Cuisine – Saigon Adventure

A Journey Through Time: Why Cheo Leo Cafe is the Soul of Your Premium Saigon Experience

Sai Gon Adventure — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 12:24:39 +0000

A Journey Through Time: Why Cheo Leo Café is the Soul of Your Premium Saigon Experience

When seeking a premium experience in Ho Chi Minh City, travelers often look toward the shimmering skyline of District 1. However, the true luxury of Saigon lies in its secrets—the stories preserved in amber within its hidden alleys.

At the heart of our Ho Chi Minh Hidden Alleys & History: Private Motorbike Tour is a stop that defines the city’s heritage: Cheo Leo Café.

The Oldest Living Legend: Since 1938

Established in 1938, Cheo Leo is more than just a coffee shop; it is a living museum of Saigonese culture. While the city outside has transformed into a bustling metropolis, Cheo Leo remains a sanctuary of nostalgia. For the discerning traveler, this isn’t just a caffeine fix—it’s an exclusive invitation to witness a fading art form.

Witnessing the pulse of Saigon: A morning at Cheo Leo Cafe, where history and local life collide in every cup of “Vợt” coffee.

The Craft: The Art of the “Vợt” Coffee

In an era of espresso machines, Cheo Leo honors the traditional “Vợt” (cloth net filter) method. The coffee is brewed in century-old clay pots, ensuring a temperature and texture that cannot be replicated by modern technology.

As part of our curated travel experiences, we ensure you don’t just drink the coffee—you understand the craft. Watch as the owners meticulously filter the beans to create the perfect Bạc Xỉu (white coffee), a creamy, aromatic delight that has been a local favorite for over 80 years.

Stepping back in time: Experience the soul of Saigon at Cheo Leo Cafe, a hidden gem preserved since 1938.

Why Visit Cheo Leo on a Private Tour?

Navigating the labyrinthine alleys of District 3 to find this hidden gem can be daunting for the solo traveler. By choosing a private motorbike tour, you elevate your visit from a simple outing to a professional, seamless experience:

Expert Storytelling: Our professional, English-speaking guides provide deep historical context that you won’t find in guidebooks.
Safety & Comfort: Skip the stress of traffic. Sit back on a vintage-style ride as we navigate the city’s dynamic streets safely.
Personalized Itinerary: Because this is a 100% private tour, you can linger longer at Cheo Leo, soaking in the jazz music and the scent of roasting beans without feeling rushed.

Beyond the Coffee: A Gateway to History

Cheo Leo is just one chapter in the story we tell. Our tour bridges the gap between the aromatic quiet of the cafes and the pivotal historical landmarks of the 20th century. From the Secret Underground Bunkers to the Thich Quang Duc Monument, we offer a narrative-driven journey through the authentic heart of Ho Chi Minh City.

Stepping back in time: Experience the soul of Saigon at Cheo Leo Cafe, a hidden gem preserved since 1938.

Plan Your Exclusive Saigon Adventure

If you are looking for an authentic Ho Chi Minh City experience that balances comfort with raw local culture, look no further. Our “Hidden Alleys & History” tour is designed for those who value depth, privacy, and the stories that make a city unique.

Ready to step off the beaten path? Book your Private Motorbike Tour and visit Cheo Leo Café today.

Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide 2026: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Saigon

Sai Gon Adventure — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 17:29:37 +0000

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Saigon. Ho Chi Minh City. Call it what you will, but one thing is undeniable: this is Vietnam’s buzzing heart, an exhilarating metropolis that demands to be explored with an adventurous spirit. From the constant symphony of motorbike horns to the intoxicating aroma of Saigon street food on every corner, it’s an adventure for all five senses.

At Saigon Adventure, we want you to dive in headfirst. This comprehensive guide is packed with local insights and practical tips to ensure your trip to Ho Chi Minh City is smooth, exciting, and unforgettable.

1. Logistics: Visas, Currency, and When to Go

The Best Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City

Saigon has a tropical climate with two main seasons:

Dry Season (December to April): Hot, sunny, and the most popular time for travelers. December and January are slightly cooler, making them ideal for sightseeing.
Rainy Season (May to November): Expect heavy, brief downpours, usually in the mid-afternoon. These storms rarely last long and often provide a welcome cool-down. Don’t let the “rainy” label deter you—it’s a great time to find flight and hotel deals!

Vietnam Visa Essentials

Always check the latest requirements from a government source.
E-Visa: The easiest option for many nationalities. Apply online via the official government portal before you travel.
Visa Exemptions: Many countries qualify for short-stay (e.g., 15-45 days) visa-free entry. Confirm your status before booking!

