photo: Street Food Dining Commonly Found in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), fondly remembered as Saigon by many, is the financial hub of Vietnam. Today, it is also known for its thriving food scene. With easy access to a wide range of western and eastern cuisines at fine dining restaurants, as well as street stores, the city is quickly becoming the food hub of Southeast Asia.
It is often believed that a good dining experience is restricted to the central district of the city – District 1. However, HCMC consists of 19 urban districts and five suburban districts, each of which have their own food specialty.1 Deciding where to go and what to eat may be overwhelming, especially to those who are new to the city. Here are four districts to start with and their popular food options.
District 2 (Thao Dien)
Thao Dien is an expat enclave in Saigon. It is a tranquil neighborhood located along the riverside. This district is home to many of the city’s well-paid expats and affluent locals. Thus, not surprisingly, Thao Dien is known for its upmarket dining, western cuisines, and upcoming cafe culture.2 The best restaurants in Thao Dien are mostly found along Xuan Thuy Street, Thao Dien Street, and Ngo Quang Huy Street.
District 4
The best food in HCMC is still the street food, and District 4 is the go-to place. The vibrant atmosphere is ideal for people who want to experience street food and night markets. Seafood Lovers should also swing by its Vinh Khanh Street for casual seafood restaurants3.
District 5 (Cholon)
photo: Bin Tay Market Entrance
Dating back to 1778, Cholon is the largest Chinatown market in Saigon, Vietnam. Bin Tay Market is the business hub and key attraction in Cholon, which is further subdivided into three main sections. The indoor market retails mainly dried or preserved food, while the outdoor wet market sells fresh produce such as meats, vegetables, and spices. The Bin Tay Market food court consists of vendors selling a variety of Chinese food. Some of the popular dishes in Cholon are Guangzhou styled honey roasted ducks, handmade noodles with thin slices of grilled char-siu pork, and Cantonese style dim sums4.
Binh Thanh Suburb
(photo: LeBordeaux)
Binh Thanh suburb provides a delightful mishmash of culinary experience. There is Le Bordeaux, arguably one of the best French restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City. Oink Oink Tavern along Vo Van Kiet street serves American style barbecue with craft beer. A Japan town is slowly forming here as well as more Japanese expats are moving into the area. There are also two of HCMC’s well-known vegan restaurants – Vegan Kitchen and Dharma Garden – located in Binh Thanh. Given this wide variety, it feels like there is something for everyone in this corner of town.
- http://www.vietnam-guide.com/ho-chi-minh-city/
- https://www.rustycompass.com/vietnam-travel-guide-233/ho-chi-minh-city-4/eating-16/district-2-a-guide-to-eating-in-saigons-expat-enclave-1378#.XQdjFYgzZPY
- https://theculturetrip.com/asia/vietnam/articles/top-things-to-see-and-do-in-district-4-ho-chi-minh-city/
- http://www.vietnam-guide.com/ho-chi-minh-city/chinatown.htm
Tags: Vietnam Special 2019