Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant economic hub and a food paradise, offering local dishes that are rich in the distinctive flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. If you're looking for local dishes in Ho Chi Minh City worth trying, check out this list of 10 dishes recommended by Com Nieu Thien Ly!

1. Clay pot rice

Clay pot rice is a traditional Vietnamese dish, known for its fragrant, sticky rice and crispy, golden crust at the bottom of the pot. Since it’s cooked in a clay pot, the rice retains heat for longer, cooks evenly, and remains soft and aromatic with the distinct fragrance of high-quality rice. When paired with dishes like clay pot fish, braised pork with eggs, Vietnamese caramelized pork dip for vegetables, or sour soup, this local dish provides a simple yet warm dining experience, reminiscent of family meals.

To make a delicious clay pot rice, you should choose high-quality fragrant rice and follow these steps:

• Step 1: Wash the rice thoroughly and place it in a clay pot with just the right amount of water.
• Step 2: Cook over medium heat until it boils, then reduce to low heat to cook the rice evenly.
• Step 3: Once the rice is soft, increase the heat for an additional 2-3 minutes to create the crispy crust.

You can also mix the rice with oil, press it down at the bottom of the pot, and add toppings such as Chinese sausage or stir-fried beef. Adjusting the heat properly is key to ensuring the rice doesn’t burn or remain undercooked.

If you don’t have time to cook it yourself, you can enjoy this dish at Com Nieu Thien Ly – a famous family restaurant with over 30 branches nationwide. Here, you can enjoy delicious clay pot rice cooked with a secret family recipe, where the rice is perfectly steamed and has a crispy layer on the bottom. The menu offers a variety of dishes from North, Central, and South Vietnam, all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients that bring the authentic flavors of traditional Vietnamese cuisine to your table.

Spacious space at Com Nieu Thien Ly Restaurant

At Com Nieu Thien Ly, you can also indulge in other beloved Vietnamese dishes, such as braised cobia fish in claypot, sweet and sour ribs, and boiled vegetables & braised fish sauce, all served in a cozy and welcoming environment. With a warm and intimate atmosphere designed to feel like home, you can enjoy your meals with family and friends in comfort. The excellent service from our attentive staff ensures a pleasant dining experience, making it an ideal destination to fully experience the flavors of your hometown.

Whether you visit one of our 30 branches or enjoy our dishes from home, Com Nieu Thien Ly promises to bring you a fulfilling and authentic Vietnamese culinary journey.

Clay pot rice is a famous local dish in Ho Chi Minh City.

2. Beef noodle soup (Bun bo)

One of the famous local dishes closely associated with the cuisine of Hue that you should try is Hue beef noodle soup. This dish features a distinctive and rich flavor, spicy heat, and fragrant aroma, making it a wonderful fusion of the sweet broth, tender beef, and unique spices.

The broth is simmered from beef bones, with a hint of fermented shrimp paste – considered the “soul” ingredient that gives the dish its signature pungent fragrance. The spiciness of chili and saté, combined with the richness of pork knuckle, the tender sweetness of beef (often brisket, shank, or tendon), and a slight tang from lime or herbs, makes this dish perfectly balanced and mouth-watering.

When enjoying the dish, you will experience the chewy, soft rice noodles, the steaming hot broth soaked with spices, accompanied by fresh herbs (banana flower, bean sprouts, water spinach, basil), and crispy fried shallots. This combination creates a rich culinary experience that is both rustic and refined, making Hue beef noodle soup one of the most popular and beloved dishes in Vietnam.

According to many diners, some of the top Hue beef noodle soup spots in Ho Chi Minh City include:

• Bun Bo Hue Hanh - 135 Banh Van Tran Street, Ward 7, Tan Binh District
• Bun Bo Hue Kim Huong - 172 Nguyen Xi Street, Ward 26, Binh Thanh District
• Bun Bo Hue Xua - 48 Cach Mang Thang 8 Street, Ward 6, District 3

Hue beef noodle soup is a popular dish among many diners.

3. Broken rice (Com tam)

Broken rice is a signature local dish from Southern Vietnam, made from broken rice. This type of rice has broken kernels during milling, resulting in a milky white color and a firmer texture compared to whole grain rice. When cooked, broken rice is light and fluffy yet still sticky, and is often served with a variety of toppings, creating an appetizing and flavorful dish.