Handling the Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Currency: Get used to big numbers! 100,000 VND is a common note.
Quick Tip: To estimate US Dollar cost, drop three zeros and divide the remaining number by 24 (e.g., 240,000 VND is roughly $10 USD).
Payment: Cash is essential for street food, markets, and local cafes. Larger establishments accept credit cards.
ATMs: Widely available, but most charge a transaction fee. Withdraw larger amounts to save on bank fees.

2. Navigating the Chaos: Transport Tips for Adventurers

From SGN Airport to City Center (District 1)

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is only about 6km away.

Reputable Taxis: Use only Mai Linh (green) or Vinasun (white/green/red). Always insist the meter is running. Avoid random touts.
Ride-Hailing Apps: Grab is the king. Download the app to book fixed-price cars or motorbikes. It is reliable, cheap, and eliminates language barriers.

Getting Around Ho Chi Minh City

Grab Motorbike: The fastest, cheapest, and most authentic way to move around. It’s a core part of the Saigon adventure!
Walking: District 1 is walkable, but save your strolls for the cooler mornings and evenings.
The Saigon Crosswalk Rule: Walk slowly and predictably. The traffic flows around you. Do not suddenly stop, step back, or run. Maintain your pace and the motorbikes will adjust. It feels like a leap of faith, but trust the flow!

3. The Culinary Adventure: Must-Try Saigon Street Food

The real heart of Ho Chi Minh City lies in its culinary scene. Forget the fancy restaurants—the best food is found on a tiny plastic stool in an alleyway.

Dish Name	Description	Adventure Location Tip
Phở	Vietnam’s famous noodle soup. In the South, it’s often sweeter with a greater variety of herbs.	Try a bowl for breakfast at a stall in a District 3 side street.
Bánh Mì	The iconic Vietnamese sandwich, often filled with pâté, cold cuts, fresh herbs, and pickled vegetables.	Any street corner cart is a good start, but look for one with a long local line.
Cơm Tấm	Broken Rice. A signature Southern dish topped with grilled pork chop (sườn), a steamed egg cake (chả), and served with fish sauce.	Perfect for lunch or dinner. Look for places with a smoky grill out front.
Bún Thịt Nướng	Vermicelli noodles with grilled pork, fresh herbs, crispy spring rolls, peanuts, and a sweet fish sauce dressing.	Found throughout the city, often hidden down a small hẻm (alley).
Cà Phê Sữa Đá	Iced coffee with condensed milk. Strong, rich, and essential for starting your day.	Order one at a sidewalk cafe (cà phê bệt) near the Notre Dame Cathedral.

Check our Best Street Food Tour By Motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City

4. Top Attractions & Day Trip Adventures

Essential Saigon Landmarks (District 1 Focus)

War Remnants Museum: A sobering but essential visit. Offers a powerful, localized perspective on the Vietnam War (American War). Go early to avoid crowds.
Reunification Palace (Independence Palace): The historical site where the war officially ended in 1975. The 1960s architecture is a fascinating time capsule.
Central Post Office & Notre Dame Cathedral: Beautiful French colonial architecture side-by-side. The post office is fully operational and worth a look inside.
Bitexco Financial Tower (Saigon Skydeck): Pay to go up for the best panoramic view of the sprawling city. The view at sunset is unbeatable.

The Top Two Saigon Day Trip Adventures

For the true “Saigon Adventure” experience, you need to leave the city center.

The Cu Chi Tunnels: An incredible network of underground passages used by the Viet Cong during the war. You can crawl through sections (if you dare!) and learn about the incredible ingenuity and resilience of the soldiers.
- Adventure Tip: Book a small-group tour for a more insightful and less hurried experience.
The Mekong Delta Day Trip: Escape the urban jungle for the “rice bowl” of Vietnam. You’ll cruise down the maze-like network of rivers, visit fruit orchards, see a coconut candy workshop, and experience life on the water.
- Adventure Tip: Look for tours that take you beyond the main tourist stops and include a small sampan boat ride down a narrow canal. You can also choose option Mekong Delta Tour by Luxury Speed Boat.
- If you’re looking to explore the beauty of Vietnam while keeping an eye on your travel fund, our Classic Mekong Delta Tour is a fantastic choice. With prices ranging from $21 to $26.

