Browse street food restaurants with reviews and recommendations
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.
Located in Tan Binh, this casual eatery serves Vietnamese dishes with some Korean influences like bulgogi fried rice and kimchi soup. While some dishes like the BBQ steak have received praise for tenderness, others fall short in flavor balance. The service is polite, and prices remain affordable, but drink options are limited.
Known for hu tieu with rich, fragrant broth and generous toppings like seafood and pork, this Bui Vien eatery offers sizable portions at a slightly higher price. Locals appreciate the nostalgic atmosphere and consistent quality for breakfast and beyond.
This spot is known for crispy, flavorful banh mi sandwiches filled with tender pork or chicken and fresh herbs. Friendly staff engage with guests, and the casual atmosphere in Dong Khoi invites repeat visits for under $2 sandwiches and fresh watermelon juice.
9 cuisine types
9 areas with restaurants
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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.
| Area | Known for | Price* |
|---|---|---|
| Bui Vien / Pham Ngu Lao | Lively street food and casual dining | €€ |
| District 1 / Ben Thanh | Central, mix of traditional and upscale | €€ |
| Dong Khoi | Refined dining, international cuisine | €€ |
| Tan Binh | Good range of restaurants | €€ |
| District 3 | Good range of restaurants | €€ |
| Phu My Hung / District 7 | Modern 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