A traditional plate of broken rice typically includes tender grilled pork ribs, shredded pork skin, steamed egg cake, and a fried egg. The highlight of the dish is the sweet-sour fish sauce, which is finely balanced between the tangy, spicy, salty, and sweet elements, allowing all the ingredients to blend together harmoniously. Thanks to this perfect combination, broken rice has become a popular dish that attracts many diners, especially foreigners.

Com Nieu Thien Ly suggests some well-known places in Ho Chi Minh City that serve delicious broken rice, including:

• Com Tam Ba Ghien - 84 Dang Van Ngu Street, Ward 10, Phu Nhuan District
• Com Tam Bai Rac - 77 Le Van Linh Street, District 4
• Com Tam Moc - B3 Floor, Vincom Dong Khoi, 70 Le Thanh Ton Street, District 1 or 85 Ly Tu Trong Street, District 1.

Broken rice is a delicious and famous dish in Ho Chi Minh City.

4. Beef offal stew (Pha lau)

One of the famous local dishes in Saigon that you shouldn’t miss is Beef offal stew. This dish is made from animal offal such as pig ears, stomach, intestines, liver, lungs, and everything is simmered tenderly in a flavorful broth made from bones or coconut water. Unique spices such as five-spice powder, cinnamon, star anise, fish sauce, and spicy chili create an irresistible aroma and a rich, spicy, and savory taste.

When served, Beef offal stew is usually dipped in sweet-sour fish sauce or tamarind sauce, and garnished with some Vietnamese coriander to enhance the fragrance. Additionally, it can be paired with bread or instant noodles, offering a perfect blend of salty, sweet, spicy, and rich flavors.

This is a popular street food among young people and drinkers due to its delicious taste and affordable price. A serving of Beef offal stew at casual eateries costs only around 30,000 - 60,000 VND.

You can check out some long-established places serving Beef offal stew in Ho Chi Minh City, such as:

• Pha Lau Bo Co Thao - 243/29G Ton Dan Street, Ward 15, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City
• Pha Lau Bo Marie Curie - 433/44 Le Dai Hanh Street, Ward 11, District 11, Ho Chi Minh City

Beef offal stew is a unique street food that is loved by many.

5. Clear rice noodle soup (Hu tieu)

In addition to the local dishes mentioned above, you can also try Hu Tieu, a beloved dish in Saigon. The chewy yet soft noodles, combined with a sweet and clear broth made from pork bones, dried shrimp, dried squid, or vegetables, create a harmonious and delightful flavor.

This dish also offers a variety of toppings such as pork, shrimp, liver, quail eggs, beef balls, and pig's intestines, served with fresh herbs like bean sprouts, chives, and lettuce to add a refreshing touch. The accompanying condiments include chili sauce, black soy sauce, chili fish sauce, or satay, which help enhance the flavors and stimulate the taste buds.

Depending on the preparation, Hu Tieu has many variations. Hu Tieu Nam Vang has a clear, sweet broth made from bones and dried shrimp, served with minced meat, shrimp, and liver. Hu Tieu My Tho usually contains seafood like shrimp and squid, with a sweet, clear broth. If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can try Hu Tieu Kho, which doesn’t use broth but is tossed with a sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and served with a small bowl of broth on the side.

Here are some places where you can enjoy authentic Hu Tieu in Saigon:

• Giang Lam Ky - Stall 41, Tan Dinh Market, District 1
• Hu Tieu Nam Vang Sai Gon Trung Coi - 80 Cao Thang Street, Ward 4, District 3
• Hu Tieu Thai Lan - 128 Cao Thang Street, Ward 4, District 3

The broth of Hu Tieu is simmered from bones, making it naturally sweet and clear.

6. Fresh spring rolls (Goi cuon)

Goi cuon is a traditional Vietnamese dish, simple and easy to make, yet still nutritious and appealing thanks to the freshness of the ingredients and flavorful dipping sauce. Thin rice paper rolls filled with shrimp, pork, fresh noodles, and vegetables create a harmonious blend of crisp and soft textures.

The sweetness of the shrimp and pork combined with the refreshing green vegetables makes the dish light and not greasy, suitable for all tastes. The dipping sauce is a key factor in determining the deliciousness of goi cuon, usually a sweet and sour fish sauce with a light spice, or a rich and creamy peanut sauce. This dish is popular in Vietnam and makes a great appetizer or light meal.

You can enjoy delicious goi cuon at places like:

• 76 Vo Van Tan Street, Ward 6, District 3 - Bep Cuon Sai Gon
• 84/32 Bui Vien Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1 - Goi Cuon Minh Bui Vien
• 148/18 Bui Vien Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1 - Goi Cuon Bo Bia Bui Vien

Goi cuon is perfect as an appetizer or in light meals.

