1. Grilled Beef Ribs
Grilled Beef Ribs is a popular dish in Hanoi but still somewhat rare in Ho Chi Minh City. This flavorful and enticing dish is perfect if you're out for a late-night stroll and unsure of what to eat. The main ingredients are beef ribs, grilled on a cast-iron pan with vegetables like eggplant, okra, mushrooms, and served with a delicious sauce and crispy hot bread. Tươi Nóng Quán - Grilled Beef Ribs is a casual spot ideal for those seeking a late-night meal in District 5.
The serving is generous, with seasonal vegetables and enoki mushrooms. The plate is packed without excessive filler. The meat is fresh, cut into large pieces for a satisfying bite, and the dipping sauce is highly praised by customers. After grilling, the beef and ribs are seared to perfection with a golden crust, topped with tamarind sauce or served with dipping sauce. Pairing with crispy bread elevates the experience. Grilled on a hot cast-iron pan, the beef and ribs are perfectly cooked, covered in sauce, and best enjoyed with fresh, crusty bread. The quality at Tươi Nóng Quán - Grilled Beef Ribs is excellent, consistently attracting food lovers. The ingredients are seasoned just right, grilled to a golden crisp on a buttered pan.
Address: 43 Ngô Quyền, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: 0901 110 990
Website: tuoinongquan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thanhvypham2707
Hours: 16:00 - 02:00


2. Stuffed Bitter Melon with Chili and Eggplant
Stuffed Bitter Melon with Chili and Eggplant is a traditional dish popular among the Chinese community, with a unique and distinct flavor profile. The dish consists of fish paste made from snakehead fish, stuffed into bitter melon, chili, and eggplant, then deep-fried and served with a savory broth. This dish is beloved by many and always draws a crowd at local eateries. One recommended spot is Quán Khổ Qua Cà Chớn.
The fish paste at Quán Khổ Qua Cà Chớn is made from fresh snakehead fish, perfectly seasoned, with a chewy texture, and the broth has a delightful, rich flavor. A typical serving includes stuffed chili, stuffed okra, bitter melon, eggplant, and long beans, topped with pepper and a drizzle of sesame oil. You can also pair it with noodles if you like, and dip it in a mix of chili sauce, ketchup, or Chinese-style satay. The restaurant offers a variety of toppings, so you can customize your dish with ingredients like eggplant, tofu, and okra.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 202 Phùng Hưng, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: 16:30 - 22:00


3. Cade Sticky Rice
Cade Sticky Rice is a delightful blend of sticky rice and egg yolk, infused with the alluring aroma of durian. The main component of this dish is cade, a mixture made from eggs, sugar, coconut milk, and durian, following a unique recipe from the Chinese. The result is a smooth, golden-yellow paste with a subtle, enticing fragrance. The dish also includes grated coconut and crushed peanuts for added texture. This late-night treat is available until the early hours of the morning, making it a popular choice among night-time food lovers. Cade Sticky Rice is a famous spot located on Trần Phú Street, District 5.
This simple yet beloved dish is cherished for its fragrant, sticky texture that leaves you feeling satisfied well into the night. What sets this Cade Sticky Rice apart is its rich, flavorful cade layer, carefully wrapped in banana leaves. Made from egg, flour, and fragrant coconut milk, it leaves a lasting impression on customers. When mixing the ingredients, be sure to stir gently to avoid over-thickening the mixture or creating an uneven, lumpy texture.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 451 Trần Phú, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: 18:00 - 23:00


4. Chinese-Style Sweet Soup
Known collectively as Chinese-style sweet soups, this collection features over 30 varieties, each offering the unique flavors of Chinese cuisine. Some of the most popular choices include almond jelly, lotus seed soup, tofu pudding, and soy milk bo bo. In District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, you'll find many affordable late-night dessert spots, such as Che Thanh Tam, which is open from morning until late at night and loved by locals. Here, you can easily enjoy authentic Chinese flavors, and the menu offers not just sweet soups but also a variety of delicious snacks.
Che Thanh Tam is one of the most famous Chinese dessert spots in Ho Chi Minh City. The sweet soups are prepared with delicate flavors, not overly sweet, making them popular among all ages. The shop is also known for its soft jelly, served in flavors like strawberry, pineapple, and mixed fruit, offering a delightful and refreshing taste. You’ll find yourself coming back for more once you try these unique desserts. The staff, from the owner to the servers, are warm and friendly, offering personalized recommendations to suit your taste in sweetness and ice level.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 100 Bui Huu Nghia, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: 0835 040 443
Opening Hours: 09:00 - 23:30


