10 Exciting Dishes in Ho Chi Minh City

A Gastronomic Journey Through 10 Exciting Dishes in Ho Chi Minh City

10 exciting dishes in Ho Chi Minh City are in the list of 100 interesting things of the city that has been recommended by tourists and professionals for next year 2024.

In the vibrant streets of HCM City, Vietnam, a culinary adventure awaits every visitor. Amidst the countless exciting things to explore, the city’s diverse and delectable food scene stands out as a true highlight. Here are ten exciting dishes in Ho Chi Minh City that will tantalize your taste buds and provide a delicious glimpse into the rich culinary tapestry of this bustling metropolis.

Begin your gastronomic journey with the iconic Pho, a savory noodle soup that captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine. Dive into the crispy Banh Mi, a fusion of French baguette and local flavors, offering a perfect street food experience. Indulge in the robust flavors of Com tam, broken rice with grilled pork. Sample the delicate flavors of Bánh xèo, a Vietnamese pancake filling of meats, seafood, and vegetables. For a more adventurous palate, savor the complexity of Snails cooked with lemongrass, chili, garlic…Conclude your culinary exploration with the sweet and refreshing Che, a delightful assortment of Vietnamese desserts.

Each of 10 exciting dishes in HCM City for 2024 is a culinary masterpiece, reflecting the city’s rich history and the warmth of its people. Ho Chi Minh City’s food is not just sustenance; it’s an invitation to savor life in its most flavorful form.

1. Bread (Bánh mì)

Bánh Mì - Saigon Sandwich
Bánh Mì – Saigon Sandwich

Introduction: Embark on a culinary adventure in Ho Chi Minh City starting with the iconic Bánh mì. This Vietnamese sandwich is a fusion of French and Vietnamese flavors, featuring a crispy baguette filled with a medley of meats, fresh vegetables, and savory sauces.

Ingredients: A typical Bánh mì includes a crispy baguette, Vietnamese ham (cha lua), pork pâté, cucumber, cilantro, pickled carrots, daikon, and a dash of mayonnaise and soy sauce.

Price: Indulge in this delightful Vietnamese street food for a mere 20,000 to 40,000 VND (approximately $1-2 USD).

2. Mixed rice paper (Bánh tráng trộn)

Mixed rice paper (Bánh tráng trộn)

Introduction: Dive into the vibrant world of Bánh tráng trộn, a delightful Vietnamese snack that tantalizes your taste buds with its mix of textures and flavors.

Ingredients: This dish features rice paper strips mixed with quail eggs, green mango, dried shrimp, peanuts, and a special sauce made from tamarind and fish sauce.

Price: Savor this unique treat for around 15,000 to 25,000 VND (approximately $0.75-1.25 USD).

3. Crispy Vietnamese pancake (Bánh xèo)

Pancake with common sesban (Bánh Xèo Bông Điên Điển)
Pancake with common sesban (Bánh Xèo Bông Điên Điển)

Introduction: Experience the crispiness and flavors of Bánh xèo, a Vietnamese pancake that combines a golden-brown outer layer with a delectable filling of meats, seafood, and vegetables.

Ingredients: The pancake batter typically includes rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric, while the filling comprises bean sprouts, pork, shrimp, and mung beans.

Price: Treat your taste buds to Bánh xèo for a reasonable price range of 30,000 to 50,000 VND (approximately $1.50-2.50 USD).

4. Beef rice noodles (Bún bò)

Beef rice noodles (Bún bò) - One of 10 exciting dishes of Saigon
Beef rice noodles (Bún bò) – One of 10 exciting dishes of Saigon

Introduction: Indulge in the aromatic and flavorful Bún bò, a Vietnamese dish that showcases the perfect harmony of tender beef slices, rice noodles, and a rich, savory broth.

Ingredients: This dish features rice vermicelli, thinly sliced beef, bean sprouts, fresh herbs, and a broth made with lemongrass, chili, and beef bones.

Price: Enjoy a hearty bowl of Bún bò for around 40,000 to 60,000 VND (approximately $2-3 USD).

