Hủ tiếu gõ, a seemingly simple dish, has endured as a beloved staple of Saigon’s culinary landscape, with its distinctive flavor being passed down from generation to generation. When you indulge in this dish, you’ll get a taste of the city’s vibrant nightlife.
The origins of this iconic dish are somewhat obscure; all that is known is that these street carts have been around for a long time, even before 1975. Nowadays, you can easily find these eateries scattered across Saigon, from the bustling sidewalks to the quaint alleyways frequented by locals.
Tháp Mười Street’s Hủ Tiếu Gõ
Located at the intersection of Tháp Mười and Chu Văn An Streets in District 6, you’ll find Võ Nhựt’s mobile hủ tiếu gõ cart. His modest setup includes a stove, a large pot of constantly simmering broth, and a small rack holding an array of meats and noodles. Without any signage, this spot is easily recognizable by the constant stream of customers coming and going, even as late as midnight.
A mouthwatering bowl of hủ tiếu gõ
The secret to the broth’s allure lies in the generous amount of pork bones and knuckles used, simmered for about two and a half hours to create a rich, sweet, and savory flavor that keeps customers coming back for more. The addition of beef balls, pork skin, and knuckles (or pork bones and meat) further enhances the flavor.
A bowl of this delicious soup will cost you 25,000 VND, and if you’re feeling particularly hungry, you can opt for the larger portion for 30,000 VND. You can choose between dry or soup hủ tiếu, both of which are served with blanched beansprouts, Chinese chives, scallions, fried shallots, and a few pieces of crispy pork belly fat. Add a squeeze of lime, or spice it up with some chili paste or sliced chilies to suit your taste.
On busy days, the cart sells over 30 kg of noodles, amounting to more than 250 bowls. With such high demand, the owner rarely gets a break. Even visitors from out of town make it a point to return to this cart whenever they’re in Saigon.
Phạm Văn Hai Street’s Hủ Tiếu Gõ
The culinary hub on Phạm Văn Hai Street in Tân Bình District is always bustling, and one of its standout eateries is a humble hủ tiếu gõ stall tucked away in an alley at number 154. Despite its unassuming location, the quality of the food keeps customers coming back for more.
Hủ tiếu gõ, a Saigon specialty
A typical bowl from this stall is generously portioned and packed with flavor. For just 20,000 VND, you get a hearty serving of noodles and a plentiful amount of pork, all swimming in a rich broth. The stall is usually open from the late afternoon until late at night, catering to students, workers, and officegoers alike.
A Nhân’s Hủ Tiếu Gõ
In District 3, A Nhân’s Hủ Tiếu Gõ is a modest eatery that punches above its weight with its delicious take on this classic dish. While the prices are a tad higher, the quality is well worth it. On average, a bowl here will set you back 25,000 VND and come loaded with meat and a flavorful broth.
A dish that easily satisfies any craving
For the dry noodle option, the noodles are skillfully tossed in a savory mix of seasonings. The broth for the soup version is clear and topped with fried shallots. This spot, in Ward 4 of District 3, is a go-to for locals, but be sure to arrive early, as they often sell out of knuckles.
Hủ Tiếu Gõ – Sủi Cảo Liên Xô
Hủ Tiếu Gõ – Sủi Cảo Liên Xô is a gem in District 8, offering a range of delicious options. Whether you’re craving hủ tiếu (chewy rice noodles), mì (wheat noodles), or bún (rice vermicelli), they’ve got you covered. Toppings include a variety of meats, from offal to shrimp, and their signature “Soviet-style” dumplings, which are larger and longer than your average sủi cảo.
The broth here is clear and sweet, with a subtle bone flavor that isn’t overpowered by MSG. Seating is limited, with only a few small tables outside and a couple of high tables inside, so be prepared to wait during peak hours.
Bà Sáu’s Hủ Tiếu Gõ
With over 20 years in the business, Bà Sáu’s Hủ Tiếu Gõ in Phú Nhuận District is a stalwart of the hủ tiếu gõ scene. Their version features chewy hủ tiếu and mì noodles, complemented by crispy pork belly fat, creating a delightful textural contrast. The meat is plentiful and not too thin, and the broth is clear and sweet, benefiting from a blend of traditional spices.
This is a must-try when in Saigon
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