Quick answers — eating in Ho Chi Minh City
- Best restaurant overall
- Anan Saigon
- Best value
- Bánh Xèo 46A (VND 100,000 - 200,000 / USD 4 - 8)
- Strongest cuisines
- Vietnamese, French, Spanish
- Dishes to try
- Phở, Bánh Mì, Bánh Xèo, Gỏi Cuốn
- Booking window
- For MICHELIN-starred establishments, aim to book 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend dinners, to secure your preferred time and avoid disappointment.
Bookings are essential for top establishments, often several weeks in advance. Dress codes typically range from smart casual to elegant, eschewing shorts and flip-flops. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory, often a small percentage or rounding up. Dinner generally commences between 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM.
Vietnamese
Best Vietnamese restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnamese menus lean on herbs, broth and freshness rather than richness — an easy lunch choice on a long sightseeing day.
Anan Saigon
One MICHELIN StarModern Vietnamese · District 1 (Cho Cu) · VND 1,500,000 - 3,000,000 / USD 60 - 120
Peter Cuong Franklin
Perched above a bustling wet market, Anan Saigon redefines Vietnamese street food with a modern, inventive twist. Chef Peter Cuong Franklin's tasting menus showcase elevated traditional dishes using premium ingredients and playful presentations, all within a vibrant, multi-level setting that feels both authentic and avant-garde. It’s a bold culinary statement.
Order: Foie Gras Bánh Mì, Dalat Pizza
GIA
One MICHELIN StarModern Vietnamese · District 1 (Da Kao) · VND 1,800,000 - 2,800,000 / USD 75 - 115
Sam Tran
GIA offers a sophisticated journey through Vietnamese culinary heritage, reimagined with contemporary precision. Chef Sam Tran emphasizes seasonal ingredients and a refined aesthetic in her tasting menus, presented in an elegant, understated setting. The restaurant’s name, meaning 'family' in Vietnamese, reflects its deep respect for tradition while pushing creative boundaries forward. A truly elegant experience.
Order: Seasonal Tasting Menu
Ăn Cơm Trước Kẻng
MICHELIN SelectedVietnamese · District 3 · VND 600,000 - 1,200,000 / USD 25 - 50
This charming establishment, housed in a traditional Vietnamese villa, offers authentic regional Vietnamese dishes with a focus on fresh, quality ingredients. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, reminiscent of a family home, making guests feel immediately at ease. It's a wonderful place to experience well-executed traditional flavors in a warm, unpretentious setting, highlighting the diversity of Vietnamese home cooking.
Order: Cà ri gà nước dừa (Coconut Chicken Curry), Canh Chua Cá (Sour Fish Soup)
Bánh Xèo 46A
MICHELIN SelectedVietnamese (Street Food) · District 1 · VND 100,000 - 200,000 / USD 4 - 8
A legendary spot renowned for its crispy, savory Vietnamese crêpes (bánh xèo). The bustling, no-frills environment perfectly complements the expertly fried, generously filled pancakes, served with fresh herbs and a dipping sauce. It’s an iconic Ho Chi Minh City experience, delivering delicious, authentic street food that consistently draws crowds with its perfected single-dish focus. Essential for local flavor.
Order: Bánh Xèo
Cục Gạch Quán
MICHELIN SelectedVietnamese Home Cooking · District 1 (Da Kao) · VND 400,000 - 800,000 / USD 15 - 35
Housed in a charming old French colonial villa, Cục Gạch Quán serves traditional Vietnamese home-style dishes with a rustic, authentic appeal. The eclectic, antique-filled decor adds to its unique character, creating a truly memorable dining experience. It's a culinary journey back to simpler times, offering comforting and flavorful dishes that evoke a sense of nostalgia and genuine Vietnamese hospitality.
Order: Stir-fried Morning Glory with Garlic, Braised Pork Belly with Eggs
The Secret Garden
MICHELIN SelectedVietnamese · District 1 · VND 400,000 - 800,000 / USD 15 - 35
Hidden on a rooftop, The Secret Garden offers a tranquil escape with traditional Vietnamese comfort food. The al fresco setting, adorned with lush greenery and fairy lights, creates a romantic and intimate atmosphere away from the city's bustle. It's renowned for its flavorful, well-executed dishes that evoke home cooking, providing a serene dining experience that feels both authentic and charmingly secluded.
