10 Must-Try Dishes in HCMC & Recommended places to eat

1/ Cơm Tấm (Broken Rice)

Cơm Tấm, or broken rice, is a simple dish that tells the story of Saigon’s culinary soul. Originally made from fractured rice grains once considered imperfect, it has grown into a signature meal enjoyed at any hour of the day. A classic plate features tender grilled pork chops, shredded pork skin, steamed egg meatloaf, pickles, and a sunny-side-up egg, all brought together by a fragrant drizzle of fish sauce.

 What makes Cơm Tấm special is the harmony of textures: soft rice, smoky meat, crisp vegetables, and rich egg yolk. Whether eaten at a bustling street stall or a home-style eatery, Cơm Tấm captures the warmth, generosity, and everyday flavors that define Saigonese cuisine.

Recommended places to eat:

·         Cơm Tấm Ba Ghiền - 84 Đặng Văn Ngữ Street, Phú Nhuận Ward)

·         Cơm tấm Sà Bì Chưởng - 179 Trần Bình Trọng Street, Chợ Quán Ward

2/ Gỏi Cuốn (Fresh Spring Rolls)

Gỏi Cuốn, or fresh spring rolls, is a light and vibrant dish that reflects the freshness at the heart of Vietnamese cuisine. Each roll is carefully wrapped in soft rice paper and filled with a balanced mix of shrimp or pork, rice noodles, fragrant herbs, and crisp vegetables.

Unlike fried spring rolls, Gỏi Cuốn is refreshing, clean-tasting, and often enjoyed as a healthy snack or starter. What truly completes the experience is the dipping sauce—usually a rich peanut sauce or a tangy fish-sauce blend—that adds depth to every bite. Simple yet elegant, Gỏi Cuốn embodies the harmony and freshness of everyday Vietnamese cooking.

Recommended places to eat:

·         Gỏi Cuốn Tôm Nhảy - 424 Lạc Long Quân Street, District 11

·         Bếp Cuốn Sài Gòn - 76 Võ Văn Tần Street, Võ Thị Sáu Ward

3/ Hủ Tiếu (rice noodle soup)

Hủ Tiếu is a beloved Southern Vietnamese rice noodle soup known for its clear, gently sweet broth and delicate flavors. Typically made with pork bones and dried seafood, the soup is light yet aromatic, allowing the silky noodles, shrimp, pork, and quail eggs to shine. Served either as a soup or dry with a side broth, Hủ Tiếu offers a comforting, versatile taste that reflects the warmth and charm of Saigon’s everyday cuisine.

Recommended places to eat:

·         Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang Thành Đạt -  34 Cô Bắc Street – District 1

·         Hủ Tiếu Hồng Phát - 389 – 391 Võ Văn Tần Street

4/ Bánh Xèo (Sizzling Pancake)

Bánh Xèo is a crispy, golden Vietnamese sizzling pancake that delights with its lively textures and flavors. Made from rice flour and turmeric, it’s filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts before being folded and served with fresh herbs. Diners tear off pieces, wrap them in leafy greens, and dip them into a tangy fish sauce, creating a vibrant, hands-on eating experience.

Recommended places to eat:

·         Bánh xèo 46A - 46A Đinh Công Tráng Street

·         Bánh xèo Năm Chuối Chiên - 54 Đường Lê Quang Sung Street

5/ Bò Lá Lốt (Grilled beef in betel leaves)

Bò Lá Lốt is a fragrant Vietnamese dish featuring minced beef seasoned with lemongrass, garlic, and spices, then wrapped in glossy betel leaves and grilled over charcoal. The leaves infuse the meat with a distinctive smoky aroma and slight peppery note. Often enjoyed with rice noodles, herbs, and dipping sauce, Bò Lá Lốt offers a bold, earthy flavor that captures the essence of Southern Street food.

Recommended places to eat:

·         Bò Lá Lốt Cô Liêng - 321 Võ Văn Tần, District 3

·         Bò Lá Lốt Thanh Vy - 267A Minh Phụng Street, District 11

6/ Bánh Khọt (mini crispy pancake with shrimp)

Bánh Khọt is a delightful Southern Vietnamese snack made of tiny, crispy rice-flour pancakes topped with fresh shrimp. Fried until golden and airy, each bite combines crunch with a subtle coconut richness. Served with herbs, lettuce, and a light fish-sauce dip, Bánh Khọt offers a vibrant mix of textures and flavors, making it a beloved street-food favorite in coastal and urban regions alike.

Recommended places to eat:

·         Bánh Khọt Cô Ba Vũng Tàu - 40B Trần Cao Vân Street

·          Bánh khọt Hidden House - 55/3 Lê Thị Hồng Gấm Street, Nguyễn Thái Bình Ward

7/ Bánh Tráng Trộn (shredded rice paper mix)

Bánh Tráng Trộn is a lively Vietnamese street snack made from thin strips of rice paper tossed with dried shrimp, quail eggs, green mango, herbs, and flavorful spices. Its mix of chewy, crunchy, and tangy elements creates an addictive balance in every bite. Often prepared fresh by street vendors, this colorful, aromatic snack captures the fun and youthful spirit of modern Vietnamese street food.

Recommended places to eat:

·         Bánh Tráng Trộn Cô Yến - 171 Cô Giang Street, District 1

·         Bánh tráng trộn Long 34 – 34 Nguyễn Thượng Hiền Street – District 3

8/ Bánh Canh cua (thick noodle soup with crab)

Bánh Canh is a comforting Vietnamese soup known for its thick, chewy tapioca or tapioca-rice noodles that give each bowl a satisfying texture. The broth varies by region, ranging from rich pork-based versions to fragrant crab or seafood styles. Topped with fresh herbs, scallions, and a splash of chili, Bánh Canh offers a warm, hearty taste loved across Southern Vietnam.

Recommended places to eat:

·         Bánh canh cua Mạ Tôi – 53 Van Kiep Street

·         Bánh canh cua 87 – 87 Trần Khắc Chân Street

9/ Bánh Mì (Vietnamese baguette)

Bánh Mì is Vietnam’s iconic baguette sandwich, celebrated for its perfect blend of crisp, airy bread and bold, flavorful fillings. Typically layered with pâté, cold cuts or grilled meats, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and chili, it delivers a vibrant mix of textures in every bite. Affordable, portable, and deeply satisfying, Bánh Mì reflects Vietnam’s creativity and its lively street-food culture.

Recommended places to eat:

·         Bánh mì Huỳnh Hoa - 26 Lê Thị Riêng Street, District 1

10/ Chè (Sweet Desert)

Chè is a beloved Vietnamese dessert, offering a colorful array of sweet soups, puddings, and drinks made from beans, tapioca, jellies, fruits, and coconut milk. Served hot or cold, each bowl combines contrasting textures and natural sweetness, creating a refreshing, indulgent treat. Popular at street stalls and cafes, Chè showcases the playful, comforting side of Vietnam’s culinary tradition.

Recommended places to eat:

·         Chè Kỳ Đồng – 16C Kỳ Đồng Street, District 3

·         Quán chè Hà Ký - 138 -136 Châu Văn Liêm Street