The Best of Saigon Cuisine – Authentic Vietnamese Restaurants in Saigon

Saigon is the “Big Apple” of Vietnam, and it is a melting pot of people from different backgrounds. That explains why to speak of Saigon cuisine is to speak of food from every part of Vietnam. Here are the greatest restaurants in Saigon so you can try out the vibrant cuisine in Vietnam yourself.

The Best of Saigon Cuisine from Southern Vietnam

Co Ba Vung Tau

Address: 

40B Tran Cao Van Street, Ward 6, District 3

102 Cao Thang Street, Ward 4, District 3

Opening hours: 9 AM – 10 PM

Co Ba Vung Tau is a household name when it comes to Vietnam’s well-known savory cakes like Banh Xeo or Banh Khot (The Vietnamese Pancakes). Years of experience have made all the dishes here extra-appetizing, yet with a reasonable price, friendly service, and an atmosphere that is suitable for family outings.

Banh Khot is also known as Mini Rice Pancake

Mekong Kitchen

Address: 156 – 158 Nguyen Thai Binh Street, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1

Opening hours: 10 AM – 10 PM

Mekong Kitchen is a fairly new address that’s been gaining attention for its delicious food. It’s a posher choice, but the quality does come with the price here. Everything is presented as authentic and as beautiful as possible, which gives the restaurant a “fine-dining” experience for the homey food.

The food here is served on leaves

The Best of Saigon Cuisine from Central Vietnam

Bun Bo Nam Giao

Address: 248 Bui Vien, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1

Opening hours: 6 AM – 11 PM

Amid the busy backpacker’s street, Nam Giao has been serving Bun Bo (another type of beef noodles soup – but tastes different!) since 1991. There are many other choices in the store, but none beats Bun Bo – the combination of rice vermicelli, pork, beef, and a bone broth will leave you feeling full and good for hours.

Nam Giao is frequented by many tourists and locals

An Nam Restaurant

Address: 

51B Tu Xuong Street, Ward 7, District 3

59 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Da Kao Ward, District 1

Opening hours: 11 AM – 11 PM

An Nam is suitable when you want to have a quiet meeting. The place has a contemporary European feel, while still serving authentic and exceptional Vietnamese food. While you’re here, don’t forget to try their house specialty: “ga len mam” (which is roughly translated as “chicken on a tray”, and it’s chicken made into different dishes in one serving with explosive flavors and inviting aroma).

An Nam’s signature dish

The Best of Saigon Cuisine from Northern Vietnam

Quan Nem Restaurant

Address: 15E Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1

Opening hours: 10 AM – 10 PM

If you ever wonder why Mr. Obama chose Bun Cha in Hanoi, then find your answer in this restaurant. Bun Cha here goes with two types of dipping sauce: the traditional Northern style or the sweeter Southern twist. You have to wait a bit to get in, but it’s totally worthwhile.

A portion of Bun Cha at Quan Nem

Bun Dau Homemade

Address: 52 Le Lai Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1

Opening hours: 9 AM – 10 PM

A well-established Vietnamese restaurant in Saigon that whips up the best Hanoi’s specialty – Bun Dau Mam Tom. Though the plate can smell quite strong due to the Mam Tom (shrimp paste), once you get accustomed to the flavor, you can never stop eating it. The place also serves other traditional Vietnamese food and has a water puppet show on Sundays.

A serving of Bun Dau Mam Tom

Other Recommendations for the Best of Saigon Cuisine 

Here and Now Vegetarian

Address: 

74/1 Pham Viet Chanh Street, Ward 19, Binh Thanh District

220/12 Nguyen Trong Tuyen Street, Ward 8, Phu Nhuan District

Opening hours: 9 AM – 9 PM

Here and Now is one of the best Vietnamese restaurants in Saigon for vegetarians. Both branches lie in quiet alleys so you can enjoy your meal peacefully among an ancient-Vietnam atmosphere. Foods are labeled if they contain nuts/dairy or if they’re spicy, so you can easily choose whatever fits your diet.

Vegetarian Hue Style Noodles with mock meat and mock cold cuts

Spice Bistro

Address: 

2 Thi Sach Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1

32 D11 Street, Thao Dien Ward, District 2

Opening hours: 7 AM – 10 PM

Spice Bistro is a modern Vietnamese restaurant in Saigon, serving up home-like food but fancier. The restaurant is designed to look open and rustic, especially the Thao Dien branch, where you can enjoy fine-dining under the stars. The price may seem high, but considering how fulfilling each portion is, you’ll see that it’s all worthwhile.

Spice Bistro has an airy space

Wrapping Up on the Best of Saigon Cuisine

With so many good Vietnamese restaurants in Saigon, tourists can never run out of places to eat. But this also means that it’s impossible to try out all kinds, especially in limited time! If this sounds like you, then we highly recommend a food tour in Saigon. With this food tour, you’ll be able to sample as many different cuisines as possible in a day, while exploring hidden eateries behind Saigon’s alleyways.