Discover Saigon’s Cuisine with the Top 10 Most Distinctive Dishes

Discover the vibrant and bustling culinary scene of Saigon with Tân Sơn Nhất Hotel as we introduce you to 10 delicious and renowned local specialties. These dishes offer familiar yet uniquely captivating flavors that will leave a lasting impression.

1. Broken Rice (Cơm Tấm) – The Essence of Saigon Cuisine

Broken rice, or Cơm Tấm, is a beloved Saigon specialty known for its savory, rich flavors. Made from fractured rice grains, Cơm Tấm is typically served with a variety of meats such as grilled pork ribs, shredded pork skin, steamed pork patties, fried eggs, and caramelized snakehead fish, accompanied by a tangy, sweet, and spicy fish sauce.

The dish is garnished with slices of cucumber, tomato, fresh herbs, and crispy fried shallots. Although a humble meal, Cơm Tấm has a significant appeal and adds a distinct touch to Saigon’s culinary landscape. It can be enjoyed at any time of day, from early morning to late at night, and represents a unique aspect of the city’s food culture.

Some places to enjoy Cơm Tấm:

  • Cơm Tấm Ba Ghiền: 84 Đặng Văn Ngữ Street, Ward 10, Phú Nhuận District, Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Cơm Tấm Sườn Que: 371 Điện Biên Phủ Street, Ward 25, Bình Thạnh District, Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Cơm Tấm Bụi: 378 Lê Văn Lương Street, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City
Cơm tấm là món ăn đặc sắc tạo nên điểm nhấn của nền ẩm thực Sài Gòn
Broken Rice (Cơm Tấm) is a signature dish that highlights the essence of Saigon’s cuisine

2. Pork and Seafood Noodle Soup (Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang)

One of the standout dishes that define Saigon’s culinary reputation is undoubtedly Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang. This dish, featured in Tân Sơn Nhất Hotel’s travel guide, is sure to impress. Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang is a quintessential Saigonese dish that reflects a fusion of various cultural influences.

Made with white rice noodles and a clear, sweet broth simmered from pork bones, dried shrimp, and dried squid, Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang is distinguished by its combination of various meats such as minced pork, fresh shrimp, pork liver, pork intestines, and quail eggs. The resulting flavor is rich and appealing. You can enhance the taste with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime, and chili for a tangy and spicy kick.

Some popular Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang spots in Saigon:

  • Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang Đạt Thành: 232 Nguyễn Thị Thập Street, Bình Thuận Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Quán Hủ Tiếu Quốc Ký: 24 Ký Con, Nguyễn Thái Bình Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang Quỳnh: A65 Nguyễn Trãi Street, Nguyễn Cư Trinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Một trong những món ăn làm nên tên tuổi của nền ẩm thực Sài Gòn chắc chắn không thể không kể đến hủ tiếu Nam Vang
One of the standout dishes that define Saigon’s culinary reputation is undoubtedly Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang

3. Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwich)

The next enticing specialty that Tân Sơn Nhất Hotel would like to highlight is Banh Mi. This dish is considered a national treasure, loved by both locals and visitors from afar. Saigon’s Banh Mi is a famous street food, seen as a symbol of Vietnamese cuisine. A Banh Mi typically includes a variety of ingredients such as meat, pork sausage, pâté, cucumber, carrots, pickled daikon, and fresh herbs. The bread is crispy on the outside, soft and airy on the inside, with a flavorful filling.

Recommended spots for delicious Banh Mi in Saigon:

  • Bánh Mì Phương Liên: 12 Nguyễn Huy Tự Street, Đa Kao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Bánh Mì 179: 179 Xóm Chiếu Street, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Bánh Mì Sườn Cẩm Hường: 118B Nguyễn Thần Hiến Street, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa: 26 Lê Thị Riêng Street, Bến Thành Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Bánh Mì Phá Lấu Tâm Ký: 823 Nguyễn Trãi Street, Ward 14, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City.
Bánh mì được xem là món ăn quốc dân được nhiều người yêu thích
Banh Mi is regarded as a national dish beloved by many.

4. Pha Lau

Phá Lấu is a dish made from various parts of beef, pork, or duck offal, such as tongue, ears, intestines, and stomach. These parts are carefully prepared, marinated with spices and Chinese herbs like five-spice powder, cinnamon, and star anise to create a distinctive aroma and flavor. Phá Lấu can be cooked in various ways and paired with different items like bread, noodles, instant noodles, or broken rice to enhance its appeal.

