HCMC 🇻🇳FOODIE GUIDE FOR FIRST-TIMERS
HCMC can feel overwhelming for first-timers. If you don't know where to begin, here's a starter guide compiled of all the food that we personally like. Most of the ratings are 5/5 and that is not an overstatement.
1️⃣SOL KITCHEN - 5/5 ⭐️
A modern take on Latin American classics on the MICHELIN GUIDE. Easy first stop for travellers who want something approachable or a romantic night out with good food. Service was impeccable.
2️⃣4P PIZZA - 4.5/5 ⭐️
Not Vietnamese but very HCMC-coded at this point. Japan-Vietnam influenced pizzas and a overall reliable experience. Tourist favourite. Local favourite. Everybody's favourite.
3️⃣BEP ME IN - 5/5 ⭐
A beginner-friendly intro to Vietnamese cuisine. Also a michelin guide. A great spot to try multiple local dishes in one sitting that will not disappoint.
4️⃣ANCUA - 5/5 ⭐
A seafood focused spot right beside Ben Thanh Market. Seafood served here are not only freshly cooked right out the tank, but also affordable. Lobsters at S$13.
5️⃣MILLIE MILLIE - 4/5 ⭐
A dessert and cafe stop great for cooling down and taking a break. An aesthetic spot to chill and add something sweet for energy. Plus, its right beside Rue-Miche.
📍/Mille Mille - Boutique Store - Trần Cao Vân
6️⃣PHO HOA PASTEUR - 4/5 ⭐
One of the city's most iconic pho spots and a classic spot for first-timers. If you're coming to HCMC and don't try this, you never really visited. The most-authentic pho there served in district 1 at a less than S$6 dollars.
7️⃣BANH CANH CUA 87 - 4/5 ⭐
A famous street food stall in District 1, known for its rich, thick crab noodle soup at less than S$3 for a bowl. You know it’s authentic when half the store is filled with locals eating.
8️⃣BANH MI HYUN HOA -5/5 ⭐
Probably one of the most talked-about banh mi spots in HCMC. Big, packed with pate and enough to serve 1-2 people. A good touristy spot to try one of the most famous sandwiches at about S$3 for one.
📍/Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa - Lê Thị Riêng
📑Save this before your HCMC trip - your stomach will thank us later. Follow us to catch our individual reviews of each spot coming soon!
When I first visited Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), the sheer number of food choices was both exciting and daunting. This guide truly helped me focus on some of the best places that locals and tourists rave about. One of the highlights was visiting AN CUA SAIGON near Ben Thanh Market, where the freshness of seafood, especially the affordable lobsters priced around S$13, was remarkable. Seeing live seafood tanks reassured me of the quality, and the vibrant local atmosphere made the experience even more authentic. Another standout spot was Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa, where the banh mi sandwich is generously filled with pâté and other savory ingredients. Sharing one between two people left us completely satisfied, and the price—about S$3—makes it an irresistible street food stop. The thick crab noodle soup at Bánh Canh Cua 87 was my first taste of rich, local flavors on the bustling streets of District 1, surrounded by locals enjoying their meals—always a good sign. For a more upscale yet accessible experience, Sol Kitchen offered a polished take on Latin American cuisine with impeccable service and romantic ambiance, making it perfect for a special evening. Meanwhile, Bếp Mẹ Ỉn provided a wonderful introduction to a variety of Vietnamese dishes, all recommended in the Michelin Guide, which is very helpful for newcomers looking for authentic yet beginner-friendly options. After a day of exploring, Mille Mille was my go-to spot for dessert and relaxation. Its aesthetic vibe was a perfect place to recharge with a sweet treat before heading out again. Lastly, no visit to HCMC is complete without tasting Pho at Pho Hoa Pasteur. The broth was deeply flavorful and served at a great price. It’s truly an icon of the city and a comforting meal that welcomed me every time I was in District 1. Overall, this curated collection of food experiences offers a diverse and authentic taste of HCMC's vibrant culinary scene. Whether you're seeking street food adventures or Michelin-recognized stops, this guide will help you navigate the city like a local and make every meal memorable.
Follow us to catch our individual reviews of each spot coming!