BUSAN KOREAN FOOD

Known as one of the oldest and most famous Korean restaurants among students and office workers, Busan Korean Food offers you a wide range of delicious dishes at a very reasonable price. This restaurant is ideal for those on a low budget and wishes to explore a new choice with their friends. Signature dishes of the place includes the “mixed steam rice with beef” and the “Korean black soybean noodles” as well as its famous kimbap - "cơm cuộn" (rolled rice) in Vietnamese.

Address 1: #5 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Binh Thanh District
Address 2: #346 Le Van Sy Street, District 3
Opening hours: 10:00 - 22:30

KING BBQ

King BBQ is often referred to as one of the most high-quality grilled restaurants in Saigon. It is known for superior service as well as its delicate attention to details, providing you with the best experience at a fairly reasonable price. The restaurant offers a wide selection of meat and vegetables, as well as full access to its salad bar, soup, and dessert. The place is best for large group meetups since it can offer something to everyone at a very good price.

Address 1:  B3-10B, Vincom Center, 70-72 Le Thanh Ton street, District 1
Address 2: L5-03, Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi street, District
Address 3: #208 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia street, District 3
Address 4: #515 Nguyen Tri Phuong street, District 10.
Address 5: #04 - #05b, SC Vivocity, 1058 Nguyen Van Linh, District 7
Address 6: B1-11, Vincom Quang Trung, 190 Quang Trung street, Go Vap district
Address 7: #38 Mac Dinh Chi street, District 1
Opening hours: 8:30 - 23:00

COCODAK KOREAN RESTAURANT

CocoDak got its unbeatable reputation from its various chicken dishes. At CocoDak, you will not only find yourself fascinated by the traditional Korean dishes, but you will also have a whole new experience with taste, a regular customer of the restaurant even referred to it as a “fusion food restraint”. Customers of the place enjoy being served with delectable chicken in a wide selection of dishes and sauces. The favorite dishes here are the signature “Volcano” as well as the TOFU salad. Another plus for anyone considering paying a visit is the free starter soup which is also of very high quality.

Address: #192 Ly Tu Trong Street, District 1
Opening hours: 10:00 - 23:00

MR. PARK

This is another grilled restaurant to add to your list. Coming to Mr. Park restaurant, you will be able to enjoy attentive service as well as delicate food. Crafted by a Korean chef with 27 years of experience, the food at Mr. Park restaurant can please even the most fastidious gourmets. Favorite dishes at the place includes its famous grilled pork as well as the wide selection of kimbap.

Address: #14 Le Quy Don Street, Ward 6, District 3
Website: www.mrpark.com.vn
Opening hours: 10:30 - 23:00

ARIRANG BBQ

This is another BBQ restaurant to add to your must-try list. Arirang BBQ is one of the top high-quality BBQ restaurants in Ho Chi Minh city. Either you are looking for an AYCE (all-you-can-eat) Korean BBQ or a classic Korean cuisine, Arirang BBQ can certainly satisfy your appetite. The restaurant provides free side dish as well as fresh, crisp vegetables. Signature dishes include the beef bulgogi and the pork belly.

Address: #2 Dong Khoi Street, Ben Nghe, District 1
Opening hours: 11:00-23:00

CHOI GO JIP KOREAN RESTAURANT

Another restaurant ideal for a peaceful night with your family and friends. At Choi Go Jip, you will have the chance to experience exclusive food and service. The restaurant is widely known for helpful, attentive staff as well as tasty meat. Famous dishes at the place include the marinated beef and the pork as well.

Address: #161 Ham Nghi, Nguyen Thai Bin Ward, District 1
Opening hours: 9:30 - 21:00

Tandoor

Situated in the center of all Saigon activities (a 30-second walk to Nguyen Hue walking street), you can tell Tandoor is as pricey as it is fancy. In return, you can expect top-notch food, friendly service, beautiful space, and a satisfying experience. Upon entering, we were greeted with possibly the nicest doorman in existence, smile always plastered across his face complimenting an overall cheery attitude that pumped me up before the exciting meal. The place is medium-sized and just compact enough that we could smell all the herbs and spices before even settling in my seat. At night, the restaurant is candle-lit, and candles romanticize everything ten folds. The food range is respectable, and the food itself is remarkable. Even the iced tea was premium, adorned with some mint leaves. A meal for two would fall around 500,000vnd, which is relatively expensive (but totally worth it), so consider Tandoor for some special occasion or maybe a date with whom you want to impress.