7. Banh Mi - Vietnamese Sandwich

Banh mi is a symbol of Vietnamese cuisine, famous both domestically and internationally. The local dish comes with a variety of fillings, such as pate, cold cuts, Vietnamese sausage, fried eggs, or grilled meats, along with fresh vegetables (cucumber, cilantro, pickled vegetables) and a rich sauce.

The deliciousness of Banh mi lies in its perfect balance – a crispy baguette, rich fillings, fresh vegetables, and the salty-sweet taste of homemade fish sauce or mayonnaise. Each bite delivers an unforgettable experience, suitable for any meal of the day.

This local dish is also very affordable, typically priced from 15,000 to 20,000 VND per sandwich. In Ho Chi Minh City, you can visit famous places like Banh Mi Ba Hat (District 10) or Banh Mi Huynh Hoa (District 1), known for their generously filled sandwiches. These spots are popular with locals and tourists alike.

Banh mi is a renowned dish that truly represents the culinary essence of Saigon.

8. Ca phe sua - Vietnamese Iced Milk Coffee

Ca phe sua is one of the most familiar beverages in Vietnam, especially popular in Ho Chi Minh City. Made from strong phin coffee, it drips slowly through a layer of sweetened condensed milk, creating a delightful combination of light bitterness, rich sweetness, and an aromatic fragrance. When ice is added, ca phe sua becomes refreshing and cool, perfect for sipping at any time of the day.

The price of this drink ranges from 15,000 to 25,000 VND at street-side cafes, and over 60,000 VND at modern coffee chains. If you're in Ho Chi Minh City, you can visit places like Ca Phe Vot Co Ba (District 4) or Trung Nguyen Legend (District 1) to enjoy authentic ca phe sua, from traditional to modern versions.

Ca phe sua – a distinctive Vietnamese beverage.

9. Bo la lot - Grilled Beef and Betel Leaves

You can try one of the popular local dishes, Bo La Lot. This dish is made from minced beef, marinated with seasonings such as garlic, lemongrass, pepper, and fish sauce, then wrapped in fresh la lot (piper lolot leaves) and grilled over hot charcoal.

Once cooked, Bo La Lot releases a distinctive aroma, with tender, sweet beef blending with the slightly spicy taste of pepper and the appealing scent of charred la lot. The dish is often served with rice paper, noodles, fresh vegetables like lettuce, basil, and Vietnamese mint, and dipped in sweet-sour mam nem or peanut sauce.

Bo La Lot is favored by many because of its unique flavor, being easy to eat, not too greasy, and perfect for light meals or social gatherings with friends. Although it's not a gourmet dish, Bo La Lot still holds a special place in the hearts of diners due to its simplicity yet irresistible appeal. If you want to enjoy delicious Bo La Lot in Saigon, you can visit places like:

• Bo La Lot Co Lieng - District 3
• Bo La Lot Hoang Yen - District 1
• Bo La Lot Anh Ba - Phu Nhuan.

Bo La Lot is perfect for family or friend gatherings.

10. Cha gio - Vietnamese Summer Rolls

Cha gio is a traditional local dish from Vietnam, especially popular in parties. The filling of cha gio consists of minced pork, shrimp, glass noodles, wood ear mushrooms, carrots, and shallots, seasoned perfectly, then wrapped in a thin rice paper layer and deep-fried until golden and crispy.

When enjoyed, cha gio is typically served with fresh herbs such as lettuce, basil, and mint, and dipped in sweet-sour fish sauce. This dish creates a harmonious blend of crispy, savory flavors with tender, aromatic filling and a refreshing, appetizing taste. Each bite of cha gio is crispy, flavorful, and paired with a lightly spicy dipping sauce, making it hard to resist.

Com Nieu Thien Ly suggests a few places where you can enjoy delicious cha gio in Ho Chi Minh City:

• Cha Gio Ba Huyen - District 3
• Quan An Gia Dinh 79 - District 1
• Cha Gio Co Hong - District 5, near Choi Lon.

Cha gio – A traditional dish that is popular in Vietnamese cuisine.

Local dishes in Ho Chi Minh City are a fine blend of tradition and modernity, offering unforgettable flavors. From com tam, banh mi, hu tieu, to ca phe sua, each dish reflects the unique characteristics of this vibrant city. Come visit to Com Nieu Thien Ly to enjoy delicious clay pot rice and other rustic dishes that capture the essence of hometown cuisine!