Do you enjoy trying new dishes and experimenting with unique flavors? If so, you are ready for a Ho Chi Minh food tour.
Ho Chi Minh City is located on the beautiful southern coast of Vietnam. The Vietnamese city has plenty to offer for its visitors, ranging from historical monuments, museums, and lively nightlife to tasty dishes for food lovers.
Taste the best that Ho Chi Minh City has to offer! We’re sharing the 4 best places to include in your Ho Chi Minh food tour in this post!
Some Things to Know about Vietnamese Cuisine in Ho Chi Minh
Vietnamese flavors are distinct and memorable. The perfect balance of salty, sour, and spicy flavors defines Vietnamese cuisine. Vietnamese chefs achieve this through a fermented fish sauce (known as nuoc mam), chili peppers, and tamarind.
Many Vietnamese dishes are abundant in fresh herbs, pork, and vibrant chili sauces. And Ho Chi Minh is where all of the best dishes of different regions in Vietnam, along with world-famous cuisines, gather.
The secret to enjoying Vietnamese food is fresh herbs
If you want to experience the ultimate Ho Chi Minh food tour, take a look at our list of restaurants you can’t miss during your trip.
Pho Cao Van – Hanoi Pho in Ho Chi Minh
Pho, a Vietnamese world-famous noodle, was originated in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam in the north. But the dish is now a popular dish across the country. Like other dishes from Northern Vietnam that came to Ho Chi Minh, Pho taste has been adjusted to the local taste.
Northern Pho is simpler in look but much richer in taste
However, at Pho Cao Van, the owner, who is a Hanoi man, will bring you the authentic taste of the original Pho of Northern Vietnam. It has been many locals’ favorite store of Pho for more than 50 years.
You should definitely stop by this cozy restaurant during your Ho Chi Minh food tour.
- 25 Mac Dinh Chi, District 1
- Open from 6 AM to 10:30 PM
Bep Hue – Central Vietnam Cuisine
This restaurant offers Central Vietnam dishes, with a specialty in Hue’s cuisine – once a capital city during the feudal dynasties. You can find many of Central Vietnam’s signature dishes such as traditional rice cakes, fig salad, etc.
A plate full of Hue’s signature traditional cakes
You will also learn to distinguish many dipping sauces in Vietnamese cuisine when trying the dishes here because each dish will go with one sauce and makes a lot of different tastes.
- 89 Thach Thi Thanh, District 1
- Open from 7:30 AM to 9 PM
Com Nieu Sai Gon – The Rustic Southern Vietnam Dishes
Nieu – or clay pot – is the traditional Vietnamese way to cook and many people claim that food from a clay pot is imbued with such a unique taste and aroma that no other fancy cooking tools or techniques can replicate. At Com Nieu Sai Gon, all dishes are made with the inspiration and love of rustic Southern Vietnamese cooking method, but with a twist of modern ingredients and presentation.
A clay pot is key to making simple foods that taste heavenly
- 27 Tu Xuong, District 3
- Open from 6 AM – 10 PM
The Ho Chi Minh Food Tour for Vegetarians – Don’t Miss Out on Hum
Hum is a vegetarian restaurant located just a few minutes away from the War Remnants Museum, a tourist attraction you should visit.
Unlike most vegetarian restaurants, Hum offers quite a large variety of dishes for every type of food lover.
The name “Hum” comes from the Buddhist prayer ‘Om Mani Padme Hum.’ When chanted loudly, the prayer is said to invoke the blessing of Avalokitesvara, the bodhisattva of compassion.
Hum elevates rustic ingredients to make delectable dishes
One of the dishes you should most definitely taste is Nom Hoa Chuoi, the Vietnamese banana-blossom salad.
- 32 Vo Van Tan, District 3
- Open from 10 AM to 10 PM
Book Your Ho Chi Minh Food Tour Now!
The Ho Chi Minh food tour is the perfect Southeast Asian adventure for foodies and travelers of all types. The remarkable city is home to some of the most flavorful dishes in the world.
If food and adventure appeal to you, then Vietnam is your ideal destination. Read more about the best dishes and restaurants for local dining in Ho Chi Minh if you need more addresses of delicious foods.
Book our motorbike food tour in Ho Chi Minh City for the real exciting adventure!
Any questions? Let us know in the comments!