5. Flan Cake
Flan Cake is a beloved dessert that captures the hearts of many with its simple ingredients, including eggs and caramel, yet offers a deliciously rich flavor. The golden, smooth texture of the flan, combined with the creamy egg flavor, and topped with ice and a drizzle of coffee, is enough to enchant anyone who tries it. For true sweet tooth enthusiasts, don’t miss Flan Cake 223 located at 223 Tran Binh Trong, District 5.
Flan Cake 223 is a well-known spot for dessert lovers. The small but clean and airy shop can seat up to 40 people, making it a cozy place to enjoy a treat. The menu offers a variety of flavors, including chocolate, green tea, durian, passion fruit, and traditional egg custard. This spot is perfect for a cool break on a hot day, or simply when you're looking to enjoy good food while chatting with friends. The prices are very affordable, so you can indulge in a delicious flan that’s soft and creamy, topped with a perfect layer of sweet and slightly bitter caramel. It's a truly satisfying dessert experience.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 223 Tran Binh Trong, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: 0839 237 255
Opening Hours: 13:00 - 21:00


6. Fried Oysters with Egg
Fried Oysters with Egg is a simple yet irresistible dish that has won the hearts of many food lovers. Made from just two ingredients—oysters and eggs—this dish has a unique charm. It's a popular late-night snack, but finding a place that serves it well can be quite a challenge. If you're looking for a late-night treat on a cool evening, Fried Oysters with Egg, a specialty of District 5, is the perfect choice, and the best part is that it's very affordable. Fried Oyster with Egg Restaurant on Phung Hung Street is a favorite spot for those who love this dish.
The oysters are carefully removed from their shells, mixed with creamy eggs, and then fried to perfection, allowing the oysters to cook through while the eggs release an irresistible aroma. The accompanying sweet and sour dipping sauce adds the perfect finishing touch. Once you try it, you'll surely crave it again. If you're out for a night adventure, make sure to stop by Fried Oyster with Egg Restaurant and enjoy this delicious dish!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 128 Phung Hung, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: 0931 542 268
Opening Hours: 18:30 - 00:00


7. Electric Pole Dessert
The Electric Pole Dessert shop is located on Tran Hung Dao B Street, just past Chau Van Liem Street, inside the Soai Kinh Lam fabric market. It opens from 3 PM until late at night. To have kept customers coming back for nearly a decade, the desserts here must offer something special. The desserts here are not as simple as Northern-style sweets or as elaborate as those from Hue; instead, they create a perfect harmony of sweet and savory, with unique flavors.
Originally, the Electric Pole Dessert shop served only a few simple desserts like mung beans, red beans, lotus seeds, peanuts, and black sesame. Today, however, the shop offers over 20 distinctive and authentic Chinese-inspired desserts. While the classics like sâm bổ lượng, almond dessert, green bean soup, and red bean soup are still available, the menu now includes intriguing items like steamed egg with ginseng (similar to flan), boiled eggs with sugar tea, longan, ginkgo nuts, and water chestnuts. Prices range from 12,000 to 25,000 VND per bowl. These desserts are deeply rooted in Chinese traditions, incorporating ingredients like gui ling cao, hoai son, ginkgo nuts, bo bo, tofu skin, and quail eggs, which may surprise those unfamiliar with these flavors.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Opening Hours: 17:00 - 22:30


8. Lam Thanh Dessert
Lam Thanh Dessert is one of the best dessert shops in District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, that you shouldn't miss if you want to taste unique Chinese-style desserts. Unlike many Vietnamese desserts that use coconut milk for creaminess, the desserts here rely on fresh milk as the main ingredient to provide richness.
The shop is also famous for its soft jelly with a variety of flavors, such as strawberry, pineapple, and mixed fruit, offering a refreshing taste. You’ll likely find yourself hooked on these unique and delicious treats at this popular dessert spot in District 5. What makes this place even more special is the exceptional service. The owner and staff are incredibly warm, always ready to recommend the best options, adjusting the sweetness and ice level to suit your preferences. The shop also serves fast food to make your meal even more satisfying! Some of the most popular desserts at Lam Thanh include tea-flavored egg dessert, ginkgo nut dessert, fresh milk snow jelly, assorted mixed almond dessert, and cao linh quy with milk.
Address: 486 Tran Hung Dao, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: 10:00 - 22:00


