Joanna James
Marked by notes of fresh herbs, tender cuts of meat, delicacies crafted from world-renowned local rice, and seafood caught from the South China Sea, Vietnamese cuisine has risen to the global stage in recent years. Heading down to the country's most populous city, steaming bowls of noodles and fragrant baguettes tell a delicious story, Ho Chi Minh City's culinary landscape feeds the soul of South Vietnam. Embark on a journey through Saigon's most iconic dishes, with flavours rooted in a rich history, diverse topography and elements of a unique heritage that stretches over a thousand miles.
Start your day with a comforting portion of Xoi, a steaming portion of sticky rice traditionally served with savoury toppings like mung beans, fried shallots, and shredded pork floss. For those staying at a riverside hotel in Saigon, Binh Thanh District, in the heart of the city is home to some of the best servings of Xoi in the area. Head to Ba Chieu Market, a short drive from Oakwood Hotel and Apartments Saigon, and explore a labyrinth of stalls and an authentic and affordable breakfast experience with this iconic street food staple.
Enjoy a hearty meal with Com Tam, a dish of broken rice served with grilled meats, fried egg, and pickled vegetables. Popularised by farmers living along the Mekong Delta, fragmented rice grains broken during harvest were used for meals during economic hardship. Over time, as urbanisation boomed in the South, the dish's influence expanded to Ho Chi Minh City, where the meal was adapted to a broader palate, establishing its status as a local favourite and synonymous with the region's cultural identity.
This legendary iteration of a baguette, a legacy of French colonialism, is now a Vietnamese staple. Crispy on the outside and yielding within, it's crammed with savoury fillings like pate, grilled pork, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs – a palette of textures and tastes in every bite. Find the perfect Banh Mi at any street vendor, or enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience anywhere around the city.
A network of subsidiaries snaking from the Mekong River, the Mekong Delta holds unwavering importance among communities in the South, giving birth to riverside urban landscapes, floating villages, and cuisine. Banh Canh Ghe, for instance, originates from the banks of the Delta, with thick tapioca noodles served in a rich, flavourful broth, simmering crab meat, vegetables, and fragrant herbs. Crispy fried wonton crackers often accompany the dish, adding another layer of texture and flavour.
For the more adventurous eater, Bun Mam offers a unique flavour profile. Thin rice noodles are bathed in a strong broth flavoured with fermented shrimp paste, balanced by fresh herbs and vegetables. The dish, albeit an acquired taste for some, is a must-try for those seeking an authentic culinary adventure.
A culinary journey around the Southern city is incomplete without a serving of Bun Bo Hue, a fragrant noodle soup originating from the imperial city of Hue. Today, this dish has established popularity in Ho Chi Minh City, with its spicy lemongrass broth, thin rice noodles, and tender slices of beef, creating a comforting and flavourful finale to your Saigon food adventure.
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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.