5. Staying Safe: Local Tips & Advice

Petty Theft: Be vigilant in crowded areas like Ben Thanh Market or Bui Vien. Keep your phone and camera secure. Carry bags across your body and keep them facing forward.
Haggling: In local markets (like Ben Thanh), haggling is expected. Start at 50% of the initial price and work your way up to a fair middle ground. Note: Prices in cafes and established restaurants are fixed.
Water: Only drink bottled water. Ice is generally safe as it’s machine-made with filtered water.
Travel Insurance: A must-have. Don’t leave home without comprehensive travel insurance that covers emergency health issues and accidents (especially if you plan to ride a motorbike!).

Read more about Safe Travel Tip in Ho Chi Minh City

6. Hidden Gems & Local Culture: Beyond District 1

To truly experience the Saigon adventure, you need to step away from the major landmarks. The city’s soul lives in its bustling residential neighborhoods and charming hidden corners.

The Alleyway Life (Hẻms)

The narrow alleys known as hẻms are the DNA of Ho Chi Minh City. Venture off the main street (take a Grab into District 4 or Bình Thạnh) and you’ll discover:

Tiny, family-run food stalls serving just one dish perfectly.
Neighborhood shrines and temples tucked between houses.
The genuine, community atmosphere of local life.

Saigon’s Unique Cultural Spots

The Pink Church (Tan Dinh Church): (District 3). An unmissable, stunningly beautiful cotton-candy pink Catholic church built during the French colonial era. It’s an Instagram favorite and a genuine spiritual landmark.
- Adventure Tip: It looks best on a bright, sunny morning!
Chợ Lớn (Saigon Chinatown): (District 5). Explore the largest Chinatown in the world, a maze of markets and ancient pagodas. Visit the beautiful Thien Hau Pagoda (Temple of the Sea Goddess) for a truly atmospheric experience filled with spiraling incense coils.
The Café Apartments (42 Nguyễn Huệ): This old, nine-story apartment block is an architectural marvel where each window houses a boutique café, fashion store, or co-working space. It’s a perfect symbol of Saigon’s blend of old structures and new creativity.

Check our Saigon Unseen Tour By Motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City

7. The Saigon Coffee Culture: More Than Just a Drink

Ho Chi Minh City’s coffee culture is legendary. It’s not just about the caffeine; it’s a social ritual, a meeting spot, and a way of life inherited from French colonialism and perfected by Vietnamese ingenuity.

Drink to Try	Description	Cultural Context
Cà Phê Sữa Đá	Iced, dark-roasted Vietnamese coffee sweetened with condensed milk. The essential Saigon beverage.	Best enjoyed on a small plastic stool (Cà Phê Bệt) in a park or on a sidewalk, watching the world go by.
Cà Phê Trứng	Egg Coffee. A rich, creamy, whipped egg yolk topping sits atop dark Vietnamese coffee. A northern import, but widely available and delicious in Saigon.	A decadent dessert-coffee often found in older, atmospheric cafe locations.
Cà Phê Vợt	“Racket” or “Sock” Coffee. A truly old-school method where coffee grounds are brewed in a large cloth filter.	Look for this rare, traditional method in old-school stalls, often in Districts 5 or 10.

Top Coffee Spot Styles to Explore:

Modern Third-Wave Cafés: Focused on specialty beans and pour-overs, great for remote work (e.g., The Workshop Coffee).
Vintage Apartment Cafés: Hidden gems inside old buildings, offering a peaceful, creative escape from the street noise.

8. Saigon After Dark: Nightlife & Rooftop Views

When the sun sets, Ho Chi Minh City nightlife explodes. From cheap local beer corners to world-class rooftop bars, the city truly refuses to sleep.

The City’s Nightlife Hubs

Bùi Viện Walking Street (The Backpacker Street): Loud, chaotic, and vibrant. A must-see for a night of cheap drinks, street performances, and global backpacker energy.
- Adventure Tip: Be extremely vigilant with your belongings here and stick to fixed-price bars/restaurants to avoid scams.
Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street: A sophisticated, family-friendly evening spot. Locals gather here for socializing, street food, and dancing. The nearby colonial buildings (City Hall, Opera House) are beautifully lit up.

Chasing the Skyline: Saigon Rooftop Bars

For an elevated adventure, treat yourself to a drink with a view.

Chill Skybar: The classic, high-end rooftop experience atop the AB Tower. Expect a strict dress code and high prices, but the panoramic view is worth it.
Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar: (Caravelle Hotel). Historically significant, this bar was a meeting spot for war correspondents. It offers incredible, lower-level views of the Opera House and the heart of D1.
The View Rooftop Bar: (Duc Vuong Hotel). A fantastic budget-friendly option located in the backpacker area, offering great views without the luxury price tag.

