Destination: Saigon!

When it comes to exploring a new city, there’s no better guide than your own taste buds. Saigon, officially known as Ho Chi Minh City, is a vibrant metropolis that offers a culinary adventure like no other. From bustling street food stalls to elegant restaurants, the city is a paradise for food lovers. Let’s embark on a gastronomic journey through Saigon, discovering its most famous dishes and the best street food spots to try.

Must-Try Dishes in Saigon

1. Pho

Pho is Vietnam’s national dish and a must-try when in Saigon. This aromatic noodle soup is made with a rich, slow-cooked broth, rice noodles, and tender slices of beef or chicken. It’s typically garnished with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime, and chili.

Recipe:

• Ingredients: Beef bones, beef brisket, rice noodles, star anise, cloves, cinnamon sticks, ginger, onion, fish sauce, sugar, salt, fresh herbs (cilantro, basil), bean sprouts, lime, chili.
• Instructions:

1. Roast the ginger and onion until charred.
2. In a large pot, add beef bones, brisket, charred ginger, and onion. Cover with water and bring to a boil.
3. Add star anise, cloves, and cinnamon sticks. Simmer for 6-8 hours.
4. Strain the broth and season with fish sauce, sugar, and salt.
5. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions.
6. Serve the broth over noodles, topped with sliced beef, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime, and chili.

2. Banh Mi

Banh Mi is a Vietnamese sandwich that combines French baguette with Vietnamese ingredients. It’s typically filled with a variety of meats, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and a spread of pâté or mayonnaise.

Recipe:

• Ingredients: Baguette, pork belly or grilled chicken, pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber, cilantro, pâté or mayonnaise, soy sauce, chili.
• Instructions:

1. Slice the baguette lengthwise.
2. Spread pâté or mayonnaise on one side of the bread.
3. Layer with pork belly or grilled chicken, pickled vegetables, cucumber, and cilantro.
4. Drizzle with soy sauce and add chili to taste.
5. Close the sandwich and enjoy!

3. Goi Cuon (Spring Rolls)

Goi Cuon, or fresh spring rolls, are a light and healthy snack made with rice paper, shrimp or pork, vermicelli noodles, and fresh herbs. They’re typically served with a peanut dipping sauce.

Recipe:

• Ingredients: Rice paper, shrimp or pork, vermicelli noodles, lettuce, mint, cilantro, Thai basil, peanut dipping sauce.
• Instructions:

1. Cook vermicelli noodles according to package instructions.
2. Dip rice paper in warm water to soften.
3. Place shrimp or pork, noodles, and fresh herbs on the rice paper.
4. Roll tightly, folding in the sides as you go.
5. Serve with peanut dipping sauce.

Best Street Food Spots in Saigon

1. Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market is a bustling hub where you can find a variety of street food. From pho to banh mi, this market offers a taste of Saigon’s culinary diversity. Don’t miss the chance to try banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes) and che (sweet dessert soup).

2. Bui Vien Street

Bui Vien Street is known for its vibrant nightlife and street food stalls. Here, you can enjoy grilled skewers, seafood, and banh trang nuong (Vietnamese pizza). It’s a great place to experience the local food scene and mingle with both locals and tourists.

3. Vinh Khanh Street

Vinh Khanh Street is famous for its seafood. From grilled oysters to snails cooked in various sauces, this street offers a seafood feast that will leave you craving for more. Pair your meal with a cold beer for the ultimate street food experience.

4. Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. It’s lined with food stalls offering a variety of snacks, including banh trang tron (rice paper salad) and kem xoi (sticky rice ice cream). It’s a great place to take a leisurely stroll and sample different street foods.

Conclusion

Saigon is a city that tantalizes your taste buds with its rich and diverse culinary offerings. Whether you’re slurping a bowl of pho, biting into a crispy banh mi, or savoring fresh spring rolls, each dish tells a story of the city’s culture and history. So, let your taste buds be your guide and embark on a delicious adventure through the streets of Saigon.

ENJOY THE TASTE TOUR!!!