Get ready for a culinary adventure like no other! We are thrilled to welcome you to Vietnam and, of course, to the unforgettable Sai Gon Food Tour!
Did you know that Saigon ranks among the top ten cities worldwide for its delectable cuisine? However, only the locals know the hidden gems where you can savor the most authentic dishes.
Our team of friendly and experienced local English-speaking guides are eager to take you on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the vibrant food scene of Vietnam. These dynamic guides will accompany you every step of the way, zipping through the bustling streets and narrow alleys on motorbikes, uncovering culinary treasures while sharing their insider knowledge of Saigonese cuisine.
Our mission is to immerse you in the rich and diverse food culture of Saigon while giving you a firsthand experience of the unique customs and traditions that make Vietnam so special.
Food is a cornerstone of Vietnamese culture, and we are excited to share this authentic local experience with you before you return home. Let us be your guide to the heart and soul of Saigon's culinary delights!
I. Our Sai Gon Food Tour
Immerse yourself in the lively street food culture of Ho Chi Minh City with an exclusive scooter tour. Led by our expert guides, you'll navigate through the vibrant culinary scenes of this dynamic city, experiencing the authentic tastes and traditions up close.
Price: $39 USD | €36 EUR | 960,000 VND
Duration: 3.5 hours
Start Times: 8:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 5:30 PM, 6:00 PM, 6:30 PM (or by request)
1. Scrumptious Tasting Menu
+ Bánh Mì – This iconic Vietnamese sandwich has received international acclaim from major culinary media and experts, including The Guardian, BBC, and chef Anthony Bourdain.
+ Nước Mía – Enjoy the authentic taste of Vietnamese sugarcane juice, a beloved traditional refreshment.
+ Bánh Xèo – Savor this savory rice flour pancake filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, served with fresh herbs and lettuce for wrapping.
+ Bánh Khọt – Delight in these crispy mini pancakes, complemented by fresh herbs and a tangy dipping sauce.
+ Kem Bơ Dừa – Indulge in creamy Dalat avocado coconut ice cream, a tropical treat.
+ Nem Bò Nướng – Relish grilled BBQ beef with lemongrass, served alongside pickles.
+ Bò Lá Lốt – Enjoy succulent beef wrapped in aromatic betel leaves.
+ Vietnamese Pizza – Experience a delightful blend of butter, cheese, egg, and sausage.
+ Saigon Beer – Don't miss this must-try local beer.
+ Optional Seafood & Beer Add-on – Available for an additional 150,000 VND per person.
2. Places to visit
Discover the Dynamic Charm of Five Districts (Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 10)
+ The historic Nguyen Thien Thuat apartment complex
+ Iconic old buildings
+ Bustling Flower Market
+ Ho Thi Ky Street Food haven
+ Panoramic views from The Thủ Thiêm Tunnel Rooftop
+ The scenic Ba Son Bridge
And many more exciting spots!…
3. What's Included in the Tour?
+ Complimentary pick-up and drop-off for hotels in Districts 1, 3, and 4 (additional fee for other districts)
+ English-speaking drivers, scooters, helmets, and fuel provided
+ A culinary journey featuring 5-6 dishes and beverages at various local eateries
+ Photos taken by your tour guide to capture your experience
+ Plenty of smiles and good times
4. How to Book?
We recommend booking in advance, but we also accept last-minute bookings for groups of 1-7 people, depending on availability. Flexible departure times are available to suit your schedule.
OTHER TOUR YOU MAY LIKE: HO CHI MINH CITY AND CU CHI TUNNEL GROUP TOUR
II. 5 Signature Dishes for Your Sai Gon Food Tour
1.Banh Mi (vietnamese bread) Sai Gon
Banh mi is a staple across Vietnam, with each region putting its own spin on this beloved dish. In Saigon, known as “banh mi thit nguoi”, it boasts the original Vietnamese bread experience.
This version stands out for its unique blend of flavors, featuring pork, pate, pickled veggies, fresh herbs, and a zesty chili sauce. Unlike other regions that might opt for soy or fish sauce, Saigon's banh mi is distinguished by its spicy chili kick.
Banh mi holds a significant place in Vietnamese culture, especially among Saigonese. Eaten by people of all ages and backgrounds—whether teens, seniors, students, or workers—it's enjoyed throughout the day: for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, while on the go or multitasking.
Known as Vietnamese fast food due to its quick preparation, banh mi has been a lifesaver for me, filling my stomach during busy times when a sit-down meal isn't an option, and not just as a delicious treat.
View More: CNN has honored Banh Mi as one of Vietnam's top 10 street food dishes.
2. Bánh Xèo – the Vietnamese crispy pancake
“Banh xeo” hails from southern Vietnam and is celebrated as one of Asia's finest street foods. This dish boasts numerous variations, but the classic version features a fried pancake made from rice flour, water, and turmeric powder, resembling a Vietnamese crêpe.
It's typically filled with pork, prawns, diced green onion, mung bean, and bean sprouts. Served alongside lettuce, mint, Asian basil, and fish mint, “banh xeo” offers a flavorful and aromatic culinary experience.
“Banh xeo” holds a special place in Vietnamese cuisine, recognized as a National Dish of Vietnam for its cultural significance. This beloved dish is celebrated for its affordability and versatility, making it accessible to a wide range of people.
What makes “banh xeo” so popular is its adaptability—while it's challenging to perfect, it's easy to customize with various meats, vegetables, and sauces to suit diverse tastes.
Ever wondered how locals enjoy “Banh Xeo”? Here's how: Once served, take a piece, dip it in chili sauce, and wrap it with lettuce, mint, or your preferred toppings. Enjoy it with the sauce or pair it with soup and other Vietnamese dishes. After savoring the pancake, take a moment to appreciate its delicious flavors before moving on.
