Discover The Best Street Food Markets In Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh City is renowned for its vibrant street food scene. From savory noodle soups to sweet desserts, the city is home to some of the most delicious and affordable street food in the world. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for an authentic local experience, Ho Chi Minh’s street food markets are a must-visit destination. In this article, we’ll take you on a tour of the best street food markets in Ho Chi Minh – so prepare your taste buds for a culinary adventure!

1. Ben Thanh Market 🍜

Ben Thanh Market is perhaps the most iconic landmark in Ho Chi Minh City. Located in District 1, this bustling market is a treasure trove of food, clothes, souvenirs, and more. The market is particularly famous for its street food stalls that offer some of the best Vietnamese dishes in the city. From pho to banh mi, you won’t be disappointed with the variety and quality of food on offer at Ben Thanh Market.

What are the must-try dishes at Ben Thanh Market?

Some of the must-try dishes at Ben Thanh Market include:

Dish
Description

Pho
A hearty noodle soup that’s a staple of Vietnamese cuisine.

Banh mi
A French-inspired sandwich filled with pate, cold cuts, and vegetables.

Goi cuon
Fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp, pork, or vegetables.

Banh xeo
A crispy pancake filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts.

2. Nguyen Thuong Hien Street 🍢

Nguyen Thuong Hien Street, also known as Food Street, is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Located in District 3, this street is dedicated to street food and has a wide variety of stalls selling everything from grilled meats to vegetarian dishes. The street is also known for its lively atmosphere and affordable prices.

What should I try at Nguyen Thuong Hien Street?

Some of the must-try dishes at Nguyen Thuong Hien Street include:

Dish
Description

Banh canh
A thick noodle soup with shrimp, pork, and quail eggs.

Bo la lot
Beef wrapped in betel leaves and grilled over charcoal.

Com tam
Broken rice served with grilled pork chops and a fried egg.

Xoi
Sticky rice topped with fried shallots and peanuts.

3. Binh Tay Market 🥟

Binh Tay Market, located in District 6, is a popular destination for locals to do their daily shopping. The market is known for its fresh produce, seafood, and meats. In addition to the market stalls, the surrounding streets are filled with street food vendors selling a variety of Vietnamese dishes.

What are some of the popular street food dishes at Binh Tay Market?

Some of the popular street food dishes at Binh Tay Market include:

Dish
Description

Banh mi
A French-inspired sandwich filled with pate, cold cuts, and vegetables.

Banh trang cuon thit heo
Rice paper rolls filled with pork, herbs, and vegetables.

Bun thit nuong
Vermicelli noodles topped with grilled pork and vegetables.

Cha gio
Deep-fried spring rolls filled with pork and vegetables.

4. Dan Sinh Market 🐟

Dan Sinh Market is a lesser-known gem located in District 1. The market is known for its military surplus goods, but it’s also home to some of the best seafood street food in the city. From grilled fish to seafood hot pot, Dan Sinh Market is a must-visit for seafood lovers.

What are some of the seafood dishes I should try at Dan Sinh Market?

Some of the seafood dishes you should try at Dan Sinh Market include:

Dish
Description

Ca nuong
Grilled fish served with herbs and dipping sauce.

Hot pot
A simmering pot of seafood and vegetables cooked at your table.

Chao tom
Grilled shrimp paste wrapped around sugarcane sticks.

Muc nuong
Grilled squid served with a spicy dipping sauce.

5. District 4 🍜

District 4 is a lesser-known area of Ho Chi Minh City that’s home to some of the best street food in the city. Located across the Saigon River from District 1, District 4 has a diverse range of street food vendors selling everything from Vietnamese to Chinese to Thai cuisine.

What are the must-try dishes in District 4?

Some of the must-try dishes in District 4 include:

Dish
Description

Banh khot
Miniature rice pancakes topped with shrimp and herbs.

Bun mam
A pungent noodle soup made with fermented fish sauce.

Hu tieu
A clear noodle soup with pork, shrimp, and quail eggs.

Pad Thai
A Thai-inspired stir-fried noodle dish with peanuts and lime.

FAQs

Q: Is street food safe to eat in Ho Chi Minh City?

A: Yes, street food is generally safe to eat in Ho Chi Minh City. However, it’s always a good idea to choose vendors that are busy, as the food is likely to be fresh and the turnover high. You should also avoid any food that looks or smells questionable.

Q: How much does street food cost in Ho Chi Minh City?

A: Street food in Ho Chi Minh City is very affordable, with most dishes costing between VND 20,000 to VND 50,000 (approximately USD 1 to USD 2.50).

Q: What is the best time to visit street food markets in Ho Chi Minh City?

A: Street food markets in Ho Chi Minh City are generally open from morning until late at night. However, the best time to visit is in the evening when the markets are at their liveliest.

Q: Do street food vendors in Ho Chi Minh City speak English?

A: Some street food vendors in Ho Chi Minh City may speak English, but many do not. It’s a good idea to bring a phrasebook or learn some basic Vietnamese phrases to help with communication.

Q: Can I get vegetarian or vegan street food in Ho Chi Minh City?

A: Yes, there are many vegetarian and vegan-friendly street food options in Ho Chi Minh City. Look out for dishes that are labeled as chay, which means vegetarian.

Q: Do street food vendors in Ho Chi Minh City accept credit cards?

A: Most street food vendors in Ho Chi Minh City only accept cash, so it’s a good idea to carry some Vietnamese dong with you.

Q: What is the most popular street food in Ho Chi Minh City?

A: Pho is perhaps the most popular street food in