Alternative Evening Adventure: Saigon River Cruise

For a more romantic or relaxing night, book a Saigon River dinner cruise. It offers a beautiful perspective of the city’s glittering skyline as you enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dinner.

Check our Saigon River Dinner Cruise

8 Most Delightful Popular Vietnamese Desserts

SGW Technical — Tue, 07 May 2024 11:44:15 +0000

‘CHE DAU XANH’ – VIETNAMESE SWEET MUNG BEAN SOUP Sweet mung bean soup is made from the main ingredient, mung bean. For more taste and creamy, people like to add coconut milk which contributes to flavor the aromatic of this dish. ‘Chè đậu xanh’ become one of the common foods for hot summer days. It can be served both warm or chilled, but people usually prefer to enjoy it chilled. When cooking this dessert, people can add other ingredients as vera aloe (lô hội), sago pearl, ginger, lotus seed or peanut to make different kinds and experience different tastes and textures. ‘CHE DAU TRANG’ – VIETNAMESE BLACK EYED PEAS RICE PUDDING Che dau trang is a typical Vietnamese pudding with a creamy and slightly sweet taste and the coconut milk topping. This pudding is made out of sweet sticky rice, black eyed peas and added coconut milk to create an appealing combination for a great summertime. In Vietnamese culture, it is tradition to serve ‘che dau trang’ on one month birthday of a baby, since this sweet soup is considered as the dish bringing good lucks for the beginning of something. ‘CHE BA MAU’ – VIETNAMESE THREE COLOR BEAN DESSERT The color of this dessert is made up of red kidney beans, yellow mung beans and green jelly strips. Moreover, it’s added crushed ice and coconut milk, which combines with the vibrant color may bring you back to summertime you never forget. ‘CHE THAI’ – VIETNAMESE FRUIT COCKTAIL DESSERT Che Thai is a Vietnamese people dessert adapt from Thailand, but the feature differentiating Vietnamese version from that of Thailand are that in Vietnam it’s less sweet and often contain durian. Che Thai in Vietnam is a perfect combination of some different kinds of troppical canned fruits including jackfruit, lychee, longon. Moreover, whipping cream or coconut milk is added to get a creamy and tasty dessert. There are various jellies in this dessert, which makes it become more tasty with many people. ‘CHÈ BÀ BA’ – SWEET POTATO, TARO AND CASSAVA DESSERT “Chè bà ba” is a typical Southern Vietnamese dessert, which contains a variety of ingredients. The ingredients to prepare this sweet dessert are square pieces of taro, cassava and long sweet potato – a kind of long sweet potato with red skin and yellow flesh well cooked in coconut milk and decorated with translucent tapioca pearls. Its creamy flavor and lingering sweetness make “chè bà ba” a wonderful snack for many people who have interest in Vietnamese sweet soups. Moreover, to make this dish more flavorful, they usually add roasted sesame or minced peanuts before enjoying it. ‘Chè bà ba’ is typically eaten warm, but can also be eaten cold. ‘CHÈ BẮP’ – VIETNAMESE CORN SWEET PUDDING Along with many delighting desserts, ‘chè bắp’ is the famous one in Vietnamese cuisine. This is a typical Vietnamese pudding, or dessert soup, made with main ingredients including sweet corn, glutinous rice, and is often topped with thick, syrupy coconut milk and toasted sesame seeds. A combination between natural sweetness of corn and the creamy coconut milk in a chewy texture of glutinous rice will awake your smell and taste. It can be served warm or cool depending on the season and your order. CHE CHUOI – VIETNAMESE BANANA SWEET SOUP Che chuoi – banana with tapioca pearls and coconut milk sweet soup is one of the best traditional sweet soup in Vietnam. This is also an famous pudding dessert to many foreigner as it’s is sweet sweet and starchy. It’s could be served warm or chilled, depending on customers’ choice. Although the ‘che chuoi’ with tapioca pearls and coconut milk is the most common kind of this dish, there are different kinds of ‘che chuoi’, including: – Che chuoi nuong – Grilled banana with with tapioca pearls and coconut milk sweet soup. – Che chuoi khoai – Banana with sweet-potatoes, tapioca pearls and coconut milk sweet soup. There is a note for everyone who want to cook this Vietnamese dessert: Make sure the bananas are ripe before making this chè otherwise it will have a bitter and sour taste. ‘CHE TROI NUOC’ – STICKY RICE SWEET DUMPLINGS This is one of the most favourite desserts of Vietnamese people, especially those from the South. It is made of glutinous rice filled with mung bean paste bathed in a sweet clear or brown liquid made of water, sugar, and grated ginger root. This dish is warmly heated before eating and garnished with sesame seeds and coconut milk. Sticky rice sweet dumplings are often served during Lunar New Year on February.

