This is a special episode of A Vietnam Podcast: Saigon Sunday Session, where I have a solo episode or casual conversation with my friends about our experiences in Vietnam.
This time I challenged myself by seeking a lunch priced $1 (25,000 dong).
Let’s listen or watch the episode to see if I can find one in this budget.
The $1 Lunch Challenge: Can You Eat for a Dollar in Vietnam?
When I first heard that the average lunch in the U.S. costs around $15—$8 even for fast food—I couldn’t believe it. Here in Vietnam, you can often get amazing meals for a fraction of that price. So, I decided to take on a challenge: find a satisfying lunch in my neighborhood for just $1 (or 25,000 Vietnamese Dong).
Vietnamese food is some of the best in the world, and it can be incredibly affordable. Still, I wanted to see if I could stick to this strict budget. Armed with my hunger and curiosity, I set out to explore the streets of my neighborhood.
I started hunting for a meal that wouldn’t break the $1 barrier. It wasn’t just about eating cheap; it was about experiencing the culture, the street food, and the daily life of the place I’ve come to love.
Exploring Local Food Options
My first stop was a local spot that serves Bún Chả—a delicious dish of grilled pork and noodles—but at 55,000 Dong (over $2), it was way over budget. Spring rolls at 35,000 Dong weren’t an option either. I tried looking at Cơm Tấm, a popular broken rice dish with pork cutlets, but even the basic versions started at 45,000 Dong. Each time I checked a menu, the prices were just a bit too high for my $1 goal.
Still, I kept wandering. At one point, I passed a restaurant with blacked-out windows. I’d never been there before, and while it looked interesting, I was too nervous to go in and ask for the price. No menu outside meant no way to know if it fit my budget without risking an awkward encounter. This part of the challenge made me realize how intimidating it can sometimes be to navigate unfamiliar food spots, even when you’ve lived here for years.
Related Episode: “Bánh Bèo” – Most people have NEVER HEARD of this Vietnamese food!
The Challenges of Budget Eating
The more places I visited, the more I saw how tricky it was to stay under my $1 limit. Familiar dishes like Bánh Mì Ốp La (a baguette with fried eggs) were tempting but still cost 30,000 Dong. Others, like Bánh Xèo (crispy Vietnamese pancakes), weren’t served until later in the evening. My hunger grew as I continued my search, and I wondered if this challenge was harder than I thought.
At one point, I found a place offering Cơm Trua, which literally translates to “lunch” I’d heard mixed things about it, and to be honest, I wasn’t brave enough to give it a go. There’s something charming—and sometimes frustrating—about the lack of health and safety regulations in Vietnam. It’s a part of daily life here that I’ve come to love, but I couldn’t help imagining how my sister, who’s visiting soon, might react to some of the street setups.
Unexpected Encounter with Tree Cutting
While wandering the streets in search of my $1 lunch, I stumbled upon something so uniquely Vietnam: a tree-cutting operation. No barriers, no cones, no tape—just a guy up a tree, barefoot, wielding a chainsaw. I stopped in my tracks, watching as branches fell right in front of me. It felt like a scene you’d never see in the West.
In Vietnam, they trust you to be a sensible human being. If someone’s cutting down a tree, you’re just expected to avoid walking under it. Simple, right? Back home, we’d cordon off the area for hours before and after, with strict regulations and loads of safety gear. Maybe that’s for good reason—people do get hurt—but I just love the efficiency here.
It was fascinating to watch. One moment, I was starving, and the next, I was completely distracted by the sheer audacity of this scene. The worker eventually climbed down, just as casually as he went up, and got on a ladder. No shoes, no worries, no problem.
Success: Finding a $1 Lunch
By this point, I was absolutely starving. My $1 lunch challenge was proving to be harder than I thought, but I finally remembered a place that might work. It’s one of the perks of living in Tân Mỹ Lợi: having proper sidewalks to walk along, which is a rare treat in Saigon. I don’t think people outside of Vietnam will understand the excitement of a good sidewalk, but trust me—it’s a big deal here. Of course, you’ll still find the occasional missing chunk or random obstacles, but it’s a step up from dodging motorbikes and trash cans.
I reached a small street vendor selling Bánh Mì, the iconic Vietnamese baguette sandwich, and things started to look promising. Their menu had several options for under 25,000 VND. After a quick look, I ordered a Bánh Mì Gà Xé—shredded chicken baguette. At only 20,000 VND, it fitted perfectly into my budget.
A Peek Inside the Perfect Bánh Mì
The preparation process is what makes a Vietnamese Bánh Mì so special. The baguette was sliced open, and layered with shredded chicken, cucumbers, chili, and a generous spread of pâté. There’s always this mysterious sauce that gives the sandwich its signature flavor—maybe it’s fish sauce? Whatever it is, it’s amazing.
The vendor toasted the baguette on a grill, adding a delightful crunch and warmth to every bite. The smell alone was enough to make my mouth water. I’d achieved my $1 lunch goal! I even picked up an extra Bánh Mì with egg for my wife, Adrie, because I knew she’d love it.
One bite in, and you’re likely to have crumbs everywhere and fillings slipping out. But let me tell you, it’s worth it. The mix of crunchy bread, flavorful chicken, and tangy sauce is a taste explosion. It might not be the biggest meal in the world, but for $1, it’s an unbeatable deal.
This experience reminded me why I love Vietnam’s street food culture so much. Even on a tight budget, you can find something fresh, delicious, and uniquely local. I ended my challenge with a full stomach and a newfound appreciation for the humble Bánh Mì.
Conclusion
My $1 lunch challenge wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be. Vietnam is known for its affordable food, but even here, inflation has made finding a good meal for under 25,000 VND more difficult. The same Bánh Mì I enjoyed during this challenge would have cost closer to 15,000 VND a few years ago. While it’s still a bargain by most standards, it’s a reminder of how rising costs affect everyone, especially those who are already struggling.
So, could you take on this challenge in your neighborhood? Could you find a meal for $1 that’s as satisfying and delicious as a Vietnamese Bánh Mì? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear about your experiences.
Follow for more stories and episodes in Vietnam!