Buzz
Saigon is a vibrant hub where people from all regions of the country converge, making its culinary scene incredibly diverse. The city is renowned for its Southern Vietnamese delicacies, as well as a wide array of specialty dishes imported from every corner of the nation. If you ever visit Saigon, Mytour suggests taking the time to savor the iconic dishes that have put Saigon's cuisine on the map. These unforgettable flavors are sure to leave a lasting impression on any traveler.
Don't leave Saigon without trying these 10 must-eat dishes!
Broken rice (Cơm tấm)
It’s no exaggeration to say that broken rice (Cơm tấm) is a standout among Saigon's culinary specialties. This iconic dish is so ubiquitous that locals enjoy it throughout the day, from breakfast to lunch and dinner. For many, it’s even the perfect choice for late-night meals. For first-time visitors to Saigon tourism unsure of what to eat, a plate of broken rice is a brilliant and satisfying option.
A complete plate of broken rice is a feast in itself, featuring grilled pork ribs, steamed egg meatloaf, shredded pork skin, fried eggs, Vietnamese sausage, and pickled vegetables. To enhance the flavor, it’s often topped with scallion oil and crispy pork fat. The dish is typically served with a sweet and spicy fish sauce, adding a distinctive taste to Saigon-style broken rice. Priced between 25,000 to 40,000 VND, it’s an affordable yet hearty meal for any traveler.
Crab soup (Súp cua)
In Hanoi and many northern provinces, crab soup is often reserved as a delicacy served in restaurants or at formal events. However, in Saigon, it’s a beloved street food that’s both accessible and affordable. Travelers can enjoy a high-quality bowl of crab soup from street vendors for just 15,000 to 20,000 VND. Saigon’s version is rich and diverse, featuring crab meat, shredded chicken, quail eggs, mushrooms, and sometimes even century eggs, pork loaf, or pork brain to make the dish more substantial and flavorful.
The golden, velvety broth of crab soup, paired with crab meat, cilantro, pepper, and chili, creates an irresistible aroma and natural sweetness that never feels overwhelming. Whether it’s hot or cold, dry or rainy, crab soup stalls remain a favorite choice for many food lovers.
Fried rice flour cake (Bột chiên)
Originally a Chinese dish, this snack has been adapted to suit Vietnamese tastes and has become a signature street food of Saigon. Made from a mix of wheat flour and tapioca starch with a touch of oil, the batter is cooked over low heat until it firms up and turns a creamy ivory color.
Next, the mixture is steamed in square molds, cooled, cut into small cubes, and then fried in hot oil with eggs, resulting in a crispy yet chewy texture that’s utterly satisfying.
Spring rolls (Gỏi cuốn)
In Saigon, spring rolls have long been a beloved dish due to their universal appeal and ease of preparation. With just four main ingredients—rice paper, fresh herbs, vermicelli noodles, and a combination of meat and shrimp—this dish delivers a perfect balance of sour, spicy, salty, sweet, and aromatic flavors.
To make delicious spring rolls, the ingredients must be fresh, and the rolling technique must be skillful. A well-rolled spring roll should be firm but not too tight, ensuring it holds together without breaking. The dipping sauce also plays a crucial role in defining the dish’s unique flavor. Spring rolls are typically served with two main types of dipping sauces: soy sauce and fermented fish sauce.
Noodle soup (Hủ tiếu)
Hủ tiếu is a humble yet iconic street food deeply ingrained in Saigon's culinary culture. Among its many variations, the most famous is hủ tiếu gõ, a simple yet flavorful dish. Visitors on domestic tours to Saigon can also explore other versions like rich beef stew hủ tiếu, Nam Vang-style hủ tiếu, or squid-based hủ tiếu, each offering unique ingredients and flavors, ranging from elaborate to straightforward.
Hủ tiếu is a versatile dish that fits any time of day, whether for breakfast or a late-night snack. Its soft, chewy noodles and fragrant, savory broth make it an unforgettable part of Saigon's food scene, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who tries it.
Bánh mì
While bánh mì is found across Vietnam, each region adds its own twist to this familiar dish. Saigon stands out with its creative variations, drawing attention from food enthusiasts. The most popular version here is the mixed bánh mì, loaded with pâté, cold cuts, sausage, and ham. Other unique takes include grilled pork bánh mì, shredded pork skin bánh mì, and bánh mì with braised beef. Priced between 15,000 to 20,000 VND, these sandwiches are both delicious and affordable, making them a must-try for visitors.
