Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) is a paradise for street food lovers, with a vast array of delicious and affordable options available at every corner. Here are some of the most popular and must-try street foods in Saigon:
- Banh Mi: A classic Vietnamese sandwich made with crispy baguette, pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber, chili sauce, mayonnaise, and various meats (pork, chicken, tofu, or egg).
- Pho: A national dish of Vietnam, pho is a savory noodle soup made with beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, herbs, and your choice of beef (rare, well-done, or brisket).
- Goi Cuon (Spring Rolls): Fresh shrimp, pork, vegetables, and rice noodles wrapped in rice paper and served with peanut sauce, sweet chili sauce, or fish sauce.
- Banh Xeo: A crispy rice flour pancake filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, served with fresh herbs, lettuce leaves, and sweet and spicy dipping sauce.
- Com Tam (Broken Rice): A popular street food in Saigon, com tam is a simple yet flavorful dish made with broken rice, grilled pork, egg, pickled vegetables, and chili sauce.
- Banh Khot: Mini savory pancakes made from rice flour and coconut milk, often served as an appetizer or snack.
- Bánh Rán (Fried Doughnuts): Sweet fried dough balls coated in sugar and sesame seeds, perfect for a sweet treat.
- Chè (Sweet Soup): A variety of sweet soups made with fruits, beans, or tapioca pearls, such as chè đậu xanh (mung bean soup) or chè sen (tapioca pearl soup).
- Xôi (Sticky Rice): Steamed glutinous rice cooked with pandan leaves and served with grilled pork, chicken, or shrimp, and a variety of sauces.
- Bánh Gối (Steamed Dumplings): Steamed dumplings filled with shrimp, pork, or vegetables, often served in a savory broth.
Some popular street food markets and areas to try these dishes include:
- Ben Thanh Market
- District 3’s Le Cong Quynh Street
- Nguyen Trai Street in District 1
- Pham Ngu Lao Street in District 1 (also known as the “backpacker area”)
- Binh Tay Market in Chinatown
Remember to always choose stalls with a high turnover of customers and fresh ingredients to ensure a delicious and safe street food experience. Enjoy your adventure in Saigon!