Unique Walking Street Food Tour in Saigon

What to Expect

Embark on a vibrant private food tour exploring the culinary delights of Ho Chi Minh City's back alleys and local markets. Whether for lunch in the afternoon or dinner amidst the city lights, delve into the diverse array of flavors. Indulge in iconic Vietnamese dishes such as pho and banh mi, and perhaps discover a delightful surprise along the way.

Experience authenticity over extravagance. Dine with locals and engage in conversations with them. Delight in the finest street food the city has to offer – a package that includes 10 dishes, a beverage, and Saigon beer.

Wander through intricate back alleys and explore the historic apartments constructed in 1968 during the Tet Offensive. Our tour is adaptable and can be tailored to your preferences, ensuring accommodation for all dietary restrictions.

Menu

• Bánh Xèo - Savory Vietnamese Crepe, a bright yellow crispy crepe filled with shrimp, pork and vegetables.
• Bò kho - Vietnamese beef stew with glass noodles, slow-cooked with whole shallots (naturally sweet), carrots, and herbs in a rich, flavorful broth *loved by Mark Wiens (exclusively offered on this tour).
• Bò nướng sả -  Khmer secret recipe for lemongrass grilled mice beef
• Bánh Cuốn - Fresh spring rolls with minced pork filling and local herbs & spicy sweet fish sauce for dipping.
• Vietnamese pizza: a good combination of melted butter, cheese, egg, and Vietnamese sausage.
• Bò lá lốt - a popular Vietnamese dish consisting of seasoned ground beef wrapped in fragrant betel leaves.
• Bánh Mì -  The most well-known baguette in the world with Vietnamese sausage, butter, and meat.
• Chuối Nướng - Saigon’s best culinary hidden gem, Grilled bananas wrapped in its leaves mixed with sweet and salty mix silky coconut milk.
• Chè Mâm - Local Vietnamese sweet soup as a dessert or creamy Flan
• Saigon beer - a popular brand of beer produced in Vietnam, particularly associated with Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon). It's known for its refreshing taste and is widely consumed in the region.

The menu may undergo slight modifications based on the day, time, and the availability of local food stalls.

Schedule

1. Pick-Up & Start of Tour

• Meet your English-speaking guide
• Pass by the iconic Saigon Opera House (also an alternative meeting point depending on arrangement)
• Begin your journey into the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City

2. Chuối Nếp Nướng Võ Văn Tần (Signature Local Snack)

Start the experience at a beloved street corner known for Chuối Nếp Nướng (Grilled Banana with Sticky Rice), a traditional Vietnamese–Cambodian fusion dish.

• Prepared by a local family with over 40 years of experience
• Smoky, sweet, and chewy street food classic

3. District 3 Hidden Gems – Nguyen Thien Thuat Apartments & Bàn Cờ Market

Explore one of Saigon’s most famous street food labyrinths:

• Walk through the lively Nguyen Thien Thuat apartment blocks
• Visit Bàn Cờ Market, a local food hotspot
• Discover authentic street eats hidden in small alleys

Must-try highlight:

• Bò Kho (Vietnamese Beef Stew)

 4. Bo Kho Út Nhung – Local Legend Stop

Visit one of the city’s most iconic beef stew spots:

• Rich, lemongrass-infused broth
• Slow-cooked beef that melts in your mouth
• Enjoy with crusty baguette or noodles

A true District 3 culinary institution

5. Grilled Street & Bò Lá Lốt Experience

Take a relaxing walk along a street famous for barbecue seafood vendors, then stop at a local restaurant:

• Taste Bò Lá Lốt (Beef wrapped in wild betel leaves)
• Smoky, aromatic grilled flavors
• Freshly cooked street-side dining experience

 6. Hồ Thị Kỷ Flower Market

Visit the largest flower market in Ho Chi Minh City:

• Vibrant wholesale flower hub since the 1980s
• A glimpse into Saigon’s old-town charm
• Colorful, lively, and photogenic atmosphere

 Enjoy additional local street food tasting stops around the area

7. Khmer Market Experience

Immerse yourself in a lively local market:

• Sit among locals and experience daily life
• Try Vietnamese pizza (Bánh tráng nướng) – a student favorite
• Relax with a Saigon beer or jasmine tea
• Listen to your student guides share stories of local life

8. Chinatown Stop (Chợ Lớn Area)

Continue to Saigon’s historic Chinatown:

• Explore cultural streets and bustling trade areas
• Experience a mix of Vietnamese-Chinese heritage atmosphere

9. Final Stop – Chè Mâm Khánh Vy

End your food journey with a sweet treat:

• Chè (Vietnamese sweet soup)
• A colorful mix of beans, jelly, fruits, and coconut milk
• A perfect refreshing dessert to finish the tour

10. Return

• End of experience
• Transfer back to your hotel