5. Sticky rice (Xôi)

Xoi Xeo (a kind of sticky rice)
Xoi Xeo (a kind of sticky rice)

Introduction: Delight in the simplicity and comfort of Xôi, a traditional Vietnamese sticky rice dish that serves as a versatile base for both sweet and savory toppings.

Ingredients: Sticky rice is often paired with toppings such as mung beans, shredded chicken, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Price: Savor the warmth of Xôi for a modest price ranging from 15,000 to 30,000 VND (approximately $0.75-1.50 USD).

6. Sweet gruel (Chè)

Sweet gruel of potato, taro, and cassava (Chè Bà Ba)
Sweet gruel of potato, taro, and cassava (Chè Bà Ba)

Introduction: Explore the world of Vietnamese desserts with Chè, a sweet gruel that comes in various flavors and textures, offering a delightful end to your culinary journey.

Ingredients: Chè can include a variety of ingredients such as beans, fruits, jellies, and coconut milk.

Price: Indulge your sweet tooth with Chè for a sweet deal of 15,000 to 30,000 VND (approximately $0.75-1.50 USD).

7. Broken rice (Cơm tấm)

Cơm Tấm - Saigon broken rice dish
Cơm Tấm – Saigon broken rice dish

Introduction: Experience the unique texture and flavor of Cơm tấm, a Vietnamese dish featuring broken rice grains, grilled pork, and a side of fresh herbs and pickles.

Ingredients: Cơm tấm typically includes broken rice, grilled pork (often shredded), pickled vegetables, and a side of fish sauce.

Price: Enjoy the satisfying Cơm tấm for a reasonable price range of 25,000 to 40,000 VND (approximately $1.25-2 USD).

8. Glass noodles (Hủ tiếu)

Hủ Tiếu - The favorite noodle soup in Saigon
Hủ Tiếu – The favorite noodle soup in Saigon

Introduction: Delve into the world of Hủ tiếu, a noodle dish featuring translucent glass noodles, succulent pork, and a savory broth that captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine.

Ingredients: Hủ tiếu includes glass noodles, pork, shrimp, and a flavorful broth made with various herbs and spices.

Price: Relish the taste of Hủ tiếu for around 30,000 to 50,000 VND (approximately $1.50-2.50 USD).

9. Snail (Ốc)

Pan-fried Snails in Nha Trang
Pan-fried Snails in Nha Trang

Introduction: Challenge your taste buds with the adventurous and flavorful world of Ốc, Vietnamese-style snails prepared in various enticing ways.

Ingredients: Snails are cooked with a diverse range of ingredients, including lemongrass, chili, garlic, and various herbs.

Price: Embark on a snail culinary journey for approximately 50,000 to 80,000 VND (approximately $2.50-4 USD).

10. Noodle soup (Phở)

Phở Sài Gòn - a kind f noodle soup in Saigon
Phở Sài Gòn – a kind f noodle soup in Saigon

Introduction: Conclude your gastronomic exploration with the renowned Phở, a Vietnamese noodle soup that captivates with its aromatic broth and tender rice noodles.

Ingredients: Phở is made with beef or chicken, rice noodles, and a fragrant broth seasoned with star anise, cloves, and cinnamon.

Price: Delight in a bowl of Phở for a reasonable price range of 40,000 to 70,000 VND (approximately $2-3.50 USD).

Conclusion for 10 Exciting Dishes in Ho Chi Minh City

As your Vietnam food tour through the vibrant culinary landscape of Saigon comes to an end, the rich tapestry of flavors and aromas you’ve experienced will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on your palate. From the iconic street-side stalls to the hidden gems tucked away in bustling markets, the city’s gastronomic delights offer a symphony of tastes that captivate the senses. The ten exciting dishes you’ve savored, from the aromatic “Pho bo” to the flavorful “Banh mi”, showcase the culinary prowess and cultural diversity that define this dynamic city. As you reflect on your culinary expedition through Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll find that the melding of traditional techniques with modern twists creates a gastronomic adventure like no other.

The memories of savoring these 10 exciting dishes in Ho Chi Minh City amid the lively atmosphere of the city will linger, inviting you to return and explore even more of the delectable treasures that make Saigon a true haven for food enthusiasts.

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