FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Where to eat on the street in Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City, a culinary haven renowned for its vibrant street food scene, has embarked on an international campaign to showcase its unique and transformative cuisine. Spearheaded by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, the campaign has enticed audiences worldwide since December with its compelling video titled “All You Can Eat.”

The video has been prominently featured on such networks as CNN Asia, Discovery, and Asian Food Network (AFN), as well as on social media. And a Heritage Guide showcasing culinary in Ho Chi Minh City has also been extensively distributed on all Vietnam Airlines’ international and domestic flights.

The campaign aims to offer tantalizing glimpses into Ho Chi Minh City’s culinary landscape, distinctive gastronomy, and cultural traditions to a global audience, in particular revealing the former Saigon’s famous food streets and markets, where street vendors passionately whip up mouthwatering dishes daily.

Here’s a taste of what visitors can find:

Ben Thanh Market, situated in District 1, is a bustling hub known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse culinary offerings. Here, visitors can savor regional specialties like banh beo (water fern cake), banh nam (flat steamed rice dumplings)… Gate 7 of Ben Thanh Market is particularly renowned for its concentration of stalls selling delectable sweet desserts.
In District 1, Tan Dinh Marketstands out as a culinary gem with a history spanning over 90 years. Its food court comes alive in the evening, offering a variety of dishes from broken rice and porridge to noodles and refreshing beverages.
Cho Lonin District 5 and District 6, showcases the unique culinary traditions of Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinese community. Binh Tay Market, Soai Kinh Lam, and Dai Quang Minh Market are culinary landmarks where people can indulge in roast duck, dumplings, chicken pot, and kung fu noodles.
In District 10, Ho Thi Ky Food Streetis a vibrant destination with numerous food and drink stalls. Sample the spicy snail noodle soup (hu tieu oc) or the snail curry (pha lau oc) with its flavourful broth for dipping bread.
And don’t miss the chance to experience an authentic street food adventure at Turtle Lakein District 3, where rice paper, spring rolls, and cakes tantalize taste buds. Nguyen Thuong Hien Street in District 3 offers mixed rice paper delights like golden beef sauce and fermented pork skin. In Phan Xich Long Street, Phu Nhuan District, indulge in diverse cuisines from Vietnam’s regions and notable Korean and Japanese restaurants.