Every day, the question “what to eat in Ho Chi Minh City?” always leaves many people wondering amidst countless choices. From familiar street food to luxurious restaurants, HCMC always offers enough flavors for every taste and occasion. If you don’t know what to enjoy or are looking for a suitable place for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or special gatherings, the following 20 suggestions from Hotel Nikko Saigon will help you easily plan your culinary journey.

I. What to Eat in Ho Chi Minh City: 20 Must-Try Dishes for Every Craving

Ho Chi Minh City’s cuisine is a multi-colored lens, where rustic simplicity blends with modern sophistication. To fully answer the question of what to eat in Ho Chi Minh City, the list below spans from traditional breakfast dishes, light office lunches, to cozy options when you wonder about Ho Chi Minh City food guide.

Vietnamese Beef Pho

Beef phở is the perfect start to a new day in this city. Saigon phở broth usually has a sweet, clear taste from simmered marrow bones with a touch of rock sugar, accompanied by the fragrant aroma of cinnamon, star anise, and cardamom. A steaming bowl of phở with a full combination of rare beef, brisket, flank, tendon, and beef meatballs, served with a plate of herbs, thorny coriander, basil, and a touch of characteristic black sweet sauce will provide abundant energy.

A few famous beef phở addresses in Saigon:

Phở Cao Vân: 25 Mac Dinh Chi, Da Kao Ward, District 1 (Price range: 70,000 VND – 90,000 VND)
Phở Hòa Pasteur: 260C Pasteur, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3 (Price range: 90,000 VND – 110,000 VND)
Phở Lệ: 415 Nguyen Trai, Ward 7, District 5 (Price range: 85,000 VND – 105,000 VND)

what to eat in Ho Chi Minh City — A flavorful bowl of beef phở with rare beef and brisket for breakfast.

Banh Mi

If you are in a hurry and wondering Ho Chi Minh City food guide for a quick meal, bánh mì is the ideal answer. The crispy crust on the outside, dense and soft crumbs inside, harmoniously combined with rich liver pâté, egg butter, pork roll, cold cuts, char siu, cucumber, and pickles. The blend of ingredients creates a unique cultural feature that lingers in the hearts of diners.

A few Saigon bánh mì shops:

Bánh mì Huỳnh Hoa: 26 Le Thi Riêng, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1 (Price range: 65,000 VND – 70,000 VND)
Bánh mì Bảy Hổ: 19 Huynh Khuong Ninh, Da Kao Ward, District 1 (Price range: 20,000 VND – 35,000 VND)
Bánh mì chảo Hòa Mã: 53 Cao Thang, Ward 3, District 3 (Price range: 40,000 VND – 70,000 VND)

Com Tam (Broken Rice)

It would be a shortcoming if the list of what to eat in Ho Chi Minh City lacked cơm tấm. The smooth broken rice grains are served with a juicy, deeply marinated grilled pork chop, egg meatloaf, crispy shredded pork skin, and a sunny-side-up egg with a runny yolk. Drizzled with a bit of thick, sweet garlic chili fish sauce, this dish can be enjoyed at any time from early morning to late night.

A few famous cơm tấm eateries in Saigon:

Cơm tấm Ba Ghiền: 84 Dang Van Ngu, Ward 10, Phu Nhuan District (Price range: 80,000 VND – 120,000 VND)
Cơm tấm Phúc Lộc Thọ: 223 Nguyen Thi Thap, Tan Phu Ward, District 7 (Price range: 40,000 VND – 75,000 VND)
Cơm tấm Bãi Rác: 77 Le Thach, Ward 6, District 4 (Price range: 70,000 VND – 150,000 VND)

best food in Saigon vietnam — A delicious plate of broken rice with grilled pork chop.

Hu Tieu Nam Vang

Hủ tiếu Nam Vang is a familiar dish bearing a deep mark of cultural intersection. The chewy yet soft noodle strands combine with a sweet, rich broth made from marrow bones, dried squid, and dried shrimp. The highlight is the rich toppings such as minced meat, fresh shrimp, squid, liver, pork heart, and quail eggs. You can choose the warm soup version or the dry hủ tiếu with flavorful sauce when wondering what to eat in Ho Chi Minh City.