Add: 39 Ngo Duc Ke Street, Dist 1
Tel:+84 8 3930 4839
Web: http://tandoorvietnam.com
Working hours: 10:30–14:30, 17:00–23:00

Baba’s Kitchen

It is not absurd to state that food at Baba’s Kitchen is as authentic as it can get, especially when chefs and staffs here are all Indians (they are also friendly and likable). The place is small but clean and well-kept. However, it’s almost always packed, hence a little crowded at times. A good spin on this is that the food must be worth all the trouble, and it is! Butter Chicken is a must try and has put Baba’s Kitchen on many people’s favorite list, so drop by Baba’s, the unofficial ambassador of Indian food and see if it will make an appearance on your favorite list too.

Add: 164 Bùi Viện, District 1
Tel: 028 3838 6661
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Babas-Kitchen-168661249876554/
Working hours: 11:00 - 22h30

Ashoka

Ashoka is a multinational franchise as its owner has long set his heart on promoting and establishing a stand for Indian cuisine among others. For what it is worth, Ashoka is not far from completing its mission if not already. Dishes here are a nice introduction to Indian food that will keep people intrigued and coming as the flavor, although still retains the essence of Indian food, is nicely reduced and adjusted to fit the majority’s taste.

Add: 17/10 Le Thanh Ton Ben Nghe, District 1
Tel: 028 3823 1372
Web: http://ashokavietnam.com/story.htm
Working hours: 11:00–14:00, 17:00–22:30

Ganesh

Ganesh Restaurants have sprawled across not only HCMC but also other cities of Vietnam like Nha Trang, Hue, Hoi An, etc. so it is safe to say Ganesh food is tested and approved. The franchise is named after Lord Ganesha who, according to Hindu tradition, is a God of wisdom, success and good luck.

Add: 38 Hai Ba Trung, District 1.
Tel: 08 38234785 - 0966 478 767
Web: http://www.ganesh.vn
Working hours: 11:00 AM – 02:30 PM / 17:30 PM – 10:30 PM

Mumtaz

Yet another charming little diner located in the long famous backpacker street Bui Vien, Mumtaz is known for offering authentic Indian food at a bargain price. With 100,000vnd more or less, you will get access to an extensive menu of no fewer than 150 dishes. We suggest you eat chicken samosa.

Add: 226 Bui Vien, District 1
Tel: +84 8 3837 1767
Working hours: 10:00–23:00

Namaste

Not quite known in the business but for those who do, Namaste is easily a favorite for its outstanding flavors. Many Indian businessmen I know have praised Namaste’s dishes for their striking and very much appreciated resemblance to those of their hometown.

Add: 189 Bui Vien Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1
Tel: 028 6684 9786
Web: http://namasteindia.vn
Working hours: 10:30-23:00

Spice India

Spice India is a particular restaurant set right at the heart of Bui Vien so it is always activities-packed and fun. The diner is cozy and pleasingly decorated. Staffs are all Indians so rest assured that you are getting a real taste of Indian cuisine, creamy and spicy. A value for money!

Add: 1B Bui Vien, District 1
Tel: 028 6676 3784
Web: http://spiceindia.com.vn
Working hours: 10:00-23:00

Doa Sen Vang (Golden Lotus)

On your destined vegetarian days, you can always count on Doa Sen Vang to find a cozy place to comfortably relax after exhaustive hours at work.

The choices offered are incredible. Not just traditionally confined to only plants and fruits, more sophisticatedly designed and appealing dishes such as “Roasted Mushrooms in Foil” and “Fruit Spring-roll”. Especially, Thai food is also on the menu under the representation of Thai Hotpot or Hu Tiu Xao ( Fried Rice Noodle).

Address: 253/8 Nguyễn Văn Trỗi, Phường 10, Phú Nhuận, Hồ Chí Minh
Phone: 096 757 70 17

Nha Hang Chay Ba La (Three Leaves)

Impressing visitors even before they set foot inside the restaurant with his strong resemblance to an authentic bucolic leaf tent in a remote Vietnamese countryside. Wooden fences and rattan baskets from the outside complements perfectly bamboo chairs inside the premises.
Diners have the freedom to choose from a diverse menu. The most recommended dish is Goi Ngo Sen (Lotus Roll) in which sweetness, sourness, and spiciness converge, creating an unforgettable dining experience for both locals and tourists alike.

Address: 32A Cao Bá Nhạ, Phường Nguyễn Cư Trinh, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Website: 3lachay.com
Phone: +84 28 6683 0303

ROU

If you want more from just “not eating products related to animals”, ROU can satisfy your need. With its wide selection of dishes from various countries, diners are able to feast upon Thai Papaya Mix, Hong Kong fried rice, Singapore fried vermicelli as well as the restaurant’s proud specialty such as ROU spring rolls, ROU rice, ROU soup. Each dish is decorated meticulously by the passion of the staff, which certainly improves anyone’s eating away.