Best Banh Mi in Saigon – 3 Places You Must Try!

SGW Technical — Tue, 07 May 2024 11:43:19 +0000

The rest of the world didn’t learn about this spectacular sandwich until after the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. As many southern Vietnamese emigrated to the United States, Europe and Australia, they brought recipes, including one for their iconic sandwich. As a result, if you’re eating a banh mi outside of Vietnam, you’re probably enjoying a southern-style snack: the baguettes are generally bigger and they’re crammed with more veggies and herbs, such as cilantro, carrots and hot peppers. When I tried a banh mi in Ho Chi Minh City a few years earlier, I’d found the bread stale and the ingredients skimpy; inside was a paltry mix of a few slices of ham, a smear of pate and flaccid cilantro and carrots. I gave up after one sandwich. I’d had far better banh mi in New York City; even Minneapolis! Was I crazy? Could the banh mi outside of Vietnam actually be better? Now back in Vietnam, I was determined to find out the truth. Would my faith in the banh mi in its homeland be restored? Is the banh mi the best sandwich in the world?

10 REASONS why you should eat “Banh Mi” in Vietnam

1. It’s the most popular street food in Viet Nam. 2. Every person from children to adult used to eat the thing that we called “Banh Mi”. 3. The bread not only gives us feeling tasty but also provides full of nutritive for each one. 4. It made from many tasty ingredients such as meats (mainly as a pork meat), vegetables, mayonnaise, sour pickled (depending on place of sale), shaomai (from Chinese dumpling , we called ”xíu mai” its so good) , paté (“Banh Mi” must have pate, without this thing, no longer to be “Banh Mi” just bread). 5. When you find street food in Vietnam, “Banh Mi” is the first choice. I make sure you won’t be regret! 6. From place to place, to every corner of street, from the small alley to the major road. You can easily find its. 7. Every place has their own recipes and taste. 8. Just try to take one bite you will feel flavors mixed with each other from all around the world created “Banh Mi Vietnam” (so Yummy, isn’t it? ) 9. Very Very Cheap price, it costs you only about 75 cents. 10. 4E (Easy to use, easy to eat, easy to buy and easy to find).

Our recommendations:

1. Banh Mi Huynh Hoa (26 Le Thi Rieng, district1). Opens from 3PM-Midnight 2. Banh Mi 37 Nguyen Trai (37 Nguyen Trai, district 1). Opens from 5PM-7PM 3. Banh Mi Hoa Ma (53 Cao Thang, district 3). Opens from 7AM-10AM

5 SPECTACULAR ROOFTOP BARS IN HO CHI MINH CITY

SGW Technical — Tue, 07 May 2024 11:42:01 +0000

Whenever I travel to a new city, the first thing I want to do is find a good vantage point; somewhere high up, with commanding views, where I can get a visual grip on my new surroundings. Here’s our Top 5 Favorite Rooftop Rooftop Bars in Ho Chi Minh (Saigon).

Chill Skybar

Without doubt the coolest bar in town, Chill Skybar is incredibly popular with Saigon’s bright young things. The steakhouse here is legendary and the decor is just exquisite. Open air, superbly lit and with fantastic views, it is hard to imagine a better bar. Early evenings the music system treats your ears to gentle chill out sounds, but later on live DJs play hip-hop, EDM and house music.

Address: 26th Floor Rooftop, AB Tower, 76A Le Lai, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening Hours: Sun – Thu: 5:30 PM – 2:00 AM / Fri – Sat: 5:30 PM – 4:00 AM

Air 360 Sky Bar

Facing its older sibling, AB Tower’s Chill Skybar, Air 360 Sky Bar is the newest addition to the Capella Entertainment family. The venue has a more adult vibe about it and a more laid back atmosphere, making it an ideal after hours hangout for white collar professionals. The view is outstanding and more panoramic than Chill’s, and the drinks are inventive and enjoyable. The multi-level setup ensures that you won’t easily get bored as you navigate from the sky deck to the bar area to the stylish lounge. A pool level is available for private parties.

