EXPLORE TOP 5 GREATEST STREETS FOR STREET FOOD IN SAIGON

For lovers of street cuisine, Saigon is a veritable wonderland. Vendors along the busy streets sell a wide variety of delectable delicacies that showcase Vietnam’s diverse culinary culture. Here are the top 5 streets that you just must visit if you’re ready to immerse yourself in the colorful world of Saigon’s street food scene. I will show you the specific address and the best food on each street below.

Top 5 Streets For Street Food

1. Nguyen Thuong Hien Street (District 3)

Nguyen Thuong Hien, a street nestled in District 3, Saigon, is a unique and bustling thoroughfare that comes alive after dark. As you stroll down this vibrant street, you’ll notice the imposing concrete electricity pylons towering overhead, casting a stark yet characteristic silhouette against the night sky. The street is lined with rows of squat, boxy houses, each adorned with bright yellow street lamps that add a warm glow to the evening.

Nguyen Thuong Hien Street

The scene is further animated by a labyrinth of tangled electricity cables that hang in front of neon signs, creating a captivating visual tapestry reminiscent of a tangled jungle of wires and lights.

As twilight descends, Nguyen Thuong Hien transforms into a bustling hotspot of nightlife and street food. The sidewalks are filled with a multitude of makeshift restaurants and food stalls, each offering a rich array of local delicacies. Diners, both locals and visitors, gather at these sidewalk eateries, where they can indulge in an assortment of shellfish and other culinary delights.

The experience on Nguyen Thuong Hien is as much about the food and drink as it is about the fun and camaraderie that fills the air.

How to get there?

Address: Nguyen Thuong Hien Street, District 3.

Opening Hours: all day. The best time to go there is in the afternoon, about 3:00 PM.

-By Motorbike: You can hire a motorbike or use your personal motorbike, which can be a quick and convenient option. The ride should take around 10-15 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

-By Taxi: A taxi is one of the easiest ways to get to Nguyen Thuong Hien Street. The ride typically takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. Just tell the driver you need to go to Nguyen Thuong Hien Street in District 3.

Interesting experiences when coming to Nguyen Thuong Hien Food Street

Most of the eateries here sell snacks and street foods from the three regions, such as mixed rice paper, mixed ré, fried flour, vermicelli, pho, hu tieu, milk tea, juice, ice cream.

The eateries are close together, and the tables and chairs are quite neat and cozy. In my experience, the prices of the dishes are relatively affordable, mostly from 30.000 to 50.000 VND (1.2 to 2 USD).

Locals gather to eat snacks and chat at night

The smell of food fills the air, and the scene is busy and crowded. Young people congregate here frequently to dine and socialize till late at night; occasionally, candy carts can be heard humming merrily.

Nguyen Thuong Hien Food Street offers a variety of eateries serving hot pot, grilled chicken, barbecue, and seafood in addition to snacks. When you come here, you may enjoy a terrific time drinking with friends at a reasonably low cost.

Delicious eateries on Nguyen Thuong Hien Street

Tiệm Lẩu Nướng Má Hai (Ma Hai Hotpot and BBQ)

Ma Hai Grilled Hotpot Restaurant has an antique feel to it, like an early 20th-century home. Many customers enjoy the restaurant because it is airy and clean, and the service is prompt and excellent. The aroma of grilled meat combined with the seductive scent of Western, Vietnamese fermented fish hotpot.

The ancient space of the food house also makes customers excited.

The restaurant’s highly varied menu allows you to freely select from a wide selection of meat, fish, and side dishes. The sauce at the restaurant is excellent, and it’s reasonably priced, making it a good choice for everyone.

Variety of grilled dishes at Ma Hai

Ma Hai Hotpot and Grill attracts many locals and tourists in Saigon

Address: No. 200, Nguyen Thuong Hien Street, District 3.

Opening Hours: 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM daily.

