Where to Eat in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City's dining scene is concentrated mainly in Bui Vien / Pham Ngu Lao, District 1 / Ben Thanh, and Dong Khoi. Bui Vien / Pham Ngu Lao is known for i

59Restaurants
4.5avg

Restaurant Listings

Å by TUNG restaurant image
Ho Chi Minh City

This upscale spot in Binh Thanh offers a 20-course tasting menu featuring finely paced dishes that highlight international flavors with local ingredients. An open kitchen allows diners to watch chefs craft intricate plates while the calm, refined setting invites long, relaxed dinners.

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A Taste Of Saigon - Kitchen - Vietnamese Cuisine & Vegetarian Food restaurant image
Ho Chi Minh City

Located near Bui Vien, this Vietnamese and vegetarian kitchen serves dishes like fried tofu with salted egg yolk sauce and lemongrass beef that locals appreciate for their fresh flavors. The staff maintain attentive service despite busy hours, and the casual setting suits groups looking for flavorful meals.

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A Taste Of Saigon - Old Market - Vietnamese Cuisine & Vegetarian Food restaurant image
Ho Chi Minh City

This District 1 eatery specializes in authentic Vietnamese cuisine with favorites like aromatic phở and crispy bánh xèo served in a relaxed setting down a quiet lane. The friendly staff and consistent freshness make it a reliable spot for traditional flavors near Ben Thanh market.

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Baba's Kitchen Indian Restaurant - Bui Vien restaurant image
Ho Chi Minh City

Baba's Kitchen offers affordable Indian classics such as creamy chicken korma and spicy chicken masala on Bui Vien street. The attentive staff guide newcomers through must-try dishes, and extras like paratha and kheer enhance the experience despite the sometimes crowded dining room.

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Ben Nghe Street Food restaurant image
Ho Chi Minh City

Situated in Dong Khoi, this street food market offers budget-friendly options including exotic meats and classic Vietnamese snacks. The lively atmosphere includes live music and a variety of stalls, making it a practical stop for those seeking diverse local flavors in one spot.

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Bếp Cuốn Sài Gòn restaurant image
Ho Chi Minh City

This spot in Bui Vien offers air-conditioned comfort with a focus on bánh xèo and the Bep Cuon combo featuring pork and shrimp pancake rolls. The second floor provides a quieter dining space, ideal for savoring the layered flavors of their spring rolls priced around 599,000 VND for a four-person combo.

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Bếp Mẹ Ỉn restaurant image
Ho Chi Minh City

Located near Ben Thanh, this international eatery serves banh xeo and com tam that locals praise. Seating is ample and booking ahead is advised. The atmosphere is casual, with slightly higher prices and friendly staff managing a multi-venue setup that sometimes complicates billing.

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Chài Village restaurant image
Ho Chi Minh City

Seafood lovers will appreciate the fresh prawns, crabs, and lobsters here, especially the crispy garlic prawns which have earned strong recommendations. Located in District 1, the restaurant offers attentive service and a clean environment, though some dishes may come out slower on busy nights.

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CHAY GARDEN Võ Văn Tần - Vegetarian Restaurant & Coffee restaurant image
Ho Chi Minh City

Chay Garden offers a calm atmosphere away from street noise, serving vegetarian dishes that focus on flavor and presentation. Try their Oolong tea with lotus seed and lemongrass, alongside generous portions of well-seasoned plates. Service is attentive, making it a good spot for relaxed meals.

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Chiba - Yakiniku Nướng Nhật Bản restaurant image
Ho Chi Minh City

This Tan Binh yakiniku spot offers fresh meats and a wide selection of dishes served in a clean, cozy setting. Families appreciate the reasonable prices and attentive staff who accommodate various tastes. The focus here is on quality cuts grilled to order with friendly service.

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Cloud Nine Restaurant Sai Gon restaurant image
Ho Chi Minh City

Perched on the 11th floor of La Siesta Hotel, this restaurant offers tender steaks and carefully crafted cocktails alongside panoramic city views. The desserts carry a rich flavor profile, complementing the polished service and intimate evening ambiance. Expect small plates with refined presentation, ideal for savoring over a leisurely dinner.

