Saigon Food Tour Ho Chi Minh City
Savor the vibrant street food scene of Ho Chi Minh City, from iconic Bánh Mì to hidden culinary gems, all explored with local guides.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Street food comes alive!
Saigon Food Tour Ho Chi Minh City
Best Time
Street food comes alive!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Savor the vibrant street food scene of Ho Chi Minh City, from iconic Bánh Mì to hidden culinary gems, all explored with local guides.
"Highlight of our trip for sure! Best night out on our scooter food tour of Saigon!"
🎯 Embrace the Scooter Experience
Opt for a guided scooter food tour for a safe and immersive culinary adventure through Saigon's streets. :motorcycle:
💰 Eat Like a Local, Spend Less
Street food is incredibly affordable and delicious. You can enjoy a full day of eating for under $10! :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scooter Food Tour Adventure
Zip through Saigon's vibrant streets on a scooter, sampling diverse local dishes with knowledgeable guides. A thrilling way to experience the city's culinary heart.
Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa
Indulge in Saigon's most popular bánh mì, generously packed with flavorful ingredients. A must-try for any food lover visiting the city.
Bánh Khọt
Savor these crispy, savory mini pancakes, a delightful street food snack. Perfect for a quick and delicious bite.
Ho Thi Ky Night Market
Explore a bustling night market offering a wide array of local delicacies and snacks at affordable prices. A true feast for the senses.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Chaos: Navigating Saigon's Streets
Budget Bites: Delicious Food for Less
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Embrace the Scooter Experience
Opt for a guided scooter food tour for a safe and immersive culinary adventure through Saigon's streets. :motorcycle:
💰 Eat Like a Local, Spend Less
Street food is incredibly affordable and delicious. You can enjoy a full day of eating for under $10! :moneybag:
🍜 Try Diverse Noodle Dishes
Don't miss out on various noodle soups like Pho, Bún Chả, and Bánh Canh. Each offers a unique flavor profile. +1
☕ Don't Forget Vietnamese Coffee
Experience the rich, bold flavors of Vietnamese coffee, often enjoyed in charming cafes. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Embrace the Scooter Experience
Opt for a guided scooter food tour for a safe and immersive culinary adventure through Saigon's streets. :motorcycle:
💰 Eat Like a Local, Spend Less
Street food is incredibly affordable and delicious. You can enjoy a full day of eating for under $10! :moneybag:
🍜 Try Diverse Noodle Dishes
Don't miss out on various noodle soups like Pho, Bún Chả, and Bánh Canh. Each offers a unique flavor profile. +1
☕ Don't Forget Vietnamese Coffee
Experience the rich, bold flavors of Vietnamese coffee, often enjoyed in charming cafes. +1
🌃 Explore Night Markets
Ho Thi Ky and Ben Nghe markets offer a vibrant atmosphere and a huge variety of street food to sample.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Saigon's food tours for their authentic culinary experiences and the friendly, knowledgeable guides. The scooter tours are a particular highlight, offering a thrilling and safe way to navigate the city's vibrant streets and discover hidden food gems. While the food is universally loved, some may find the traffic overwhelming if not on a guided tour.
"We had a lovely day on this tour. It was so nice to be introduced to Vietnamese food and culture. Brian and Ryan were awesome. They spoke English well and knew the local history. We felt very comfortable on the back of their bikes. We would highly recommend this tour."
Cathy Fyfe
"We had the best night out on our scooter food tour of Saigon! The drivers were so friendly, knowledgeable and safe. Highlight of our trip for sure!"
Georgie Girl
"This tour was a highlight of our trip to Vietnam. Really couldn’t fault it. Our family of four were fantastically hosted by Ryan, Trang, Cuong and Vy who took us around HCM and for a number of amazing food stops. It was great fun, informative and the food was excellent. We also appreciated that the food we tried was not the usual main Vietnamese menu items so everything we had was new for us even though we’d been eating our way across Vietnam for two weeks. Highly recommended!"
Mat VL
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
For an authentic experience, consider a guided scooter food tour where locals navigate the busy streets safely. Grab and Gojek are also popular ride-hailing apps for getting between food spots.
Yes, street food in Saigon is generally safe and incredibly delicious. Look for stalls with high turnover and local patrons. Guided tours ensure you visit reputable vendors.
Ask locals for recommendations, join a guided food tour, or explore bustling night markets like Ho Thi Ky. Social media and travel blogs also highlight hidden gems.
Yes, Ho Chi Minh City has growing Halal food options. Look for dedicated Halal restaurants or ask about ingredients if you have dietary restrictions.