A few crowded hủ tiếu Nam Vang shops in Saigon:

Hủ tiếu Nam Vang Thành Đạt: 34 Ly Thai To, Ward 2, District 3 (Price range: 55,000 VND – 75,000 VND)
Hủ tiếu Nam Vang Quỳnh: A65 Nguyen Trai, Cu Trinh Ward, District 1 (Price range: 80,000 VND – 95,000 VND)
Hủ tiếu Nhân Quán: 122D Cach Mang Thang 8, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3 (Price range: 75,000 VND – 90,000 VND)

Bun Bo Hue

In the heart of the bustling city, a rich bowl of bún bò Huế with thick noodles, a broth fragrant with fermented shrimp paste and lemongrass stalks is an excellent choice. The hearty bowl includes tender beef shank, crab balls, pork roll, and well-stewed pork trotter, served with shredded banana blossom, bean sprouts, and lemon basil. This is a dish that warms the hearts of diners on cool weather days.

A few authentic bún bò Huế addresses:

Bún bò Huế Út Hưng: 113 Ba Huyen Thanh Quan, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3 (Price range: 50,000 VND – 80,000 VND)
Bún bò Đông Ba: 207 Nguyen Van Thu, Da Kao Ward, District 1 (Price range: 65,000 VND – 90,000 VND)
Bún bò Ngự Bình: 82 Nguyen Van Troi Residence, Ward 17, Phu Nhuan District (Price range: 70,000 VND – 95,000 VND)

Bun Cha

Bringing the delicate flavor of the capital to the South, bún chả is a popular lunch dish for many when looking for best food in Saigon vietnam. The minced pork patties and pork belly are grilled to a slight char over red charcoal, emitting a gentle aroma, resting in a bowl of warm sweet and sour dipping sauce, served with fresh vermicelli and a plate of cooling fresh vegetables.

A few delicious bún chả shops:

Bún chả Ánh Hồng: 140B Vo Thi Sau, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3 (Price range: 60,000 VND – 85,000 VND)
Bún chả Hà Nội 26: Alley 26 Thai Van Lung, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1 (Price range: 50,000 VND – 70,000 VND)
Bún chả Hồ Gươm: 29 Truong Dinh, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3 (Price range: 55,000 VND – 75,000 VND)

Vietnamese Hot Pot

When twilight falls, the question Ho Chi Minh City food guide often leads us to steaming hotpots. Saigon has countless types of hotpot, from pure vegetarian hotpot, light mushroom hotpot, taste-bud-stimulating spicy and sour Thai hotpot, to cù lao hotpot bearing the distinct flavors of the Western river region. This is an occasion for everyone to gather and chat after a working day without worrying about what to eat in Ho Chi Minh City.

A few cozy hotpot restaurants in Saigon:

Lẩu mắm Bà Vú: 94 Vinh Khanh, Ward 10, District 4 (Price range: 200,000 VND – 350,000 VND/pot)
Lẩu cá Dân Ích: 99 Chau Van Liem, Ward 14, District 5 (Price range: 250,000 VND – 450,000 VND/pot)
Haidilao Hotpot: 2nd Floor, Bitexco Financial Tower, District 1 (Price range: 350,000 VND – 600,000 VND/person)

Korean BBQ & Japanese BBQ

For end-of-the-day gatherings with friends, BBQ grilling is always a top priority. The sizzling sound of meat on the grill, the aroma wafting from thoroughly marinated beef belly, beef ribs, and seafood create an incredibly vibrant atmosphere. You will easily choose a space to your liking because grilling spots in Saigon are highly diverse, ranging from budget street side stalls to modern restaurants.

A few delicious BBQ spots in Saigon:

Buk Buk Lê Văn Sỹ: 347 Le Van Sy, Ward 1, Tan Binh District (Price range: 199,000 VND – 299,000 VND/person)
BBQ Panda: 47 Nguyen Tri Phuong, Ward 6, District 5 (Price range: 150,000 VND – 250,000 VND/person)
Chili Quán: 232/105 Vinh Khanh, Ward 10, District 4 (Price range: 100,000 VND – 200.000 VND/person)

Sushi

If you want to change your palate with a light and healthy international cuisine, sushi is a choice not to be missed when considering what to eat in Ho Chi Minh City. The finely shaped sushi pieces made from soft, fragrant Japanese rice grains, combined with diverse toppings like shrimp, grilled eel, salmon roe, or ripe avocado, bring a balance of flavors to both your lunch and dinner.

