Top 12 Must-Try Southern Vietnamese Dishes

Date: 2025.11.28

Southern Vietnamese cuisine is not only a refined harmony of fresh ingredients, but also a vibrant symphony of flavors and culture. From refreshing, mildly sweet sour soups to soft aromatic cakes, every dish reflects craftsmanship and unique creativity. The delicate sweetness of coconut milk, the gentle sourness of tamarind, and the fragrance of fresh herbs come together to create an emotionally rich culinary experience.

Each dish tells a story of tradition, customs, and the free-spirited, generous nature of Southern people — leaving anyone who tastes it even once with an unforgettable impression.

1. Hủ Tiếu – A Bowl of Fragrant, Delicately Sweet Southern Noodle Soup

A steaming hot bowl of hủ tiếu arrives with crystal-clear broth, subtly sweet from simmered pork bones, paired with silky rice noodles. Thinly sliced pork, fresh shrimp, tender squid, and sometimes pork offal come together to create a rich, multi-layered flavor experience. Each spoonful of broth gently releases its natural sweetness, enhanced by the aroma of fried shallots and fresh herbs — a taste that lingers in your memory.

Popular recommended spots:

Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang Đạt Thành: 31 Trần Hưng Đạo, An Đông Ward, District 5
(Former address: 31 Trần Hưng Đạo, Ward 5, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City)

Dì Năm Sa Đéc: 166 Bùi Thị Xuân, Bến Thành Ward, District 1
(Former address: 166 Bùi Thị Xuân, Phạm Ngũ Lão Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City)

Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang Hồng Thịnh: 39 Nguyễn Văn Đậu, Bình Lợi Ward
(Former address: 39 Nguyễn Văn Đậu, Bình Thạnh District, Ho Chi Minh City)

2. Bún Thịt Xào – Savory stir-fried pork vermicelli with crisp, naturally sweet flavors

Bún thịt xào is a harmonious blend of soft rice vermicelli paired with richly seasoned stir-fried pork, infused with the irresistible aroma of fried garlic and scallions. The pork is cooked just right to retain its natural sweetness, accompanied by slightly crisp onions and fresh herbs, creating a light yet incredibly captivating dish. Each bite delivers silky vermicelli coated in a thick, flavorful sauce, merging perfectly with the savory and mildly fatty meat — an unforgettable delight for the taste buds.

Popular recommended spots:

Bún Thịt Xào – Bún Thịt Nướng Út Thu: 629/87 Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, Võ Thị Sáu Ward, District 3
(Former address: 629/87 Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, Ward 2, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City)

Dì Yến Bến Tre: Đỗ Thị Lời, Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai Ward, District 3
(Former address: Đỗ Thị Lời, Ward 11, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City)

Mợ Út: 28 Mạc Đĩnh Chi, Đa Kao Ward, District 1
(Former address: 28 Mạc Đĩnh Chi, Đa Kao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City)

3. Bánh Xèo – The irresistibly crispy Southern Vietnamese sizzling pancake

Southern *bánh xèo* stands out with its golden, paper-thin crispy crust made from rice flour and rich coconut milk. Inside, it’s filled with fresh shrimp, juicy pork belly, and crunchy bean sprouts. When wrapped with vibrant fresh herbs and dipped into a sweet, sour, and mildly spicy fish sauce, you’ll experience the perfect harmony of flavors — rich, crispy, sweet, tangy, spicy, and savory — a true feast for the senses.

Popular recommended spots:

Quán Bánh Xèo Miền Tây 139: 5 Huỳnh Tịnh Của, Ward 5, Bình Thạnh District
(Former address: 5 Huỳnh Tịnh Của, Ward 19, Bình Thạnh, Ho Chi Minh City

Bánh Xèo Thanh Phương: 31/6 Hoàng Hoa Thám, Ward 11, Tân Bình District
(Former address: 31/6 Hoàng Hoa Thám, Ward 13, Tân Bình, Ho Chi Minh City)

Bánh Xèo Bà Hai: 49 Nguyễn Trọng Tuyển, Ward 11, Phú Nhuận District
(Former address: 49 Nguyễn Trọng Tuyển, Ward 15, Phú Nhuận, Ho Chi Minh City)

4. Gỏi Cuốn – Fresh, light, and delightfully refreshing

Gỏi cuốn is a perfect harmony of fresh shrimp, boiled pork, vermicelli, and crisp herbs — all gently wrapped in a soft, translucent rice paper. With each bite, you’ll taste the refreshing crunch of vegetables, the natural sweetness of shrimp, and the rich, nutty flavor of creamy peanut dipping sauce. It’s a light yet flavorful dish that awakens your appetite without feeling heavy.

