Saigon: A Food Paradise

Looking to feast on some insanely delicious Vietnamese food? Saigon’s best restaurants and street food boast some thrilling yet always authentic flavours.

Ho Chi Minh City, still referred to by many as Saigon, is known for its mouth-watering food. Indulge your taste buds with delicious Vietnamese dishes in some of the best restaurants in Saigon and tempt yourself even more with the city’s exciting street food. Here are a few restaurants and street food locations that you should definitely consider for the next time you find yourself in Saigon.

Located in a renovated Vietnamese mansion, Quan An Ngon’s beautiful setting and traditional menu make it a favourite amongst locals and visitors. Here you’ll find authentic Ho Chi Minh street food prepared in street-stall-style open pavilions set within the garden courtyard of a charming colonial villa.Get adventurous with dishes such as oc len xao due (mud snails in coconut milk) or go classic with ever-popular favourites such as goi cuon (Vietnamese spring rolls) and be sure to expect great service and delicious food across the entire menu.

Quan Bui feels like a local’s best-kept secret. This Saigon restaurant is packed full of locals every night, and for good reason — its location at the heart of District 1 combined with its ability to serve up hearty Vietnamese dishes that go back to their roots. The restaurant is definitely a must-visit for anyone spending time in Ho Chi Minh City. The philosophy of the owners is simple: great food made for locals, by locals — which attracts a fair few tourists too. The restaurant’s décor also feels like an extension of modern Saigon, with traditional Viet architecture blended with contemporary influences. Simply put, Quan Bui delivers the best of both worlds — lip-smacking Viet cuisine with a modern twist.

Quan 104 on Van Kiep Street may not have the most extensive menu, but the execution of its dishes more than make up for the lack of variety. Grilled octopus is the order of the day, and the distinctive spicy marinated aroma can draw you in from a distance.

Having developed something of a reputation as a hang-out for Saigon’s hip crowd, Quan 104 is the place to go to be seen. It’s also a great choice if you want to check out Saigon’s street food options — you can explore the rest of Van Kiep Street for more hidden gems.