Pho Lau
Pho Lau is a beloved street food in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Each vendor adds their unique twist to the dish, creating a symphony of flavors that delight locals and visitors alike. The allure of Pho Lau lies in its aromatic broth, tender yet chewy beef, and the absence of any gamey odor—a hallmark of a well-prepared dish.
Saigon-Style Pho Lau
While Pho Lau is a staple at street stalls, it has also found its place in upscale restaurants across the city. However, the quintessential experience remains savoring it at a roadside or alleyway vendor, paired with a crispy baguette and a tangy dipping sauce.
Crab Soup
A bowl of rich, golden crab soup is a favorite among many, especially the younger crowd. In Ho Chi Minh City, the iconic spot is near Notre-Dame Cathedral, known as Hoa Binh Crab Soup. Despite its humble setup—plastic chairs lining the street—it’s a must-visit. Patrons order first, then find a spot to enjoy their meal.
Steaming Hot Crab Soup
The dish features crab, cornstarch, shiitake and wood ear mushrooms, quail eggs, and a blend of spices. Other renowned spots include Sup Cua Hanh, Quan Dung, and markets like Thiec, Ho Thi Ky, and Pham The Hien.
Banh Duc
Served piping hot, Banh Duc is a rice cake topped with savory minced pork and a drizzle of fish sauce. The golden hue of fried shallots and onions adds an irresistible allure. In Ho Chi Minh City, Ba Hong’s Banh Duc is legendary, with over 40 years of history. What sets it apart is the no-nonsense service—almost as if customers are being hurried along.
Delicious Banh Duc
Yet, those who’ve tried Ba Hong’s Banh Duc rave about its balanced flavors, perfectly textured rice cakes, and well-seasoned fish sauce. The shop also offers snacks like banh tieu, banh cam, cheese yogurt, and pennywort juice.
Alternatively, visit Quan Ba Gia, a newer spot that’s gained popularity in just three years. Here, the dish is served with beef meatballs for added richness.
Spicy Salted Noodles
Tucked in a winding alley on Tran Ke Xuong Street, Co Huyen’s 40-year-old noodle shop is a hidden gem. At first glance, the dish seems simple—dry noodles tossed with spicy salted chili. But the magic lies in the accompanying soup, a harmonious blend of minced beef, tender beef slices, eggs, and minced shrimp.
Irresistible Spicy Noodles
On rainy days, add extra chili for a fiery kick, then savor the noodles with the rich beef soup. The shop opens around 10 a.m. and closes in the late afternoon. Rainy days may see later opening hours. A bowl starts at 40,000 VND, with prices increasing for additional toppings.
Congee
Rainy days in Ho Chi Minh City call for congee. Options abound, from pork organ congee to plain, spare rib, beef ball, frog, eel, and fish congee.
Fragrant Fish Congee
For pork organ congee, Co Ba Da Kao is a must-visit. At 40,000 VND per bowl, it’s pricier than average but worth it. Co Ba’s congee has been a Saigon staple for over half a century.
Other options include nighttime plain congee at Hang Xanh intersection, Teochew congee at Ban Co Market, and spare rib congee in Tan Dinh Market.
Plain congee enthusiasts will love the array of toppings, from sweet and sour shrimp to pickled radish, fermented tofu, rice paddy fish, and century eggs.
In this area, three congee shops stand side by side. The congee is infused with pandan leaves, giving it a fragrant aroma. The rice grains are perfectly cooked, creating a creamy texture.
Hu Tieu
Like congee, Hu Tieu in Ho Chi Minh City offers a variety of styles. For a casual meal, try Hu Tieu Go in the afternoon. For something unique, opt for Hu Tieu Ho or curry beef ball Hu Tieu of Chinese origin. Other varieties include Nam Vang, wonton, and fish Hu Tieu.
Signature Hu Tieu
The noodles vary in thickness and texture depending on the dish. Fish Hu Tieu features wide, soft noodles, while Hu Tieu Ho has thinner, chewier ones.
Don’t miss Hu Tieu My Tho at Thanh Xuan, a 70-year-old shop. Their secret lies in a family-recipe minced beef sauce.
Hu Tieu is often associated with breakfast, but it’s available all day, making it perfect for warming up on rainy days. A bowl averages 30,000 VND.
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