2025 Ho Chi Minh City Food Recommendations | 20 Must-Try Restaurants: A Guide to Vietnamese Cuisine, Hong Kong-Style Food, Japanese Streets, and International Dishes

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 restaurants, Japanese-style ramen and sushi shops, as well as unique spots like Pizza 4P's and Noir Dining—a must-save food guide for your trip! Introduction Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam's food paradise, blending local Vietnamese cuisine, Hong Kong-style tea houses, small Japanese eateries, and exotic dishes from all over the world.Whether you're just passing through on a short trip or living here long-term, you'll find surprises here. This article will recommend a number of must-try restaurants organized by cuisine type, along with descriptions of their specialties and recommended dishes, to help you quickly plan your food itinerary. 🍜 Vietnamese Cuisine Recommendations 1. Ngon Restaurant Highlights: The restaurant has a retro atmosphere, as if you've stepped into old-time Vietnamese streets. There's a wide variety of dishes to choose from, making it great for travelers unfamiliar with Vietnamese food. Recommended dishes: fresh spring rolls, pho, grilled meat rice paper rolls. View larger map 2. Phở Lệ (Kim Le Pho) – Michelin Bib Gourmand Specialty: A beloved old-school Phở shop among locals, known for its rich, hearty broth and generous portions of beef. Recommended dishes: Beef Phở, Beef Tendon Phở.

3. Pho 2000 Features: Gained fame for having been visited by former U.S. President Clinton, making it a must-visit spot for tourists. Recommended dishes: Beef pho, fried spring rolls.

🥟 Hong Kong (Cantonese) Cuisine Recommendations 1. San Fu Lou Highlights: Modern Chinese decor, great for group gatherings, with dishes that are refined and true to authentic Cantonese flavors. Recommended dishes: Roast meat platter, shrimp dumplings (har gow), dry-fried beef noodles. 2. Ocean Palace Highlights: An upscale Cantonese restaurant, perfect for hosting guests or family gatherings, with especially fresh seafood. Recommended dishes: Roast duck, typhoon shelter fried crab. View larger map 3. Yu Shang Lou Restaurant Highlights: 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: The pork bone broth is rich, the noodles are chewy and springy, and the saltiness and thickness of the broth can be adjusted. The restaurant doesn't have many seats but turnover is fast. Recommended dishes: Tonkotsu ramen, spicy ramen.

2. IPPUDO Ramen Specialty: A renowned ramen brand from Japan, known for its refined, rich broth and consistently delicious flavor. Recommended dishes: Shiromaru Motoaji Ramen (original white broth), Akamaru Shinaji Ramen (new-style red broth). 3. Sushi Hokkaido Sachi Specialty: Focused on fresh ingredients, with excellent-quality sashimi and sushi. Recommended dishes: Assorted sashimi platter, seared (aburi) sushi. 👉 Want to explore even more? Check out our "Japanese Street Food Map" for more hidden gem eateries.

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

2. Nikko Hotel Buffet Highlights: A five-star hotel buffet offering a wide variety of international cuisine, with rich buffet options—especially seafood and desserts. 1.65 million per person, a high-end buffet selection. Recommended dishes: Sashimi, grilled steak, dessert corner. View larger map 3. Noir. Dining (Dark Dining Restaurant) — Michelin Recommended Highlights: Dining in a completely dark environment, focusing on the sense of taste, truly one of a kind. Recommended dishes: Surprise tasting menu (no fixed menu).

Specialty: A renowned hot pot brand known for its attentive service, perfect for group dining. Vietnam also has Haidilao branches, and compared to Taiwan, prices are about 30% cheaper with much shorter waiting lines. Recommended dishes: Spicy Mala hot pot, sliced beef.

5. Tomatito Saigon (Spanish Cuisine) Features: Spanish tapas bar style, lively atmosphere, great for gatherings. Recommended dishes: Spanish seafood paella, Tapas.

🌍 Pocket List for Expats 1. Old Lai Lamb Stew (Chinese Cuisine) Highlights: A rich broth infused with the aroma of Chinese herbs, especially perfect for warming up and nourishing the body in winter. Recommended dishes: Lamb Stew, Lamb Sesame Flatbread. View larger map 2. Mì Vịt Tiềm Thiêm Huy (Vietnamese Braised Duck Noodles) Highlights: Duck leg noodles simmered with Chinese herbs, featuring a rich broth and tender, melt-in-your-mouth duck meat. Recommended dishes: Braised Duck Noodles, Braised Duck Porridge. View larger map 3. Baba's Kitchen Indian (Indian Cuisine) Highlights: One of the most popular Indian restaurants around, known for its rich spices and authentic flavors. Recommended dishes: Butter Chicken, Lamb Curry, Naan.

4. Bien Duong 1 Restaurant Highlights: Located near An Dong Market, this restaurant excels in seafood, especially its crab and shrimp dishes, which are deeply loved 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 character of cultural fusion. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a resident who has settled here for many years, you can find your own favorite spot in this city.We suggest starting your trip planning with Vietnamese cuisine, then gradually explore Hong Kong-style, Japanese street food, and international dishes — every time brings a new discovery! Explore More Vietnam Travel Spots 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: Thousand-Year Ancient Capital｜📍Ha Long Bay: World Heritage Wonder｜📍Tam Coc: Ha Long Bay on Land｜📍Sapa: Sea of Clouds and Terraced Fields 🇻🇳 Central Vietnam Travel Highlights 📍Da Nang: Seaside Resort Destination｜📍Hoi An: Ancient Lantern Town｜📍Hue: Imperial City Ruins 🇻🇳 Southern Vietnam Highlights 📍Nha Trang: Beach and Island Paradise｜📍Da Lat: Romantic French Mountain Town｜📍Ho Chi Minh City: Where Modernity Meets History｜📍Vung Tau: Coastal Resort Destination