What to eat your first time visiting Ho Chi Minh city?

Visiting Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon as it is also known, is an exciting experience for any food lover. The city is home to a vibrant and diverse culinary scene, with a mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, and French influences. Here are some must-try dishes when you visit this bustling metropolis:

Banh Mi: This iconic Vietnamese sandwich is made with a crispy baguette filled with a variety of ingredients, including meats, vegetables, and condiments. It’s a quick and satisfying snack that can be found on nearly every street corner in Saigon.
Southern Pho: This version of the popular noodle soup is distinct from the Northern version, with a sweeter flavor and the addition of bean sprouts and hoisin sauce. It’s a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a rainy day in Saigon.
Vietnamese Pancake (Banh Xeo): This savory pancake is made with rice flour and filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. It’s typically served with an array of fresh herbs and greens, and is often wrapped in lettuce leaves and dipped in a tangy sauce.
Bun Thit Nuong: This dish consists of grilled marinated pork served over vermicelli noodles and topped with a variety of fresh herbs and vegetables. It’s a refreshing and flavorful meal that is perfect for a hot day in Saigon.
Bun Bo Hue: This spicy beef noodle soup is a specialty of the central region of Vietnam, but it has become popular throughout the country, including in Saigon. It’s made with a rich, flavorful broth and is typically served with a variety of meats and vegetables.
Banh Trang Tron: This street snack is made with thin rice paper discs that are topped with a variety of ingredients, including dried shrimp, herbs, and peanuts. It’s a light and refreshing snack that is perfect for a hot day in Saigon.
Xoi Man: This sticky rice dish is made with glutinous rice and topped with savory ingredients, such as mung beans and diced pork. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for a quick lunch or snack.
Banh Cuon: This dish consists of thin rice noodles filled with a mixture of minced pork and mushrooms. It’s a light and refreshing meal that is often served with a variety of dipping sauces.
Dimsum: The city’s large Chinese population means that there are plenty of delicious dimsum options to choose from. From steamed dumplings to rice noodle rolls, there’s something for everyone.
Hotpot: This popular Chinese and Vietnamese dish is perfect for sharing with friends. It consists of a pot of broth that is brought to the table and filled with a variety of ingredients, including meats, seafood, and vegetables. There are hundreds of different hotpot options to choose from in Saigon.
Hu Tieu: This southern noodle soup is made with a clear broth and a variety of meats and vegetables. It’s a light and refreshing meal that is perfect for a hot day in Saigon.
Bun Rieu: This noodle soup is made with a flavorful tomato and baby crab broth and is typically served with a variety of meats and vegetables. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cold day in Saigon.