Saigon isn’t just a city, it’s a living kitchen. Every street corner simmers with broth, grills crackle with marinated meats, and vendors craft dishes perfected over generations. From the early-morning aroma of pho to late-night banh mi cravings, Saigon’s street food culture is fast, flavorful, and unforgettable.
Whether you’re landing at the airport or hopping between districts, Ulacab’s private airport transfers and local rides ensure you move smoothly from one iconic food stop to another.
The Ultimate Saigon Street Food Crawl (With Locations, Budgets & Must-Try Dishes)
1. Pho: Vietnam’s Iconic Bowl of Comfort
Estimated Price: S$3 – S$5 per bowl
Where to Try: Pho Hoa Pasteur, Pho Le (District 3)
Why You’ll Love It:
A fragrant bowl of rice noodles, herbs, and slow-cooked beef broth. It’s warm, healing, and the perfect start to any food crawl.
Try This: Pho Tai (rare beef), Pho Nam (brisket), Pho Ga (chicken)
Ulacab Tip:
Visiting multiple pho shops? Use Ulacab’s local transfer to move quickly between Districts 1, 3, and 5.
2. Banh Mi: The Ultimate Vietnamese Sandwich
Estimated Price: S$1.50 – S$3 per baguette
Where to Try: Banh Mi Huynh Hoa, Banh Mi Hoa Ma
Why You’ll Love It:
Crispy baguette, pâté, pickles, herbs, and meats layered into a perfect grab-and-go snack.
Try This: Banh Mi Thit Nguoi (cold cuts), Banh Mi Trung (egg)
Local Tip:
Evenings after 5 pm offer the best variety as street vendors open up.
3. Bun Thit Nuong: Grilled Pork Noodles
Estimated Price: S$3 – S$5 per serving
Where to Try: Co Ba Vung Tau, Ba Nam (District 1)
Why You’ll Love It:
A festival of flavours, smoky grilled pork, fresh herbs, crunchy spring rolls, and sweet fish sauce poured over vermicelli.
Try This: Add cha gio (fried rolls) for extra crunch.
4. Com Tam: “Broken Rice” Done Right
Estimated Price: S$3 – S$6
Where to Try: Com Tam Ba Ghien, Com Tam Moc
Why You’ll Love It:
Saigon’s signature comfort food: grilled pork chops, broken rice, fried egg, and fish sauce.
Try This: Suon Nuong (grilled pork), Bi (shredded pork skin)
Ulacab Tip:
Some famous Com Tam shops are hidden inside small lanes, your Ulacab driver knows the easiest drop-off route.
5. Goi Cuon: Fresh Spring Rolls
Estimated Price: S$2 – S$4 (per set)
Where to Try: Ben Thanh Market, Vo Van Tan Street
Why You’ll Love It:
Light, refreshing rolls stuffed with prawns, herbs, pork, and dipped in peanut-hoisin sauce.
Perfect refresher between heavier dishes.
6. Bo La Lot: Beef Wrapped in Betel Leaf
Estimated Price: S$3 – S$6 per portion
Where to Try: Ba Sau La Lot, Alley 76 (Ton That Tung)
Why You’ll Love It:
A smoky street-side classic, juicy beef grilled inside fragrant betel leaves.
Try This: Dip in fish sauce + crushed peanuts.
7. Che: Vietnamese Dessert Bowls
Estimated Price: S$1 – S$3
Where to Try: Che Co Co, Che Mam Khanh Vy
Why You’ll Love It:
Colorful dessert bowls with coconut milk, beans, fruits, jellies, and shaved ice.
Try This: Che Thai, Che Ba Mau, Che Khuc Bach.
Suggested Street Food Crawl Route (3 Hours)
Start in District 1:
Pho Hoa Pasteur → warm, comforting start
Nguyen Hue street vendors → Banh Mi
Ton That Tung alley → Bo La Lot
Move to District 3:
Com Tam Ba Ghien → hearty main dish
Finish at District 5:
Che Co Co → dessert finale
Move seamlessly with Ulacab:
Book multi-stop local transfers so your driver waits at each food stop.
What to Wear for a Street Food Crawl
Saigon is hot, humid, and lively, dress smart and comfortable.
✔ Recommended
Light cotton or linen clothing
Comfortable shoes (lots of walking)
Small sling bag or crossbody
Wet tissues (you’ll need them!)
✘ Avoid
Heels (uneven sidewalks)
Bulky backpacks
Heavy fabrics
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