Prices: 30.000 to 300.000 VND (1.2 to 12 USD)

Bánh Tráng Trộn Long (Vietnamese Rice Paper Mix)

The distinctive method that Bánh Tráng Trộn Long is made and combined with its ingredients is what makes it so popular. The food stall serves carefully crafted rice paper that combines flavours such as crispiness, richness from salted eggs, fried onions, hot chile, and the salty taste of dried shrimp. A lot of people who enjoy street food have a strong affinity for this flavour that is created by all of them.

Beyond just having good food, the food stall has a light, clean atmosphere with well-placed tables and chairs along the sidewalk to make you feel at ease. In addition to being a snack, it is a staple of Saigon’s traditional street food culture.

Address: No. 34, Nguyen Thuong Hien Street, District 3.

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM daily.

Prices: 15.000 to 35.000 VND (0.6 to 1.4 USD)

Quán Ốc A Sòi (Snails and Shellfish)

A Soi restaurant, situated on the busy Nguyen Thuong Hien Street in District 3, is the snail eatery that has been making the internet community go crazy lately.

Quán Ốc A Sòi – one of the delicious snail and shellfish eateries on Nguyen Thuong Hien Street

The snails here, in my opinion, are large, tasty, fresh, and slightly sweet. When coming to A Soi, don’t forget to order salt-roasted snails, apricot snails with satay, grilled jumping snails or steamed velvet snails, etc. to enjoy, all are popular dishes that are seasoned very well.

A Soi has variety of snails

Address: No. 237-239, Nguyen Thuong Hien Street, District 3.

Opening Hours: 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM daily.

Prices: 30.000 to 150.000 VND (1.2 to 6 USD) depending on your dish

2. Tran Khac Chan Street (District 1)

Tran Khac Chan Street is a bustling street food paradise, where a chaotic mix of motorbikes, cars, pedestrians, food vendors, and diners fills the sidewalks as they enjoy their meals.

Within just a few hundred meters, nearly 30 food stalls compete for attention on this lively street. Bounded at one end by the Thi Nghe Channel and at the other by the tree-lined Tran Quang Khai Street, it’s a place where you can let your ‘foodie instincts’ lead the way.

Follow the enticing smells, the smoke, the glowing neon signs, and, most importantly, the locals, to discover anything edible that catches your eye. I see this street as my favorite food, where I’m free to sample whatever appeals to me.

Explore variety of street food on Tran Khac Chan Street

How to get there?

Address: Tran Khac Chan Street, District 1.

Opening Hours: All day

-By Taxi or Ride-Hailing Apps: The easiest way is to take a taxi or use a ride-hailing app. It’s a short drive, about 2-3 km, which should take around 5-10 minutes from District 1.

-By Motorbike: Hiring a motorbike can be a fun way to get there quickly. It’s a short distance and should be a quick ride.

I will show you the best delicious food stall on Tran Khac Chan Street.

Bánh Canh Cua 87

I fell in love with a bowl of delicious Vietnamese crab noodle soup, which have been a District 1 staple for 10 years. Saigon’s cuisine is enhanced with dishes like Crab Noodle Soup 87 is a great option to satisfy your hunger on a hot or rainy day.

Bánh Canh Cua 87 – Vietnamese Crab Noodle Soup attracts many locals and tourists

Crab Noodle Soup has a clear, slightly rich and fragrant broth, combined with chewy noodles. Served with shredded crab pieces, pork, boiled shrimp, and blood. In addition, fried breadsticks dipped in the broth add to the deliciousness of this noodle dish.

In my opinion, this is the best dish I have experienced on Tran Khac Chan Street, this restaurant has clean space, enthusiastic staff, and affordable price. I recommend you to order a bowl of Special Crab Noodle Soup to experience, this will be a full meal for a long day.

Address: No. 87, Tran Khac Chan, District 1.

Opening Hours: 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM daily.

Prices: 50.000 to 60.000 VND (2 to 2.4 USD)

Phở Hiền (Vietnamese Noodle Soup)

The restaurant has a somewhat narrow layout, but its tidy arrangement ensures a comfortable dining experience. Pho Hien primarily caters to indoor diners, though on busy days, extra tables and chairs are set up outside to accommodate more guests. Patrons not only enjoy the delicious food but also appreciate the warm and welcoming service provided by the owner.

True to its name, Pho Hien specializes in a variety of pho dishes, including rare beef, flank, brisket, and rolled rare beef. The distinctive flavor of their pho comes from a traditional broth recipe, with the meat retaining its natural sweetness.

Phở Hiền – One of the best Phở that you must try when visit Tran Khac Chan Street

For those who enjoy bold flavors, side dishes include garlic and fresh chili. The steaming bowl of pho, with its aromatic broth, the scent of onions, fresh beef, and spices, is sure to delight anyone who visits. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

I ordered Phở Gà (Chicken Pho) here to enjoy, the noodles were thin and chewy, especially the broth was rich and delicious, not boring to eat. The shredded chicken pieces were chewy and delicious. Besides, I ate it with bean sprouts.

Phở Gà – Chicken Pho

In addition, the restaurant’s menu is very diverse, such as Beef Pho, Chicken Vermicelli, Chicken Pho, Mixed Pho. The menu has printed the detail prices, so you can easily to choose.

Besides, Pho Hien also offers stir-fried pho, stir-fried noodles, fried rice, and other dishes, all highly rated for their quality. Pho Hien is an excellent choice for days when you’re “bored with rice and craving pho” or for a refreshing change of pace for the entire family.

Address: No. 88, Tran Khac Chan Street, District 1.

Opening Hours: 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM daily.

Prices: 45.000 to 65.000 VND (1.8 to 2.6 USD)

3. Van Kiep Street (Binh Thanh Street)

Van Kiep Street, which connects the Phu Nhuan and Binh Thanh districts, is a little but lively street with plenty of inexpensive culinary specialties to sample. The interior is simple and unassuming, but even the most jaded traveler is enticed by the abundance of sidewalk food stalls lined up against the polished concrete walls that extend out onto the street.

Van Kiep Street at night

How to get there?

Address: Van Kiep Street, Binh Thanh District.

Opening hours: All day

-Taxi or Grab: A taxi is the most convenient way. The ride to Van Kiep Street usually takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. Simply tell the driver you need to go to Van Kiep Street in Binh Thanh District. In addition, you can use an app like Grab to book a ride. Input “Van Kiep Street, Binh Thanh District” as your destination. The app will handle the navigation and provide you with an estimated fare.

-Motorbike: You can hire a motorbike take you directly to Van Kiep Street. This is a more adventurous option and might be quicker depending on traffic.

For delectable grilled octopus, meat eaters frequently visit Quán 104 (Grilled Street Food. Herbs and pickled cucumbers accompany the dish to moderate the heat. Other food and drink establishments make it easy to satisfy cravings for Bánh Cuốn Trứng (Vietnamese steamed rice rolls), and Súp Cua (Crab soup).

Quán 104 (Street Food)

For young people who prefer grilled food, the food stall is a familiar address with a very cozy and pleasant atmosphere. The most noteworthy thing I’ve experienced at Quán 104 is the extensive menu, which boasts incredibly delicious dishes.

At first glance, grilling seems like a simple preparation method—all you have to do is marinate the food and then cook it over charcoal. In actuality, though, the food only becomes appetising and tasty when the right amount of marinade and spices are added to the grilled dish. Different kinds of spices work well with different dishes.

Grilled Octopus is the best dish at Quán 104

The menu at the grilled restaurant is extensive, and each item has a distinct, deep flavor. I ordered grilled dishes including prawns, squid, chicken feet, grilled octopus, and grilled squid teeth. A dish is a lot, in my perspective, but it’s reasonably priced and good for two or three people.

Address: No. 230, Van Kiep Street, Binh Thanh District.

Opening Hours: 4:00 PM to 10:30 PM daily

Prices: 20.000 to 50.000 VND (0.8 to 2 USD)

Bánh Cuốn Trứng (Vietnamese steamed rice rolls)

Vietnamese steamed rice rolls

For the people of Van Kiep, Bánh Cuốn Trứng is very familiar. Although it is just a roadside shop and has a small area, the shop still attracts many customers thanks to its delicious, plentiful and cheap egg roll. Golden, soft and fragrant omelette, rich meat and mushroom filling, crispy egg roll here will make you “miss” it from the first time you taste it!

This restaurant just open in the morning until lunch, so if you want to try this dish, take a note.

Address: No. 55/19, Van Kiep Street, Binh Thanh District.

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM daily

Prices: 30.000 to 50.000 VND (1.2 to 2 USD)

Súp Cua Trang (crab soup)

Súp Cua Trang, there is a lot of crab flesh in the soup, which is well-seasoned and cooked to a moderate consistency.

This is a casual eatery, so the space is a bit small

I chose the mixed crab soup, which comes with a lot of side dishes including shredded crab, century egg, pig brain, and a tiny bit of pepper and coriander. Additionally, you should try the excellent pig brain and century egg soups.

Crab soup on Van Kiep Street with affordable prices

Apart from crab soup, the restaurant offers excellent-tasting snail dishes at reasonable costs.

Address: No. 210, Van Kiep Street, Binh Thanh District.

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Prices: 15.000 to 35.000 VND (0.6 to 1.4 USD)

4. Co Giang Street  (District 1)

District 1 is bustling with upscale dining options and gourmet treats, but if you’re in the mood for something more casual, head to Co Giang Street in the midtown area, conveniently close to the Bui Vien backpacker zone. This area offers a variety of street food in a relaxed, local setting. You’ll find outdoor stainless steel counters with stools, giving you a taste of the local vibe.

Co Giang Street proved to be the ideal spot for this adventure. It offered a delightful escape from the noisy cheap drink bars and Westernized eateries. The street was easy to navigate and featured a variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes.

For a great start, try “Bò Lá Lốt” at Hoang Yen. Here, you’ll enjoy cylindrical beef meatballs marinated and grilled over a unique oven with a chimney. You can sample both versions of “Bò Lá Lốt” —wrapped in betel leaves and unwrapped. To satisfy your hunger, indulge in a bowl of “Hủ Tiếu Xào” (Chinese-style fried noodles) at Quan 79, situated at the corner of Co Giang and De Tham Streets. To complete your meal, consider enjoying a pudding, sweet soup, or some fresh fruit juices to savor at a leisurely pace.

How to get there?

Address: Co Giang Street, District 1.

Opening Hours: All day

If you’re using Google Maps or another navigation app, entering “Co Giang Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City” should give you accurate directions from your current location.

If your location near Ben Thanh Market:

-By Taxi or Ride-Hailing Apps: Simply take a taxi or use a ride-hailing app to get to Co Giang Street. It’s a short drive, approximately 1-2 km.

 -You can walk from Ben Thanh Market: Head north on Le Loi Street, then turn left onto Ham Nghi Street. Continue straight, and you’ll reach Co Giang Street.

Bò Lá Lốt Hoàng Yến (grilled beef in piper lolot leaves)

This is a place chosen by many people because of the fragrant beef rolls grilled with fragrant fatty fish fat, with fish sauce dipping sauce and Bánh Hỏi, rice paper with some vegetables that are very rich and not greasy.

I order 2 dishes of Bo La Lot, and I was impressed by the aroma of beef and lolot leaves, extremely stimulating the taste buds. Similar to other restaurants selling beef in lolot leaves, in addition to the main dish, along with side dishes of vegetables, dipping sauces and beef ingredients here create a unique highlight.

The beef here is selected by the owner of the freshest meat, minced and marinated with secret spices, and the dipping sauce is seasoned to taste. Even though the restaurant’s space is small and cramped, it’s still full of people, so you can tell how good the food is here.

Address: No. 143, Co Giang Street, District 1.

Opening Hours: 2:30 PM to 10:00 PM daily

Prices: 35.000 to 60.000 VND

I and my friend enjoyed a delightful two-hour meal, including a starter, main course, and dessert, all for just 120.000 VND for two people.

Quán 79

I went to Quán 79 in order to try the Hủ Tiếu Xào, which is characterized as “thick Chinese-style fried noodles”. I and my friend split a portion and had a Coke and 7Up to wash it down. The side dish was garlic stir-fried morning glory (spinach).

