2025 Ho Chi Minh City Food Recommendations | 20 Must-Eat Restaurants: A Guide to Vietnamese Cuisine, Hong Kong-Style, Japan Street and Exotic Cuisine

Looking for must-eat food in Ho Chi Minh City? This article rounds up 20 recommended restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City, including authentic Vietnamese dishes (pho, fresh spring rolls), popular Hong Kong-style dim sum restaurants, Japanese street-style ramen and sushi shops, as well as unique restaurants like Pizza 4P's and Noir Dining — a must-save food guide for your trip! Introduction Ho Chi Minh City is a food paradise in Vietnam, blending local Vietnamese cuisine, Hong Kong-style tea houses, small Japanese eateries, and exotic dishes from all over the world.Whether it's a short trip or a long-term stay, you'll find surprises here. This article will recommend a number of must-try restaurants organized by cuisine category, along with descriptions of their特色 highlights and recommended dishes, to help you quickly plan your food itinerary. 🍜 Recommended Vietnamese Cuisine 1. Ngon Restaurant Highlights: The restaurant has a retro atmosphere, as if stepping back into the streets of old Vietnam. It offers a wide variety of dishes, making it great for travelers who aren't familiar with Vietnamese food. Recommended dishes: fresh spring rolls, pho, grilled meat rice paper rolls. View larger map 2. Phở Lệ - Bib Gourmand Recommended Highlights: A beloved local pho institution known for its rich, flavorful broth and generous portions of beef. Recommended dishes: Beef pho, beef tendon pho.

3. Pho 2000 Features: Made famous after former U.S. President Bill Clinton once visited, it's a must-see spot for tourists. Recommended dishes: Beef pho, fried spring rolls.

🥟 Recommended Hong Kong (Cantonese) Cuisine 1. San Fu Lou Features: Modern Chinese decor, great for group gatherings, with refined dishes true to authentic Cantonese flavors. Recommended dishes: Roast meat platter, shrimp dumplings, dry-fried beef ho fun. 2. Ocean Palace Features: An upscale Cantonese restaurant perfect for hosting guests and family gatherings, with especially fresh seafood. Recommended dishes: Roast duck, typhoon shelter-style stir-fried crab. View larger map 3. Nhà Hàng Yu Shang Lou Features: Combines Cantonese cuisine with creative dishes, in an elegant setting perfect for formal gatherings. Recommended dishes: Seafood platter, Cantonese-style steamed fish.

🍣 Japanese Street Food Recommendations 1. Danbo Ramen Features: Rich pork bone broth, chewy noodles, and adjustable broth saltiness and richness. Limited seating but quick table turnover. Recommended dishes: Pork bone ramen, spicy ramen.

2. IPPUDO Ramen Specialty: A renowned ramen brand from Japan, known for its delicate broth and consistently great flavor. Recommended dishes: Shiromaru Motoaji Ramen, Akamaru Shinaji Ramen. 3. Sushi Hokkaido Sachi Specialty: Focused on fresh ingredients, offering excellent sashimi and sushi. Recommended dishes: Assorted sashimi platter, torched (seared) sushi. 👉 Want to dig deeper? Check out the "Japan Street Food Map" for even more hidden gem eateries.

🍕 More International Cuisine Recommendations 1. Pizza 4P's (Italian Cuisine) Highlights: Run by a Japanese head chef, using local cheese to make handmade pizzas with a unique texture. It's the restaurant most often recommended to newcomers to Vietnam. Recommended dishes: Four Cheese Pizza, Smoked Beef Pizza.

2. JAL Hotel Buffet Features: Five-star hotel buffet offering diverse international cuisine with abundant selections, particularly seafood and desserts. 165,000 per person—a premium buffet dining experience. Recommended dishes: Sashimi, grilled steak, dessert section. View larger map 3. Noir. Dining (Dark Restaurant) - Michelin Recommended Features: Dining in a completely dark environment that focuses on the taste experience—a truly unique concept. Recommended dishes: Surprise tasting menu.

4. Haidilao Hot Pot Features: A renowned hot pot brand known for attentive and thoughtful service, perfect for group dining. Haidilao is also available in Vietnam, where prices are 30% cheaper than in Taiwan, and wait times are significantly shorter. Recommended dishes: Numbing and spicy broth, sliced beef.

5. Tomatito Saigon (Spanish Cuisine) Features: A Spanish tapas-bar style with a lively atmosphere, perfect for gatherings. Recommended dishes: Spanish seafood paella, Tapas.

🌍 Pocket List for Long-Term Travelers 1. Lao Lai Mutton Hot Pot (Chinese Cuisine) Highlights: Rich, hearty broth with a fragrant herbal-medicine aroma, especially good for warming up in winter. Recommended dishes: Mutton hot pot, mutton sesame flatbread. View larger map 2. Mì Vịt Tiềm Thiêm Huy (Vietnamese Braised Duck Noodles) Highlights: Duck leg noodles simmered with Chinese herbs, with a rich broth and tender, melt-in-your-mouth duck meat. Recommended dishes: Braised duck noodles, braised duck congee. View larger map 3. Baba's Kitchen Indian (Indian Cuisine) Highlights: One of the most popular Indian restaurants around, with rich spices and authentic flavor. Recommended dishes: Butter chicken, mutton curry, naan.

4. Biển Dương Restaurant 1 Features: Located near An Dong Market, this restaurant specializes in seafood, particularly crab and shrimp dishes that are beloved by locals. Recommended dishes: Salt and pepper shrimp, garlic crab. View larger map Conclusion Ho Chi Minh City's cuisine is not only diverse but also embodies the characteristics of cultural fusion. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a long-time resident, you can find your own favorite restaurant in this city.It's recommended that when planning your itinerary, you start with Vietnamese cuisine and gradually explore Hong Kong-style food, Japanese street food, and other international cuisines — every time brings a new discovery! Explore more Vietnam travel attractions Vietnam boasts rich natural landscapes and cultural heritage. Whether you want to explore the magnificent mountains and rivers of North Vietnam, the historic ancient towns of Central Vietnam, or the leisurely coastlines of South Vietnam, you'll find the travel experience that suits you best! 🇻🇳 North Vietnam Travel Guide 📍Hanoi: Ancient capital of a thousand years｜📍Halong Bay: World heritage scenic wonder｜📍Langur Bay: Halong Bay on land｜📍Sapa: Sea of clouds and terraced fields 🇻🇳 Central Vietnam Tourism Selection 📍Danang: Beachside holiday destination｜📍Hoi An: Ancient lantern city｜📍Hue: Imperial citadel ruins 🇻🇳 Featured Attractions of South Vietnam 📍Nha Trang: Beach and island paradise｜📍Dalat: French romantic mountain city｜📍Ho Chi Minh City: Modern and historical fusion｜📍Vung Tau: Beachside holiday destination