I’ve been doing solo episodes for the first time. It was a bit nerve-wracking but rewarding to share more about my personal experiences in Vietnam. In the past, I’ve talked about my favorite cocktail bars, craft beer spots, and happy hours in Saigon.
Now let’s move to Vietnamese food! I’ll tell you what I eat in Vietnam and where to get them.
Vietnamese Cuisine – The Appeal of Vietnamese Food
Vietnamese food is one of the main reasons I’ve stayed here for so long. It’s incredibly delicious and fragrant. Sometimes, while eating a meal, I think, “This is so good, you can’t get anything like this outside of Vietnam.” While the cost is a big attraction, it’s really the quality and flavors that make Vietnamese food stand out.
One unique aspect of Vietnamese cuisine is the versatility of its dishes, which can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Unlike Western meals, which have distinct foods designated for different times of the day, Vietnamese meals are more flexible.
For example, Mi Quang is a versatile Vietnamese dish that you can enjoy any time of the day. There’s a great Mi Quang place on Ta Hien Street in Thanh My Loi. It opens from 7 AM to 8 PM and is packed for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Favorite Street Food Spots
I’m going to share my favorite street food spots in Saigon. These are places I keep going back to because they’re just so good. Every street and district in Saigon has its own amazing food, but these are my personal favorites:
Forget fancy restaurants, we’re hitting the hidden gems, the local favorites scattered throughout the city.
- Cơm Tấm
I was actually a vegetarian for 10 years, but then I tried Com Tam, and I’ve never looked back. I completely understand why it’s so beloved.
Com Tam is basically marinated pork chop with broken rice. You can get a fried egg on top, and a little square egg quiche called “Chả”. The best part is the fish sauce with pickled veggies and chili. Make sure you get a decent amount of chili on there, sprinkle it all on top, and mash it up.
It’s one of those dishes that, despite needing a knife, is traditionally eaten with just a fork and spoon. I usually hack it up into little bits or even use my hands to rip up the pork and mix it all together.
My favorite Com Tam spot is Quán Cơm Tấm Ba Đạt in Thao Dien. This place is incredibly popular. Despite Thao Dien being known as an expat enclave, it still has great Vietnamese food. You’ll find Quán Cơm Tấm Ba Đạt next to a glass shop at Thao Dien Pearl. The place is always packed with bikes and filled with the delicious aroma of marinated pork chops on the grill. It’s an absolute must-visit for good Com Tam, although honestly, I’ve never had bad Com Tam.
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- Bún Thịt Nướng
Bún Thịt Nướng is generally my favorite Vietnamese food. For those unfamiliar, “Bún” refers to rice vermicelli, “Thịt” means meat (usually pork), and “Nướng” means grilled. Be cautious with the pronunciation, I usually say “Nướng” incorrectly, and it ends up being a bad word in Vietnamese. If you’re Vietnamese, you can guess what!!!
This dish is a delightful combination of rice vermicelli, grilled pork, and a variety of fresh and flavorful toppings. It includes coriander, peanuts, pickled vegetables, fish sauce, chili, and shredded lettuce.
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Vietnamese food is known for being healthy, and Bún Thịt Nướng is no exception, with its abundance of vegetables and lean grilled pork. The dish often comes with grilled pork sausages and other grilled pork bits, all mixed together to create a delicious, flavorful meal.
One of my favorite spots for Bún Thịt Nướng is a little cart on Trương Văn Bang Street in Thạnh Mỹ Lợi. It’s only open in the morning and also offers a great “Cà Phê Sữa Đá” (iced coffee) right next to it. I usually take my dog, Biscuit, for a walk, and we grab a Bún Thịt Nướng and a cafe sua da. It’s delicious and worth checking out if you’re in the Thạnh Mỹ Lợi area.
- Hủ Tiếu Chay
If you’re venturing into District 7, known for its modernization and significant expat and Korean population, you should definitely try Hủ Tiếu Chay. District 7 has transformed over the past 20 years from a swamp to a bustling area with modern buildings, craft beer bars, and Western restaurants. Despite its modernity, you can still find authentic Vietnamese places, including some great vegetarian options.
The spot is at 410D Nguyễn Thị Thập, and it’s a little Buddhist restaurant serving a delicious vegetarian noodle soup. Hủ Tiếu Chay, where “chay” means vegetarian, is an incredibly flavorful and satisfying dish. For just 25,000 VND (approximately $1), you get a massive bowl of noodle soup with a fried wonton. The atmosphere might surprise you – it’s a bit run-down with black soot on the walls and an overall gritty look. But as many locals will tell you, the dirtier the place, the better the food.
However, be prepared for the continuous Buddhist chant playing on repeat. While it might be a bit much for some, it adds to the unique experience of dining there. If you find yourself in District 7 or are willing to make the trip, make sure to stop by 410D Nguyễn Thị Thập for an unforgettable bowl of Hủ Tiếu Chay.
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- Bún Chả Hà Nội
Number four on the list is Bún Chả Hanoi, one of my all-time favorite Vietnamese dishes. This dish originates from Hanoi, where it’s often just called Bún Chả. However, after the famous meal shared by President Obama and Anthony Bourdain, many places in Hanoi have started calling it Bún Chả Obama.
Bún Chả Hanoi consists of vermicelli rice noodles (bún) served with grilled pork patties and thin strips of grilled fatty pork. The meat is served in a flavorful broth. The highlight of this dish is the accompanying fresh herbs and greens, like lettuce, mint, and mustard leaf, which add a burst of freshness and fragrance. It’s crucial to tear these greens into small pieces to release their aroma and mix them well with the broth.