Address: Rooftop 22nd – 23rd , Ben Thanh Tower, 136-138 Le Thi Hong Gam, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 5:30 PM – 2 AM

Liquid Sky Bar

Atop Riverside Renaissance Saigon Hotel is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most unique rooftop views. Liquid Sky Bar sports two levels that include a glass-encased bar and a large central pool. Excellent bartenders whip up some smooth cocktails and the tasty dinner options fit the drinks well. However, the prize element here is a panoramic view of the riverfront side of District 1, a stretch of Saigon River and a magnificent view of the quickly developing area of District 2. The newest bar on the list, this is also one of the best.

Address: 8-15 Ton Duc Thang District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening Hours: 24/7

Breeze Sky Bar

Offering unparallelled views of the Saigon River, The rooftop bar of the fantastic colonial Hotel Majestic is a superb place to relax and watch Saigon’s river life. It was in this hotel that Graham Greene wrote “The Quiet American” and you can almost feel his presence as you sip an evening gin and tonic whilst watching the sun bid farewell to another Saigon day. This is old fashioned style and luxury and it really does take some beating.

Address: 5th Floor, Hotel Majestic, 1 Dong Khoi Street, Ben Nghe Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening Hours: 24/7

Shri

Perched high above the Saigon traffic and chaos, Shri sits on top of the modern Centec Tower on one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares. The location is just outside the very middle of the city, so therefore the views are spectacular. It is worth booking an outside table if the weather suits, you won’t be sorry. It sits slightly towards the higher end of price range as one would of course expect.

Address: 23rd Floor, Centec Tower, 72-74 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening Hours: 24/7

Most Delicious Eats In Ho Chi Minh

SGW Technical — Tue, 07 May 2024 11:34:38 +0000

Bánh Mì

kiboka via Shutterstock

Vietnam’s unique take on a sandwich. It is a delicious sandwich made with a crusty baguette sliced in half that is stuffed with a cornucopia of fresh ingredients and sauces like luncheon meat, pork, mayonnaise, carrot pickles, Vietnamese radish, cilantro, and cucumber among others. When walking the streets of Vietnam, you’re bound to run into a dozen peddlers selling this sandwich. It’s interesting to try them from different places because different establishments often have different spins on this amazing snack.

Pho

Artit Wongpradu via Shutterstock

The Pho is Vietnam’s own twist to the classic noodle soup. This dish is a combination of broth and rice noodles prepared with either chicken or beef. The noodles are flash boiled until they become soft and are topped with your chosen meat sprinkled with green and sweet onions. You can also customize your soup by using fresh herbs such as mint and sawtooth and chili sauce in your table.

Goi Cuon

Kankitti Chupayoong via Shutterstock

The Goi Cuon is a popular Vietnamese spring roll. The rolls are made of pork, basil, shrimp, and lettuce, which are all wrapped in translucent rice paper. The flavor of this meal is so subtle that you’ll have to dip it in a hoisin-based sauce mixed with crushed chili and peanuts to enhance its flavor.

Bun Mam

Moon Le via Shutterstock

The dish is a noodle soup that uses fermented fish broth as the base. The meat used is seafood and pork belly, while the soup itself tastes a bit sweet. It is filled with meat, fish, and thick rice noodles to balance out the flavors. Ready for your Vietnam food trip? You might want to sign up for a Street Food Tour, too, so you can try a lot of Vietnamese food when you are here!

The Oldest Hủ Tiếu Bò Viên in Town

SGW Technical — Tue, 07 May 2024 11:32:56 +0000

With only three dishes on the menu, this hủ tiếu spot has been running for more than five decades. Even though it doesn’t have any grand name or eye-catching design, the consistency in the is the central appeal to its longstanding reputation. Whether it is a rainy day or an extremely humid day at Saigon, Hủ Tiếu Bò Viên 153 is often packed with customers. The unchanging taste of the noodles seems to be the best selling point of the store. Thus, prior to our arrival, I was anxious whether we would have a table to enjoy our Friday after-work meal. Luckily, we were the only ones there at the time, a surprising scene for this usually crowded place. It had been three years since my last visit, and it still looks the same as how I remember it even from ten years ago — the same chairs and tables, with a hidden aquarium along the back wall. Indeed, time seems to have stopped here. When I was a child, my grandma would always take me here and order a portion of meatballs for my evening meal: it is my grandmother’s favorite restaurant. Despite her reputation for being a stingy grandma, in the early 2000s she was willing to spend VND30,000 for a bowl of noodle soup with only three meatballs. Over the nearly 20 years that I’ve been coming back, the chef still offers only three meatballs, no more, no less. This consistency is a theme for Hủ Tiếu Bò Viên 153, even while many restaurants continuously change their menu to keep diners interested. The longstanding three dishes are noodle soup with meatballs (hủ tiếu bò viên), noodle soup with assorted meats (hủ tiếu thập cẩm), and noodle soup with beef flank (hủ tiếu tái nạm). The three dishes use the same soup base; thus, the only difference between them is their toppings. Some might say that the menu is boring; however, the meatball is a crucial ingredient for its success. Since the meatball is the signature food of this place, the most popular dish here is the hủ tiếu bò viên. Unlike most bò viên elsewhere, these are chewy and juicy, with the signature taste of Chinese spices and herbs. Moreover, the flavor is not too strong: the cook seasons the bò viên with the right amount of spices so that you still taste the savory flavor of the beef, along with the pungent soup base. With more than 50 years of building loyal customers, the store has already established a strong reputation for its quality. In fact, they have even expanded their business by distributing bò viên to other vendors. See more about Saigon Street Food : https://www.facebook.com/123cheers/videos/3884132234998218/

HUGE Vietnamese Street Food Journey

SGW Technical — Tue, 07 May 2024 11:29:57 +0000

In this street food adventure video, we are taking you on a street food tour/ street food adventure through some of Hanoi’s busiest street food markets, street food alleyways, and food street’s. We try a lot of cheap, delicious, and local street food that you will definitely want to fly here for. Link for video : https://www.facebook.com/123cheers/videos/213221866978838/ In this video, we ate a bunch of different Vietnamese street foods. These are the addresses for the street foods: 1)Hanoi Bun Oc (Escargot Snail Noodle Soup) – 36 luong ngoc quyen, Hanoi, Vietnam 2) Street Bun Dao Fried Tofu, Spring Rolls, dipped into a fermented shrimp paste – 25 ta hien str hanoi 3) Bahn Cuon steamed rice noodle rolls – 41 hang buom 4) Fried Shrimp Cake Ngo Dong Xuan, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi 5) Quan Oc Steamed Escargot Snails in Lemongrass on the street side! 1a dina liet, Old quarter, Hanoi 6) Pho Cuon Vietnamese Street Food Spring Rolls stuffed with beef marinated in lemongrass and tons of Vietnamese herbs 33 ngu xa, Hanoi, Vietnam 7) Pho Tron – The most delicious dry noodles on the street side in Hanoi 45 hang chieu, Old Quarter, Hanoi, Vietnam And for those who want to try the best Street food in Saigon ( Ho Chi Minh City) , you can check this : https://www.facebook.com/123cheers/videos/3884132234998218/

Eating like a local in Ho Chi Minh City

SGW Technical — Tue, 07 May 2024 11:28:37 +0000

If you only have one day in Ho Chi Minh City, spend the day eating. Vietnam’s most dynamic city is filled to the brim with good food. People from all over Vietnam come to Ho Chi Minh City to work, bringing with them recipes from their hometowns that over time make up the metropolis’ exciting culinary scene. Here’s our insider guide to three dishes you don’t want to miss.

Broken rice equals a wholesome breakfast

Ask anyone in Ho Chi Minh City and they will tell you the go-to breakfast here is cơm tấm (broken rice). Cơm tấm is one of the few dishes that originated in Ho Chi Minh City. In the old days, these special broken rice grains were not fit for sale, so farmers would save and eat them. In fact, the tấm rice grains are so symbolic of humble beauty and grace that in the Vietnamese version of Cinderella, she was named Tấm whereas the evil stepsister was called Cám, after a different kind of rice byproduct. Cơm tấm has all the right stuff to kickstart your day: honey-glazed barbecued pork chops, sunny-side-up eggs, spring onions, and pickled papaya on a bed of rice. Of course, these days you can have cơm tấm for any meal. Everyone in Ho Chi Minh City has his or her favourite cơm tấm spot, but don’t be afraid to try out the one closest to you. It will likely be just as good. Pour a generous amount of sweet fish sauce on top of everything on your plate, and dig in. TRY IT: Cơm tấm Ba Ghiền, 84 Đặng Văn Ngữ Str., Phú Nhuận District, HCMC

