Buzz
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is a major cultural and tourist hub in the South. Famous specialties such as broken rice, noodle soup, mixed rice paper, and braised offal are must-try dishes for travelers stepping foot in this city.
Broken Rice
When it comes to Saigon, the first dish that comes to mind for anyone is probably broken rice. It's such a common dish here that people in Saigon eat it from breakfast to dinner. Other provinces have Saigon-style broken rice, but it's definitely not the same as eating it in Saigon.
Nam Vang Noodle Soup
Nam Vang Noodle Soup, also known as a 'multi-ethnic' dish because it originates from Cambodia but is prepared by the Chinese. Noodle soup is just as popular as broken rice in Saigon, but Nam Vang noodle soup is even more special. Especially because of the variety of ingredients. Nam Vang noodle soup typically includes sliced pork and minced pork, but in Saigon, there are many additional toppings such as shrimp, liver, quail eggs, squid... And essential when enjoying Nam Vang noodle soup are the accompanying vegetables like water spinach, basil, coriander, lettuce, bean sprouts... There are 2 ways to eat Nam Vang noodle soup: dry and with broth. Dry noodle soup is added with a bit of sesame oil, fried garlic, and a separate bowl of broth.
Cá Kèo Hotpot
Hotpot is a familiar dish from Hanoi to Saigon, but cá kèo hotpot is a typical regional dish. Cá kèo is a small finger-sized fish with smooth skin, it must be put into the hotpot while still alive, it has a slightly fishy taste but the meat is very sweet, tender, and bone-free, so it's very easy to eat. This is a dish from the Western region but famous nationwide thanks to its harmonious combination of 3 flavors: sour, spicy, and sweet. When it comes to Saigon specialties, you cannot ignore the fish noodle soup with the taste of the Chinese people but loved by many in Saigon. The chef will use fresh snakehead fish, cleaned of all bones, marinated with spices to make the ingredients. Then, use a broth made from pig bones to create a rich and delicious flavor that has made this dish famous throughout Saigon. The combination with vermicelli along with lettuce, chili, lime has created a special flavor for this dish.
Shellfish – Crab
Shellfish is a dish that can be both indulgent and versatile, satisfying various needs from students to social drinkers. District 4 area boasts a series of shellfish eateries, each offering dozens of shellfish varieties, incredibly enticing, and other seafood options as well.
Braised Duck Noodles
Braised duck noodles are one of the rarest finds outside of Saigon, originating from the Chinese and suitable for those who enjoy braised dishes. A famous delicious spot in Saigon is Hai Ky Duck Noodles, at 349 Nguyen Trai, the noodles here are crispy yet not chewy, the broth has a rich aroma of Chinese herbs, truly delicious.
Sizzling Pancake
Sizzling pancakes in Saigon are much larger in size compared to those in Hanoi, the diameter of the pancake is almost equal to the diameter of the pan used to fry it. The name of the pancake originates from the fact that after adding shrimp and pork belly to the pan, the chef will pour a ladle of yellow batter onto the pan and sizzle it. If you eat sizzling pancakes at a large restaurant, you won't get to enjoy the skill of the chef pouring the pancake.
Fermented Fish Noodle Soup
This is a dish that appears on food blogger Mark Wiens' list of 10 must-try dishes in Saigon, and personally, I agree. Although this dish may have a strong smell for first-time tasters, once you've tried it once, you'll become addicted.
Grilled Pork Vermicelli
Hanoi is a paradise for noodle dishes like bun, pho, and mien... but Saigon seems to lean towards mixed noodle dishes like bun, mien... Grilled pork vermicelli is a prime example. With similar ingredients to Hanoi's bun cha, but grilled pork vermicelli offers a completely different flavor profile.
Offal Stew Bread
Although named similarly, Chinese-style bread is quite different from the Vietnamese offal stew with either pork or beef, served with coconut milk broth. Specifically, besides offal stewed with pork heart, the Teochew specialty also includes stewed chicken feet, fried tofu, and eggs...
Fresh Spring Rolls
Fresh spring rolls were once voted by CNN as the world's best snack. Depending on the vendor, fresh spring rolls are served with either fermented fish sauce or sweet and sour sauce. This dish costs 5,000 dong per roll.
Trang Bang Rice Paper Rolls with Meat
Trang Bang rice paper rolls with meat originated from Tay Ninh. When introduced to the culinary scene in Saigon, this dish with its refreshing taste, accompanied by various fresh vegetables, quickly gained a certain position in the hearts of diners.
Dumplings
If you're unsure which Saigon specialty to try, dumplings are also a dish worth considering. This is one of the famous dishes with a Chinese flavor that many people love. Dumplings in Saigon are prepared similar to wontons but with more filling made from shrimp, meat,... creating a delicious dish. You can go to Ha Ton Quyen to enjoy this special dish.
Mixed, Grilled Rice Paper
Mixed, rolled, and grilled rice paper are three favorite snacks of Saigon's young generation. Priced from 10,000 to 15,000 dong, mixed rice paper is sold along the streets of Saigon. Places that sell delicious and well-known snacks are often crowded.
Bubble Tea
Bubble tea is sold everywhere in Saigon. Each bubble tea shop has its own unique flavor. Friends often avoid sitting in the shop and instead choose to grab a cup of bubble tea and go. The most popular bubble tea in Saigon right now is Phuc Long bubble tea.
Source: Compilation
Posted by: Dang Thi Thanh Huyen
Keywords: Must-Try Delicacies for First-Time Visitors to Ho Chi Minh City