Order: Grilled Lemongrass Chicken, Spring Rolls
Bếp Mẹ Ỉn
Bib GourmandVietnamese · District 1 (Ben Thanh) · VND 200,000 - 400,000 / USD 8 - 15
Bếp Mẹ Ỉn offers beloved Vietnamese dishes in a lively, casual setting, known for its generous portions and consistently good quality. The atmosphere is bustling and friendly, making it a great spot for an authentic, unpretentious meal. It’s a fantastic choice for experiencing a wide range of popular local flavors without breaking the bank, a true representation of Vietnamese comfort food.
Order: Bún chả, Gỏi cuốn
Chay Garden
Bib GourmandVegetarian Vietnamese · District 1 (Nguyen Thai Binh) · VND 300,000 - 600,000 / USD 12 - 25
Chay Garden provides a serene and elegant setting for contemporary Vietnamese vegetarian cuisine. Nestled in a lush garden, the restaurant offers a peaceful escape, with dishes crafted from fresh, seasonal produce. It's celebrated for its inventive plant-based menu that appeals to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians, showcasing the richness and versatility of Vietnamese ingredients in a beautiful environment.
Order: Grilled eggplant with green peppercorn, Lotus stem salad
French
Best French restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City
French cooking is still the backbone of fine dining almost everywhere — expect sauce work, butter, precise service and set lunch menus that cost a fraction of dinner.
Mama Sens
MICHELIN SelectedFrench Mediterranean · District 1 · VND 1,000,000 - 2,500,000 / USD 40 - 100
Mama Sens offers a vibrant and stylish take on French Mediterranean cuisine, emphasizing fresh, high-quality ingredients and bold flavors. The chic, contemporary decor creates an energetic yet sophisticated ambiance, perfect for both casual meals and special occasions. It stands out for its lively atmosphere and expertly crafted dishes that transport diners to the sunny coasts of the Mediterranean, with a playful twist.
Order: Truffle Pasta, Grilled Octopus
Spanish
Best Spanish restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City
Spanish dining runs late and sociable: tapas standing at the bar, then a proper sit-down at 9pm or later. Basque kitchens in particular sit among the best in Europe.
Octo Tapas Restobar
MICHELIN SelectedSpanish Tapas · District 1 · VND 800,000 - 1,800,000 / USD 30 - 75
Octo Tapas Restobar brings a lively slice of Spain to Ho Chi Minh City, offering authentic and creative tapas in a stylish, convivial setting. The menu features classic Spanish bites alongside innovative interpretations, designed for sharing and savoring. Its vibrant atmosphere, attentive service, and diverse wine list make it a popular destination for those seeking a genuine and engaging Mediterranean culinary experience.
Order: Gambas al Ajillo, Patatas Bravas
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Ho Chi Minh City
Phở Hòa Pasteur
A legendary spot for classic Southern Vietnamese pho. Expect rich beef broth, tender noodles, and generous slices of meat, served quickly in a bustling environment. Around VND 70,000 - 100,000.
Bún Chả 145
Famous for its Hanoi-style bún chả (grilled pork with noodles). The smoky pork patties and fresh herbs dipped in a sweet-sour broth are a must-try. Prices are typically VND 50,000 - 80,000.
Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa
Often hailed as the best bánh mì in the city, known for its incredibly generous fillings of various cold cuts, pâté, and fresh vegetables in a crispy baguette. Expect long queues. Around VND 40,000 - 60,000.
Ốc Đào
A popular street-side eatery for seafood, particularly various types of snails (ốc) prepared with chili, garlic, or coconut milk. Lively atmosphere, perfect for a casual, authentic experience. Dishes VND 80,000 - 150,000.
Chè Khúc Bạch
A delightful spot for traditional Vietnamese sweet soups and desserts (chè). Try the signature 'khúc bạch' (almond panna cotta) with fruits and lychee. Very refreshing and affordable, around VND 30,000 - 50,000.
Local dishes
What to eat in Ho Chi Minh City
Phở
Vietnam's iconic noodle soup, featuring fragrant broth, tender beef or chicken, rice noodles, and fresh herbs. Phở is an essential part of the Ho Chi Minh City experience, offering comfort and flavour in every bowl. Try it at Phở Lệ or Phở Hòa Pasteur for authentic regional variations.
Bánh Mì
A delightful fusion sandwich, this crusty baguette is typically filled with various cold cuts, pâté, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and chili. It’s a ubiquitous street food, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal any time of day. Find excellent versions at Huỳnh Hoa or Hồng Hoa.
