12-Hour Foodie Itinerary in Saigon on September 2nd

If you're not planning to travel far, immerse yourself in the coffee apartment, Bui Vien's Western street, and relish street-side delights.

12-Hour Foodie Itinerary in Saigon on September 2nd

On September 2nd, many opt for travel or retreat to the countryside with family. If you choose to stay in Saigon, wake up early and explore popular gastronomic spots in the city.

Morning Session

6:30 AM: Fresh Milk at Phung Khac Khoan

Located right on the front of a street in District 1, this café nestles under a canopy of ancient me trees, creating a tranquil haven. From the early morning, you can come here to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere in the heart of the city, while the street is still sparsely populated.

More than 20 years ago, two siblings originally from Saigon opened a store together. The café primarily sells fresh milk priced at 10,000 VND per glass. Customers can also request a dash of coffee to add a twist to their drink.

In addition to milk, the café owner also introduces various pastries for diners to have more choices, such as sponge cake, crab-shaped cake, cream puff, and pate chaud... with prices ranging from 5,000 VND and up.

8 AM: Breakfast with pork meatball noodles

Situated at the corner of Truong Dinh and Nguyen An Ninh streets (District 1), Thanh Mai eatery is one of the longstanding addresses that pork meatball noodle lovers should try at least once. Due to its central location, this place caters not only to locals but also to many foreign tourists. According to Ms. Mai, the owner, this establishment has been in operation since the beginning of 1980.

A bowl of noodles at the eatery comes in two sizes, small and large, priced at 55,000 and 60,000 VND respectively. Whether you order the large or small portion, you will be served with a side of fresh vegetables or blanched vegetables upon request. Condiments such as fish sauce, chili, lime... are readily available on the table for those with specific preferences.

The broth is crafted from beef marrow bones and young pork ribs, resulting in a rich, sweet, and fragrant essence. The establishment offers plenty of seating options for patrons to choose from. Guests can park their vehicles at the lot opposite the street, priced at 5,000 VND per turn. In addition to the main dishes, the restaurant also serves various refreshing beverages such as sugarcane juice, freshly squeezed orange juice, sago drinks, chocolate milk, and various types of coffee...

9:30 AM: Explore Ho Chi Minh Museum, Fine Arts Museum

For those who enjoy exploring history, museums are an ideal place to visit during leisure time. Presently, both the Ho Chi Minh Museum and the Fine Arts Museum are recognized as a 'heaven' for photography enthusiasts in the city.

The entrance fee for each museum is 5,000 VND per entry. Note that there's an additional charge for photography services if visiting as a professional group (for lookbooks, wedding albums).

Afternoon Session

12 PM: Lunch with grilled pork vermicelli

If you're a fan of grilled pork vermicelli, don't miss the 40-year-old eatery on Co Giang Street, District 1. The dish is prepared following a traditional recipe, with the highlight being the freshly grilled meat. As soon as you step in, the enticing aroma of the meat fills the air.

What sets this vermicelli place apart is the addition of stir-fried beef. The staff will inquire if you'd like to add stir-fried beef to your dish. The beef is cooked to perfection, tender, and flavorful.

The mixed plate includes only one skewer of grilled meat. If you desire more, you can request it. The portion here is praised for its generosity, with a mixed plate priced at 47,000 VND. The establishment also serves various refreshing beverages.

1:30 PM: Relax at a vintage-style coffee shop

After lunch, take some time to visit coffee shops that utilize vintage items and antiques for decoration. Most of these places offer a tranquil ambiance with reasonable prices.

You can explore such styled cafes on Tran Quoc Toan Street (District 3), Truong Quyen Street (District 3), Nguyen Thai Binh Street (District 1)...

4 PM: Explore Turtle Lake, indulge in grilled rice paper, or head to Nguyen Hue pedestrian street and check-in at the city's largest coffee apartment

Turtle Lake is a familiar stop for anyone who has spent time in Saigon. Located in District 3, it's also a popular gathering spot for the youth. In the afternoon, many street food stalls pop up around this area. You can try mixed rice paper, grilled rice paper, or have some persimmon tea...

From here, you can also walk along Dong Khoi, Nguyen Du, or Xo Viet Nghe Tinh streets to take photos with French architectural structures in the city.

Alternatively, you can take a leisurely stroll along Nguyen Hue pedestrian street. The evening here is cool, with numerous activities and plenty of food stalls and cafes nearby. If you're here, don't forget to check-in at the 'one-of-a-kind' coffee apartment in Saigon.

Climbing up the moss-covered old stairs, you'll feel like entering another world with cafes, souvenir shops, and clothing stores.

Evening Session

6 PM: Dinner in lively alleys

The bustling alleys, breathing the essence of Saigon, are something you shouldn't miss in your city exploration journey. Every evening, these alleys come alive with food stalls. The sound of people calling out, the hustle of vehicles, and the enticing aromas from the food stalls create a vibrant atmosphere.

Some alleys you can explore include 51 Cao Thang (District 3); 76 Hai Ba Trung (District 1); 177 Ly Tu Trong (District 1); 284 Le Van Sy (District 3).

7:30 PM: Hang out at Bui Vien Western street

According to Phong Vinh/Vnexpress (Photos: Phong Vinh, Di Vy)

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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour