Top 14 Iconic and Timeless Eateries in Saigon You Must Try

Chè Hà Ký has long been a beloved name in Saigon, famous for its traditional Chinese-inspired desserts that not only delight the taste buds but also evoke memories of a bygone era. The shop’s space is fairly large, but it’s almost always crowded with customers. Thankfully, there are plenty of staff to serve you quickly, so you won't have to wait long. However, one downside is that the prices are a bit higher compared to similar places, and parking here comes with a fee.

The Chè Hà Ký shop has been around for over 30 years, starting as a small street vendor and eventually expanding into a spacious, well-established shop, offering a wide range of delicious desserts. They serve both hot options like black sesame chè, floating rice balls, and red bean chè, as well as cold treats such as strawberry chè, herbal jelly, and red apple longan chè. Besides the chè, you can also find savory dishes like steamed sticky rice cakes and rice noodles with pork. The menu is so diverse that it’s hard to choose, as every dish looks tempting and mouth-watering.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 136-138 Châu Văn Liêm, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: 028 3856 7039
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quanchehaky1985
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:30 PM

Hủ Tiếu Mỹ Tho Thanh Xuân has been serving up delicious noodle dishes for over 75 years, offering authentic Mỹ Tho-style noodle soup. Originally, the restaurant used clear, chewy tapioca noodles, but over time, they have adapted the noodles to better suit the fast-paced lifestyle of today. The menu includes a variety of noodle dishes such as Nam Vang noodles, noodle soup, and dry noodle dishes, but the most popular item is the dry crab noodle dish. Unlike the dry noodles found in Chinatown, Thanh Xuân’s version features noodles coated in a special tomato-based sauce, giving them a rich flavor. The sauce is thick and slightly tangy, making each bite more delightful. A generous bowl of dry crab noodles is filled with crab, shrimp, and minced meat.

At first glance, you’ll notice that the dry noodles at Hủ Tiếu Mỹ Tho Thanh Xuân are packed with meat and ingredients, offering great value for money. What sets this dry noodle dish apart from others is that the more sauce you mix in, the better it tastes. The noodles are chewy, and when combined with the well-seasoned sauce, the dish is absolutely delicious. When you order a bowl, you’ll find two large, juicy shrimp, tender pork, and plenty of minced meat—everything you could want in a bowl of noodles.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 62 Tôn Thất Thiệp, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: 0909 542 097
Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Hủ-tiếu-Mỹ-Tho-Thanh-Xuân-100080301588902/

Opening Hours: 06:00 AM - 01:30 PM

Chè Kỳ Đồng is a well-established dessert shop with decades of experience that has left a lasting impression on all those who visit. In its early days, the menu only featured traditional desserts like mixed chè, cocktail, and sâm bổ lượng. Over time, customers from all over the country came to enjoy the treats and offered suggestions to expand the menu to include savory dishes as well. Some loyal customers even shared their own recipes and tips, which helped the shop grow and diversify. Today, Chè Kỳ Đồng offers a wide variety of both sweet and savory dishes, from soups and fried foods to skewers. If you're not sure what to choose, I recommend trying their signature mixed chè with a rich, creamy coconut milk base that will captivate your taste buds from the first spoonful. Located at 16C Kỳ Đồng, District 3, this beloved shop has been a part of the local culture for nearly 40 years. It's a place where generations of students have created memories, savoring an array of sweet treats, fruit salads, and snacks that evoke the essence of youthful days.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 16C Kỳ Đồng, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: 0764 854 166
Website: https://chekydong.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063753932221
Opening Hours: 07:30 - 22:00

To many, bánh mì is just a quick meal, perfect for a fast-paced life. However, in a small alley in the heart of Saigon, each morning, you'll find many people sitting on old wooden stools, slowly savoring a bánh mì combo before starting their day. This spot is popular with both tourists and young locals, so if you haven’t tried it yet, make sure to stop by. Bánh Mì Hòa Mã has been a staple in Saigon for over 50 years, and its reputation endures. The shop's sign has faded over time, and the original owner, now over 80 years old, still stands by the counter slicing cold cuts and preparing the familiar toppings. This nostalgic spot never fails to attract a steady stream of regulars.

The shop itself is modest, with a timeworn sign and a humble atmosphere, but the bánh mì here retains its original, unforgettable taste. The sandwich itself features classic fillings: fried egg, pork sausage, cold cuts, pâté, and pickled vegetables. What sets Bánh Mì Hòa Mã apart is the way the sandwich fillings are served in small skillets, giving it a distinctively Vietnamese yet international flair. The bread is fresh, crispy on the outside yet soft inside, and all the fillings, like the egg, cold cuts, and sausage, are cooked fresh in the sizzling pans, keeping everything warm and vibrant. On the side, you’ll find condiments like chili sauce, ketchup, and pickled vegetables to further enhance the flavor and prevent the sandwich from becoming too greasy.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 53 Cao Thắng, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: 06:00 - 11:00

Hidden behind the small kiosks in the Old Market on Tôn Thất Đạm Street (District 1), Cơm Thố Chuyên Ký has been a beloved spot for over 60 years, serving loyal customers who crave this distinctive dish. The clay pot rice, also known as “chung phàn” (where 'chung' means pot and 'phàn' means rice), was introduced by Cantonese immigrants. The rice is cooked in small, charming pots with a pale, slightly rough texture that comes from the clay material.

The cooking method is unique—rice is placed into the pot, water is added, and the pot is then steamed in a multi-tiered steamer. This results in rice that is stickier and more flavorful than regular cooked rice, and it also retains heat much better. Along with the clay pot rice, diners can enjoy a variety of classic dishes such as sweet and sour pork ribs, stir-fried beef, fried pig organs, and dishes made with chicken, fish, shrimp, pork, crab, and squid. Cơm Thố Chuyên Ký is especially known for its medicinal herb-infused black chicken and its signature sweet and sour pork ribs. A must-try dish is the stewed clay pot eggs with vinegar and sugar or the preserved egg stew.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 65 - 67 Tôn Thất Đạm, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: 028 3829 0150
Opening Hours: 11:00 - 14:30 | 17:00 - 21:00

Cháo Lòng Cô Ba has been serving delicious dishes for over 30 years. The porridge here is prepared in a unique Southern style with a distinct flavor. The shop is tucked away at the entrance to a residential area, where the owner's food cart is set up in front to prepare dishes for customers. Diners sit on plastic chairs and eat at stainless steel tables, creating a clean and tidy atmosphere. This place serves a type of porridge that’s a bit different from the usual, with a special focus on the quality of the ingredients, especially the meat and offals. The highlight here is their homemade sausage, which stands out from the typical version that often contains blood and peanuts. Instead, the sausage is stuffed with pork loin, then steamed and fried to perfection. Each bowl of porridge is served with crispy fried dough sticks, and a side of pickled shallots with a sweet and sour flavor that complements the meat perfectly. For those who prefer an extra kick, a dash of pure fish sauce is provided for dipping. Each hearty bowl of porridge costs around 40,000 VND, which is a bit more than average but well worth it for the generous portion and quality. The porridge is always served piping hot and full, so one bowl is enough to satisfy any hunger.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 12 Nguyễn Huy Tự, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: 0909 877 224
Opening Hours: 12:00 - 19:00

The Hàu Chiên Trứng Phùng Hưng food cart has been around for two generations. Before 1975, no matter the weather, the owners could always be found at the corner of the street from 6 PM until midnight, setting up their cart, lighting the stove, and cooking with dedication. Their signature dish, deep-fried oysters with eggs, piques the curiosity of everyone who passes by. The crispy batter on the outside of the oysters contrasts perfectly with the tender, sweet oysters inside, and the richness of the egg brings everything together, enhanced by a sweet and sour dipping sauce. It's a flavor that's both familiar and new at the same time.

Every evening, the corner of Phùng Hưng Street (District 5) fills with people of all ages, gathered to enjoy this unique treat. The eggs are cracked quickly but skillfully, mixed with plump oysters and a special batter recipe that gives the dish its perfect golden crispness. The entire process is carried out on a simple, old cart by a seasoned chef. Hàu Chiên Trứng Phùng Hưng is definitely a place to visit if you’re craving a delicious and crispy oyster egg dish.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 128 Phùng Hưng, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: 0931 542 268
Opening Hours: 18:30 - 00:00

In Saigon, there are many shops and stalls selling savory sticky rice, but among the food enthusiasts, only a few names stand out. One of the most famous is Xôi Gà Bà Chiểu in Bình Thạnh District. Known for its long-standing reputation and incredibly delicious sticky rice, this place has become a favorite for many.

Xôi Gà Bà Chiểu operates daily from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM, offering only three types of sticky rice: char siu, chicken, and mixed. From opening until closing, the stall is always bustling with customers. The sticky rice here is exceptional, with the char siu and chicken being the most popular choices. A single box of sticky rice is generously filled, with tender char siu slices, flavorful marinated chicken, crispy fried skin, and aromatic sticky rice that is perfectly soft and fragrant. It’s topped off with savory red shrimp floss and fried onions, making it a dish that leaves a lasting impression on anyone who tries it.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 318/1 Bùi Hữu Nghĩa, Bình Thạnh District, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: 0932 066 452
Opening Hours: 16:00 - 23:00

Founded in 1975, Hủ Tiếu Hồng Phát has become a long-standing favorite among locals in Ho Chi Minh City. The restaurant is renowned for its signature Nam Vang-style hu tieu. Each bowl is packed with high-quality ingredients, including shrimp, offals, quail eggs, and more. What sets it apart is the delicious blend of fried onions, dried shrimp, minced meat, and scallions, which adds an aromatic, unique flavor. The broth is sweet and clear, leaving you completely satisfied with every bite.

Aside from the special Nam Vang hu tieu, Hủ Tiếu Hồng Phát is also known for its meticulously crafted Vietnamese-Chinese noodle and rice dishes. The hu tieu here is praised for its sweet and light broth, with every bowl filled with minced meat, pig’s liver, shrimp, and quail eggs, making it visually appealing. The dry or soup-style hu tieu bowls are generously topped with these ingredients, and the first spoonful reveals a rich, savory taste from the bone broth and dried squid, combined harmoniously with the fillings. It’s a flavor that stands out, making this dish a must-try in Saigon. The restaurant’s spacious, clean environment ensures every customer enjoys a comfortable dining experience.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address:

• 389 - 391 Võ Văn Tần, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City - 028 3839 0187 & 0911 389 391
• 102A Xuân Thuỷ, Thủ Đức, Ho Chi Minh City - 0908 023 388

Email: [email protected]
Website: https://hutieuhongphat.com/
Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/hutieuhongphat
Opening Hours: 06:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Bánh Mì Bảy Hổ has been serving its signature sandwiches for over 80 years and is a beloved dish in Saigon. Though small in size, the sandwich packs a flavorful punch with thinly sliced boiled pork and a rich, savory broth that has been transformed into a delicious sauce. This combination has won the hearts of many, with some even joking that their family has been eating Bánh Mì Bảy Hổ for generations. The legacy of this sandwich shop runs deep, cementing its place in the hearts of locals.

Bánh Mì Bảy Hổ is simple yet full of memories, a testament to the ups and downs of Saigon's people. Despite the many new eateries and food trends, loyal customers of Bánh Mì Bảy Hổ will always consider it irreplaceable. Eating here gives you a sense of the warm, welcoming spirit of Saigon, where anyone, from working-class folks to wealthy businesspeople, can stop by and enjoy a sandwich on a leisurely weekend. It’s a place where everyone feels equal, united by the love of this iconic sandwich.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address:

• 19 Huỳnh Khương Ninh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• 148 Nguyễn Văn Thủ, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Phone: 0907 321 160

Email: [email protected]

Website: banhmibayho.com/gia-dinh-bay-ho

Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063487449363

Opening Hours: 05:30 AM - 06:00 PM

Phở Dậu is a long-standing and family-run pho shop with over 60 years of tradition, spanning three generations. Despite the countless changes Saigon has experienced, Phở Dậu has remained steadfast. If you were looking for an image to capture the enduring spirit of Saigon, Phở Dậu would be the perfect symbol. This pho shop has no herbs, not even the traditional coriander – ingredients often considered essential to pho. Phở Dậu doesn’t even have bean sprouts. What makes Phở Dậu worth the visit is the pure, authentic Northern-style pho flavor it offers. For decades, the restaurant has been famously known as “Phở Nguyễn Cao Kỳ,” after the general who frequently dined there, so much so that the owner reserved a special table just for him. Phở Dậu’s recipe has remained unchanged over the years, keeping the unique flavors alive.

No pho shop in Saigon quite compares to the taste of Phở Dậu. The broth, made from simmering bones for hours, is rich and deeply savory, filling your senses from the first sip. Eating at Phở Dậu follows a particular ritual. When your bowl arrives, it’s accompanied by a plate of white onions. A dash of chili sauce is added and stirred together – this is Northern-style chili paste, not the industrial-grade sauces you might find elsewhere. Then, you take your first spoonful, allowing the rich bone broth to warm your throat. Next, you pick up a tender piece of beef, unique to Phở Dậu, and savor its flavor. Afterward, a second spoonful of broth and a bite of the perfectly cooked pho noodle. Phở Dậu preserves the true essence of pho, maintaining its traditional preparation, keeping the soul of pho alive, and delivering the addictive flavor that has kept diners coming back for years.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 288 M1 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: 028 3846 5866 & 0903 611 505
Email: [email protected]
Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/phodau288
Opening Hours: 06:00 AM - 12:00 PM