A key element to perfecting your Bún Chả Hanoi experience is adding condiments. Always include chili sauce, chopped garlic, and a squeeze of lime (known as “change” in Vietnamese). The lime is essential; it brings out the dish’s full flavors.
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Here are my top recommendations for Bún Chả Hanoi in Saigon:
- Hải Hội Quán, 51 Xuân Thủy, Thảo Điền: This place is right at the junction where you come up from Thảo Điền Pearl. It’s quite famous despite its unassuming appearance and cleanliness. The food is incredible.
- Bún Chả Hà Nội, 136 Đ. Trần Não, Bình An: This one is quite clean compared to many street food places. It’s located next to the ILA language school. The Bún Chả Hanoi here is really delicious and consistent.
- Phở Vụ, 145 Trương Văn Bang, Thạnh Mỹ Lợi: Close to where I live, this place specializes in phở but also serves amazing Bún Chả Hanoi. Though it’s a bit off the beaten path, it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.
Wherever you are in Vietnam, trying Bún Chả Hanoi (or Bún Chả Obama in Hanoi) is a must. The blend of flavors and textures in this dish is something you won’t regret experiencing.
- Cơm Niêu
Number five on the list is Cơm Niêu, a dish I discovered about a year ago, and it quickly became a favorite. Cơm Niêu is a chain restaurant that has recently sprung up all over Saigon. While I’m concerned they might disappear as quickly as they arrived—like the Hảo Lầm Yogurt shops that popped up everywhere last year and then vanished—they’re definitely worth trying while they’re here.
Cơm Niêu offers a wide variety on their menu, but my go-to dish is the scorched rice, or “cơm cháy”. Pronouncing it correctly is essential; otherwise, you might end up with the wrong dish. “Cháy” means scorched or burnt, not to be confused with “chay,” which means vegetarian. The dish is served in a sizzling hot metal bowl, which is covered in a wicker basket. The rice is crispy and incredibly tasty.
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To accompany the scorched rice, I usually order đậu hũ sốt cà (tofu with tomato sauce) or bò sốt nấm (beef with mushrooms). Pouring these onto the sizzling rice creates an amazing flavor and texture combination. Add some soy sauce and chilies for extra flavor, and if you’re sharing with someone, consider ordering pumpkin flowers as a side dish. It’s too much for one person, but perfect for two.
So, if you see a Cơm Niêu restaurant, make sure to stop by and try their delicious scorched rice. They are popping up everywhere right now, and I frequent the one near me in Thạnh Mỹ Lợi. Enjoy the experience while it lasts!
- Cơm Gà
Number six on the list is a prime example of the adage that the filthier the place, the better the food. Absolutely no offense to the owners, but the place is quite dirty. There are barely any chairs, grime on the walls that’s been there for years, and often leftover food and trash on the tables and floor. Despite these conditions, the food tastes amazing.
This spot is primarily known for its cơm tấm (broken rice) dishes, but my go-to order here is cơm gà (chicken rice). “Gà” means chicken, and this place is unique because you don’t often find chicken dishes in Vietnam; pork and beef are more common. Out front, they have chickens on a rotisserie all day, marinated in a delicious honey marinade that gives the chicken an incredible flavor.
The chicken is marinated in honey and other spices, resulting in a sweet and savory taste. When Thao and I visited, we spoke briefly with the owner, who mentioned that they’ve been in business for years. The cơm gà here is simply fantastic. You get a big leg of chicken with crispy skin and juicy white meat, served on a bed of broken rice, accompanied by some vegetables on the side. Adding some fish sauce enhances the flavor even more.
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One thing to note: this is not a place to linger. People usually go in, eat, and leave. You can grab some trà đá (iced tea) from the cooler, which is often free in Vietnam.
This gem is located on Trần Não Street, right next to the ILA. So, you have two amazing spots on either side of ILA. Check the show notes for the Google Maps link and go experience the deliciousness for yourself.
- Phở Gà Trộn
The final recommendation on my list is Phở Gà Trộn. To break it down for those unfamiliar with Vietnamese, “Phở” refers to the type of noodles, “Gà” means chicken, and “Trộn” translates to mixed or stirred. When most people think of phở, they envision a soup or broth-based dish. However, Phở Gà Trộn is a dry version of this popular dish.
In Phở Gà Trộn, the phở noodles are made of rice, giving them a unique and delicious taste. Unlike the traditional phở, this dish has only a small amount of broth at the bottom of the bowl. I’m not sure what’s in that broth, but it tastes absolutely amazing. The dish includes fresh greens and a sprinkling of peanuts, which add a wonderful crunch and flavor. You also get a small bowl of soup on the side.
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To enhance the flavors, you can add chili sauce and garlic, then mix everything together. It might sound similar to bún thịt nướng, but the taste is distinct and uniquely delicious.
This fantastic dish can be found in Thanh My Loi, specifically on Truong Van Bang Street. Just like many of my favorite spots, this one is also conveniently located near where I live.
Conclusion
You may be finding Phở – which is Vietnam’s most well-known dish internationally. It’s the go-to Vietnamese food everyone talks about. Personally, I find it just okay. But, as I’ve just gone through my top seven dishes (and an extra one with Mì Quảng), Phở would rank much lower on my list.
Share your thoughts in the comments or send me a message—do you agree with my list? What is your favorite one? I’d love to hear from you!