Address: 37B Cô Bắc, Quận 1, Cầu Ông Lãnh, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Phone: +84 862761613

Here&Now

Designed in an antique fashion, Here&Now stands out for its peacefulness atmosphere pervasive the place. Vietnamese and Thai vegetarian dishes at Here&Now are among the best in Ho Chi Minh City. The most featured is Thai Fried Hu Tiu, which is both sweet and spicy and famous for the large and chewy noodle strips. There is just a little minus in the overall experience is that there is no parking space. But don’t worry much, you can ask to park in the nearby pagoda!

Address: 89 E Nguyễn Công Hoan, phường 7, Phú Nhuận, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Phone: +84 28 6292 6669

BioGarten

The fusion of modernity and tradition renders BioGarten an elegant treat. Greenery helps createto create the feeling of well-ventilation while the lake is creatively structured to embellish the architecture. Additionally, the restaurant dishes are highly recommended so don’t hesitate and drop by! One more little tip is that downstairs, there is a vegetarian supplies supermarket so you can even buy some ingredients to go home and make your own version!

Address: 155a Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, phường 6, Quận 3, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Website: biogartenrestaurant.vn
Phone: +84 90 680 31 89

Mandala

Whether you are in search of Tibet cultural space or unique vegetarian dining experiences, Mandala will always be your top option. Ranging from the distinctively furnished premises to the beautiful distinct dishes that only Mandala can offer, diners will not be able to find the same taste anywhere else.

Address: 110 Sương Nguyệt Ánh, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Phone: +84 28 3925 0689

Veggie Saigon - Restaurant and Cafe

Dishes are carefully cooked and colorfully presented so when the dishes are ready, diners often wonder if they are looking at a work of art by the chef.

Address: 92B Lê Lai, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Website: veggiesaigon.com
Phone: +84 96 810 77 88

Phu Truc

Located in a relatively tranquil area in district 10, such peacefulness is conducive to a vegetarian dining experience. The food is well-regarded and the service is satisfactory. Private rooms are available for events. However, the biggest plus for Phu Truc is the affordable price!

Address: 42 Trần Minh Quyền, Phường 10, Quận 10, Hồ Chí Minh
Phone: +84 868 614 245

Phuong Mai

Phuong Mai Restaurant is renowned for its authentic bucolic vegetarian Vietnamese dishes that are presented endearingly natural with natural tones of color, creating an irresistible charm. Besides, Phuong May restaurant also offers the option of a combo to try out more dishes while staying affordable. Another huge tip is that if you reserve via TableNow, breakfast combo is reduced from 65000 VND to 38 000 VND!

Address: 86F Võ Thị Sáu, Tân Định, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh
Website: phuongmaichay.com
Phone: +84 88 833 92 57

Sen (Lotus)

Sen Restaurant is well-known for its lotus rice, lotus soup, and caramelized look-like-pork and eggs. Its price range from 30 000 to 150 000 per dish.

Address: 171 Nguyễn Thái Học, P. Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh

Chè Đậu Xanh (Mung Bean Sweet Soup)

For hot summer days in Saigon, Chè Đậu Xanh is a must. Like many other types of Chè, the dish consists of simple ingredients like simmered mung beans, glutinous soup, and coconut milk. With the beans’ soft, creamy texture, the jelly-like soup’s refreshing sweetness, and the coconut milk’s rich flavors, Chè Đậu Xanh never fails to put a smile on tourists who are looking for shelter from the scorching sun. Finding a quality Chè Đậu Xanh vendor or store isn’t difficult for the dish’ popularity among Saigonese, but from our experience, the true gem lies on the corner of Lý Thường Kiệt and Hòa Hảo street in district 10. Just ask the locals for Chè Đậu Xanh – Lý Thường Kiệt, they’ll lead the way!

Tào Phớ (Douhua, Soybean Pudding)

A childhood treat for many, Tào Phớ - or Tàu Hủ as we Southerners call it – is the king of desserts. The dish originated in China and was delivered to many countries, including Vietnam, within their own variation. Ubiquitously, Douhua’s basic ingredients involve silky tofu doused in sugar syrup. But any hardcore Saigonese would recommend serving it hot with ginger-flavored sugar syrup and additional tapioca pearls. The ginger’s spices add heat to balance the crude sweetness of sugar syrup and the chewy pearls complement the tofu’s melting texture. If all of that description hasn’t wet your appetite already, try Douhua for yourself at Nguyên’s Douhua and Sweet Soup, it’s right around 68 Phúc Nguyên, District 3!