Some recommended places to enjoy delicious Phá Lấu:

  • Phá Lấu Lì: 1A Sương Nguyệt Anh Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Phá Lấu Trường Cấp 3 Gia Định: 195/29 Xô Viết Nghệ Tĩnh Street, Bình Thạnh District, Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Phá Lấu Hẻm 91 Nguyễn Văn Nghi: 91 Nguyễn Văn Nghi Street, Ward 7, Gò Vấp District, Ho Chi Minh City.
Món phá lấu là một trong những đặc sản nổi tiếng tại Sài Gòn
Phá Lấu is one of the famous specialties in Saigon.

6.Crab Soup

Crab soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that many people enjoy. It has a rich, flavorful taste and a smooth texture, with the main ingredients being crab meat, quail eggs, chicken bones, and corn kernels. Not only is it tasty, but it is also packed with nutrients. Crab meat is high in protein, calcium, iron, and various vitamins that benefit bones, teeth, and the immune system. Additionally, crab soup can be enhanced with other ingredients like mushrooms, cilantro, pepper, and sesame oil to boost flavor and nutrition.

Here are some recommended places to enjoy crab soup:

  • Chợ Thiếc Crab Soup: 166 Phó Cơ Điều Street, District 11, Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Hạnh Crab Soup: 517 Sư Vạn Hạnh Street, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Crab Soup & Pork Brain 176: 176 Đặng Văn Ngữ Street, Phú Nhuận District, Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Thảo Crab Soup: 68/4 Hồ Thị Kỷ Street, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City.
Món súp cua là một món ăn ngon và bổ dưỡng, được nhiều người yêu thích
Dumplings (Sủi Cảo) in Saigon are a variant of Cantonese dumplings from China, which have been introduced to Vietnam for a long time.

6. Dumplings (Sủi Cảo)

Saigon’s dumplings are a variant of Cantonese dumplings from China, which have been in Vietnam for a long time. These dumplings have a thicker but still soft and chewy wrapper. The filling typically consists of minced pork, large shrimp, and vegetables like cabbage, chives, and spinach. The broth for Saigon’s dumplings is made by simmering pork or chicken bones, giving it a naturally sweet and rich flavor. Additionally, Saigon’s dumplings can be fried until crispy or cooked with noodles for added flavor and uniqueness.

If you are a fan of Chinese cuisine or want to explore unique dishes in Saigon, you should not miss out on this dumpling dish. It is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients and cultural value.

Some recommended places to enjoy delicious dumplings:

  • Thiên Nhiên Dumplings: 193 – 195 Hà Tôn Quyền Street, District 11, Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Lê Đại Hành Dumplings Noodles: 84 Âu Cơ Street, Ward 9, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Tân Tòng Lợi Dumplings: 311 Võ Văn Tần Street, Ward 5, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Ngọc Ý Dumplings: 187 Hà Tôn Quyền Street, District 11, Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Nguyễn Trãi Dumplings: Alley 409 Nguyễn Trãi Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City.
Sủi cảo có phần vỏ dày hơn nhưng không kém phần mềm và dai
These dumplings have a thicker but still soft and chewy wrapper

7. Beef Steak (Bò Né)

Beef steak, or “Bò Né,” originated from French steak but has been adapted to suit Vietnamese tastes. Instead of using whole cuts of beef, the meat is sliced thinly and marinated with seasonings such as soy sauce, fish sauce, garlic, onions, and pepper. The beef is then pan-seared on a hot cast iron skillet, causing oil to splatter and creating a distinctive sizzling sound. This is why the dish is called “Bò Né,” as diners need to be cautious to avoid the hot splashes.

Bò Né is typically served with a variety of accompaniments such as fried eggs, pork liver pâté, sausages, bacon, fish cakes, and cheese, depending on the creativity and variety of each restaurant. Additionally, fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions are included to help balance the meal and reduce the richness. Crisp baguettes or French fries are a must to enjoy with the beef and sauce. Some places also offer sautéed pasta or fried noodles to diversify the menu.