A few quality sushi restaurants in Saigon:

Sushi Tony: 219 Nguyen Cong Tru, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1 (Price range: 150,000 VND – 300,000 VND/person)
Sushi Hokkaido Sachi: 139 A-B Nguyen Trai, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1 (Price range: 400,000 VND – 700,000 VND/person)
Sushi Kei: 5th Floor, Van Hanh Mall, 11 Su Van Hanh, District 10 (Price range: 200,000 VND – 400,000 VND/person)

Sashimi

Pairing with sushi, sashimi represents the purity of the cuisine from the land of cherry blossoms. Fresh slices of salmon, tuna, octopus, or red clam are delicately cut and sliced, retaining the natural sweetness of the ocean. Dipped in a bit of Japanese soy sauce mixed with pungent wasabi, the dish stimulates all senses and serves as an excellent answer for what to eat in Ho Chi Minh City.

A few addresses serving fresh sashimi in Saigon:

Shamoji Robata Grill: 08 Ngo Duc Ke, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1 (Price range: 350,000 VND – 600,000 VND/person)
Yen Sushi & Sake Pub: 8 Ngo Thoi Nhiem, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3 (Price range: 400,000 VND – 800,000 VND/person)
Chiyoda Sushi: 178 Pasteur, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1 (Price range: 350,000 VND – 700,000 VND/person)

Cantonese Dim Sum

Dimsum offers a gentle yet incredibly rich experience for lunch or dinner when you are not sure about best food in Saigon vietnam. The small bamboo steaming baskets contain shrimp and meat dumplings, crystal shrimp dumplings, shaomai, lava buns, or steamed chicken feet in black bean sauce. The thin, chewy wrapper hugging the juicy filling creates a very unique sophistication.

A few famous dimsum restaurants in Saigon:

Dim Tu Tac: 55 Dong Du, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1 (Price range: 300,000 VND – 500,000 VND/person)
Khang Dim Sum Bar: 20 Nguyen Duy Duong, Ward 8, District 5 (Price range: 150,000 VND – 300,000 VND/person)
Bao Bei: 2nd Floor, Viettel Tower, 285 Cach Mang Thang 8, District 10 (Price range: 250,000 VND – 400,000 VND/person)

Ho Chi Minh City food guide — A Cantonese dimsum basket with thin, chewy skin and juicy filling.

Seafood Buffet

For days when you want to treat yourself to a grand feast, a seafood buffet is an ideal recommendation when you do not know what to eat in Ho Chi Minh City. You can freely enjoy crabs, lobsters, flower crabs, clams, and snails prepared in many styles like tamarind sauce, grilled with scallion oil, steamed with lemongrass, or cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce.

A few luxurious seafood buffet spots in Saigon:

The Log Restaurant: GEM Center, 8 Nguyen Binh Khiem, District 1 (Price range: 1,300,000 VND – 1,800,000 VND/person)
Buffet hải sản D’Maris: Lotte Mart District 7, 469 Nguyen Huu Tho, District 7 (Price range: 450,000 VND – 650,000 VND/person)
Sheraton Saigon Cafe: 88 Dong Khoi, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1 (Price range: 1,400,000 VND – 1,900,000 VND/person)

Steak

A peaceful space with soft yellow lights and a medium-rare steak plate is an excellent choice for couples when wondering about Ho Chi Minh City food guide. The tender, juicy piece of beef retains its natural sweetness, served with rich black pepper or mushroom sauce, combined with mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables to make the dinner complete.

A few highly-rated steak houses in Saigon:

El Gaucho Argentinian Steakhouse: 74/1 Hai Ba Trung, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1 (Price range: 800,000 VND – 2,500,000 VND/person)
B3 Steakhouse & Craft Beer: 1st Floor, 90 Nguyen Hue, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1 (Price range: 350,000 VND – 700,000 VND/person)
Topping Beef: 16L Le Hong Phong, Ward 12, District 10 (Price range: 200,000 VND – 450,000 VND/person)

Pizza

Pizza is a dish with high connectivity, suitable for both families and groups of friends when thinking about what to eat in Ho Chi Minh City. From traditional Italian wood-fired thin-crust pizzas to thick-crust American pizzas overflowing with cheese, the diverse toppings from seafood, cold cuts, to minced beef always hold a huge appeal for all ages and add excitement to the meal.