Chè ba màu (Cendol Sweet Soup)

If creamy mung beans and silky tofu aren’t exactly your cup of tea, how about some chewy cendol? Named after its main ingredient, Cendol Sweet Soup is commonly found in South East Asian countries. Coming to Vietnam, the dish took on a variant where adzuki beans (red), white black-eyed peas (white), and cendol (green) can be found. The ingredients not only give the dish its iconic name Chè Ba Màu, but are also combined perfectly to suit the preference of any picky eater. Not chewy enough? Cendol. Too sweet? Black-eyed peas. Not creamy enough? Ground mung bean paste and adzuki beans. All that diversity combined with coconut milk and shaved ice makes Chè Ba Màu a must-try. So the next time you’re coming to Saigon and a Vietnamese friend offer to buy you sweet soup, Chè Ba Màu is the safest option to go! For a fantastic Chè Ba Màu experience, try Cendol and Milkshake at 137 Văn Thân, District 6!  

Chè Trôi Nước (Floating Dessert)

Chè Trôi Nước bears much similarity to Douhua in that its main component – Bánh Trôi Nước (glutinous rice filled with mung bean paste) – is also doused in ginger-flavored sugar syrup. A well-known dish, Chè Trôi Nước stands out among other Chè’s not only in terms of poetry (as it has been used to represent Feudal women) but also in terms of taste. A bite into the delicious Bánh Trôi Nước entails a hint of sesame’s saltiness well-combined with the rich and sweet texture of ground mung beans. Served hot like Douhua, Chè Trôi Nước is a go-to whenever you need to melt away winter’s blues! A true Chè connoisseur like we are makes sure you derive the most from this classic dish, so Thanh Tâm’s at 528 Phan Văn Trị, District 5 is the place to go!

Chè Bắp (Corn Sweet Soup)

Chè Bắp strikes a resemblance to Chè Đậu Xanh in that it is crafted from glutinous rice, thick, syrupy coconut milk, and toasted sesame seeds, with the additional sweet corn. Though the dish can be served warm or cold, we guarantee the best version anyone can get from a Saigonese store is no lower than 50 degrees. The natural sweetness of corn combined with the creamy coconut milk sunken in chewy glutinous rice soup altogether served hot makes a desirable combination for any day in the year. Compared to Chè Đậu Xanh, Chè Bắp’s sweeter but crunchier and less creamy feel creates an alternative for those turned down by the sinfully rich texture of the former. If you ever find yourself hungry and in need of a serious bowl of Chè Bắp, just crash into Bàn Cờ Market in District 10 for some authentic Chè Bắp!

Chè Sâm Bổ Lượng (Ching Bo Leung)

Different from previously mentioned dishes which are simplistic and don’t call for many ingredients, Ching Bo Leung is an assortment of all kinds of exotic seeds, fruits, and plants there are. Complex like its creators – the Chinese – the dish involves various components like Job’s tears, dried longans, red jujubes, lotus seeds, and thinly sliced seaweed served with sugar syrup and crushed ice. Served cold with a generally crunchy and chewy texture, Ching Bo Leung is here in Saigon to chase away all the summer heat and freshen anyone’s day, any time of the year. If you ever visit Saigon in mid-July, definitely try out Ching Bo Leung at Three Sister’s, 119 Nguyễn Cư Trinh, District 1!

Chè Thốt Nốt (Doub Palm Sweet Soup)

Unlike Chè Ba Màu or Ching Bo Leung which can easily be found on the street, Chè Thốt Nốt is less easily reach for new tourists and is instead, more popular among the veterans. Though preparing the Doub Palm’s fruits can take up some hell of a time, the resulting fruit never fails to satisfy even the pickiest taste buds. Combine the Thốt Nốt fruit with sugar syrup and coconut milk, the taste will get more heavenly as the soft and chewy texture of the Thốt Nốt elevates the soup’s light and creamy flavours. Finding a Thốt Nốt vending cart can be a bit of a tall order, but we’re here to help. 3S Sweet Soup at 163 Điện Biên Phủ, Bình Thạnh District is among the most superb Thốt Nốt places in Saigon. (Hint: they also excel at Chè Khúc Bạch, check that out too!)

