Reviewing the Most Popular EATS in HCMC 🇻🇳
Helloo 👋 I spent 6 months living in Ho Chi Minh City. Here’s my honest review of some of the most talked-about spots 👇
1. Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa — 6/10
This is the banh mi spot that every tourist flocks to, known for their gigantic sandwiches stuffed with stacks of meat and rich pate. They only sell one type for 75,000 VND (~SGD 3.37), and it DEFINITELY fills you up (recommend to share).
Unfortunately I’m not a fan of liver so the strong pate flavour isn't for me. That said, the bread was beautifully toasted and buttery, and they give you a separate bag of raw vegetables so you can add to taste.
Queues snake around the block and there’s hardly any seating, so I’d recommend ordering on Grab and enjoying it in your accommodation instead!
2. Phở Việt Nam — 10/10
You can’t go to Vietnam without trying pho, and this one will not disappoint. The broth was rich, hearty and full of depth, though they only serve beef options. They offer a great variety of fruit juices and different types of sauces to pair with your pho.
They are open 6am to 3am daily, perfect for a late-night supper or to just slot another meal in!
The beef shank pho was 85,000 VND (~SGD 4.17), but if you want to elevate the experience, go for the special pho in a hot stone bowl for an additional +20,000 VND. The soup stays piping hot and you can cook your ingredients right in the bowl.
3. Pizza 4Ps — 100/10
This place is hyped and it is FOR GOOD REASON‼️We basically tried the whole pizza menu here and not a single one disappointed. The cheese pizzas are a must — they recommend drizzling honey over them, which creates that perfect sweet + savoury combo. Honestly, I couldn’t tell much difference between the 3, 4, and 5-cheese versions, but if you like blue cheese, definitely go for the 4 or 5.
If you’re a salmon lover, don’t skip the salmon appetizers or pizzas:
- The Salmon Miso Cream Pizza comes baked in a creamy sauce with greens.
- The Salmon Sashimi Pizza with Onion Ricotta Cheese Sauce is light, refreshing, and a little citrusy — the onions add a nice crunch.
But the absolute must-order is the Burrata Parma Ham Pizza — your waiter cuts open the burrata right at the table and it’s chef’s kiss🤌.
We also loved the Crab Tomato Cream Spaghetti with Ricotta Cheese and the Bolognese Spaghetti with House-Smoked Burrata (don’t mix it up with the mascarpone one — that one’s a bit sour).
Risottos and pastas are all cooked al dente with rich flavour.
Only skip is the tiramisu. Trust me it’s not worth the disappointment.
4. SOKO Cake Bake & Brunch — 5.5/10
This café looks gorgeous and Instagram-worthy, but the prices are pretty steep (closer to JB café pricing than typical Vietnam cafés). The food was decent, just not mind-blowing.
The Mentaiko Udon was flavourful and creamy but I could barely taste any Mentaiko flavour (mostly cream), and the drinks were just okay.
The lobster roll was buttery with a good portion of lobster and an excellent sauce, but at 720,000 VND (SGD 35.28)… that’s quite a splurge for what it is. However, still a pretty good meal if you do not mind the price point.
5. Taco Del Sol — 10/10
This place was SO good we went back multiple times. I call it the cheaper version of Huevos. It is located on the 3rd floor of a shared building with great vibes, ambience, tourists everywhere and a live DJ on weekends.
They also have a bar where you can order drinks and share appetisers with friends. The appetisers are alright, but the tacos and quesadillas are the stars.
The quesadillas are super worth it for the price, but the tacos? NEXT LEVEL. Packed with flavour, spice, and perfectly cooked meat — all chicken, beef, fish and prawn (not showed) were incredible.
HCMC has soo much good food and this is just the tip of the iceberg. Every corner hides something new to try; from street stalls to cozy cafes, there’s always another hidden gem waiting to be found. I already can’t wait to be back to continue discovering more of what this city has to offer 🫶
Having spent a considerable time exploring HCMC’s food scene, I’d like to add some insights especially about Pho Việt Nam since it’s one of the top highlights here. Pho is truly a cultural gem in Vietnam and trying it in HCMC feels like tasting history. Beyond just the beef shank pho noted, many locals also recommend trying the pho with different cuts like brisket or flank which can add new textures and richer flavor layers. When visiting Pho Việt Nam, I found the broth not only hearty but also subtly spiced, making it comforting at any time of day especially with the city’s vibrant hustle. Pairing your pho with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime elevates the experience. Also, consider dipping into the various sauces offered—sriracha or hoisin sauce can add a sweet or spicy twist that suits your palate. If you’re cost-conscious but want authentic taste, street vendors often serve delectable pho for less, but with Pho Việt Nam’s late hours (6am-3am), it’s perfect for a safe, cozy place to eat any time. For beverages, their refreshing fruit juices are perfect to balance the richness of the soup. Exploring beyond pho, I highly recommend venturing out to small local eateries for other traditional Vietnamese staples like Bún bò Huế or Cơm tấm—these dishes offer a great variety and are also budget-friendly. Lastly, when trying the iconic Bánh Mì, keep an open mind about pâté flavors as some may find it strong. Adding fresh veggies usually balances it well. Delivery options like Grab app help you enjoy these treats comfortably in your accommodation without queuing. These nuances make HCMC’s food scene diverse and fascinating, and trying traditional dishes with an open heart deepens your travel experience here.
