This is what you get when you come to Ho Chi Minh City! 6 recommended exquisite gourmet foods in Ho Chi Minh City

When one thinks of Vietnamese cuisine, "Pho" probably comes to mind for many people.
Ho Chi Minh City is home to many delicious foods from all over the country, including not only pho, the national dish of Vietnam, but also exquisite regional delicacies. In this article, we will introduce some of the local cuisine and specialty foods that we recommend you must try when you come to Ho Chi Minh City.

To enjoy Vietnamese gourmet food, we recommend using "SOTETSU GRAND FRESA SAIGON (opened on July 6, 2023)", which has a variety of restaurants within walking distance!

Vietnamese Soul Food "Pho"

Pho is a familiar dish in Japan, but a study of its history reveals that it is said to have originated in Nam Dinh Province in the northern part of the country during the French colonial period, where it was eaten as a meal at a spinning mill. *There are various theories
The light soup and noodles made from rice flour are one of the Japanese favorites. In the north, where pho is said to have originated, it is characterized by a light flavor with chicken or beef bone broth and a simple presentation. On the other hand, in Ho Chi Minh City in the south, pho is served in a sweet and spicy broth topped with herbs and bean sprouts. If you like pho, it is fun to go a little further and compare the two.

Vietnamese classic dish "Fresh spring rolls"

The famous fresh spring rolls, one of the most representative dishes of Vietnam, actually originated in the South. It is a healthy dish filled with plenty of vegetables, and the sticky rice paper and ethnic flavor of fish sauce make it an addictive dish. In Vietnamese households, rice paper, vegetables, meat, shrimp, and other ingredients are usually placed on the table and eaten while being rolled by each person, just like "Temakizushi" in Japan.
Local people compensate for their lack of vegetables by eating spring rolls. Sold everywhere in the city, spring rolls are like vegetable sticks that are easy to eat and walk around with.

Vietnamese Sandwich "Banh mi"

In recent years, Banh mi has become increasingly popular in Japan. It is a Vietnamese sandwich consisting of French bread stuffed with cured ham and vegetables, and the number of specialty stores in Japan is increasing. In Vietnam, many food stalls have been set up, making it a fast food that can be easily purchased and eaten. Ingredients vary from store to store, but the most popular are pork ham, grilled pork, liver paste, namasu, and coriander, while shrimp, avocado, and fried mackerel are also popular.

Vietnamese set meal "Com Tam"

Com tam is a Vietnamese dish made of crushed rice, cooked slightly hard, and topped with grilled pork, fried eggs, and other ingredients, and is beloved mainly in the South.
The history of com tam is closely tied to the impoverished period following the end of the Vietnam War. During this time of food shortages, the people who could not afford decent rice overcame their food shortages by cooking with the small, crushed rice grains that would normally have been thrown away during the hulling process. This local Saigonese food has now become famous as one of the most popular street food.

Vietnamese-style okonomiyaki "Banh xeo"

“Banh xeo" is a Vietnamese-style okonomiyaki eaten by the common people mainly at street stalls and stores in the south. The dough is made from rice flour and is characterized by its yellow color due to turmeric. The crust is cooked thin and crispy around the edges, but the center is chunky, giving it two different textures. It is grilled and topped with plenty of vegetables such as pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, and served with sweet-and-sour sauce. It is a healthy dish that provides plenty of vegetables, which are often in short supply.

Local sweets "Che"

“Che" is a traditional dessert consisting of sweetened beans, potatoes, fruit, agar, and other ingredients mixed with coconut milk. There are many variations and they are all relatively inexpensive, so it is recommended to compare different types. The time of year and way of eating also differ depending on the region.
In the north, warm che is often eaten as a winter dessert, similar to "zenzai" in Japan. In the south, where it is hot all year round, cold che is the norm.
Che is served with crushed ice and syrup and tastes like "shaved ice".
Che is sold at cafes, street stalls, and markets, so if you are tired of walking around town, why not take a break and enjoy a bowl of sweet che?

How was that?
We have introduced some of the famous food in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
While some of the dishes are familiar to Japanese, we hope you will enjoy the authentic taste of Ho Chi Minh City by referring to the above list when you visit the city.

To enjoy Vietnamese gourmet food, we recommend using "SOTETSU GRAND FRESA SAIGON (opened on July 6, 2023)", which has a variety of restaurants within walking distance!

*Information as of July 2023.

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