Chè chuối (Banana Sweet Soup)

Chè Chuối is among the dishes nostalgic to Saigonese kids and adults alike. When it comes to cooking Banana Sweet Soup, no one can top a Vietnamese grandma. The dish is amazingly simple in that it is essentially just banana and coconut milk. Unlike most fruity sweet soup, Chè Chuối is served hot as the bananas are steamed before hot coconut milk is poured on top. The resulting texture is incredibly soft, rich and creamy as the banana slices melt in your mouth and blend with the addictive taste of coconut milk. With grandmas who can cook such a dish, it’s no wonder why Vietnamese kids are so chubby! But in case you don’t have a Vietnamese grandma yet still crave for some authentic Chè Chuối, then hop into Tik Tok at 65 Hoàng Diệu 2, Thủ Đức district right now!

76 Hai Ba Trung district 1

Located in the heart of district 1, this alley mainly serves students and office workers. There is a good variety to choose from at relatively reasonable prices. With 10000 - 15000 VND anyone can get a portion of noodles, meat/ fish balls, soup. However, the low cost doesn’t define the quality of food, which can be compared to that of any indoor food stall. Moreover, the sellers are very friendly and helpful if you’re not familiar with Saigon streets. The cheap, tasty and eye-catching food here accounts for their getting sold out within 3 hours every day (3-6pm).

Video edited by Son Nguyen & shot by Chi Le

After getting enough energy, pay a visit to the Ho Chi Minh city Municipal theatre, which is only a few minutes away on foot to the south.

Ho Ba Kien, district 10

This one is much younger than the first, having been discovered for no longer than a few months. Teenagers and university students often gather here since the price is generally cheap, each dish costing no more than 20000 VND. Most famous here is the seafood stall and some Vietnamese specialties such as banh nam and banh bot loc.

177 Ly Tu Trong, District 1

Here customers are offered the special dessert after the main course: fruit. A combination of pineapple, strawberry, watermelon, etc is served in bowls with cups of yogurt. This cannot fail to quench the thirst of tourists made exhausted by the scorching heat of Saigon noon.

After a good rest, continue your visit to nearby attractions such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the city post office or the Tran Dai Nghia High school for the Gifted.

14 Tran Binh Trong, District 5

Another checkpoint for anyone who loves sweet food. Located in the so-called Chinatown of Saigon, this alley leads to an old apartment block, which makes it easier to find. Jelly and flan cakes are the most popular dishes, with a variety of flavors to choose: cheese, coconut, etc. In case you want something for the main course, try fried dough next door. A meal here can be nothing but a bargain, since prices are no more than 2500 VND for desserts and 15000 for fried dough.

Since this alley is in the Chinatown, take your time to discover one of the most important parts of Saigonese culture by visiting Cho Lon, Thien Hau pagoda, and various other sites.

51 Cao Thang, District 3

Not so far from the Ban Co Market, this alley is best known for the 70-year-old porridge stall named “Tieu”. One difference, however, is the high price 65000 VND per portion. The ingredients used, including heart, kidney, meat and even mushroom, may result in the unreasonable price compared to other stalls. Or else, try the mouth-watering girdle cake made on the spot. Also on offer are noodles, balut fried with tamarind, fish balls, dim sum, ravioli soup, crab soup, etc. for about 15000 VND. Last but not least, have a go at the cocktails, on the menu at most stalls.

284 Le Van Sy, District 3

Another place all too familiar with students and workers in district 3, this is a haven for all fans of Vietnamese noodles- “bun”- as well as tourists interested in Hue food culture: banh nam, banh beo, banh uot, banh loc, etc. Enjoy your meal for no more than 20000 VND. There’s a parking lot nearby in case you get there by motorbike, right in front of the kindergarten. Young Saigonese often hold small gatherings here at night, which makes this time of the day the most exciting and suitable for a visit.

Nam Ky Khoi Nghia highschool, District 11

Located on Nguyen Thi Nho street, which is also famous as a dining area, this alley is right next to the Nam Ky Khoi Nghia highschool. As a result, its students are the most usual customers. Besides the dishes mentioned above, milk tea- an addictive drink too familiar with Vietnamese teens- can be found. Most popular here is the popiah cart, known to be not only the cheapest throughout Saigon but also one with the highest quality. For seafood enthusiast, snails and fish are a must-try.

Food alleys are one irreplaceable piece of Saigonese culture and have never lost their appeal towards tourists as well as locals, and above are some of the most popular places to explore this aspect of the city. Hungry after reading all these illustrations yet? Get up and give them a try yourself!

1. PHỞ

Let’s start off with something familiar, something tourists near and far have all heard of – phở (or pho, if you are not good with the Vietnamese marks). Phở is the most eater-friendly dish you can find in this city. Its ingredients are simply: broth, rice noodles, a few herbs, and meat (primarily beef or chicken). But wander into any random phở eatery, and you are likely to be served with phở bò (beef pho).