Popular recommended spots:

Gỏi Cuốn Tôm Nhảy: 424 Lạc Long Quân, Minh Phụng Ward, District 11
(Former address: 424 Lạc Long Quân, Ward 5, District 11)

Gỏi Cuốn Lê Văn Sỹ: 359 Lê Văn Sỹ, Võ Thị Sáu Ward, District 3
(Former address: 359 Lê Văn Sỹ, Ward 12, District 3)

Gỏi Cuốn Bà Dzú: 26/26 Đỗ Quang Đẩu, Bến Thành Ward, District 1
(Former address: 26/26 Đỗ Quang Đẩu, Phạm Ngũ Lão Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City)

5. Bánh Tằm – A rustic Southern Vietnamese delight

Bánh tằm features chewy rice noodles cut into thick strands, served with rich coconut cream and fragrant scallion oil. It’s often paired with crispy roasted pork or dried shrimp, fresh herbs, and crunchy roasted peanuts — creating a beautiful balance of creamy, crispy, sweet, and savory elements. This comforting dish is perfect for cool-weather days or a leisurely afternoon snack.

Popular recommended spots:

Bánh Tằm Bì Hai Nhất: 149 Phan Huy Ích, Ward 12, Tân Bình District
(Former address: 149 Phan Huy Ích, Ward 15, Tân Bình, Ho Chi Minh City)

Bánh Tằm Bì Anh Trung: 5 Hoàng Thiệu Hoa, Phú Thạnh Ward, Tân Phú District
(Former address: 5 Hoàng Thiệu Hoa, Phú Thạnh Ward, Tân Phú, Ho Chi Minh City)

Quán Bánh Tằm Bì Đồng Tháp: 352 Nguyễn Trãi, An Dương Vương Ward, District 5
(Former address: 352 Nguyễn Trãi, Ward 7, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City)

6. Lẩu Mắm – The ultimate Southern fermented fish hotpot experience

Lẩu mắm is a signature Southern hotpot, bubbling with the bold aroma of fermented fish sauce. The rich broth is paired with fresh seafood such as fish, shrimp, and squid, alongside regional specialties like rau đắng and bông điên điển. The salty umami of the fermented broth perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the seafood — creating a uniquely harmonious and unforgettable flavor. Each bite of hot seafood and fresh greens offers both comfort and warmth.

Popular recommended spots:

Bún Mắm, Lẩu Mắm Miền Tây Cô Út: 74 Út Tịch, Ward 2, Tân Bình District
(Former address: 74 Út Tịch, Ward 4, Tân Bình, Ho Chi Minh City)

Dì Sáu Miền Tây: 25/22 Tôn Thất Tùng, Bến Thành Ward, District 1
(Former address: 25/22 Tôn Thất Tùng, Phạm Ngũ Lão Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City)

Lẩu Mắm Cô Năm: 648A Trường Sa, Ward 11, Phú Nhuận District
(Former address: 648A Trường Sa, Ward 15, Phú Nhuận, Ho Chi Minh City)

7. Bánh Khọt – Crispy mini seafood pancakes bursting with flavor

Bánh khọt are delightful bite-sized pancakes, fried to crispy perfection and topped with sweet fresh shrimp. Golden and fragrant from rice flour and hot oil, each piece offers a satisfying crunch. Paired with sweet–sour fish sauce and wrapped in fresh herbs and greens, Southern bánh khọt delivers a joyful, vibrant, and satisfying culinary experience in every bite.

Popular recommended spots:

Bánh Khọt Út Mai: Nguyễn Thái Sơn, Nguyễn Kiệm Ward, Gò Vấp District
(Former address: Nguyễn Thái Sơn, Ward 3, Gò Vấp, Ho Chi Minh City)

Bánh Khọt Cối Đá: 53/111 Lê Văn Sỹ, Võ Thị Sáu Ward, District 3
(Former address: 53/111 Lê Văn Sỹ, Ward 12, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City)

Bánh Khọt Cô Ba Vũng Tàu: 40B Trần Cao Vân, Hai Bà Trưng Ward, District 3
(Former address: 40B Trần Cao Vân, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City)

8. Bún Thịt Nướng – fresh, grilled, and packed with flavor

Bún thịt nướng features chewy fresh vermicelli topped with fragrant charcoal-grilled pork, infused with the natural sweetness of the meat and the smoky aroma of open-fire cooking. Accompanied by crisp fresh herbs, crunchy roasted peanuts, and rich sweet–sour fish sauce, this dish delivers a perfect balance between refreshing lightness and bold savory depth.

Popular recommended spots:

Bún Thịt Nướng Chị Tuyền: 175C Cô Giang, Cô Giang Ward, District 1
(Former address: 175C Cô Giang, Cô Giang Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City)

Bún Thịt Nướng Quán 339: Alley 339/7-9 Tô Hiến Thành, Đề Thám Ward, District 10
(Former address: Alley 339/7-9 Tô Hiến Thành, Ward 12, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City)

Bún Thịt Nướng Nàng Thơ: 174/4 Đặng Văn Ngữ, Ward 11, Phú Nhuận District
(Former address: 174/4 Đặng Văn Ngữ, Ward 13, Phú Nhuận, Ho Chi Minh City)

9. Bò Kho – Flavorful, aromatic Vietnamese beef stew

*Bò kho* features tender, slow-braised beef soaked in a rich, aromatic sauce infused with cinnamon, star anise, and a blend of traditional spices. Each bite carries the natural sweetness and richness of the beef, perfectly harmonized with the deeply savory stew. It’s commonly enjoyed with crispy baguette or fresh vermicelli, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.