3. Bò Lá Lốt
Known as thit bo nuong la lot (thịt bò nướng lá lốt), this Vietnamese specialty features minced beef combined with garlic, shallots, and simple spices. The mixture is wrapped in wild betel leaves (piper lolot), resembling cigars, and grilled over charcoal.
Once grilled, bo la lot rolls are served with Vietnamese rice paper, bun vermicelli rice noodles, and an array of fresh herbs and vegetables on the side.
To enhance the dish, additional dipping sauces and freshly crushed chili are provided, adding layers of flavor to the already delicious bo la lot.
The combination of savory grilled meat wrapped in fragrant leaves, accompanied by crisp vegetables and the interactive assembly process, underscores
In Saigon, locals often wrap everything—grilled beef, vegetables, and herbs—in sticky rice paper, dip it into sauce, and enjoy it with their hands. Saigonese are known for their love of finger foods! Sometimes, they'll also pair bo la lot with rice noodles or banh trang (rice paper), using chopsticks to savor the grilled beef along with the noodles and fresh ingredients.
4. Bánh Tráng Nướng – Vietnamese Pizza
Banh trang nuong is a delectable grilled rice paper dish adorned with diverse toppings that vary across different regions of Vietnam. The traditional rendition involves roasting thin rice paper over low-medium charcoal heat, then topping it with ground pork, chopped spring onions, and a quail egg mixed with crispy dried shrimp.
A unique variation features a thicker grilled rice paper topped generously with cracked chicken egg, butter, cheese, seafood, sausage, and scallions, offering a rich and savory twist on the classic dish.
Three essential sauces used to create Banh Trang Nuong, often referred to as Vietnamese pizza, include chili sauce, tomato ketchup, and mayo. These sauces combine to enrich the dish with the creamy richness of mayo, the tangy sweetness of tomato ketchup, and a kick of heat from the chili sauce.
The result is a culinary masterpiece that delights with its vibrant colors, diverse tastes, and harmonious flavors.
5. Bánh Khọt – A must-try for your Saigon food tour!
Banh Khot, a beloved crispy street food in Ho Chi Minh City, captivates the palates of food enthusiasts with its irresistible charm. These bite-sized pancakes are made from a tantalizing mix of rice flour, turmeric, and creamy coconut milk. Cooked in a special cast-iron mold, they emerge perfectly crispy and beautifully golden-brown.
Topped with flavorful ingredients like succulent shrimp, savory pork, and fragrant scallions, Banh Khot is served alongside fresh herbs and crisp lettuce. Whether enjoyed as a snack or appetizer, these delightful morsels satisfy every culinary craving with their rich flavors and delightful textures.
III. Apart from the Saigon Food Tour, delve into the local life in Saigon.
1. The historic Nguyen Thien Thuat apartment complex
Nguyen Thien Thuat Apartment is one of Saigon’s last remaining box-shaped residential complexes. Originally, the area was filled with small houses until the Tet Offensive in 1968, when a significant fire devastated the neighborhood.
In response, the government constructed this apartment complex, named after Nguyen Thien Thuat Street. It provided a new home for those displaced by the fire, offering them a chance to select a residence within the complex.
During its construction, the apartment was distinguished by its innovative and practical architecture. Featuring symmetrical layouts and enclosed corridors, it fostered a cohesive community atmosphere among residents.
The ground floors were designated for retail shops, food vendors, and coffee stalls, adding to the convenience and vibrancy of the neighborhood.
In contrast to modern apartments, the older ones here feature open spaces where neighbors share common areas, facilitated by front window designs that create a close-knit, communal atmosphere. This setup fosters a sense of warmth and human connection, with less physical distance between neighbors.
2. Bustling Flower Market
The market buzzes around the clock, offering a lively scene for visitors at any hour. From 7:00 AM to noon, it attracts locals and tourists alike seeking vibrant flowers and soaking in the market's lively atmosphere filled with fragrant scents and vivid colors. After noon, the market shifts gears into a bustling street food paradise that continues well into the night.
Even during the late hours, Ho Thi Ky market remains bustling with vendors gathering to stock up on goods, ensuring the city is supplied with fresh produce throughout the day.
3. Ho Thi Ky Street Food haven
Ho Thi Ky Market isn't just a flower market; it's a beloved food haven for Saigon's young crowd. From 3 PM until late, hundreds of stalls serve up a diverse array of delicious dishes originating from Hue, Da Nang, Dong Nai, An Giang, and beyond. These dishes, either traditional or adapted for Southern tastes, offer something for every palate.
4. Panoramic views from The Thủ Thiêm Tunnel Rooftop
Once an abandoned and neglected area, the Thủ Thiêm Tunnel Rooftop, now known as Thủ Thiêm Tunnel Park, has undergone a remarkable transformation into a scenic park boasting stunning views of the Sài Gòn River and the city skyline. This revitalized space has become a thriving destination, drawing in crowds of young adults and locals who gather here to unwind and enjoy their evenings.
Today, the Thủ Thiêm Tunnel Rooftop is a lively recreational hub, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and ideal setting for leisure and entertainment.
The Thủ Thiêm Tunnel Rooftop offers an expansive view of the Sài Gòn River and the cityscape. It's a serene place to relax, feel the gentle river breeze, and unwind with iced lemon tea and good company. Standing atop the Thủ Thiêm Tunnel, you can fully enjoy the cool wind and peaceful ambiance.
As dusk falls, the rooftop becomes a prime spot to witness breathtaking sunsets. Watch as the sky transforms into shades of gold against the backdrop of the mesmerizing Sài Gòn skyline.
