BEST Local Food in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam You Must Try

Ho Chi Minh City is recognized as the center of the culture and economy of Vietnam. Therefore, many people across the country arrive in Ho Chi Minh City to live and work, bringing cultural interaction to this place.

That is the reason why food in Ho Chi Minh City is diverse and also has been etched into the minds of visitors. Let’s discover the best food in Ho Chi Minh City in the following lists with Vietnam Teaching Jobs.

>>>Read more: A guide to fast food in Vietnam

1. Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwich)

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Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwich) – the most popular food in Ho Chi Minh City

Banh Mi is a Vietnamese-style sandwich and it is a mistake if you come to Vietnam without enjoying a crunchy Banh Mi. This dish consists of a short French baguette, some type of meat, fresh vegetables, and special sauces. Although Banh Mi appears in every region of Vietnam, each location has its unique take on the traditional sandwich. 

Unlike other regions, a typical Banh Mi in Ho Chi Minh City is served with char siu pork, pickled papaya and carrot, liver pate, chili jam, cucumber slices, cilantro, and some cooker’s special sauce. 

>>>Read more: Traditional Breakfast Foods in Vietnam

2. Oc (Snails)

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Food in Ho Chi Minh City – Oc (Snails)

Oc or Snails sounds unfamiliar to foreigners, but it is the local favorite food in Ho Chi Minh City. Snails are caught every day and they are alive until cooking. Eaters can choose their wanted snails and the restaurants will prepare chosen snails for them.

Besides, there is a great match between each variety of snails and their cooking methods, whether it is stir-fried with butter and garlic, grilled with sea salt and chili, or stewed in coconut milk.

>>>Read more: Vietnam’s Unique Culinary Delights: From Chicken Feet to Silkworm Pupa

3. Com Tam (Broken Rice)

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Food in Ho Chi Minh City – Com Tam (Broken Rice)

It is undeniable that rice is the main food of Vietnamese residents and also has many different versions with special tastes. Com Tam is a signature recipe of Ho Chi Minh City. The ingredients of this food include broken rice, honey-glazed barbecued pork chops, spring onion oil, and topped with sunny-side-up eggs, pickled veggies, fresh cucumber, and tomato. 

The origin of this dish comes from the special broken rice that is unable to be sold so the farmers keep it and cook it in their daily meal. 

>>>Read more: Top 10 Vietnamese Food

4. Ca Phe Sua (Vietnamese Iced Milk Coffee)

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Food in Ho Chi Minh City – Ca Phe Sua (Vietnamese Iced Milk Coffee)

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It is a mistake if you do not have a cup of Vietnamese Iced Milk Coffee when coming to Saigon. Ca Phe Sua is the perfect combination of sweetness and bitterness. It is made from medium-to-dark roast beans providing a rich, buttery flavor that borders on dark chocolate, with a distinct undertone of bitter coffee. A large dollop of sweet, rich condensed milk at the bottom of the cup is added to the coffee creating a unique mixture.

>>>Read more: 9+ BEST Bars in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam (Updated 2023)

5. Goi Cuon (Fresh Spring Rolls)

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Food in Ho Chi Minh City – Goi Cuon (Fresh Spring Rolls)

Goi Cuon seems to be the best street food in Ho Chi Minh and residents have this food as a snack. This rice paper-wrapped goodies is Cheap food in Ho Chi Minh City, comprising of green lettuce, herbs, rice noodles, steamed pork, and a single prawn. These ingredients are wrapped around the flattened paper rice. 

Additionally, it is interesting that the soul of this food depends on dipping sauce. Each cooker has a different secret recipe to create a special dipping sauce. 

>>>Read more: 10 Best restaurants in Vietnam you must try 2023

6. Hu Tieu (Clear Rice Noodle Soup)

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Food in Ho Chi Minh City – Hu Tieu (Clear Rice Noodle Soup)

If you want to experience eating in Saigon, Hu Tiu can not be ignored. Unlike pho, Hu Tieu has smaller and thinner rice noodles. This aromatic noodle dish has a unique sweet sauce made from bone broth and served with a plate of mung bean sprouts and crunchy lettuce. 

There are some versions of Hu Tieu such as Hu Tieu Nam Vang, Chicken Clear Rice Noodle Soup ( Hu Tieu Ga), Pork Clear Rice Noodle Soup (Hu Tieu Heo), and so on.

>>>Read more: What to eat at the supermarkets and convenience stores in Vietnam

7. Pha Lau (Beef Offal Stew)

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Food in Ho Chi Minh City – Pha Lau (Beef Offal Stew)

The last dish on the list of fine dining in Saigon is Pha Lau. Tripe, stomach, and liver are among the beef offal that is used to make Pha Lau. 

It is cut into small pieces and processed carefully to remove unsavory smells. In the next step, offal will be marinated with spices to impart an aroma and hue of golden brown. In the end, the offal will be mixed with rich and aromatic broth enhanced by the addition of coconut milk, and also topped with some sprout beans and herbs, and served with crispy bread.

>>>Read more: Top 10 Vietnamese street food you can find anywhere in Saigon

Ending

Food in Ho Chi Minh City is diverse and has exquisite taste. You can easily enjoy any of your favorite foods on the list in any local Vietnamese restaurant. These foods will bring for eaters an amazing experience with unforgettable taste. Let’s come and enjoy it.

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Vietnam Teaching Jobs (VTJ), which was founded in 2012 is a well-established platform for teachers to find their dream teaching job in Vietnam. Covering the entirety of the country, we have successfully paired thousands of happy teachers and schools. Be part of the thousands of happy teachers working in Vietnam, register and apply for your dream job today!

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Vietnam Teaching Jobs (VTJ), which was founded in 2012 is a well-established platform for teachers to find their dream teaching job in Vietnam. Covering the entirety of the country, we have successfully paired thousands of happy teachers and schools. Be part of the thousands of happy teachers working in Vietnam, register and apply for your dream job today!