Best Places to Eat in Ho Chi Minh City

Best Dishes to Try in Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam)

Here is a selection of ten street foods to try in Ho Chi Minh City, complete with details on ingredients, dietary choices, and pricing. These delicious options are made at almost all the popular places to eat in Ho Chi Minh City, showcasing the vibrant street food culture.

• Bánh Mì

  A Vietnamese baguette sandwich filled with meats like pork or chicken, pâté, pickled carrots, cucumbers, cilantro, and mayonnaise. It provides a delightful mix of savoury, tangy, and fresh flavours. Vegetarian options feature tofu or fried egg.

  • Type: Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: INR 84 - 210

• Phở

  This traditional noodle soup consists of rice noodles in a savoury broth, typically made from beef or chicken bones. It is garnished with herbs, bean sprouts, lime, and chilli, offering a comforting and aromatic meal.

  • Type: Non-vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: INR 116 - 267 per serving

• Banh Xeo

  A crispy, savoury pancake stuffed with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, served with fresh lettuce and herbs. It is often wrapped in rice paper or lettuce before eating.

  • Type: Non-vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: INR 168 - 420

• Bun Thit Nuong

  Vermicelli noodles topped with grilled pork, peanuts, fresh herbs, and pickled vegetables, served with fish sauce, offering a light and aromatic dish.

  • Type: Non-vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: INR 126 - 168

• Che (Vietnamese Sweet Soup)

  It is a sweet dessert soup with many varieties, made with beans, jellies, coconut milk, and fruits. It is served cold, making it a refreshing treat on hot days.

  • Type: Vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: INR 42 - 84

• Bun Bo Hue

  This spicy soup from Hue, Vietnam, is known for its bold flavours of lemongrass, chilli, and fermented shrimp paste. The broth is rich and tangy, with hearty slices of beef or pork. Its vibrant orange comes from paprika or annatto oil, making it fragrant and flavourful.

  • Type: Non-vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: INR 168 - 252

• Bo Bia

  Bo Bia is a rustic dish that rolls a mixture of cassava tubers, dried shrimp, lettuce, herbs, sausages, and eggs on thin rice paper. It is typically served with a unique soy sauce that combines sweetness, spiciness, and a nutty flavour.

  • Type: Non-vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: INR 42 - 168 per roll

• Banh Trang Tron (Rice Paper Mixture)

  It is made from dried beef jerky, shrimp, deep-fried shallots, quail eggs, green mango slices and chilli powder. It offers a spicy, savoury, and tangy flavour combination.

  • Type: Non-vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: INR 42 - 168

• Oc Thao

  It is a popular snail eatery frequented by local celebrities and is known for its flavourful and affordable seafood dishes. Guests can enjoy snail dishes with two signature dipping sauces: salt with green pepper and Vietnamese dipping sauce.

  • Type: Non-vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: INR 83 - 116

• Dua Tac (Coconut Kumquat)

  A refreshing drink made with coconut water, sour kumquat juice, pieces of coconut meat, and pineapple slices. Perfect for cooling down on a hot day, this drink balances sweet and tart flavours and is popular on many streets in Saigon.

  • Type: Vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: INR 20 - 68

*Disclaimer: All costs are approximate and subject to change at the time of travel.

Vietnam Food Guide: Best Restaurants to Look Out For

Ho Chi Minh City is perfect for food lovers, with choices from upscale restaurants to street food. You can enjoy authentic Vietnamese dishes and creative meals. If you search online for the best restaurants near me or places to eat around me, the city has plenty of great options for all tastes.

• Anan Saigon

  A Michelin-starred contemporary, Anan Saigon is a Vietnamese restaurant where Chef Peter Cuong Franklin modernises traditional street food recipes. Dishes like tuna tartare, roast duck pizza, and wagyu beef marrow pho are known for their balanced, rich flavours. It is Vietnam's only representative in Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2023.

  • Location: 89 Ton That Dam, District 1
  • Opening Hours: 5 AM - 11 PM

• Nha Hang Ngon

  Nha Hang Ngon restaurant offers a range of authentic dishes from various regions, including Bánh Xèo, Bún Bò Huế, Cơm Hến, and broken rice with grilled pork. The courtyard, filled with palm and coconut trees, creates a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal place to eat in Ho Chi Minh City.

