1. Must-try street food dishes
2. Top street food locations
3. Food tours
4. Tips for enjoying street food
5. South East Asia river cruises with Scenic

When you visit Ho Chi Minh City, you'll find an abundance of mouthwatering street food dishes to try. Be sure to look out for these delicious options while exploring the city or as part of your Scenic Freechoice excursions. 

Phở, widely celebrated as Vietnam’s national dish, is a flavourful noodle soup that originated in northern Vietnam in the early 1900s. It gained international popularity after the Vietnam War, as refugees introduced it to the world. This aromatic soup typically features a savoury broth, fresh herbs and rice noodles, accompanied by meat – usually beef or chicken. Garnishes vary by region: Northern phở is adorned with scallions, onions, and coriander leaves, while Southern phở also includes Thai basil and bean sprouts.

Bánh Xèo, meaning "sizzling pancake," is a traditional Vietnamese dish known for its crispy texture and vibrant yellow colour and a batter made from water, rice flour and turmeric powder. These pancakes can be filled with a variety of ingredients, with popular choices being pork, bean sprouts and prawns. They are typically served with an array of sides, including leafy greens, flavourful herbs and vegetables, and accompanied by nước chấm, a sweet and sour garlic fish sauce that enhances the overall taste. 

Bánh Xèo, meaning "sizzling pancake," is a traditional Vietnamese dish known for its crispy texture and vibrant yellow colour and a batter made from water, rice flour and turmeric powder. These pancakes can be filled with a variety of ingredients, with popular choices being pork, bean sprouts and prawns. They are typically served with an array of sides, including leafy greens, flavourful herbs and vegetables, and accompanied by nước chấm, a sweet and sour garlic fish sauce that enhances the overall taste. 

Gỏi Cuốn, also known as Vietnamese spring rolls, are typically enjoyed fresh and at room temperature, unlike their fried counterparts. These rolls are filled with a delightful combination of pork, prawns, rice vermicelli (bún) and fresh vegetables, all wrapped in delicate rice paper (bánh tráng).

Cơm Tấm is a beloved Vietnamese dish made with broken rice grains. It typically features a variety of ingredients such as pork ribs, shredded pork skin, an omelette or fried egg and fresh vegetables like cucumber and tomato. Chopped scallions are often added for extra flavour. The dish is cooked in oil and served with a side of mixed fish sauce for dipping.

When your cruise arrives in Ho Chi Minh City, you'll have the opportunity to explore the vibrant street food markets at your leisure. Popular choices include Ben Nghe and Hồ Thị Kỷ. 

Additionally, your river cruise features themed dining experiences, such as an exotic street food market-themed lunch on board the Scenic Spirit. This unique meal offers a variety of local delicacies, including crickets, spiders, grasshoppers, water bugs, silkworms and frog legs. 

Located in the heart of the city, Ben Nghe Street Food Market boasts over 30 vibrant stalls. Explore an array of local dishes from all three regions of Vietnam, including beloved favourites such as Phở and Bánh Mì. Alternatively, tuck into an impressive selection of international cuisine, ranging from Mexican and Thai to sushi and Chinese bao buns. Drinks options are plentiful, featuring a beer stand with a diverse assortment of Vietnamese and imported beers on draught.

Open from 9am until just before midnight, this event provides ample opportunity for you to visit in your free time. 

Despite its name, Hồ Thị Kỷ Flower Market is a hidden gem for indulging in classic Vietnamese street food in Ho Chi Minh City. With over 100 vendors scattered throughout the market, you'll find an array of mouthwatering options, including traditional crab soup, Co Thao beef hotpots, and Nhat Quynh mixed rice paper. Additionally, the market offers exotic Cambodian dishes and a variety of international cuisine. 

South East Asia river cruises include Scenic Freechoice dining options and food tours in Ho Chi Minh City. Here are some exciting choices:

When travelling away from home food safety is always paramount. Our local staff in Ho Chi Minh City have the insider knowledge to guide you to the safest food vendors and offer top tips for navigating the street food scene. To ensure you have the best experience, keep the following advice in mind:

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Ho Chi Minh City with Scenic. On board the all-inclusive ultra-luxury Scenic Spirit, you'll explore Vietnam's bustling metropolis like never before. Relax on the sun deck as you sail into Ho Chi Minh City and delight in guided excursions to the finest street food vendors, ensuring a culinary adventure.

Discover the magic of river cruises in South East Asia, where vibrant towns, breathtaking landscapes and historical treasures await. Sail along the Mekong River through Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos for an experience of a lifetime. On board the Scenic Spirit, accommodating up to 68 guests, you'll find ample space to relax and unwind, with butler service ensuring your every need is met. After a day of exploring the region's most beautiful destinations, retreat to our dedicated Wellness Area to indulge in a spa treatment or relax in the steam room, sauna or vitality pool.