Enjoy Central Vietnam Specialties Under $1 in Ho Chi Minh city

• Culinary Gems

If you’re looking for authentic Central Vietnamese food in Saigon at a surprisingly affordable price. Introduced by a friend, I had the chance to experience this small eatery tucked inside an alley, and I was amazed that with just $1, you can already enjoy fresh, flavorful, and authentic dishes. The place is clean, airy, and perfect for a casual meal. This is Trang Restaurant, a hidden gem in District 11, which is a must-try.

A Diverse Menu Full of Central Vietnamese Flavors

The restaurant offers a wide range of Central Vietnam specialties, featuring dishes that locals often enjoy back home. On the menu, you’ll find favorites such as bánh bèo (steamed rice cakes), bánh đập (crispy rice crackers with steamed rice sheet), don (small clam soup), ram thịt nướng (grilled meat spring rolls), bún thịt nướng (grilled pork with vermicelli), thịt luộc cuốn rau (boiled pork with herbs), mì Quảng (Quang-style noodles), bún mắm nêm (vermicelli with fermented anchovy sauce), and hến xúc bánh tráng (baby clams served with rice crackers).

All dishes are clearly priced, ranging from 20,000 VND to 50,000 VND, making this spot not only budget-friendly but also a great place to enjoy authentic Central Vietnamese flavors right in the heart of Saigon.

What Dishes I Have Ordered and Tasted

I went with two friends, and we couldn’t resist ordering four of the restaurant’s signature dishes: Bánh đập, Ram thịt nướng, Bánh bèo, and Hến xúc bánh đa.
Bánh đập instantly caught my attention with its playful texture, a crispy rice cracker layered over silky steamed rice sheets, topped with glistening scallion oil. Once dipped into the pungent, savory fermented anchovy sauce, each bite exploded with a rich, salty depth that lingered on the palate.
Ram thịt nướng platter was just as enticing, beautifully arranged with golden rolls of shrimp, fragrant beef wrapped in lalot leaves, and smoky grilled pork. Wrapped together with fresh herbs in delicate rice paper and dipped into the nutty peanut sauce, the combination created a symphony of crunch, tenderness, and flavor that felt both rustic and refined

Then came the best of the menu—Bánh bèo, a dish no one skips here. Served in petite cups and priced at only 5,000 VND each, these steamed rice cakes were soft yet slightly bouncy, their mild flavor elevated by a savory topping that added just the right amount of fragrance and depth.

Finally, the Hến xúc bánh đa sealed the experience. The hến clams, though tiny, were fresh and plentiful, sautéed to perfection and bursting with natural sweetness. Scooping them up with crispy rice crackers and finishing with a dip in tangy fish sauce was nothing short of addictive; every bite carried the essence of Central Vietnam’s coastal cuisine.

Why should you try Central Vietnamese dishes?

Trying Central Vietnamese dishes in Vietnam is more than just eating; it’s experiencing the culture. Each dish carries the soul of the region, blending bold flavors, fresh herbs, and unique sauces that can’t be fully replicated elsewhere. Classics like bánh đập, bánh bèo, ram thịt nướng, and hến xúc bánh đa showcase the balance of textures like crispy, soft, chewy, and crunchy, all in one meal.

The use of fermented sauces, aromatic herbs, and local ingredients reflects Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage. Affordable, flavorful, and deeply authentic, these dishes are a delicious way to connect with Vietnam’s traditions and taste its vibrant regional identity.

Final Thoughts

As a Saigon local, I’ve tried countless eateries, but this one stands out for its authentic flavors, fair prices, and welcoming atmosphere. Every dish is tasty, easy to eat, and perfect for sharing. If you’re in Saigon and craving Central Vietnamese specialties, this spot in District 11 should be on your list.

Trang Restaurants opens daily from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM. You can experience this dish at No. 68/6, Lu Gia Street, Ward 15, District 11.

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