Hủ Tiếu Xào – Stir-fried flat noodle soup

I thought the noodles, which were stir-fried with pork and shellfish, were a little boring, especially after our delectable, freshly made appetizer. They lacked the bright zest that Vietnamese food is known for. I thought the plain, garlicky morning glories were the best; it was quite tasty.

Although the Hủ Tiếu Xào did not quite live up to my expectations, there were other dishes on the menu that piqued my interest, such as the fish and vegetable bundles wrapped in foil.

Address: No. 44-46, De Tham Street, District 1.  on the corner of Co Giang and De Tham Street.

Opening Hours: 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM daily

Prices: 50.000 to 150.000 VND

5. Vinh Khanh Street (District 4)

One of the most famous places to get seafood in Saigon is Vĩnh Khánh Street, which is well-known for its street cuisine in District 4. Night after night, the streets are thronged with young individuals showing off their fashionable hairdos, tattoos, and clothing.

Everyone is buzzing with excitement as they congregate around little red and blue plastic tables, eating seafood while cracking crab legs, clinking beer bottles, and splitting shells. Some resourceful teens are now blasting karaoke for everyone to enjoy, adding to the exciting cacophony of traffic, shouted instructions, and laughter. Fire eaters and street dancers are also part of the spectacle.

Vinh Khanh Street for Street Food attracts many locals every day.

A stunning celebration of food, joy, and youth, the local culinary scene is everything but lively—it’s wild, boisterous, bustling, dramatic, and fantastic.

Saigon at night is when Vinh Khanh food street is the most crowded. And snails are one of the most typical dishes on Vinh Khanh Street. Vinh Khanh Snail Street in District 4 fascinates tourists with its own delicious way of cooking, diverse flavors, and extremely attractive.

How to get there?

Address: Vinh Khanh Street, District 4. Vinh Khanh Food Court District 4 is located 2.9km from Independence Palace. 

-Motorbike: This is the easiest means of transportation, you can see detailed instructions on Google Map to Vinh Khanh Street.

-Taxi or Grab: You can take a taxi or use a ride-hailing app. The distance is about 2-3 km from District 1.

Opening hours: all day.

However, the best time to go is in the afternoon from 4 PM onwards.

Ốc Oanh (Oanh Snails)

Ốc Oanh is located at 534 Vinh Khanh Street, District 4. This is a snail restaurant that is considered one of the best in Saigon. In addition to snails, there are also delicious dishes such as grilled octopus, crab legs fried with salt and chili, grilled chicken feet. Coming to Oc Oanh, you will enjoy fresh snails in a comfortable, spacious space.

Ốc Oanh in District 4

I ordered Grilled Shrimp and stir-fried water spinach with garlic

The food here is quite suitable for me, not too sweet, fresh seafood every day, reasonable price. Besides, the restaurant also has a diverse menu of up to 20 different dishes. So, you can come and experience the dilicious dish.

Address: No. 534, Vinh Khanh Street, District 4.

Opening Hours: 1:00 PM to 12:00 AM daily.

Prices: 30.000 to 150.000 VND (1.2 to 6 USD)

Lãng Quán (Variety of Street Food)

Lang Quan, which is always crowded with customers. The staff is always friendly and enthusiastic. Diverse snacks: crispy fried salted pork leg, duck sausage, chicken cartilage, grilled eggplant with salt and chili, squid teeth, smoked duck breast. The dishes are served with delicious dipping sauces.

Lang Quan on Vinh Khanh Street

The restaurant here is airy and spacious, the dishes are prepared to suit everyone’s taste. In my opinion, I love crispy fried salted pork leg, eating with the chili sauce.

Address: No. 531, Vinh Khanh Street, District 4.

Opening Hours: 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM daily.

Prices: 60.000 to 150.000 VND (2.4 to 6 USD)

Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, exploring these streets will give you a taste of Saigon’s vibrant food scene. I have showed you the Top 5 Street for Street Food in Saigon, I hope you enjoy your trip in Saigon with your friends and family.