Bánh Xèo
Often called a 'sizzling pancake', this crispy, savoury crepe is made from rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk, filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. Served with fresh lettuce, herbs, and a sweet-sour dipping sauce. Enjoy it rolled in lettuce leaves at Bánh Xèo 46A Đinh Công Tráng.
Gỏi Cuốn
Fresh spring rolls, translucent rice paper rolls filled with vermicelli noodles, shrimp, pork, and various fresh vegetables and herbs. Served at room temperature, they are light, healthy, and typically accompanied by a rich peanut dipping sauce. A refreshing starter or snack, widely available.
Cơm Tấm
Meaning 'broken rice', this staple dish features fractured rice grains, often served with grilled pork chop (sườn nướng), a fried egg (trứng ốp la), shredded pork skin (bì), and a steamed egg meatloaf (chả trứng). Accompanied by fresh vegetables and fish sauce. A hearty meal.
Bún Thịt Nướng
A vibrant noodle salad consisting of vermicelli rice noodles, grilled marinated pork, fresh herbs, lettuce, and crunchy pickled vegetables, all topped with crushed peanuts and fried spring rolls. It's typically dressed with a light fish sauce dressing, providing a balanced flavour profile.
Cà Phê Sữa Đá
Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk is a powerful, sweet, and highly addictive beverage. Strong dark roast coffee is slowly dripped into a glass with condensed milk and ice, creating a rich, invigorating drink perfect for the tropical heat. Ubiquitous in all cafes.
Bún Chả
While originally a Hanoi specialty, Ho Chi Minh City offers delicious versions of bún chả. It features grilled pork patties and slices of pork belly served in a bowl of warm, sweet-sour fish sauce broth, alongside vermicelli noodles and a mountain of fresh herbs. Distinctly flavourful and aromatic.
How to book a table in Ho Chi Minh City
- · For MICHELIN-starred establishments, aim to book 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend dinners, to secure your preferred time and avoid disappointment.
- · Be aware that some higher-end restaurants may require a deposit or credit card guarantee, particularly for larger groups or during peak seasons, to confirm reservations.
- · Consider booking lunch menus at fine-dining venues; they often offer a more accessible price point to experience the chef's cuisine while maintaining quality and ambiance.
- · Always notify the restaurant promptly if you need to cancel or modify your reservation. No-show policies can result in charges, especially for tasting menu bookings.
FAQ
Ho Chi Minh City restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City?
Anan Saigon in District 1 (Cho Cu) is the benchmark table — Modern Vietnamese, led by Peter Cuong Franklin, one michelin star, around VND 1,500,000 - 3,000,000 / USD 60 - 120 per person. Order the Foie Gras Bánh Mì, Dalat Pizza
Where is the best Vietnamese restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City?
Anan Saigon in District 1 (Cho Cu) is the Vietnamese table to book in Ho Chi Minh City (VND 1,500,000 - 3,000,000 / USD 60 - 120 per person). Other strong options: GIA, Ăn Cơm Trước Kẻng, Bánh Xèo 46A.
Where is the best French restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City?
Mama Sens in District 1 is the French table to book in Ho Chi Minh City (VND 1,000,000 - 2,500,000 / USD 40 - 100 per person).
Where is the best Spanish restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City?
Octo Tapas Restobar in District 1 is the Spanish table to book in Ho Chi Minh City (VND 800,000 - 1,800,000 / USD 30 - 75 per person).
Where can I eat well in Ho Chi Minh City without spending a fortune?
Bánh Xèo 46A is the best-value table on this list at roughly VND 100,000 - 200,000 / USD 4 - 8 per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Phở Hòa Pasteur, Bún Chả 145, Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa.
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City?
For MICHELIN-starred establishments, aim to book 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend dinners, to secure your preferred time and avoid disappointment. Be aware that some higher-end restaurants may require a deposit or credit card guarantee, particularly for larger groups or during peak seasons, to confirm reservations.
What food is Ho Chi Minh City famous for?
Phở, Bánh Mì, Bánh Xèo, Gỏi Cuốn, Cơm Tấm — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. Vietnam's iconic noodle soup, featuring fragrant broth, tender beef or chicken, rice noodles, and fresh herbs. Phở is an essential part of the Ho Chi Minh City experience, offering comfort and flavour in every bowl. Try it at Phở Lệ or Phở Hòa Pasteur for authentic regional variations.
Planning the rest of Ho Chi Minh City?
The full Ho Chi Minh City guide has a seven-day itinerary, neighbourhoods, museums and the mistakes to avoid.
Read the Ho Chi Minh City travel guide