Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) is not only Vietnam’s most dynamic economic hub but also a true food paradise that captivates international travelers. Here, you can easily find traditional Vietnamese dishes with bold flavors, affordable prices, and a vibrant local atmosphere—especially in District 1, the heart of the city.
If you’re wondering what to eat in Saigon, below are the top 5 Vietnamese dishes tourists must try, complete with recommended restaurants in District 1, opening hours, and estimated prices to help you plan your food journey.
1. Pho – The Essence of Vietnamese Cuisine
Pho is Vietnam’s most iconic dish on the global culinary map. A classic bowl of pho features soft rice noodles, clear and aromatic broth simmered for hours from beef bones, served with beef or chicken, fresh herbs, and scallions.
In Saigon, pho has its own character—richer, more flavorful, and especially appealing to international palates.
Recommended Pho Restaurants in District 1:
Pho Le
Address: 415 Nguyen Trai Street, District 1
Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Price range: 70,000 – 100,000 VND per bowl
Pho Minh
Address: 63/6 Pasteur Street, District 1
Opening hours: 6:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Price range: 70,000 – 100,000 VND per bowl
Pho Cao Van
Address: 25 Mac Dinh Chi street, District 1
Opening hours: 5:30 AM – 10 PM
Price range: 100,000 VND per bowl
Pho Hoa Pasteur
Address: 260C Pasteur Street, District 1
Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Price range: 80,000 – 110,000 VND per bowl
Pho Hung
Address: 241-243 Nguyen Trai Street, District 1
Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 3:00 AM (after day)
Price range: 80,000 – 110,000 VND per bowl
Pho is best enjoyed in the early morning or late evening for the most authentic experience.
2. Banh Mi – Vietnam’s Legendary Street Food
Vietnamese banh mi has been praised by CNN and international food magazines as one of the best sandwiches in the world. The crispy baguette is filled with pâté, cold cuts or grilled meat, pickled vegetables, and signature sauces.
Best Banh Mi Spots in District 1:
Banh Mi Huynh Hoa
Address: 26 Le Thi Rieng Street, District 1
Opening hours: 3:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Price range: 58,000 – 65,000 VND per sandwich
Banh Mi Nhu Lan
Address: 50 Ham Nghi Street, District 1
Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Price range: 25,000 – 40,000 VND per sandwich
Banh Mi Bui Thi Xuan
Address: 122 E Bui Thi Xuan Street, District 1
Opening hours: 5:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Price range: 45,000 VND per sandwich
Banh Mi Tran Dinh Xu
Address: 96 Tran Dinh Xu Street, District 1
Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Price range: 15,000 – 30,000 VND per sandwich
Banh Mi Ba Huynh
Address: 197A Nguyen Trai Street, District 1
Opening hours: 5:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Price range: around 100,000 VND per sandwich
👉 Tip: Banh mi is perfect for take-away—ideal for tourists exploring the city on foot.
3. Com Tam – A True Saigon Specialty
Com tam (broken rice) is deeply rooted in Saigon’s everyday life. A typical plate includes grilled pork chop, shredded pork skin, steamed egg meatloaf, served with sweet fish sauce and pickled vegetables.
👉 Why try it: Filling, flavorful, and perfect for lunch while sightseeing in the city center.
4. Bun Thit Nuong – Light Yet Flavorful
Bun thit nuong is a refreshing dish made with rice vermicelli, grilled pork, spring rolls, fresh herbs, and sweet-and-sour fish sauce. It’s especially popular with tourists thanks to its balance of flavors and lighter feel.
Best Bun Thit Nuong Restaurants in District 1:
Hoang Van Bun Thit Nuong
Address: 9 Nguyen Thi Nghia Street, District 1
Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Price range: 45,000 – 70,000 VND per bowl
Bun Thit Nuong Xuan
Address: 47 Nguyen Trung Truc Street, District 1
Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Price range: 50,000 – 80,000 VND per bowl
Bun Thit Nuong Ba Them
Address: 88 Nguyen Hue Street, District 1
Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Price range: around 35,000 VND per bowl
Bun Thit Nuong Chi Tuyen
Address: 175C Co Giang Street, District 1
Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Price range: around 60,000 VND per bowl
Bun Thit Nuong Vi Sai Gon
Address: 157 Nguyen Van Thu Street, District 1
Opening hours: 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Price range: around 35,000 VND per bowl
👉 Tip: This dish is ideal for Saigon’s hot climate and can be enjoyed for lunch or early dinner.
5. Saigon-Style Snails – A True Street Food Experience
Saigon snails are more than just food—they are a cultural experience. From sea snails to clams and cockles, they are prepared in many styles such as garlic butter stir-fry, scallion oil grilling, or spicy salt roasting.
Popular Snail Restaurants in District 1:
Oc Dao
Address: 212B/C Nguyen Trai Street, District 1
Opening hours: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Price range: 50,000 – 120,000 VND per dish
Oc Oanh
Address: 164 Nguyen Thai Binh Street, District 1
Opening hours: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Price range: 60,000 – 150,000 VND per dish
Oc Chu Lun
Address: 103 Nguyen Van Thu Street, District 1
Opening hours: 11:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Price range: 100,000 – 200,000 VND per dish
Oc Ghe
Address: 34 Mac Dinh Chi Street, District 1
Opening hours: 3:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Price range: 100,000 – 300,000 VND per dish
Oc Khanh
Address: 25/5 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, District 1
Opening hours: 11:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Price range: 200,000 – 300,000 VND per dish
👉 Tip for tourists: Visit with a group of 2–4 people to try a variety of dishes.
Why Should Tourists Explore Food in District 1?
Easy to get around and close to major attractions
Home to many long-standing, highly rated restaurants on Google & TripAdvisor
Perfect for short travel itineraries
Wide range of options from street food to upscale dining
Saigon’s cuisine is a vibrant blend of tradition and modern creativity. Just walking around District 1 allows you to experience the very essence of Vietnamese food culture.
If this is your first time in Saigon, don’t miss pho, banh mi, com tam, bun thit nuong, and Saigon-style snails—five iconic dishes that truly represent Vietnamese culinary culture. With these recommended spots in District 1, you can easily combine food tasting, sightseeing, and local experiences all in one day.