A few favorite pizza brands in Saigon:

Pizza 4P’s: 8/15 Le Thanh Ton, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1 (Price range: 200,000 VND – 400,000 VND/person)
The Pizza Company: 506-508 Nguyen Thi Thap, District 7 (Price range: 150,000 VND – 250,000 VND/person)
Buzza Pizza: 4th Floor, NowZone, 235 Nguyen Van Cu, District 5 (Price range: 120,000 VND – 250,000 VND/person)

Pasta

Pasta is an inseparable companion of pizza, creating a light Western culinary duo. The freshly boiled pasta strands, retaining a slight chewiness, are tightly coated in sauces such as traditional minced meat tomato sauce, or rich bacon carbonara cream sauce, offering an interesting choice for the query what to eat in Ho Chi Minh City.

A few restaurants serving authentic pasta in Saigon:

Pasta Danza: 43 Nguyen Hue, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1 (Price range: 150,000 VND – 300,000 VND/person)
Pendolasco: 36 Tong Huu Dinh, Thao Dien Ward, District 2 (Price range: 200,000 VND – 450,000 VND/person)
Ciao Bella: 11 Dong Du, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1 (Price range: 250,000 VND – 500,000 VND/person)

Thai Cuisine

Thai cuisine with its harmonious combination of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors always has a large fan base in this city. If you are hesitant about best food in Saigon vietnam to stimulate your taste buds after a tiring working day, try a rich plate of Pad Thai, a warm, sour and spicy bowl of Tom Yum soup, or a crispy, super-spicy papaya salad with salted crab.

A few authentic Thai food addresses in Saigon:

TukTuk Thai Bistro: 38 Ly Tu Trong, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1 (Price range: 200,000 VND – 350,000 VND/person)
Som Tum Thai: 5th Floor, Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, District 1 (Price range: 180,000 VND – 300,000 VND/person)
ANH TUKK: 23 Dong Khoi, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1 (Price range: 250,000 VND – 450,000 VND/person)

Korean Cuisine

Korean dishes are always a popular choice for young people when seeking the answer for what to eat in Ho Chi Minh City. A boiling pot of kimchi soup, a plate of spicy tokbokki rice cakes loaded with cheese, a colorful bowl of bibimbap mixed rice, or crispy honey-glazed fried chicken will bring warm, close culinary experiences with loved ones.

A few Korean food joints loved by youth:

Mr. Park (Grilled Ribs): 14 Le Quy Don, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3 (Price range: 250,000 VND – 400,000 VND/person)
K-Pub: 840 Nguyen Van Linh, Tan Phong Ward, District 7 (Price range: 200,000 VND – 350,000 VND/person)
Hanuri Korean Fast Food: 736 Su Van Hanh, Ward 12, District 10 (Price range: 50,000 VND – 120,000 VND/person)

Fresh Seafood

Aside from buffets, fresh seafood restaurants sold by weight or by dish in Saigon are also extremely bustling. Enjoying a few plates of sweet snail with salted egg sauce, grilled oysters with cheese, steamed squid with scallions, or grilled giant freshwater prawns with chili salt in an airy space is a familiar relaxing habit of locals whenever they search for best food in Saigon vietnam.

A few famous seafood and snail joints:

Hải sản Ngọc Sương: 106 Suong Nguyet Anh, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1 (Price range: 400,000 VND – 800,000 VND/person)
Ốc Đào: 212B/D28 Nguyen Trai, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1 (Price range: 80,000 VND – 200,000 VND/dish)
Ốc Như: 650/4/29 Dien Bien Phu, Ward 11, District 10 (Price range: 60,000 VND – 150,000 VND/dish)

Afternoon Tea

If you want to find a quiet moment in the middle of the day to chat with partners or friends instead of worrying about what to eat in Ho Chi Minh City, Afternoon Tea is an elegant experience. Enjoying cups of tea with a gentle floral aroma, accompanied by beautiful small pastries, fruit tarts, and scones in a quiet space will help you regenerate energy effectively.

