With tiny stools on the pavement, family-run stalls and carts weaving through traffic, the city offers a street food scene that’s as vibrant as its energy.
This guide will help you discover what to try and where to find it, so you can enjoy the best street food in Ho Chi Minh City.
List of best street food in Ho Chi Minh
If you’re looking for Vietnam street food in Ho Chi Minh, the options are endless. Here are some popular ones:
- Goi cuon: They are made with rice paper wrapped around shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles and herbs. They are light, healthy and usually served with a savoury peanut or hoisin-based dipping sauce.
- Banh xeo: This crispy Vietnamese pancake is made from rice flour and turmeric, filled with pork, shrimp and bean sprouts. It is folded like an omelette and typically eaten wrapped in lettuce with fresh herbs.
- Banh mi: A crunchy baguette filled with a mix of meats, pickled vegetables, fresh coriander and chilli. This Vietnamese sandwich blends French and local influences and is easy to find at street stalls across the city.
- Bun mam: A noodle soup known for its strong, fermented fish broth. It includes seafood like shrimp and squid, along with roasted pork and thick rice noodles. The broth is rich, aromatic and deeply savoury.
- Bot chien: Fried rice flour cakes cut into cubes and cooked with egg, green onion and sometimes papaya on the side. The result is crispy and soft at once, often eaten as an afternoon snack.
Places to eat street food in Ho Chi Minh
If you're looking for the best street food in Ho Chi Minh, here are some top spots to satisfy your cravings:
- Ben Thanh Market
- Bui Vien Street
- District 4 Seafood Street
Conclusion
A great way to immerse yourself in the local culture of Ho Chi Minh City is by discovering its vibrant street food scene. However, to fully immerse yourself in the experience, it's important to take care of the basics first. Start by researching your destination, double-check that your documents are in order and arrange suitable travel insurance.
Getting travel insurance online is quick and easy. If you're going for a short visit, single trip travel insurance is often the best choice. It covers medical care and lost items, among other emergencies, so you don’t have to worry during your travels. With that sorted, you can enjoy the food and focus on making the most of your trip.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.