Tour detail

Step off the beaten track and travel through the maze of Saigon to seek authentic food that will make your mouth water just at the sight of it. This is where food lovers meet each other on the backs of motorbikes. Hang on tight, because here comes the Saigon Street Food Tour!

CHILDREN‘S PRICE

• Under 1-4 years old: FOC (please share the seat & food with their parents)
• From 5 to 12 years old: 70% Adult‘s price
• Above 12 years old: Adult

Saigon, or Ho Chi Minh City, is a lively city in Vietnam known for its street food. You can smell grilled meat and hear vendors selling their dishes everywhere. For visitors, exploring this food scene can be tricky. A Saigon food tour can help you taste the best dishes and learn about the vendors. Whether you are in narrow alleys, busy markets, or sitting on a small stool at a stall, each bite offers a special story.

Why Saigon is a Street Food Capital

Saigon’s street food shows its history and cultural mix. The city blends Vietnamese traditions with French, Chinese, and Cambodian foods. You can taste this mix in popular dishes like bánh mì, a French baguette filled with Vietnamese meats, pickles, and herbs, or hủ tiếu, a noodle soup with Chinese roots.

The flavors in Saigon’s street food are carefully balanced. Each dish brings together sweet, sour, salty, and spicy tastes, creating a rich and enjoyable experience. This distinctive quality makes Vietnamese food stand out worldwide.

For locals, eating street food is not just about convenience; it’s part of everyday life. People enjoy a hot bowl of phở in the morning, a quick bánh tráng nướng (Vietnamese pizza) at lunch, or a late-night bowl of cháo (rice porridge). Street food is a constant presence in Saigon from morning to night.

Street food in Saigon also has a strong social element. Vendors and customers often chat over meals, and sitting on small stools at roadside stalls fosters connections among people. This shared experience makes Saigon’s street food about more than just food; it’s about community and culture.

Must-Try Dishes on a Saigon Street Food Tour

1. Bánh mì (Vietnamese baguette sandwich)

Bánh mì is a popular street food that mixes French and Vietnamese flavors. It uses a crispy baguette filled with grilled pork, pâté, pickled vegetables, cucumber slices, and fresh cilantro. This sandwich is hearty and refreshing. Each vendor adds their own twist, so every bánh mì is a bit different.  

2. Phở (Vietnamese noodle soup)

Phở is a well-known noodle soup made with beef or chicken and a flavorful broth. It includes herbs and is served with lime, chili, and bean sprouts. Locals often eat phở for breakfast, but visitors enjoy it all day for its comforting taste.  

3. Bánh xèo (Vietnamese pancake)

Bánh xèo are golden, crispy pancakes made with rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk. They are filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. These pancakes are folded like a taco and typically served with fresh lettuce and herbs for wrapping. You can dip them in a tangy fish sauce for extra flavor.  

4. Gỏi cuốn (Fresh spring rolls)

Gỏi cuốn is a lighter food option. These fresh rice paper rolls contain shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles, and herbs. You can dip them in a savory peanut or hoisin sauce for added flavor.

5. Ốc (Snails and shellfish)

In Saigon, you can try various snail dishes for a unique experience. Different types of snails, clams, and mussels are cooked in various ways, like steamed with lemongrass, stir-fried with chili, or grilled with garlic butter. This dish allows you to explore bold flavors and textures.

6. Chè (Sweet soup dessert)

Chè is a sweet dessert that is both refreshing and satisfying. It comes in many varieties, using ingredients like coconut milk, beans, jelly, fruit, and ice. Each bite offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors.

Sample Itinerary for a Saigon Street Food Tour

Saigon’s street food tour is a great way to enjoy local food and explore the city. This itinerary offers a good balance of food, sightseeing, and cultural experience. It’s perfect for anyone looking to discover the flavors and spirit of Saigon in one enjoyable evening.

Here’s the sample Saigon street food tour schedule:

5:30 PM: Your guide will pick you up from where you are staying. After introductions, you’ll get a brief safety talk on riding safely on the back of the scooter and what to expect on the tour. Our experienced drivers will make sure you feel safe and comfortable.

6:00 PM: As the city comes to life at night, experience the busy streets of Saigon. The ride through the city is exciting, showing you its vibrant streets.  

After about 20-25 minutes, you will leave the tourist areas and arrive at local food stalls. Enjoy traditional Vietnamese pancakes (bánh xèo) and tasty noodles. Your guide will share the history and cultural significance of these dishes.

7:30 PM: Take a break from eating to appreciate the beauty of the city at night. Enjoy the cool breeze as you explore lively neighborhoods and see the illuminated streets. This is a great chance to capture the city’s nighttime charm.

8:00 PM: Stop at a local BBQ spot for Vietnamese-style grilled meats and seafood, along with local frozen beer. This fun dining experience lets you watch the food being cooked and learn about Vietnamese grilling traditions.

9:00 PM: Finish the food portion of the tour with some desserts. Try popular Vietnamese treats like chè, a sweet soup with coconut milk and toppings, or bánh flan, a caramel custard with a Vietnamese twist.

10:00 PM: The tour ends with a ride back to your accommodation. As you say goodbye to your guide, you will leave not just with a full stomach but also with great memories of Saigon’s food and city life.

Cultural Notes on Saigon’s Street Food

In Vietnam, food does more than just provide nutrition; it brings people together. Street food culture shows this spirit of community. Vendors set up stalls in neighborhoods where locals gather to eat, talk, and share stories. For visitors, these stalls offer a real look at daily life in Saigon.

Street food also shows the city’s creativity. Many vendors work with limited resources, yet they make dishes that are tasty, well-balanced, and satisfying. This mix of simplicity and skill is what makes Saigon’s street food culture special.

When enjoying street food in Saigon, keep these basic etiquette rules in mind for a respectful and enjoyable experience:

• You can order by pointing at the ingredients or dishes you want. Vendors are used to people who don’t speak Vietnamese and are usually patient. You typically pay after eating, so it’s polite to have the exact amount ready.
• Street food often comes in small portions, perfect for sharing. Locals usually order several dishes to share with their group, creating a communal dining experience.
• Most street food stalls provide chopsticks. If you’re not used to using them, don’t worry. Locals are understanding, and some stalls might offer forks or spoons if needed.
• Seating can be limited, with small plastic stools and tables on the sidewalk. After you finish eating, please clear your space to make room for the next customer.

Final Thoughts on Exploring Saigon Street Food Tour

Saigon’s street food scene offers more than just tasty dishes; it provides a glimpse into Vietnamese culture. For foreign visitors, the lively streets, the smell of delicious food, and the friendly vendors create a special way to experience the city.

There is a wide range of flavors, from the hearty taste of phở to the sweet delight of chè, so everyone can find something they like. The stories and traditions behind each dish make the experience even more meaningful. Street food in Saigon is not just made; it is crafted, with each vendor adding their own touch to recipes that have been passed down through generations.

So, grab a small stool, follow your senses, book your Saigon street food tour with Vietnam Backpacker Hostel, and enjoy the journey through Saigon’s street food. This adventure offers more than just food; it provides a taste of Vietnam’s rich heritage and a memorable experience.