A few relaxing afternoon tea locations:

Villa Song Saigon: 197/2 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien Ward, District 2 (Price range: 400,000 VND – 600,000 VND/set)
Café Cardinal: 6th Floor, The Reverie Saigon, 22-36 Nguyen Hue, District 1 (Price range: 650,000 VND – 900,000 VND/set)
Paul Bakery: Ground Floor, Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, District 1 (Price range: 300,000 VND – 500,000 VND/set)

International Buffet at Hotel Nikko Saigon

To close the list of what to eat in Ho Chi Minh City with a truly special experience, the international buffet at Hotel Nikko Saigon is a destination not to be missed. Famous for its diverse menu and carefully selected ingredients, this place brings diners a cross-continental taste journey with premium seafood, and sophisticated Asian – European dishes prepared by experienced chefs in a gentle and relaxing atmosphere.

Dining spaces at Hotel Nikko Saigon dedicated to you:

La Brasserie: Ground Floor, Hotel Nikko Saigon, 235 Nguyen Van Cu, District 5 – Famous for its premium seafood and international buffet menu (Price range: 1,500,000 VND – 2,000,000 VND/person).
Ming Court: 3rd Floor, Hotel Nikko Saigon, 235 Nguyen Van Cu, District 5 – A sophisticated space for Cantonese cuisine and Dimsum buffet (Price range: from 120,000 VND/dish or buffet from 650,000 VND/person).
The Lounge: Lobby area, Hotel Nikko Saigon, 235 Nguyen Van Cu, District 5 – The ideal location for a gentle afternoon tea and enjoying live music (Price range: 450,000 VND – 600,000 VND/tea set for 2 people).

II. Tips for Choosing the Best Food Experience in Ho Chi Minh City

To have a complete culinary experience and not waste too much time thinking about what to eat in Ho Chi Minh City, you can pocket a few simple tips below.

Determine the Budget: Saigon caters to all spending levels. Clearly determining your budget will help you easily narrow down your search from casual street food stalls to premium restaurants, helping you be more proactive in your selection.
Choose by Transportation Area: The city is very large and prone to traffic jams during peak hours. When planning best food in Saigon vietnam, you should prioritize locations near your accommodation, workplace, or on a convenient route to make the meal most comfortable.
Going in Groups or Pairs: The number of people determines the type of eatery. Romantic spaces like steak houses or tea shops are suitable for couples; while spacious hotpot, BBQ, or buffet restaurants are ideal choices for large groups to quickly solve the puzzle of what to eat in Ho Chi Minh City.
Book a Table in Advance on Weekends: On weekends, the demand for gatherings rises, causing many restaurants to be regularly fully booked. To avoid waiting for a long time, you should proactively contact and book a table at least a few hours or a day in advance.
Prioritize Restaurants with Multiple Dish Options: When going out with a multi-generational family, dining preferences will definitely differ. Restaurants integrating various culinary styles will help all members choose their favorite dishes, quickly resolving the question of what to eat in Ho Chi Minh City.

III. FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a light yet delicious options for Ho Chi Minh City food guide?

For a light afternoon snack or dinner, you can choose Hủ tiếu Nam Vang, bánh mì, steamed dumplings, or an elegant afternoon tea session to relax without having to think about Ho Chi Minh City food guide.

2. Which culinary meeting point is suitable for families with both elderly people and young children?

International buffet or dimsum restaurants with spacious, quiet environments are suitable choices thanks to their diverse menus, well-meeting all tastes whenever the family wonders what to eat in Ho Chi Minh City.

3. How to enjoy fresh seafood with attentive service in Saigon?

You can choose to dine at major hotels such as Hotel Nikko Saigon. This place possesses strictly inspected, delicately prepared seafood sources along with a polite space and professional service.

>>>You may also like these: Top 12 The Hotel has a Swimming Pool in District 1 Worth Experiencing

IV. Conclusion

From familiar street food to premium culinary experiences, HCMC always offers countless choices for the question of what to eat in Ho Chi Minh City. If you want to enjoy multiple culinary styles in the same destination, Hotel Nikko Saigon is a recommendation worth considering with the international buffet at La Brasserie, Cantonese cuisine at Ming Court, and a relaxing space at The Lounge, suitable for both daily meals and special occasions.

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Contact information:

Hotel Nikko Saigon

Địa chỉ: 235 Nguyen Van Cu Street, Cau Ong Lanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (Formerly District 1)

Tel: 028 3925 7777

Email: reservation@hotelnikkosaigon.com.vn

Website: https://hotelnikkosaigon.com.vn/

Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/hotelnikkosaigonvn