Top 10 Foods to Try in Ho Chi Minh City

Start with com tam, banh mi and a bowl of hu tieu if you want an easy introduction to eating in Ho Chi Minh City. Then leave room for pancakes, rolls and something sweet. These ten picks favour variety and straightforward ordering, rather than expensive restaurants or a claim that one stall is the best. Spread them across a few days.

1. Com tam: broken rice with grilled pork

Com tam is a satisfying place to start: broken rice with a grilled pork chop, often joined by egg, shredded pork or steamed egg meatloaf. Choose your toppings before the plate is assembled. Add the accompanying fish sauce a little at a time so you can find the balance you like.

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2. Banh mi: a filled, crisp baguette

A good banh mi brings together crisp bread, savoury filling, pickles and herbs in a few bites. Pork is a common choice, but fillings vary widely. Ask which sauces and extras go inside before ordering. For a lighter snack, share one and save room for the next stop.

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3. Banh xeo: a pancake to wrap in greens

Southern banh xeo is often a generous, crisp rice-flour pancake filled with pork, shrimp and bean sprouts. Tear off a piece, wrap it with greens and dip rather than eating it like an omelette. The yellow colour often comes from turmeric; ask about the actual recipe if ingredients matter to you.

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4. Goi cuon: fresh rice-paper rolls

These soft rolls commonly hold rice noodles, herbs, pork and shrimp. They are a pleasant change after a rich or fried meal, especially when you want a small order. The dipping sauce is part of the experience, but recipes differ. Check for peanuts or seafood ingredients instead of assuming every sauce is the same.

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5. Hu tieu: noodles in broth or served dry

Hu tieu comes in several styles, with toppings such as pork, prawns or offal depending on the shop. Ask for soup noodles if you want everything in one bowl, or a dry version when available with broth alongside. Look at the menu or neighbouring orders to choose toppings you actually enjoy.

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6. Bun thit nuong: grilled pork over noodles

This bowl combines rice vermicelli, grilled pork, vegetables and herbs, often finished with peanuts and fish-sauce dressing. It is a useful choice when you want noodles without a hot broth. Stir from the bottom before eating, and ask whether fried spring rolls are an extra rather than part of the basic bowl.

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7. Bo la lot: fragrant beef rolls

Seasoned beef wrapped in wild betel leaves develops a smoky aroma on the grill. A serving may arrive with noodles, greens and rice paper so you can make your own rolls. This is a good dish to share. Ask the server to show you the wrapping order if the plate looks unfamiliar.

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8. Banh cuon: soft steamed rice rolls

Thin steamed rice sheets are folded around a savoury filling, often pork and mushrooms, then served with shallots and dipping sauce. The texture is soft and delicate rather than crisp. Order a small plate for breakfast or a snack, and eat it while warm instead of leaving it until the end of a food walk.

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9. Pho: a southern-style noodle stop

Pho in Ho Chi Minh City often comes with a generous plate of herbs and other additions. Taste the broth before adding sauces, lime or chilli. If you prefer fully cooked beef, ask which option on the menu suits you. The best first bowl is one you can adjust without covering up the broth immediately.

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10. Che: finish with something sweet

Che covers a whole family of desserts, including beans, jellies, fruit and coconut-based combinations. Choose a mixture by pointing at the displayed ingredients, or ask what goes into the house version. A small glass is plenty after a food-filled afternoon. Check whether it is served hot or with ice before ordering.

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Choose a busy stall where you can see food being prepared, ask the price before ordering and mention allergies clearly. Sauces may contain fish, shellfish or peanuts even when the main ingredient does not. For a fuller introduction, read our Ho Chi Minh City food guide.