  • Location: 160 Pasteur Street, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Opening Hours: 7:30 AM - 10:30 PM

• Esta Saigon

  Esta Saigon offers a fusion of Asian cuisines inspired by the chef's experiences in Japan, Korea, China and his Vietnamese heritage. The open kitchen provides a captivating view of the cooking process. Esta emphasises fresh, high-quality ingredients, with vegetables sourced from local farmers and fish from small boats.

  • Location: 27 Trần Quý Khoách, Tân Định Ward, District 1, HCMC
  • Opening Hours: 6 PM - 11 PM

• Xoi Bat

  A Bib Gourmand-listed restaurant, Xoi Bat, serves traditional Vietnamese sticky rice with unique twists, such as sticky rice with quail eggs, pig's ears, and fried shallots. The dishes are accompanied by soup and pickles, offering a flavourful and satisfying meal.

  • Location: 08 Hoang Hoa Tham, Ward 7, Binh Thanh
  • Opening Hours: 7 AM - 10 PM

• Viet Village Restaurant

  Located in District 1, Viet Village serves delicious traditional Vietnamese dishes paired with rice, recreating the feel of a family meal. Two standout dishes include pineapple fried rice and shrimp with a sweet and savoury sauce. The restaurant is highly praised for its quality and authentic flavours.

  • Location: 15-17 Dinh Tien Hoang, District 1, HCMC
  • Opening Hours: 8 AM - 10 PM

Vegetarian Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City has many vegetarian restaurants serving traditional Vietnamese dishes and international meals. You will easily find suggestions like Hum Vegetarian or Pi Vegetarian Bistro if you search for “pure veg restaurants near me.” The variety ensures excellent food for vegetarians all across the city.

• Hum, Cafe & Restaurant

  Ranked 10th among the Top 25 Vegetarian Restaurants Worldwide, Hum offers vegan dishes made with fresh ingredients. The menu features unique dishes like caramelised veggies, steamed oyster mushrooms in lotus leaf, green curry, and crystal salad. Hum's eco-friendly, elegant design and professional service make it an ideal dining spot for Indian tourists seeking top-tier vegan food.

  • Location: 32 Vo Van Tan Street, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3
  • Opening Hours: 10 AM - 10 PM

• Shamballa Vegetarian, Restaurant & Tea House

  Shamballa is a popular vegetarian restaurant chain in Ho Chi Minh City, featuring an extensive selection of vegan dishes, including salads, soups, hotpots, and curries. With its eco-friendly design, attentive service, and a strong focus on sustainability, Shamballa is a top choice for travellers seeking high-quality vegetarian cuisine, making it one of the best places to eat in Ho Chi Minh City.

  • Location: 17-19 Trinh Van Can Street, District 1
  • Opening Hours: 10 AM - 10 PM

• Chay Garden

  Chay Garden is a serene vegetarian restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City, offering a fusion of Vietnamese, Asian, and European cuisine. The menu features a variety of options, including noodles, salads, tofu dishes, soups, and hotpots. The cosy, rustic ambience and attentive service create a top-tier dining experience for visitors.

  • Location: 52 Vo Van Tan, Ward 6, District 3
  • Opening Hours: 10 AM - 10 PM

• Pi Vegetarian Bistro

  Pi Vegetarian Bistro specialises in a wide range of Asian vegetarian dishes, such as spring rolls. It also offers a selection of refreshing drinks, including iced pressed juices, fresh fruit smoothies, tea, and coffee.

  • Location: Level 3, 187/15 Điện Biện Phủ, Đakao ward, District 1
  • Opening hours: 10 AM - 3 PM, 5 PM- 10 PM

• Chay Mandala

  Chay Mandala offers a cosy atmosphere with Tibetan and Vietnamese décor and a delightful menu of simple, flavourful vegetarian dishes filled with fresh vegetables and spices. The restaurant is small but known for its warm hospitality. Delivery is available.

  • Location: Ha Huy Giap, Quyet Thang Ward, Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai Province
  • Opening Hours: 7 AM - 9 PM

Best Vegan Cafes/Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City

Tired of searching for “healthy food near me” options? Ho Chi Minh City has a growing vegan scene, with many cafes and restaurants offering delicious plant-based dishes. Great options are available whether you are in the mood for Vietnamese classics or international flavours. If you are looking for places to eat in Ho Chi Minh City, just search for “places to eat around me,” and you will be suggested popular spots like Filthy Vegan or Ba Xa Vegetarian for tasty vegan meals.

