Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a vibrant and bustling metropolis that offers a diverse culinary scene. From street food stalls to fine dining restaurants, there’s something to satisfy every palate. But beyond the popular attractions like pho and banh mi, there are plenty of underrated dishes that deserve your attention.
- Cháo Lòng Heo (Pig Organ Soup)
This nourishing soup is made with pig organs, such as intestines, heart, and stomach, simmered in a flavorful broth. The organs are tender and flavorful, and the broth is rich and savory. It’s a popular comfort food in Ho Chi Minh City, often eaten for breakfast or as a midnight snack.
- Bún Cua Thập Cẩm (Mixed Crab Vermicelli Soup)
This refreshing soup is made with a clear broth, vermicelli noodles, and a generous helping of crab meat. The crab is sweet and succulent, and the broth is light and flavorful. It’s a popular lunch dish, and it’s often served with fresh herbs and vegetables.
- Gỏi Cuốn (Fresh Spring Rolls)
These delicate rolls are made with rice paper wrappers filled with a variety of ingredients, such as shrimp, pork, vegetables, and herbs. They’re served with a dipping sauce made with fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. It’s a refreshing and healthy snack or appetizer.
- Chè Sầu Riêng (Durian Dessert)
If you’re a fan of durian, you’ll love this sweet dessert. It’s made with fresh durian, coconut milk, and sugar. The resulting dessert is creamy and flavorful, with a distinct durian aroma. It’s a popular treat in Ho Chi Minh City, especially during the durian season.
- Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang (Phnom Penh Pork Noodle Soup)
This flavorful soup originated from Cambodia, but it’s now a popular dish in Ho Chi Minh City. It’s made with pork broth, pork slices, shrimp, and vegetables. The broth is rich and flavorful, with a slightly sweet and sour taste. It’s often served with a side of chili sauce.
- Ốc Luộc (Boiled Snails)
Snails are a popular street food in Ho Chi Minh City. They’re boiled in a flavorful broth made with lemongrass, ginger, and chili. The snails are tender and flavorful, and the broth is spicy and aromatic. It’s a great snack to enjoy while exploring the city’s markets and streets.
- Bánh Xèo (Crispy Pancake)
These crispy pancakes are made with a batter of rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric. They’re filled with a variety of ingredients, such as pork, shrimp, and vegetables. The pancakes are cooked on a hot griddle until they’re golden brown. They’re served with a dipping sauce made with fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar.
- Chè Trôi Nước (Sweet Glutinous Rice Balls)
These sweet rice balls are made with glutinous rice flour, filled with mung bean paste, and boiled in a sweet syrup. They’re served with a creamy coconut sauce. The rice balls are soft and chewy, and the filling is sweet and flavorful. It’s a popular dessert in Ho Chi Minh City, especially during the Lunar New Year.
Where to Find These Underrated Dishes
These underrated dishes can be found at various street food stalls and restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City. Here are a few recommendations:
- Cháo Lòng Heo: Quán Cháo Lòng Heo Cô Tuyền (District 3)
- Bún Cua Thập Cẩm: Quán Bún Cua Thập Cẩm 104 (District 10)
- Gỏi Cuốn: Ốc Đào Quán (District 1)
- Chè Sầu Riêng: Chè Sầu Riêng Sáu Lợi (District 5)
- Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang: Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang Bảy Mao (District 5)
- Ốc Luộc: Ốc Đào Quán (District 1)
- Bánh Xèo: Bánh Xèo 46A (District 4)
- Chè Trôi Nước: Chè Trôi Nước Cô Tám (District 11)
Conclusion
Ho Chi Minh City offers a wide range of culinary delights, from popular street food to upscale dining. But beyond the familiar favorites, there are plenty of underrated dishes that deserve your attention. These 8 dishes are just a sampling of the hidden gems that await you in this vibrant city. So, next time you’re in Ho Chi Minh City, be sure to venture off the beaten path and explore these culinary treasures.