You can enjoy a full day of delicious food for as little as $10 USD, especially if you focus on street food and local eateries.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It's highly recommended to book popular food tours, especially scooter tours, in advance to secure your spot, particularly during peak season.
Most food markets in Ho Chi Minh City, like Ho Thi Ky and Ben Nghe Street Food Market, do not have entrance fees. You pay for the food you consume.
Street food stalls vary, but many are open from late afternoon through the night. Some popular spots, like Ho Thi Ky market, are open daily. +1
It's best to carry cash, as most street food vendors and small eateries prefer cash payments. ATMs are widely available.
Food markets tend to be busiest in the evenings, typically from 6 PM onwards, when locals and tourists alike come out to eat.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Must-tries include Bánh Mì, Bánh Khọt, Pho, Bún Chả, broken rice (Cơm Tấm), and various noodle soups. Don't forget to try local desserts (Che).
Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa is widely considered one of the best and most popular spots for Bánh Mì in Saigon.
Saigon offers several vegetarian-friendly spots, including Be An Vegetarian Café, Chay Garden, and Vị Quê. Many local eateries also have vegetarian options.
Bánh Khọt are small, savory, crispy pancakes made from rice flour, often topped with shrimp or meat, and served with herbs and dipping sauce.
Vietnamese coffee is famous for its strong flavor. Try 'cà phê sữa đá' (iced coffee with condensed milk) or 'cà phê trứng' (egg coffee) for unique experiences. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Colorful night markets, bustling street food stalls, charming cafes, and beautifully presented dishes like Bánh Mì and Bánh Khọt offer great photo opportunities. +2
Golden hour (early morning and late afternoon) provides beautiful lighting. Evenings at night markets offer vibrant, atmospheric shots with neon lights.
Ho Thi Ky Night Market and Ben Nghe Street Food Market are excellent for capturing the lively atmosphere, diverse food, and local interactions.
Use a wider aperture for shallow depth of field to focus on the food. Adjust ISO for low-light conditions in markets and consider a faster shutter speed to freeze action.
Generally, yes. Most restaurants and cafes welcome photography, especially for their food. Be mindful of other diners and ask permission if unsure. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Scooter tours can be a thrilling experience for older children, while some companies offer alternatives like walking tours or private car options. Ensure your chosen tour has drivers experienced with families and can cater to any dietary needs or preferences your children might have. Exploring night markets together can also be a fun, sensory experience for the whole family.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider joining a group food tour rather than a private one to save costs. Exploring night markets like Ho Thi Ky is a budget-friendly way to sample a wide variety of dishes without committing to a full meal at each stall.
🌶️ Adventurous Eaters
Seek out local specialties recommended by your guides or found in bustling markets. Trying dishes like Bánh Khọt or exploring the diverse offerings at night markets will satisfy your craving for new and exciting tastes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Saigon's Culinary Scene by Scooter
Many tours provide insights into the history and culture behind the food, making it an educational as well as a delicious experience. Drivers are trained to handle the traffic safely, ensuring peace of mind for passengers. This method of exploration not only maximizes your food intake but also provides a thrilling adventure, giving you a unique perspective on daily life in the city.
When choosing a tour, look for companies that emphasize local guides, diverse food stops, and a commitment to safety. This approach ensures you get an authentic taste of Saigon, from iconic dishes like Bánh Mì to lesser-known regional specialties, all while enjoying the exhilarating ride.
Budget-Friendly Feasts: Eating Well in Saigon
Street food stalls are the backbone of this affordability. From steaming bowls of Pho to crispy Bánh Khọt and the iconic Bánh Mì, these vendors offer authentic flavors at incredibly low prices. Night markets, such as Ho Thi Ky, are also treasure troves for budget travelers, offering a vast selection of snacks and meals in a lively atmosphere.
Beyond street food, local eateries and smaller restaurants often provide set menus or affordable à la carte options. Don't shy away from places packed with locals; this is usually a good indicator of both quality and price. Embracing these local dining habits is key to experiencing Saigon's delicious food scene without overspending.
Iconic Flavors: Must-Try Dishes of Saigon
Another essential taste of Saigon is Bánh Khọt, small, savory, crispy pancakes often made with shrimp or meat, served with fresh herbs and a tangy dipping sauce. These bite-sized delights are a popular street food snack that offers a delightful textural contrast.
No food exploration of Saigon is complete without indulging in its diverse noodle dishes. Pho, the national noodle soup, is a comforting classic, while Bún Chả (grilled pork with noodles) and various other regional noodle soups offer unique and satisfying flavors. For those with a sweet tooth, exploring local desserts like Che (sweet soups and puddings) provides a refreshing end to any meal.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit