What are Saigon’s Specialties? 21 Delicacies to Buy as Gifts from Saigon

Introducing the ultimate guide to the mouth-watering delights of Saigon: a city brimming with culinary delights that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Uncover 21 of the finest specialties that this vibrant metropolis has to offer - a true gastronomic adventure awaits! From delectable dishes to savory snacks, Saigon's unique flavors will captivate your senses and provide a memorable dining experience. Get ready to embark on a tasty journey through the heart of Vietnam's culinary capital.

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Each region and province in Vietnam has its own unique specialties. If Hanoi is famous for its pho, Da Nang has Quang noodles, Nha Trang has vermicelli with jellyfish, and Da Lat has grilled rice paper, what is Ho Chi Minh City’s specialty? The following article will summarize for you the famous specialties in Ho Chi Minh City that you must not miss when traveling here.

1. Introduction to Ho Chi Minh City tourism

Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is the economic, cultural, and tourism center of Vietnam. With its rich history, diverse culture, and famous landmarks, Saigon attracts millions of tourists from all over the world.

When visiting Saigon, tourists can explore famous destinations such as Notre Dame Cathedral, Reunification Palace, Vietnam History Museum, Ben Thanh Market, and Ho Chi Minh City Opera House. In addition, the city also offers many ancient streets, bustling roads, unique cafes, and restaurants, providing visitors with a variety of exciting and unique experiences.

Saigon is also famous for its characteristic, rich, and diverse cuisine. Tourists can enjoy street specialties such as banh mi, pho, bun bo Hue, and banh xeo, among others.

Introduction to Ho Chi Minh City tourism

2. Top 21 Ho Chi Minh City specialties to try

Specialties to try when in Ho Chi Minh City

Broken Rice

Broken Rice

Broken rice is a familiar dish to Saigonese and it would be a shame to miss out on this dish when visiting the city. Locals can eat broken rice at any time of the day, from breakfast to late at night. Just order a plate of “suon, bi, cha” (grilled pork chop, shredded pork skin, and steamed pork cake) and you’ll have a filling meal to start your day. Nowadays, besides the familiar “suon, bi, cha”, side dishes for broken rice have also been diversified and include items such as fried eggs, … You can easily find broken rice restaurants on every street corner in Saigon.

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Reference price: VND 30,000 – 60,000

Famous broken rice restaurants:

Hu Tieu

Hu Tieu

Like broken rice, hu tieu (rice noodles) or hu tieu Nam Vang (rice noodles with pork offal) is a common dish that can be found anywhere in Saigon, from street stalls to high-end restaurants.

The white, chewy rice noodles go well with a flavorful broth, a few slices of tender meat, and fresh herbs such as bean sprouts, sawtooth herb, and water spinach. Hu tieu has also been diversified with variations such as hu tieu kho (dry rice noodles), hu tieu xao (fried rice noodles), hu tieu gan (rice noodles with liver), and hu tieu sa te (spicy rice noodles).

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Reference price: VND 25,000 – 50,000

Famous hu tieu restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City:

Banh Mi

Banh Mi

Banh mi is widely considered to be the best street food in Vietnam. It is a harmonious combination of ingredients such as cha lua (Vietnamese pork sausage), thit nguoi (cold cuts), nem nuong (grilled pork sausage), dua chua (pickled daikon and carrots), and spicy chili peppers, creating a delicious dish. Banh mi is a memorable dish for tourists visiting Vietnam.

Reference price: VND 25,000 – 45,000

Famous banh mi shops in Ho Chi Minh City:

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Goi Cuon

Goi Cuon

Goi Cuon, or fresh spring rolls, is another familiar snack for Saigonese. The ingredients include pork, vermicelli, shrimp, bean sprouts, and lettuce, all wrapped in a soft rice paper wrapper. It is best enjoyed with a dipping sauce made from hoisin sauce and crushed peanuts, with a few slices of pickled carrots added for extra flavor.

Reference price: VND 7,000 – 10,000/roll

Famous Goi Cuon restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City:

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Bot Chien

Bot Chien

Bot Chien, or fried rice flour, is a popular snack among young people in Saigon. The dish consists of crispy fried rice flour on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, served with a fried egg, shredded green papaya, and crispy pork belly skin, accompanied by a mildly sweet and sour dipping sauce. You will definitely enjoy this dish and keep praising its delicious taste.

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Reference price: VND 25,000 – 80,000

Famous Bot Chien restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City:

Banh Trang Tron

Banh Trang Tron

Banh Trang Tron, or mixed rice paper, is another popular street food among students in Saigon. The dish consists of small pieces of rice paper mixed with quail eggs, dried beef, green mango, herbs, and a special sweet and sour sauce, creating a delicious snack with a variety of flavors. Banh Trang Tron has since been modified in many different ways and has become a trademark dish of young people in Saigon.

Reference price: VND 15,000 – 30,000

Famous Banh Trang Tron restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City:

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Phá Lấu

Phá Lấu

Phá Lấu, a dish of offal in a flavorful broth, originated from the Teochew people but has become a trademark dish of young people in Saigon. The chewy texture of the offal and the rich broth will keep you coming back for more. Phá Lấu is often enjoyed with French bread or instant noodles, and is a popular snack for both adults and children.

 is a delicious and simple dish that anyone can make.

Reference price: VND 25,000 – 40,000

Famous Phá Lấu restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City:

Goi Kho Bo

Goi Kho Bo

Goi Kho Bo, or beef jerky salad, is a popular snack among young people in Saigon. The dish consists of crispy beef jerky, green papaya, and beef tendons, creating a delicious and addictive snack. If you’re visiting Ho Chi Minh City, don’t miss out on this specialty.

Famous Goi Kho Bo restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City:

Sui Cao

Sui Cao

Sui Cao, or Chinese-style dumplings, is a traditional and famous dish in Saigon. The dumplings are similar to wontons but with the addition of shrimp in the filling, creating a delicious and flavorful dish.

When in Saigon, you can try different variations of sui cao, such as sui cao nuong (grilled dumplings), sui cao nuoc (dumpling soup), and sui cao cha (dumplings with a type of sausage called “cha”).

Reference price: VND 30,000 – 80,000

Famous Sui Cao restaurants in Ho

Frequently asked questions

Saigon, or Ho Chi Minh City, offers a variety of delicious specialties that make great gifts. These include Banh Tet and Banh Chung (sticky rice cakes), Banh Xeo (Vietnamese savory pancakes), Com Tam (broken rice), Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwiches), and Nuoc Mam (fish sauce). Local coffee, such as Trung Nguyen and Highlands Coffee, and handcrafted souvenirs from Ben Thanh Market are also unique gifts.

Banh Tet and Banh Chung are traditional Vietnamese sticky rice cakes. They are made with sticky rice, mung bean paste, and pork belly, wrapped in banana leaves. These cakes are typically enjoyed during the Tet Holiday (Lunar New Year) and are considered special gifts as they symbolize prosperity and good luck for the coming year.

Banh Xeo is a popular street food in Saigon, and one of the best places to try it is at ‘Banh Xeo 46A’ on Dinh Cong Trang Street, District 1. This savory pancake is made with rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric, filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. It’s a delicious gift option as it represents the vibrant and flavorful cuisine of Saigon.

Com Tam, or ‘broken rice,’ is a staple dish in Saigon. It’s made with rice grains that have been fractured during the milling process, resulting in a unique texture. Com Tam is typically served with grilled pork chops, fried eggs, and a variety of side dishes. While it may not be a typical ‘gift’ item, you can certainly buy Com Tam sets or ingredients to gift someone the authentic Saigon food experience.

Saigon’s Banh Mi has gained international fame for its perfect balance of crispy baguette, savory fillings, and fresh herbs. While the bread has French origins, the Vietnamese version is lighter and airier. You can definitely take some Banh Mi home as gifts, but consume them quickly as they are best eaten fresh. Alternatively, you can gift someone a Banh Mi-making kit with ingredients and a recipe card.

Saigon’s Nuoc Mam is renowned for its high quality and complex flavor profile. It’s made from fermented anchovies and has a salty, umami taste. Nuoc Mam is an essential ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine, used in dishes like Pho and spring rolls. As a gift, you can buy a bottle of premium Nuoc Mam from a reputable brand, perhaps paired with a cookbook featuring Vietnamese recipes that utilize this sauce.

Trung Nguyen and Highlands Coffee are two of the most popular local coffee brands in Saigon. Trung Nguyen offers a range of ground and instant coffee blends, including the famous ‘G7’ 3-in-1 coffee packets. Highlands Coffee, a Vietnamese coffee chain, also sells packaged coffee blends and single-origin beans. Their cafes are also great places to enjoy a cup of coffee and relax.

Ben Thanh Market is a famous destination for tourists seeking unique souvenirs. You can find a variety of handcrafted items, including lacquerware, silk scarves, embroidered clothing, paintings, and handmade jewelry. These souvenirs are perfect for gifting as they showcase the local craftsmanship and cultural heritage of Saigon.
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