Like most Vietnamese dishes, phở bò has handful variations. The most basic of phở’s is simply served with beef from cow shanks (tái). To add chewiness, feel free to pop a plate (nạm). Something fattier? Try the brisket (gầu). Not crunchy enough? Add some tendon (gân) and tripe (sách)! Trying them all is a must. Though, with the phở business growing so fast, it can be hard to navigate just the right eatery for your Vietnamese cuisine experience. Fret not. In the case of extreme craving for phở (which are most Saigonese in the morning), it is fair to crash into the nearest Phở Ông Hùng. They’re everywhere and the prices are affordable. However, for a true phở connoisseur, the day should always start with Phở Thìn – Phố Nhỏ at 170 Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, district 3.

2. BÚN BÒ HUẾ

As we take another step up the culture ladder, bún bò Huế (Hue beef noodle?) awaits. Its basic ingredients are the same as phở’s – broth, noodles, and meat – but the variations go further. The explosive flavors of bún bò Huế’s broth come from the addition of lemongrass and fermented shrimp sauce. The dish’s noodles are made of rice vermicelli and its beef is sliced into pieces thinner than phở’s. Speaking from over 15 years of bún bò Huế enjoyment, we ensure you that just a spoonful of the dish can entail flavors as exotic as chả Huế (Hue sausage), shrimp meat roll, blood pudding, vegetables, and herbs (onions, mung bean sprouts, thinly sliced banana blossom, purple cabbage, mint, or Vietnamese coriander to name but a few). It is ok to be intimidated by all the herbs, even a Vietnamese would be. But if you plan to immerse in the Vietnamese culture, do consider tasting bún bò Huế to its fullest.

Still confused? How about trying the dish yourself. Since the Saigonese take their bún bò Huế seriously, there are bún bò Huế emergency restaurants Món Huế everywhere that you can crash into. But for true cuisine enthusiasts, Bún Bò Huế at 725 Hoàng Sa, district 3 is the ultimate destination. With its Foody rating (Vietnam's largest food rating app) at 9.2, who wouldn’t want to give the place a try?

3. BÚN MẮM

For those who have undertaken and survived the “Bún bò Huế life-changing trial of flavors explosion,” congrats and welcome to your next stop: bún mắm. For those who have not made it but are interested anyway, read on at your peril.

Bún mắm is so eater-picky that it is considered by many to be the “Vietnamese gumbo” (gumbo is an extremely strong-flavored West African dish). The magical taste of bún mắm does not lie in exotic components (ingredients-wise it is essentially bún bò Huế) but in the process through which a bowl of bún mắm, especially its broth, comes into being. Bún mắm’s broth is made with the ever-so-rich, one-of-a-kind “prahok sauce”. Making the sauce requires great patience, as the time period between first marinating prahok fish and the point at which they are fermented can take months. But it is all worth it, for the final result is perfection – one slurp is enough that can send you to cloud nine and back with its mixture of saltiness, sweetness, a little bit of sour, and the much-famed unami. One word to describe the taste? Carnival.

There is a saying that goes, “Whenever traveling to a new region in Vietnam, order bún mắm. You’ll never end up with two same bowls.” And that is true. Each locale has something new to put on the table. Chinese-Vietnamese bún mắm? More meatless greens. Trà Vinh? Vice versa. As for the Saigonese, we care a lot about giving customers the best experience, so everything is included. Literally, everything. Eating bún mắm in Saigon, you will find ingredients similar to bún bò Huế (which is already packed with ingredients) and those uniquely suited for bún mắm, knotgrass for example. Other types of meat like squid or fish are also present.

Bún mắm is truly a dish that will take your cultural immersion to another level. Without many obvious restaurants that hang signs of “BÚN MẮM” at their doorstep, finding the right place to enjoy the dish may require much time at Saigon. To save that precious holiday time, we will help you with the starting point, try eating at O Xuân at 22A-22B Nguyễn Hữu Cầu, district 3. Bon appetit!

4. BÁNH CANH

Departing from the flavourful adventure in Bún-land, we now head for bánh canh (literally “soup cake” from the dough’s cake-like shape). Bánh-canh-craft is an art of its own, with dishes varying to as many as six large branches (bánh canh cua, bánh canh bột lọc, bánh canh chả cá, bánh canh giò heo tôm thịt, bánh canh Trảng Bàng, bánh canh tôm) and many more sub-variants. In Saigon, the dominant ones (or at least, the ones we have tried and loved) are bánh canh cua (crab soup cake) and bánh canh Trảng Bàng (Trang Bang soup cake).

