Joanna James
Saigon is one giant open air restaurant; street food is literally available on every street. The fabulous aromas are hard to resists which is why you should give in and check out these fab locations.
The best thing to do in Vietnam is experience the diverse range of street food and on Van Kiep Street the ambience remains the same in rain or sunshine. Stretching just a few metres the place is chock full of street food stalls that cover the areas of Phu Nhuan and Binh Thanh. On rainy days the neon lights that come on at night showcase the drizzle in shimmering lines as smoke wafts across the road and thrilling aromas greet your senses. There are in fact over a hundred eateries located along the short road offering as much as fifty different dishes to try.
Su Van Hanh is in general quite a vibrant and bustling street; the best section for street food here is Ngo Gia Tu and Nguyen Chi Thanh. The area is home to a number of shabby Soviet houses that lend the place a vintage aura. Due to the congested living quarters and crowds occupying each home, many residents spend their time chatting and eating on the road; hence you have plenty of choice in terms of cafes and impromptu restaurants. Pull up a stool and sit at a roadside table as gooey sticky rice and piping hot dishes of green bean in thick coconut milk are served up. The best place to head to from your Ho Chi Minh business hotel this street is easily accessible if you are a guest at the Somerset Vista Ho Chi Minh City.
This place is famous for being a favourite haunt for Vietnam's infamous gangster Nam Cam; he was executed in 2004 and is quite interesting to research especially if you plan on striking up a conversation with the locals at Vinh Khanh Street. A kind of 'hip' hangout for outlandish Korean youngsters living in Saigon, the place is graced by hipsters in trendy hairdos, impressive tattoos and chic fashions. They are quite serious about their meals though and earnestly tuck into the fabulous fare available at the many stalls dishing out BBQ, marinated meat dishes, seafood and more.
Phan Van Hanh Street is famous for its cheap and delicious Vietnamese street food. Locals and students from nearby universities love the place popular for its laid back local ambience. Phan Van is a narrow road that connects two of Saigon's main districts; it's home to a mix of shops, homes, food vendors, motorbikes and business enterprises. Some of the favourites here are the snail and shellfish eateries.
Co Giang Street is located towards the outer perimeter of Saigon's popular backpacker districts. Tham Street is home to vibrant bars, restaurants serving western cuisine and convenient mini-marts; this is the main backpacker district that's connected to Co Giang which by the way is not a top street food district. The place is loved though for its local atmosphere and more than an adequate collection of street food stalls.
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A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
