10 Cheap and Delicious Saigon Street Foods You Must Try
Ho Chi Minh City, still lovingly called Saigon, is famous for its dynamic streets and affordable street food. Whether you’re a budget traveler or a food lover, these dishes will satisfy your cravings without breaking the bank. Here are 10 must-try Saigon street food dishes you can enjoy for less than $2.
1. Banh Mi – Vietnamese Sandwich
Crispy on the outside, soft inside, filled with meats, pickles, herbs, and chili sauce – Banh Mi is the perfect meal on the go.
📍Try it at: Huynh Hoa Banh Mi (District 1)
2. Goi Cuon – Fresh Spring Rolls
A healthy snack of shrimp, pork, rice noodles, and herbs wrapped in rice paper. Dip in hoisin peanut sauce for the full experience.
3. Com Tam – Broken Rice with Grilled Pork
A classic local dish served with grilled pork, egg, pickles, and fish sauce. It’s simple but very satisfying.
📍Tip: Look for roadside stalls near Ben Thanh Market.
4. Bun Thit Nuong – Grilled Pork with Vermicelli
A refreshing dish with cold noodles, grilled pork, pickled carrots, and fish sauce – perfect for Saigon’s heat.
5. Banh Trang Nuong – Vietnamese Pizza
Grilled rice paper topped with quail eggs, sausage, dried shrimp, and green onion. Crunchy, spicy, and totally addictive.
📍Best found in: Nguyen Hue walking street area.
6. Hu Tieu – Southern-style Noodle Soup
A flavorful noodle soup with pork, shrimp, or squid. Lighter than Pho but equally delicious.
🔗 Learn more about Hu Tieu: https://vietnam.travel
7. Banh Xeo – Crispy Pancake
A large sizzling pancake filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. Wrap it in lettuce and dip in nuoc cham sauce.
8. Bot Chien – Fried Rice Flour Cake
Crispy on the outside, soft inside, fried with eggs and green onion, served with papaya and soy sauce. A popular student snack.
9. Che – Vietnamese Sweet Dessert Soup
A refreshing end to any meal. Choose from dozens of varieties with beans, jelly, fruit, and coconut milk.
10. Bo Bia – Sweet Spring Rolls
Sweet rolls with shredded coconut and sugar, sometimes with sesame or peanuts. A nostalgic snack for many locals.
Tips for Street Food Lovers
Stay Safe:
Only eat food that’s freshly prepared. Go where locals go—it’s usually the best sign.
Bring Small Change:
Most street vendors don’t accept cards, so keep small bills ready.
Where to Explore More Saigon Street Food?
You can check out Ben Thanh Market, Turtle Lake, or District 4’s Vinh Khanh Street—all popular areas for local food adventures.
👉 Check out our Saigon Travel Guide for more must-do experiences.
