Ho Chi Minh City is a metropolis renowned for its street food culture. The culinary scene here is a delightful blend of traditional Vietnamese flavors, French colonial influences, and modern twists. Here are the top 20 famous foods and drinks in Ho Chi Minh. You must try these when visiting this city:
1. Pho
No trip to Vietnam is complete without tasting Pho. This iconic dish is a fragrant noodle soup typically made with beef or chicken, garnished with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime, and chilies. The broth is simmered for hours, resulting in a rich and flavorful base.
2. Banh Mi
A legacy of the French colonial era, Banh Mi is a Vietnamese sandwich that combines a crispy baguette with a variety of fillings such as pate, pork, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs. It's a perfect fusion of Eastern and Western culinary traditions.
3. Goi Cuon (Spring Rolls)
Goi Cuon are fresh spring rolls made with rice paper filled with shrimp, pork, fresh vegetables, and vermicelli noodles. They are served with a tangy peanut dipping sauce, offering a light and refreshing snack or starter.
4. Bun Thit Nuong
This dish features grilled pork served over a bed of vermicelli noodles, accompanied by fresh herbs, lettuce, and pickled vegetables. It's typically garnished with crushed peanuts and served with a side of nuoc cham, a sweet and tangy fish sauce dressing.
5. Com Tam (Broken Rice)
Com Tam is a beloved comfort food in Ho Chi Minh City. It consists of broken rice grains served with a variety of toppings such as grilled pork, steamed egg, and pickled vegetables. It's often accompanied by a side of nuoc cham.
6. Hu Tieu
Hu Tieu is a versatile noodle soup that can be enjoyed dry or with broth. It features a mix of ingredients like pork, shrimp, squid, and fresh herbs, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
7. Banh Xeo
Banh Xeo is savory Vietnamese pancakes made from rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric. They are stuffed with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts and served with a side of fresh herbs and dipping sauce.
8. Ca Phe Sua Da
Ca Phe Sua Da is a popular Vietnamese iced coffee made with strong dark roast coffee mixed with sweetened condensed milk. The combination of bitter and sweet creates a refreshing and energizing drink. This is perfect for the city's warm climate.
9. Bo La Lot
Bo La Lot features seasoned beef wrapped in betel leaves and grilled to perfection. The smoky, aromatic flavor of the grilled leaves complements the tender beef, making it a popular street food snack.
10. Banh Cuon
Banh Cuon consists of delicate rice flour rolls filled with a mixture of minced pork and mushrooms. They are typically topped with crispy shallots and served with a side of nuoc cham and fresh herbs.
11. Che
Che is a traditional Vietnamese dessert soup that comes in various forms. It is often made with beans, fruits, and coconut milk. It's served cold or warm, offering a sweet and satisfying end to any meal.
12. Banh Trang Nuong
Often referred to as "Vietnamese pizza," Banh Trang Nuong is a crispy rice paper topped with a variety of ingredients, such as quail eggs, minced pork, dried shrimp, and scallions. It's then grilled until crispy and served hot.
13. Nem Nuong
Nem Nuong are grilled pork sausages made from minced pork and spices. They are typically served with fresh herbs, rice paper, and dipping sauce, allowing you to create your own rolls.
14. Oc (Snails)
Ho Chi Minh City offers a wide variety of snail dishes cooked in different styles, such as stir-fried, steamed, or grilled. They are often flavored with garlic, chili, lemongrass, and other herbs, providing a unique and adventurous eating experience.
15. Bot Chien
Bot Chien is a popular street food snack made from rice flour dough that is fried until crispy and then topped with eggs and green onions. It's served with a tangy soy-based dipping sauce.
16. Sua Chua (Yogurt)
Vietnamese yogurt, or sua chua, is known for its creamy texture and slightly tangy flavor. It's often enjoyed as a dessert or a refreshing snack on a hot day.
17. Mi Quang
Mi Quang is a central Vietnamese noodle dish that has found a home in Ho Chi Minh City. It features turmeric-infused noodles topped with shrimp, pork, quail eggs, and fresh herbs, all in a small amount of flavorful broth.
18. Sinh To (Smoothies)
Sinh To are fresh fruit smoothies that are widely available from street vendors. They are made with a variety of tropical fruits like mango, papaya, and avocado, blended with ice and sometimes condensed milk.
19. Banh Bao
Banh Bao is steamed buns filled with savory ingredients such as pork, mushrooms, and quail eggs. They make for a convenient and satisfying snack or light meal.
20. Tra Da (Iced Tea)
Tra Da is a simple yet ubiquitous drink in Ho Chi Minh City. It's a refreshing iced tea often served free of charge at street food stalls and casual eateries, providing a perfect way to cool down in the tropical heat.
Famous Food and Drinks in Ho Chi Minh
Ho Chi Minh City's food is oozing with flavors and texture. From iconic dishes like Pho and Banh Mi to lesser-known delights like Bo La Lot and Bot Chien, the culinary offerings here are sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, exploring these famous foods and drinks is a must-do experience in this bustling Vietnamese city.
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