Unlike the complex nature of the dishes discussed above, the makings of bánh canh are as straightforward as it can get: soup, noodles, meat, and some herbs. For bánh canh cua, the meat is seafood (crab, shrimp) with the addition of a quail egg or two. For bánh canh Trảng Bàng, it is even simpler: just add pork knuckles! But do not be fooled by its apparent simplicity as bánh canh is by no means less tasty than its bún counterparts. Taste-wise, the sort of feelings bánh canh provokes are similar to those of phở. Its broth is light, medium-seasoned, and the richness in flavours come exclusively from the pig bones, hardly relying on any other type of seasoning. Its noodles are a trademark. Few, if any, other dishes have noodles as thick and chewy as bánh canh. If bún mắm is a carnival on the tongue, then bánh canh must be a kiddy playground as its chewiness teems with youth and vigor.

A bowl of bánh canh, if served right, can be a refreshing experience. To testify that, you can try Bánh Canh Ghẹ Cầu Bông at 2 Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Bình Thạnh district for bánh canh cua or Hoàng Ty restaurant at 1 Nguyễn Hữu Cầu, district 1 for bánh canh Trảng Bàng.

5. CAO LẦU

Tired of soupy noodles already? Let’s go for some cao lầu. Oh and sorry to break the news but, the name does not mean tall tower as cao means tall and lau means tower in Vietnamese!

It does mean something else though. One-of-a-kind-ity. Cao lầu differs from every other dish presented in this guide. It is not a type of phở, much less bún, hủ tíu, or bánh canh. Aside from the fact that nobody really knows where it came from (Hội An - Vietnam, China, or Japan?), cao lầu differs from other Vietnamese noodle dishes in that the noodles take the spotlight. First off, black rice is soaked in ash-water to get rid of all the moisture. Then it is pulverized and clean, cool water is added to make the dough. After that, the dough is rolled out, cut into strands, steamed, and dried under the sun for a long time to produce the final result of tender, chewy, and oh-so-indulgent noodles. Add some salad, herbs, mung beans, char siu (xá xíu), and fried lards (tép mỡ) and voila: cao lầu’s at your service!

Since cao lầu is not as popular in Saigon (or anywhere) as it is back in Hội An, places that serve it can be a bit tricky to find. I would recommend travelling to Hội An to fully experience such a delicacy, but if you have no time to visit Hoi An but really want to try it here in Saigon, then Phố Hội Quán – Cơm Gà và Cao Lầu at 203/67 Lãnh Binh Thăng, district 11 is a good place to start.

6. HỦ TIẾU NAM VANG

Strolling around Saigon, it is not hard to catch glimpses of hủ tiếu Nam Vang (Nam Vang kuy teav) eateries. You can either enjoy the dish in its original form (wet noodles) or a less soupy version that is hủ tiếu khô (dry kuy teav). Both taste good, but since wet noodles have flooded four pages already, let’s see what hủ tiếu khô brings to the table.

Just as the broth is the spotlight of a bowl of bún mắm and the noodles are that of cao lầu, the magic of hủ tiếu khô lies in its sauce. Making the sauce is as simple as ABC, simply stir-fry some garlic and mix them with good ol’ soy sauce, vinegar and some spices like sugar or salt and as much as half a bowl of hủ tiếu khô is ready for consumption. The other half? Just turn to the basics – rice noodles, meat (pork, shrimps, pig organs, etc.), some vegetables – and add a quail egg or two.

Many say eating hủ tiếu khô is like chewing on rubber! Absolutely, very indulgent rubber it is. Since it is served dry, hủ tiếu khô usually do not get soggy (unless you get greedy with your sauce) and has a chewy texture that brings much delight to whoever bites into it. Coupled with pungent stir-fried garlic – everybody’s food crush – and a sour-sweet taste from the mix of soy sauce and vinegar, hủ tiếu Nam Vang has never failed to trigger a “wow” from any foreigner first time dining on it. Try it for yourself at Nhân Quán, 122 Trần Quang Khải, district 1!

7. BÚN THỊT NƯỚNG

Truth be told, by now you are probably feeling so hungry right now after reading the 6 noodles dishes! But don’t leave yet! Grilled pork comin’ up!

Revolving around grilled meat, the dish is called bún thịt nướng (literally vermicelli with grilled meat). Ingredients-wise, bún thịt nướng is probably the most foreigner-friendly dish. It does not call for many Eastern components other than fish sauce (now likely to be found in any supermarket anywhere) and nem (meat roll/spring roll) (easily omitted from the recipe). To assemble your own bún thịt nướng, simply put some salad and herbs at the bottom of the bowl, spread cool rice noodles on top of the salad, place grilled (better charcoaled) pork, spring rolls, and meat roll (if available) on top of the noodles, sprinkle crushed peanuts, pickled vegetables, mỡ hành (scallion sauteed in oil) for garnish, and douse with fish sauce to blend everything together.