9. Ha Ky Dessert Shop
The main focus here is on desserts with traditional Chinese flavors. However, according to the owner, in recent years, Ha Ky has added several Vietnamese desserts to the menu to cater to a variety of tastes. The shop offers two main types of desserts: hot and cold. Hot desserts include black sesame, various types of bean-based desserts such as red bean, green bean, black bean, peanut, and sticky rice dumplings. Cold desserts feature almond tofu, sweet herbal soup, red dates with longan, strawberry dessert, and lotus seed desserts. Black sesame dessert is a signature dish here. Not only is it delicious, but it is also highly nutritious. The dish has a rich black color, smooth texture, and melts on your tongue as soon as you taste it.
According to the owner, the process of roasting sesame seeds is critical to achieving the perfect flavor. Only when roasted properly can the sesame achieve the rich, sweet, and creamy taste that makes this dessert stand out. Ha Ky is always ready to serve customers with an extensive menu of desserts.
The price range is as follows: Tofu-based desserts, medicinal herbs, and flan cost 25,000 VND; bean desserts are priced at 28,000 VND. The more elaborate options, such as black sticky rice, three-color dessert, and lotus root with eggs, are priced at 33,000 VND.
Address: 138 Chau Van Liem, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: 028 3856 7039
Opening Hours: 10:00 - 22:00


10. Avocado Ice Cream
Avocado ice cream is a must-try delicacy when visiting Da Lat. Made from a blend of ripe avocado, ice cream, durian, and crispy coconut, this dessert has gained much popularity among tourists. The rich flavor of avocado and durian combined with the shredded coconut creates a dish that is both creamy and irresistible. The avocado ice cream is made from freshly ripened avocados, ensuring a natural sweetness, and is served with smooth, creamy ice cream and dry coconut that makes each spoonful rich and satisfying. Avocado Ice Cream - 251 Fruit Bowls is a well-known spot in District 5, Ho Chi Minh City for its unique ice cream and fruit bowls.
The ice cream here is fresh, made from pure avocado. In addition to ice cream, the shop also serves various drinks such as smoothies and fruit juices. Many people return to Avocado Ice Cream - 251 Fruit Bowls because the ingredients used are always fresh and consumed the same day—no leftovers for the next day. With such high-quality ingredients and a tempting menu, this is an ideal place to hang out with friends, chat, and enjoy refreshing avocado ice cream.
Address: 274 Cao Dat, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: 0972 919 393
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KemBoTraiCayTo
Opening Hours: 08:00 - 02:30


11. Crab Noodle Soup
Crab noodle soup, a quintessential Vietnamese dish, has long been a favorite in the country's cuisine. While noodle soup is enjoyed all over Vietnam, none have the distinct and rich flavor found in Saigon. The noodles are thick, round, and perfectly chewy, not too soft or mushy, with a cloudy white color. The broth is thick and flavorful, not overly greasy, and has a reddish-brown hue that is visually appealing. It is rich with the sweetness of crab meat and bones, and is complemented by fresh herbs and a dash of pepper, which enhance the fragrance and stimulate the taste buds. Bánh Canh Cua 14 on Trần Bình Trọng Street is the perfect spot for anyone craving this delicious and nutritious noodle soup.
The menu here offers a variety of choices, including crab noodle soup, crab and shrimp noodle soup, crab claw noodle soup, pork leg noodle soup, and special seafood noodle soup. Made with humble ingredients, the crab noodle soup at Bánh Canh Cua 14 has captivated food lovers from seasoned connoisseurs to the most discerning eaters. The crab meat is sweet, tender, and packed with flavor, and there's also crab paste that's soft and savory. The broth is well-seasoned, and when paired with crispy dough sticks, it's an unbeatable combination!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 221 Trần Bình Trọng, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: 0902 781 268
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://banhcanhcua14.com/gioi-thieu
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/banhcanhcua14
Opening Hours: 06:30 - 22:00


12. Blood Cockle Porridge
Porridge is a comforting dish, and in addition to the popular pork porridge, blood cockle porridge is another unique and intriguing option. The main ingredient is blood cockles, which can also be paired with oysters or minced beef. The porridge is flavored with the sweetness of simmered bones, along with fresh and fatty blood cockles that are incredibly healthy. This dish has a delicate sweetness that is just right, and it's sure to stimulate your taste buds. There's nothing better than enjoying a steaming bowl of blood cockle porridge at night, delicious and light on the stomach. Cháo Sò Huyết Nguyễn Tri Phương is a famous, long-established porridge spot in District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, and it will surely impress you on your first try.
Not only is it tasty, but it's also hygienic and highly nutritious. The blood cockles are the secret ingredient that keeps customers coming back. The cockles are stir-fried with minced pork and shallots in oil until just cooked, then seasoned perfectly. The rice for the porridge is carefully washed and toasted to a golden brown before being cooked. Here, the porridge is served with pennywort and cabbage, and the top is garnished with finely chopped onions and a sprinkle of pepper, making it not only visually appealing but also more appetizing.
Address: 207 Nguyễn Tri Phương, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: 0902 939 585
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chaosohuyet207/
Opening Hours: 10:00 - 00:00