Popular recommended spots:

Bò Kho Cô Mai: 17C Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Bến Nghé Ward, District 1
(Former address: 17C Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Bến Nghé, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City)

Bò Kho 343: Alley 343 Tô Hiến Thành, Đề Thám Ward, District 10
(Former address: Alley 343 Tô Hiến Thành, Ward 12, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City)

Bò Kho Gánh Sài Gòn: Lot H/029 Sư Vạn Hạnh, Ward 1, District 10
(Former address: Lot H/029 Sư Vạn Hạnh, Ward 2, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City)

10. Bún Cá Kiên Giang – A savory, ocean-fresh Southern fish noodle soup

Bún cá Kiên Giang is beloved for its naturally sweet and fragrant broth, simmered from fresh fish and tinted golden with turmeric and distinctive Southern spices. The fish — firm and sweet — is either fried to a golden crisp or gently steamed, paired with fresh vermicelli and an assortment of herbs such as banana blossom, shredded water spinach, and basil. The result is a refreshing harmony of oceanic savoriness and vibrant greens.

Popular recommended spots:

Bún Cá Kiên Giang: 251/5 Nguyễn Thiện Thuật, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu Ward, District 3
(Former address: 251/5 Nguyễn Thiện Thuật, Ward 1, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City)

Bún Cá Lóc Kiên Giang H & H: 53 Alley 47/52 Bùi Đình Túy, Ward 7, Bình Thạnh District
(Former address: 53 Alley 47/52 Bùi Đình Túy, Ward 14, Bình Thạnh, Ho Chi Minh City)

Bún Cá Kiên Giang – Thầy Trạng: 25 Đặng Thuỳ Trâm, Bình Lợi Trung Ward, Bình Thạnh District
(Former address: 25 Đặng Thuỳ Trâm, Ward 13, Bình Thạnh, Ho Chi Minh City)

11. Vịt Nấu Chao – Rich, fragrant, and deeply Southern in flavor

*Vịt nấu chao* is a signature Southern delicacy known for its rich, creamy broth made from *chao* — a fermented tofu with a bold, aromatic flavor. Firm duck meat is marinated and simmered with *chao*, lemongrass, chili, and coconut milk, creating a vibrant reddish-golden stew that’s visually enticing and intensely flavorful. Each spoonful offers a perfect blend of creamy richness, gentle heat from the chili, and the refreshing aroma of lemongrass — especially delightful when paired with fresh herbs and greens.

Popular Recommended Spots:

Lẩu Vịt Nấu Chao Thảo 126: 126 Đào Cam Mộc, Rạch Ông Ward, District 8
(Former address: 126 Đào Cam Mộc, Ward 4, District 8, Ho Chi Minh City)

Vịt Nấu Chao, Lòng Khìa Nước Dừa: 388 Phạm Văn Đồng, Ward 5, Bình Thạnh District
(Former address: 388 Phạm Văn Đồng, Ward 11, Bình Thạnh, Ho Chi Minh City)

Vịt Cỏ Mạnh Khoát: 123 Kênh 19/5, Sơn Kỳ Ward, Tân Phú District
(Former address: 123 Kênh 19/5, Sơn Kỳ, Tân Phú, Ho Chi Minh City)

12. Bánh Cống – Crispy, flavor-packed Southern specialty

*Bánh cống* from Sóc Trăng is a beloved rustic delicacy, known for its golden, ultra-crispy exterior filled with sweet shrimp, minced pork, and creamy mung beans. With each bite, the crunch of the batter, the natural sweetness of the shrimp, and the nutty richness of the mung beans blend into an unforgettable flavor that is uniquely Southern. Served with fresh herbs and a sweet–sour fish sauce with a mild chili kick, this dish delivers both comfort and bold regional character.

Popular recommended spots:

Bánh Cống Sa Đéc Hai Chị Em: 1bis Lý Chiêu Hoàng, Lý Chiêu Hoàng Ward, District 6
(Former address: 1bis Lý Chiêu Hoàng, Ward 10, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City)

Bánh Cống Sóc Trăng: 83 Bùi Hữu Nghĩa, An Đông Ward, District 5
(Former address: 83 Bùi Hữu Nghĩa, Ward 5, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City)

Bánh Xèo – Bánh Cống Ăn Là Hên: 39 Nguyễn Nhữ Lãm, Phú Thọ Hòa Ward, Tân Phú District
(Former address: 39 Nguyễn Nhữ Lãm, Phú Thọ Hòa, Tân Phú, Ho Chi Minh City)

🌇 Closing note: Saigon — Where every street corner holds a memory

Saigon is not only a city of dazzling lights and vibrant energy — it is a place where unforgettable flavors and emotions are preserved in every sunlit street, cozy café, and rustic Southern dish. Every destination, every bite tells a story, leaving those who visit with a longing to return.

So pack your bag, spend a day wandering through the heart of Saigon, savor its cuisine, capture beautiful moments, and feel the rhythm of the city with your whole heart. Because Saigon — no matter how fast-paced — always finds a way to stay in your memories forever. 💛