• Ba Xa Vegetarian

  Ba Xa Vegetarian is a well-known vegan restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City. It offers a diverse selection of 100% plant-based Vietnamese dishes. Famous for its stunning plate presentations, the menu includes traditional noodles, soups, and vegetable stir-fries, making it a must-visit for vegan enthusiasts.

  • Location: 178/4 Pasteur, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1; 21G Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan; 107K Truong Dinh, District 1; 245/5 Nguyen Trai, District 1
  • Opening hours: 8 AM - 10 PM

• Here & Now Vegetarian

  Here & Now Vegetarian is a popular restaurant chain in Ho Chi Minh City, offering a variety of traditional Vietnamese vegan dishes and Asian delicacies, including dumplings, spring rolls, ramen noodles, vegan Bun Bo Hue, and curry rice. The restaurants are known for their peaceful atmosphere, modern decor, and excellent customer service.

  • Location: No. 74/1 Pham Viet Chanh, Ward 19, Binh Thanh District
  • Opening Hours: 9 AM - 2 PM; 5 PM - 9 PM

• Filthy Vegan

  Filthy Vegan is a cosy, vegan-friendly restaurant offering a variety of Western fast foods such as spaghetti, pizzas, and burgers. Customers can personalise their pizzas with two toppings, half Hawaiian and half Mexican. The friendly atmosphere adds to its charm, making it a great spot to enjoy plant-based comfort food.

  • Location: Floor 2, 86 Co Bac Street, District 1
  • Opening Hours: 11 AM - 10 PM

• Zen House Vegetarian Restaurant

  Zen House is a vegan restaurant promoting a plant-based lifestyle by offering a diverse menu featuring Vietnamese, Asian, and Western cuisine. The eco-friendly ambience and attentive service enhance the dining experience. Zen House also offers cooking classes and has a YouTube channel dedicated to vegan food.

  • Location: 60/2 Van Coi, Ward 7, Tan Binh District
  • Opening Hours: 11 AM - 9 PM

• Veganizta – Tropical Eatery

  Veganizta offers a variety of Southeast Asian-inspired vegan dishes, such as dumplings, papaya salad, mushroom pho, and pad Thai. The fresh, flavorful meals are clearly described, and the restaurant has a neat and spacious atmosphere. It is a favourite among locals.

  • Location: 103 Ton Dat Tien, Tan Phu Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh
  • Opening Hours: 10 AM - 9 PM

FAQs

• Q1. What are the best places to eat in Ho Chi Minh City?

  Ans. The most popular areas for food are District 1 and District 3. District 1 is home to Ben Thanh Market and many well-known restaurants, while District 3 has a more local vibe with traditional eateries. Both districts offer various options ranging from street food to upscale dining.

• Q2. Is street food safe to eat in Ho Chi Minh City?

  Ans. Generally, street food is safe to eat, but you should take precautions like choosing stalls with high turnover to ensure freshness. Avoid raw vegetables and ice unless you are specific about hygiene standards. Stick to busy stalls as they are more likely to have fresh ingredients.

• Q3. Are credit cards widely accepted in the best restaurants near me in Ho Chi Minh City?

  Ans. Many mid-range to high-end restaurants, cafes, and eateries accept credit cards. However, smaller local street vendors and budget eateries may only accept cash.​

• Q4. What is the best time to visit local restaurants to avoid crowds?

  Ans. Visit during off-peak hours, such as mid-afternoon or just before dinner time. For street food, late morning or early evening is an excellent time to avoid the busiest periods.​

• Q5. Is tipping customary in Ho Chi Minh City?

  Ans. Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated, especially in upscale restaurants. Leaving a small tip, around 5-10%, is standard in tourist areas.​

• Q6. Is it safe to drink tap water in restaurants?

  Ans. Drinking tap water in Ho Chi Minh City is generally not advisable. Most restaurants will provide bottled water or filtered water upon request. Stick to bottled or boiled water to avoid any health risks.

• Q7. Can I find Chinese food near me in Ho Chi Minh City?

  Ans. Chinese food is available in Ho Chi Minh City at popular spots like Dim Tu Tac, Shang Palace, and San Fu Lou.

• Q8. Is there any Indian restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City?

  Ans. You can find Indian dishes in Ho Chi Minh City at popular places like Baba's Kitchen, Tandoor, and Natraj. Search for “Indian food near me” or “Indian restaurants near me” to get a list of popular eateries serving authentic Indian food.