If you have just one day in Ho Chi Minh City, make it a day of eating. This vibrant city is overflowing with incredible food. People from all corners of Vietnam come to Ho Chi Minh City for work, bringing their hometown recipes that, over time, have shaped the city’s exciting and diverse culinary scene. Here’s our insider guide to five must-try dishes.

Broken rice makes for a nutritious breakfast.

If you ask anyone in Ho Chi Minh City, they’ll tell you that Com Tam (broken rice) is the breakfast of choice. This dish is one of the few that originated in the city itself. In the past, the broken rice grains were considered imperfect and not suitable for sale, so farmers would keep them for themselves. The ‘’Tấm’’ rice grains have become a symbol of simplicity and elegance, so much so that in the Vietnamese version of Cinderella, the heroine is named ‘’Tấm’’, while the villainous stepsister is called ‘’Cám’’, after another type of rice byproduct.

Try it:Com tam Ba Ghien, 84 Đang Van Ngu Str., Phu Nhuan District, HCMC

‘’Cơm tấm’’ is the perfect way to kick off your day, with its delicious combination of honey-glazed barbecued pork chops, sunny-side-up eggs, spring onions, and pickled papaya all served over a bed of rice. While traditionally a breakfast dish, you can now enjoy cơm tấm at any meal. Everyone in Ho Chi Minh City has their go-to spot, but don’t hesitate to try the one nearest to you—it’s likely just as tasty. Drizzle some sweet fish sauce over everything, and dig in!

Snails, Seafood, and Skewers.

District 4 is famous for its vibrant sidewalk BBQ seafood and snail spots. The narrow street of Vĩnh Khánh comes alive as night falls. By around 6 pm, it transforms into a bustling hub, with locals and visitors alike gathering to enjoy a cold beer paired with snails and seafood skewers, every day of the week. For food enthusiasts seeking to soak in the lively energy of Ho Chi Minh City, the eateries along the Nhiêu Lộc – Thị Nghè Canal (bờ kè area), a branch of the Saigon River that winds through the city, are a must-visit.

Try it: Lô C – chung cư Nguyễn Thiện Thuật, Phường 1, Quận 3, Hồ Chí Minh, Việt Nam

Snails might seem unusual to some, but they’re actually one of the city’s signature dishes. At snail restaurants, you’ll find fresh catches of the day displayed in baskets or trays, offering up to twenty different varieties to choose from. Whether stir-fried with butter and garlic, grilled with sea salt and chili, or stewed in coconut milk, each preparation complements its specific type of snail. Local favorites include sweet snails, cockles, and razor clams. Feeling uncertain about which to pick? Just ask the other diners what they’re having, and they’ll gladly offer recommendations.

The diverse varieties of Hu Tieu.

The city’s vibrant cultural diversity has given rise to countless variations of many dishes, and ‘’hủ tiếu’’ stands out as one of the most iconic. With roots in Chinese, Cambodian, and Vietnamese cuisines, this dish has evolved and adapted over time, yet it remains beloved by Vietnamese people everywhere. A popular version, ‘’hủ tiếu’’ Nam Vang (Phnom Penh rice noodles), is commonly found on small carts around the city. This satisfying bowl features delicate rice noodles soaked in a rich, boiling bone broth, topped with shrimp, pork, quail eggs, and a sprinkle of fried garlic.

Try it:Hu tieu Ba Hoang, 56 Vo Van Tan Str., District 3, HCMC

One must-try dish you shouldn’t miss is ‘’hủ tiếu’’ Sa Đec, which hails from the former Sa Đec province in the Mekong Delta. This flavorful noodle dish is topped with a distinctive sweet sauce, characteristic of the Delta region. As you sink your teeth into the rice noodles, you’ll experience their unique chewy texture. A side of mung bean sprouts and fresh lettuce brings a refreshing crunch to each bite.

Banh Mi

‘’Bánh mì’’ is available throughout Vietnam, with each region adding its own unique twist to the classic sandwich. In Ho Chi Minh City, the traditional bánh mì features char siu pork, homemade pâté, creamy butter, pickled papaya, and spicy chili peppers. Some vendors even craft their own special sauce, perfectly bringing all the flavors together.ì huỳnh ha

‘’Bánh mì Huỳnh Hoa’’ is a firm favourite among locals. Known for their generous fillings and spectacular flavours, the small shop always has a line of dedicated diners waiting in front, no matter what time of day. Each one sets you back 42,000 VNĐ, and is almost twice as big as your average ‘’bánh mì’’. But size is not the only thing that sets Huỳnh Hoa apart. Every wonderful bite contains equal measures of all the fantastic tastes and textures. In the words of the Huỳnh Hoa’s owner: “This is no ordinary bánh mì!”

Goi Cuon (Spring rolls)

For those of us who grew up in Ho Chi Minh City, ‘’gỏi cuốn’’ (fresh spring rolls) are a nostalgic childhood favorite. Many of us enjoyed these spring rolls as a quick snack after school, often from street vendors lining the sidewalks. A plate of ‘’gỏi cuốn’’ is easy to find at any local food stall—just grab a plastic stool, place your order, and discover for yourself why this simple dish holds such a special place in our hearts.

Try it: Goi cuon Minh, 84/33 Bui Vien Str., District 1, HCMC

Freshness is the essence of ‘’gỏi cuốn’’. Crisp lettuce and aromatic herbs are carefully wrapped with rice noodles, tender steamed pork, and a plump prawn. The simplicity of the dish allows each ingredient to shine in its purest form. The key distinction between an outstanding gỏi cuốn and a mediocre one, however, is its dipping sauce. The rich, fermented sauce may take some getting used to, but once you try it, you’ll understand the bold kick it adds to the dish. After hours of exploring the city, there’s nothing better than enjoying some gỏi cuốn and a refreshing iced tea as a well-deserved break. Plus, these vibrant rolls are sure to add some flair to your Instagram feed.