We started our exploration of Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City.
It was our first introduction to the country, and most importantly, its cuisine. From pho to banh mi to Vietnamese coffee, we tried it all.
From our short time in Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon as it was previously known), below were our favourite restaurants and others that had been recommended.
Related blog posts to read:
- Pisces Hotel, Hue: The Most Beautiful Hotel in Vietnam
- 12 Essential Things You Need to Backpack Asia
- The OC Backpacking Diaries: Week Fourteen
1. Banh Xeo 46A
Address: 46 ฤinh Cรดng Trรกng, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
This spot is famous for its crispy, savoury pancakes filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. Anthony Bourdain loved the vibrant flavours and the communal way of eating, wrapping pieces of the pancake in lettuce leaves with fresh herbs.
Dish to try: Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Sizzling Pancake)
2. Huynh Hoa Bakery
Address: 26 Lรช Thแป Riรชng, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Often touted as the best banh mi in Saigon, Huynh Hoa Bakery serves up sandwiches packed with various meats, pate, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.
Dish to try: Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwich)
3. Com Nieu Sai Gon
Address: 27 Tรบ Xฦฐฦกng, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Famous for its theatrical way of serving rice, where the clay pot is broken open at the table, Com Nieu Sai Gon offers a unique dining experience.
Dish to try: Com Nieu (Clay Pot Rice)
4. The Lunch Lady
Address: 23 Hoang Sa, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Renowned for its changing menu of hearty noodle soups.
5. Lua Dai Viet Restaurant
Address: 193 ฤ. ฤแป Thรกm, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Located on Bui Vien walking street, this spot offers Vietnamese classics like banh mi, spring rolls, and pho, with options for Western and vegetarian dishes.
6. Pho Viet Nam
Address: 14 Phแบกm Hแปng Thรกi, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Famous for its pho, this Michelin selected restaurant is an institution for both locals and tourists.
7. Pizza 4Pโs
Address: 8/15, ฤ. Lรช Thรกnh Tรดn, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
A Vietnamese chain offering innovative pizza toppings. Try the Shrimp Mayonnaise and Salmon Miso Cream pizzas.
8. The Cafe Apartments
Address: 42 ฤ. Nguyแป n Huแป, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
A unique building housing multiple themed cafes. A must-visit for coffee lovers and to take a photo of the building’s exterior.
9. Banh Mi Huynh Hoa
Address: 26 ฤ. Lรช Thแป Riรชng, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Renowned for serving some of the best bรกnh mรฌ in the city, this sandwich shop is a must-visit.
10. Hum Vegetarian Restaurant
Address: 32 Vรต Vฤn Tแบงn, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Adjacent to the War Remnants Museum, offering Vietnamese/International fusion vegetarian dishes.
11. Nha Hang Ngon Restaurant
Address: 160 Pasteur, Bแบฟn Nghรฉ, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
A great place to try a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes in a charming setting.
12. Banh Mi Bay Ho
Address: 19 Huแปณnh Khฦฐฦกng Ninh, ฤa Kao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Known for its delicious and affordable banh mi, as featured on Netflix’s “Street Food.”
13. Soul Burger
Address: 35 Vรต Trฦฐแปng Toแบฃn, An Phรบ, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
An expat favourite known for its Atomic Smash Triple Burger with Carolina reaper sauce.
14. Banh Mi Hong Hoa
Address: 54 Nguyแป n Vฤn Trรกng, Phฦฐแปng Phแบกm Ngลฉ Lรฃo, District 1, Saigon
Offers mouthwatering banh mi with flavourful fillings and crispy baguettes. This was my favourite banh mi spot in the city.
