Saigon's Culinary Charms That Linger in Memory

From a steaming bowl of hủ tiếu to a crispy baguette or a flavorful plate of broken rice... these are not just tasty treats, but the unique flavors that define Saigon.

Even when Saigonese venture far from home, their hearts always ache with nostalgia for the bustling city and its warm people. Beyond the scenery, scents, and people, the dishes intertwined with the years also contribute to the homesickness felt by those far away.

Saigon's Culinary Charms That Linger in Memory

Broken Rice

The plate of broken rice from Saigon has etched itself into the memories of many. On a chilly morning, vendors bring out a plate of rice cooked to perfection, smoke rising, with a tender rib and shredded pork skin on top. A splash of fish sauce, a quick blow to cool it down, and they enjoy it deliciously.

Savory Fermented Fish Noodle Soup (Bún mắm)

It's not just the western rivers that boast delicious fermented fish noodle soup; Saigon has bustling spots serving this unique and savory dish. The bún mắm has a strangely delightful taste, with a perfect balance of salty and sweet, loaded with shrimp, squid, crispy pork, and accompanied by bitter greens that leave nothing to be desired.

Rare Beef with Poached Egg (Thịt bò tái hột gà)

Every pho restaurant serves the rare beef with poached egg. A steaming bowl of beef, fragrant and richly seasoned, with the owner adding a freshly cracked egg when the broth is still boiling. The egg whites turn cloudy white, topped with a sprinkle of black pepper and a few pieces of finely chopped scallions. The tender and tasty beef is usually enjoyed by Saigonese in the early morning.

Nam Vang Noodle Soup (Hủ tiếu Nam Vang)

Originating from Cambodia and adapted by the Chinese immigrants in Saigon, Nam Vang noodle soup has transformed in terms of ingredients and flavors. The broth consists of minced meat and pork organs. The bowl includes shrimp, organs, heart, liver, quail eggs, and a tantalizing mix of ingredients like fried shallots, dried shrimp, and green onions.

Savory Offal Congee

This dish has become popular among laborers and civil servants. In the afternoon, when hunger strikes, one can run to the end of the alley for a bowl of congee filled with blood, sautéed intestines, and heart. Adding pieces of fried breadstick into the bowl, stirring it around, and then scooping it up with a spoon to cool it down a bit before savoring it. Simple as it is, Saigonese are all nostalgic for the taste of this congee.

Rice Rolls

When it comes to rice rolls, Saigon locals immediately think of the image of a vendor squatting beside a steaming pot, skillfully ladling out the rice rolls, stuffing them with filling, and serving them immediately for customers to enjoy while still hot.

Sizzling Pancake

Saigon has two seasons: rainy and sunny, and eating sizzling pancakes in the rain has become an unwritten rule. The crispy golden pancakes, rolled up with green mustard leaves, topped with vegetables and bean sprouts, dipped in fish sauce, and chewed with a delightful crunch. The craving for sizzling pancakes intensifies with the image of family and friends gathering together.

Fish Cake Baguette

For those who have experienced school days, they surely can't forget the time spent munching on fish cake baguettes for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Golden-fried fish cakes, emitting a fragrant aroma, placed inside a baguette and topped with chili sauce.

Rice Noodle Soup with Crab Paste

Not everyone enjoys rice noodle soup with crab paste, but once you acquire the taste, you'll forever remember its unique flavor. A bowl of rice noodle soup with crab paste includes tofu, crab paste, blood pudding, and tomatoes. The best rice noodle soups are often found in markets or street-side eateries, as upscale places in Saigon rarely serve this dish.

Snails

When talking about Saigon's cuisine, overlooking snails would be a significant omission. Only in Vietnam can you find sidewalk snail eateries, popping up densely at the beginning or end of alleys, offering numerous delicious snail dishes like apple snails, periwinkles, clams, and more.

According to VnExpress

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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour