Best Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City 2026: Com Tam, Pho and Street Food

HCMC has arguably the most diverse restaurant scene in Vietnam. The southern city’s food culture incorporates Vietnamese, Chinese-Vietnamese, French-influenced, and a contemporary international scene that has grown rapidly over the past decade.

Com Tam (broken rice)

The quintessential HCMC street dish. Broken rice (the fragments left from the milling process) with grilled pork chop, shredded pork skin, steamed egg meatloaf (bi cha), and pickled vegetables. A filling, cheap, and characteristically Saigon meal.

Available at com tam restaurants throughout the city from 06:00 to late night. ₫35,000–70,000 ($1.40–2.80).

Com Tam Ba Ghien (84 Dang Van Bi, Binh Thanh): Widely cited as one of the best in the city. Worth the Grab ride from D1. ₫45,000–70,000 ($1.80–2.80).

Pho HCMC style

Southern Vietnamese pho differs from the Hanoi style — more herbs, bean sprouts, fresh chillis, and hoisin sauce on the side. Sweeter and richer broth, more garnish. The disagreement between Hanoi and Saigon pho loyalists is a minor religion in Vietnam.

Pho Hoa Pasteur (260C Pasteur Street, D3): Operating since 1960. One of the most famous pho restaurants in the city. ₫50,000–80,000 ($2–3.20).

Banh Mi

HCMC’s banh mi is widely considered the archetype — crispier bread, more varied fillings, and pate heavier than the central Vietnamese versions.

Banh Mi Huynh Hoa (26 Le Thi Rieng, D1): One of the most famous in the city. Always a queue. Generously stuffed. ₫30,000–50,000 ($1.20–2).

Bun Thit Nuong (cold vermicelli with grilled pork)

Rice vermicelli with marinated grilled pork, fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and a fish sauce dressing. A light, herb-forward dish specific to southern Vietnam. ₫30,000–50,000 ($1.20–2).

Banh Xeo HCMC

The HCMC version of the sizzling pancake is very large — a full plate for one. Filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. Eaten wrapped in mustard leaf and rice paper. ₫50,000–80,000 ($2–3.20).

Fine dining

HCMC has a strong fine dining scene — the Nguyen family restaurants (Propaganda, The Deck, Cuc Gach Quan) are the established Vietnamese fine dining brands. International cuisine is strong in the D2 Thao Dien area.