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Cuc Gach Restaurant restaurant image
Ho Chi Minh City

Set inside a restored French villa, the atmosphere blends traditional Vietnamese homestyle comfort with elevated dishes like lemongrass tofu and BBQ beef. Fresh juices such as watermelon and passion fruit refresh the palate, while the quiet street setting offers a relaxed dining pace. The menu balances familiar flavors with subtle sophistication.

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Ho Chi Minh City's dining scene is concentrated mainly in Bui Vien / Pham Ngu Lao, District 1 / Ben Thanh, and Dong Khoi. Bui Vien / Pham Ngu Lao is known for its lively street food and casual eateries, great for trying Vietnamese and international flavors. District 1 / Ben Thanh has a mix of traditional Vietnamese dishes and upscale dining in a busy central location. Dong Khoi features refined restaurants with an emphasis on ambiance and a selection of international cuisines.

Where to eat in Ho Chi Minh City, by area

AreaKnown forPrice*
Bui Vien / Pham Ngu LaoLively street food and casual dining€€
District 1 / Ben ThanhCentral, mix of traditional and upscale€€
Dong KhoiRefined dining, international cuisine€€
Tan BinhGood range of restaurants€€
District 3Good range of restaurants€€
Phu My Hung / District 7Modern dining, expat favorite€€

*Price reflects the most common level among the restaurants we list in each area (€ budget to €€€€ fine dining).

Every restaurant here is checked against its rating and recent reviews. Filter the listings below by cuisine, area and price.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best area for food overall in Ho Chi Minh City?

District 1 / Ben Thanh is the best overall area for food due to its diverse selection of traditional Vietnamese restaurants and international options. It combines accessibility with a wide variety of dining experiences suitable for many tastes.

Where should I eat on my first visit to Ho Chi Minh City?

Bui Vien / Pham Ngu Lao is ideal for a first visit, offering lively street food and casual eateries that showcase authentic Vietnamese flavors alongside international dishes. It’s a great place to get a sense of the city’s culinary character.

Is eating out in Ho Chi Minh City expensive?

Eating out in Ho Chi Minh City generally ranges from affordable street food to mid-range restaurants. Many local dishes are inexpensive, making dining out accessible for most budgets, though upscale venues will cost more.

Which area is best for fine dining?

Dong Khoi is the go-to area for fine dining, with several refined restaurants that focus on atmosphere and international cuisine. It has a more polished dining scene compared to other districts.

Where can I find cheap or casual eats in Ho Chi Minh City?

Bui Vien / Pham Ngu Lao is known for its cheap and casual dining options, including street food stalls and informal eateries. This area is great for quick, tasty meals without a formal setting.

What local dishes should I try in Ho Chi Minh City?

Key local dishes include pho (Vietnamese noodle soup), banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), and com tam (broken rice with grilled meat). These dishes are widely available across the city, especially in traditional Vietnamese restaurants.

Do I need reservations to eat at restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City?

Reservations are generally not required for casual and street food venues. However, for popular or fine dining restaurants in areas like Dong Khoi or District 1, it is advisable to book ahead, especially during peak hours.

Editor's picks

For a memorable meal in Ho Chi Minh City, consider Du thuyền Nhà hàng Benthanh Princess for a distinctive dining scene on the water. Garden in Island by Mars Venus is an inviting choice blending natural ambiance with quality dishes. For authentic Vietnamese flavors, Vị Sài Gòn Restaurant & Café and Hai’s Restaurant provide excellent local cuisine in comfortable settings. De Tham Restaurant - Vietnamese cuisine & vegetarian Food caters well to those seeking vegetarian options, while Nông Thôn Đại Việt - The Rice Restaurant specializes in traditional rice-based meals. These selections highlight the diversity and quality present across the city’s top dining areas.