Snails, skewers, and seafood

The area of District 4 is known for its many sidewalk BBQ seafood and snail joints. The small street of Vĩnh Khánh (District 4, Ho Chi Minh City) comes to life just after dark. Around 6pm, it transforms into a bustling neighbourhood, filled with diners gathering for a beer over some snails and seafood skewers, weekdays and weekends alike. For foodies who want to immerse in the lively atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City, head to the restaurants along Nhiêu Lộc – Thị Nghè Canal (bờ kè area), a branch of the Saigon River that runs through the city. While snails may sound foreign to some, they are one of the city’s most famous specialties. Snail restaurants lay out fresh catches of the day in baskets or trays for you to choose from. They can go up to twenty different kinds. From stir-fried with butter and garlic, grilled with sea salt and chilli, to stewed in coconut milk, each way of cooking snails pairs perfectly with each type of snail. Sweet snails, cockles, and razor clams are some local favourites. Overwhelmed by these selections? Simply ask what the other diners are eating and they will be happy to help you. TRY IT: Ốc Vũ, 37 Vĩnh Khánh Str., District 4, HCMC

The many faces of hủ tiếu

Because of its culturally diverse population, countless versions of a single dish are a common theme in the local food scene. Few dishes are as representative of this city as hủ tiếu. It has multiple origins (Chinese, Cambodian, and Vietnamese), and has seen many changes and adaptations, yet it’s embraced by Vietnamese everywhere. You can easily find a hearty bowl of hủ tiếu Nam Vang (Phnom Penh rice noodles) with thin strings of rice noodles submerged in boiling hot bone broth, topped with shrimp, pork, quail eggs, and fried garlic on small carts all over the city. An alternative you don’t want to miss is hủ tiếu Sa Đéc, originated from the former Sa Đéc province in the Mekong Delta. This flavourful noodle dish comes with a special sweet sauce, a taste signature to the Delta region. As you bite into the rice noodle strings, you will notice the difference in their chewy texture. A plate of mung bean sprout and lettuce adds a cheerful crunch to every bite. TRY IT: Hủ tiếu Ba Hoàng, 56 Võ Văn Tần Str., District 3, HCMC

A bánh mì like no other

You can find bánh mì anywhere in Vietnam, but each region puts its own twist on the classic sandwich. In Ho Chi Minh City, a typical bánh mì comes with char siu pork, homemade paté, soft butter, pickled papaya, and hot chili peppers. Some cooks make their own special sauce that magically ties everything together. Bánh mì Huỳnh Hoa is a firm favourite among locals. Known for their generous fillings and spectacular flavours, the small shop always has a line of dedicated diners waiting in front, no matter what time of day. Each one sets you back 42,000 VNĐ, and is almost twice as big as your average bánh mì. But size is not the only thing that sets Huỳnh Hoa apart. Every wonderful bite contains equal measures of all the fantastic tastes and textures. In the words of the Huỳnh Hoa’s owner: “This is no ordinary bánh mì!” TRY IT: Bánh mì Huỳnh Hoa, 26 Lê Thị Riêng Str., District 1, HCMC

Summertime spring rolls

For Vietnamese who grew up in Ho Chi Minh City, gỏi cuốn (fresh spring rolls) are the food of childhood. Many of us would have these spring rolls on the sidewalks as an after-school snack. You can easily get a taste of this wrap at street food vendors around the city. Pull up a plastic stool, order a plate of gỏi cuốn, and see for yourself what makes this simple dish so special. Freshness is at the heart of gỏi cuốn. Green lettuce and herbs are wrapped around rice noodles, steamed pork, and a single prawn. The simplicity highlights each ingredient’s pure flavours. However, the difference between a great gỏi cuốn and a mediocre one lies in its dipping sauce. The thick fermented sauce can be an acquired taste, but give it a try and you will see where gỏi cuốn gets its boldness. After hours of exploring the city, some gỏi cuốn and iced tea is perfect for a break. Not to mention, these beautiful rolls will definitely spice up your Instagram feed. TRY IT: Gỏi cuốn Minh, 84/33 Bùi Viện Str., District 1, HCMC To join our food tour in Saigon , please visit : https://saigonadventure.com/street-food-tour

Most Delicious Eats In Ho Chi Minh

SGW Technical — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 03:23:05 +0000

One of the best reasons to visit Vietnam is its vast selection of delicious bites. Yes, the country is brimming with mouthwatering delights that don’t just taste unique but are healthful, too! And a lot of them can be found in the cosmopolitan city of Ho Chi Minh.

BÁNH MÌ

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PHO

Artit Wongpradu via Shutterstock

GOI CUON

Kankitti Chupayoong via Shutterstock

BUN MAM

Moon Le via Shutterstock

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Most Delicious Eats In Ho Chi Minh

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Most Delicious Eats In Ho Chi Minh

BÁNH MÌ

PHO

GOI CUON

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