There is nothing quite like a cool, refreshing bowl of bún thịt nướng on a summer day (or just any day). The chill of the noodles, the smokey flavor of grilled meat, the crunchiness of greens, and the sour-sweet-with-a-tinge-of-spiciness fish sauce, all of which are blended together so perfectly that the dish just seems to brighten up anyone’s day.

There are quite a handful of bún thịt nướng eateries all around Saigon, from sidewalks to restaurants. But with our beloved foreign friends in mind, Bà Tư’s at 74 Cô Giang, Phú Nhuận district is a good go-to bún thịt nướng place.

8. BÁNH HỎI

The Vietnamese have always had some loose screws in their heads. Speaking of vermicelli, many would figure it can hardly be served as anything beside noodles with meat and broth in a bowl. But they would be wrong. Here in Vietnam, bundles are also a solution to vermicelli. Such is the case of bánh hỏi.

Served on ceremonial occasions such as wedding and ancestor memorial days, bánh hỏi requires much skill to make. As you would guess, the spotlight is on its bundles. First, high-quality rice is soaked overnight and washed until the water is clear. Then it is ground either with or without water; more water is added to leaven the mixture, which is then cooked in a pan and stirred continuously till coagulation. When the dough’s ready, it will be pressed through small holes in copper or aluminum cylinders. One person presses while another catches and bundle the noodles coming out on the other side. At last, the bundles are cut into 10cm portions and steamed for about five minutes.

Complicated as the preparation process seems, the dish is actually very easy to assemble: simply place the vermicelli bundles on one side of the plate, spread some mỡ hành on top, then put the meat (pork, duck meat) and herbs on another side. When eating, you should put everything together on your fingers in the order of herbs – vermicelli – meat, fold them and dip the bunch into fish sauce. The taste is very similar to bún thịt nướng but the texture is a lot smoother as the noodles are more refined.

For an authentic taste of bánh hỏi, head for 453/98 Lê Văn Sỹ, district 3. They also serve bún thịt nướng as well! (two birds one stone!)

9. BÚN ĐẬU MẮM TÔM

Oh boy. Our tourist friends, you have no idea how tortured we were over whether to put this dish on the guide. Why? Imagine bún bò Huế or bún mắm, pretty eater-picky ‘cause they have got shrimp paste, right? OK, guess what. In bún đậu mắm tôm, the shrimp paste (made from fermented ground shrimp mixed with salt) is for dipping.

Don’t run away! The dish is here for a reason.

The taste of shrimp paste in bún đậu mắm tôm is actually very delightful as it is mixed with hefty amounts of sugar and Vietnamese kumquat (tắc). Bún đậu mắm tôm is similar to bánh hỏi. Its components are served separately and are left to the customers to put together. A typical serving of bún đậu mắm tôm can be found on a “mẹt” (a special type of traditional Vietnamese dish made of mây - calameae) with vermicelli bundles (a lot thicker than bánh hỏi), meat, herbs, and of course, fried tofu.

There is no absolutely correct way of eating bún đậu mắm tôm. Some people like to enjoy each part of the dish at a time, but here in Saigon, we eat it the bánh hỏi way: just bunch everything together, dip it in the sinful shrimp paste, and devour everything in one go. The explosion of textures and flavours are sure to leave you craving for more. How about giving it a try yourself at Tú Uyên’s at 433/9 Sư Vạn Hạnh, district 10? You won’t be disappointed.

10. GỎI CUỐN

Not to be confused with chả giò, which is also Vietnamese spring rolls, gỏi cuốn is a combination of thinly sliced pork, fresh prawns, herbs, and vermicelli wrapped in rice paper (called bánh tráng). One of the most popular Vietnamese appetizers (ranking 30th on “World's 50 most delicious foods” by CNN Go in 2011), gỏi cuốn does not require much spice. In fact, what makes it so good is the dipping sauce – tương xào. The sauce’s main component is hoisin, made with ground soybeans. Mix it with coconut broth, stir-fry with garlic and sugar, and sprinkle some chili or ground peanuts on top and voila! Few, if any, people finish their gỏi cuốn with a half-empty bowl of dipping sauce.

It can be hard to find the right gỏi cuốn place since the dish is so popular and enjoyed by Saigonese and foreigners alike. But we’re here to save your wallet: try eating at 38 Nguyễn Phi Khanh, District 1!