Saigon Street Food Walking Tour

A flavorful journey through Saigon’s vibrant streets

• Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
   
• Tour type: Walking
   
• Area: District 1 – the historical and culinary heart of Saigon
   
• Language: English
   
• Ideal for: International travelers seeking authentic food, culture, and real local life

Tour Overview

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is not just a city of energy, lights, and motorbikes — it’s one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant street food capitals. This tour will take you deep into the city’s culinary soul, where every dish tells a story, and every bite reflects centuries of cultural fusion between Vietnamese, Chinese, Khmer, and French traditions.

Itinerary Details

Meeting Point – 6:00 PM | 23/9 Park or near Ben Thanh Market: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ot6RhY6nbZsYgWA87

Meet your guide here to begin the journey. They’ll give you a short introduction to Saigon’s rich culinary heritage and explain what makes it unique among Southeast Asian cities.

1. FRESH SPRING ROLLS & BÒ BÍA – Light and fresh to begin

• Location: A family-run stall in a local alley (Nguyen Trung Truc area)
   
• Dishes: Fresh spring rolls (shrimp, pork, herbs) and sweet/savory bò bía
   
• Highlight: Symbol of Southern Vietnam’s light, healthy, and herb-rich cuisine — often called the “Vietnamese sushi” by international guests

2. SOUTHERN-STYLE BÁNH XÈO – Crispy pancakes with a twist

• Location: A small local restaurant near Co Giang Street
   
• Experience: Learn to wrap bánh xèo (crispy rice pancakes with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts) with fresh herbs and homemade dipping sauce
   
• Highlight: A dish rooted in the Mekong Delta with influences from Khmer cuisine — crunchy, savory, and fun to eat

3. BÚN THỊT NƯỚNG – The perfect harmony in a bowl

• Location: A beloved back-alley eatery tucked near Ben Thanh or Nguyen Thai Binh area
   
• Dish: Vermicelli noodles topped with grilled pork, crispy spring rolls, fresh herbs, pickled carrots and daikon, roasted peanuts, and sweet chili fish sauc
   
• Highlight: A refreshing yet deeply flavorful dish — smoky, crunchy, tangy, and herbaceous, it’s a Saigon staple enjoyed any time of day

4. BÁNH MÌ – A world-famous street food icon

• Location: A classic bánh mì vendor (near Le Thi Rieng or Nguyen Thai Hoc)
   
• Dish: Baguette filled with pâté, cold cuts, pickled carrots, cucumber, herbs, and homemade chili sauce
   
• Highlight: Listed among the world’s best street foods by CNN and TasteAtlas — a fusion of French colonial and Vietnamese flavors

5. DESSERT – Sweet endings with chè or coconut ice cream

• Location: A traditional dessert shop near Nguyen Trai Street or inside Ben Thanh Market
   
• Options: Chè (three-color dessert with beans, jelly, coconut milk), or grilled coconut ice cream with toppings
   
• Highlight: A sweet, cooling finale that balances out the savory intensity of previous dishes

Why This Tour Stands Out

• Taste 5 iconic dishes that define Saigon’s street food culture
   
• Visit 100% local, non-touristy eateries chosen for authenticity and quality
   
• Interact with locals, learn how dishes are made, and discover what makes Saigonese food so irresistible
   
• Personalized storytelling by experienced guides passionate about food and culture

Additional Notes

• Vegetarian options available (please inform in advance)
   
• Small group experience (maximum 10 guests)
   
• Route and dishes may vary slightly depending on seasonality and local availability
   
• Tour ends near Ben Thanh Market — convenient for returning to hotels or exploring nightlife