Recommended places to enjoy Beef Steak (Bò Né):

  • Bò Né 3 Ngon:
    • Branch 1: 36A Phan Đăng Lưu Street, Bình Thạnh District, Ho Chi Minh City.
    • Branch 2: 2 Trần Văn Danh Street, Tân Bình District, Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Bò Né Lệ Hồng: 489/27/29 Huỳnh Văn Bánh Street, Phú Nhuận District, Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Bò Sinh Đôi: 192 Phan Xích Long Street, Ward 1, Phú Nhuận District, Ho Chi Minh City
Bò né có nguồn gốc từ món bít tết của Pháp nhưng đã được biến tấu theo khẩu vị của người Việt Nam
Beef Né originates from French steak but has been adapted to suit Vietnamese tastes

8. Noodle with Fried Tofu and Fermented Shrimp Paste (Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm)

Noodle with fried tofu and fermented shrimp paste, or “Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm,” is a traditional dish from Northern Vietnam that has also become popular in Ho Chi Minh City. This dish includes fresh rice noodles, crispy fried tofu, grilled pork cake, boiled pork, and fresh vegetables, accompanied by fermented shrimp paste mixed with sour and spicy flavors. With its distinctive and rich taste, this dish has won many hearts. Although originally from the North, Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm has successfully made a mark in the culinary scene of Ho Chi Minh City.

Recommended places to enjoy Noodle with Fried Tofu and Fermented Shrimp Paste (Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm):

  • Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm A Chảnh: 87 Xô Viết Nghệ Tĩnh Street, Ward 17, Bình Thạnh District, Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Hẻm Đậu: 140e Lý Chính Thắng Street, Ward 7, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm Tiến Hải: 409 Nguyễn Tri Phương Street, Ward 5, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm Mạc Văn Khoa: 253 Phan Huy Ích Street, Ward 12, Gò Vấp District, Ho Chi Minh City.
Bún đậu mắm tôm là một món ăn truyền thống của miền Bắc nhưng cũng đã được yêu thích và phổ biến ở Sài Gòn
Noodle with fried tofu and fermented shrimp paste, or “Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm,” is a traditional dish from Northern Vietnam that has also become popular in Ho Chi Minh City

9. Mixed Rice Paper

Mixed rice paper is a popular snack among the youth and is one of the most distinctive names in Saigon’s street food. Originating from the South, this dish has since spread throughout the country. Mixed rice paper offers a diverse and rich flavor, combining sour, spicy, salty, and sweet tastes from various spices and sauces.

The main ingredient for making mixed rice paper is dry rice paper cut into bite-sized strips. The rice paper is then mixed with a variety of other ingredients depending on personal preference and taste. Common ingredients include shredded green mango, peeled boiled quail eggs, shredded dried beef, crispy dried shrimp, pork floss, squeezed calamondin or kumquat juice, chopped green onions, and finely chopped Vietnamese coriander, roasted peanuts crushed… Additionally, you can add dried squid, grilled pork, or shredded chicken to enhance the dish.

Some popular places to buy mixed rice paper in Saigon:

  • Chú Viên Mixed Rice Paper: 38 Nguyễn Thượng Hiền Street, Ward 5, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Long Mixed Rice Paper: 34 Nguyễn Thượng Hiền Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Gia Định Mixed Rice Paper: 66 Phan Văn Trị Street, Ward 12, Bình Thạnh District, Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Bà Bắc Rice Paper: 40 Street 11, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Dì Hồng Rice Paper: 23 Street 11, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City.
Bánh tráng trộn là một món ăn vặt đặc trưng của giới trẻ Sài Gòn
Mixed rice paper is a popular snack among the youth and is one of the most distinctive names in Saigon’s street food

10. Pan-Fried Bread

Pan-fried bread originates from French bread but has been adapted to Vietnamese tastes, incorporating various fillings such as pâté, sausages, eggs, beef, canned fish, and braised ribs. This dish is prepared by pan-frying these ingredients with tomato sauce or other sauces like potato sauce, black pepper, or meatball sauce. Despite being pan-fried with these sauces, it still results in a hot, flavorful, and nutritious dish. Pan-fried bread is often enjoyed as a breakfast item or a snack and is a unique highlight of Saigon’s culinary scene.

Some popular places to try pan-fried bread:

  • Bami Cô Bống Pan-Fried Bread: 443/19A Lê Văn Sỹ Street, Ward 12, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
  • 176 Pan-Fried Bread: 189 Đinh Tiên Hoàng Street, Ward Đa Kao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Xuân Lạc Pan-Fried Bread: 172 Hoà Hưng Street, Ward 13, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City.
ánh mì chảo là điểm nhấn độc đáo của nền ẩm thực Sài Gòn.
Pan-fried bread is a unique highlight of Saigon’s culinary scene.
The street food culture in Saigon still offers a myriad of delicious, diverse, and rich dishes that you will surely want to try at least once. Therefore, if you find yourself in this beautiful city, don’t hesitate to set aside some time to explore Saigon’s cuisine. Tân Sơn Nhất Hotel is confident that each dish here will leave a unique impression and make your journey in Saigon even more memorable.