Ho Chi Minh City, colloquially known as Saigon, is a sensory overload in the best possible way. The roar of motorbikes, the aromatic steam rising from street-side woks, and the clinking of iced coffee glasses create an irresistible symphony. For any traveler planning an itinerary, discovering the must try restaurants in ho chi minh is the key to unlocking the city's complex soul. In 2026, the dining scene has reached a dazzling maturity, proudly standing as a global gastronomic powerhouse. From newly minted Michelin stars to historic food stalls, here is your curated guide to Saigon's best eats.
The Michelin Elite: Modern Vietnamese Fine Dining
Saigon’s fine dining landscape is currently one of the most dynamic in Southeast Asia. A new wave of local and international culinary talent is taking traditional Vietnamese ingredients and applying world-class techniques to create something entirely unique. To experience the peak of the city's modern gastronomy, these starred establishments are essential.
Anan Saigon
Tucked inside the lively Ton That Dam wet market in District 1, Anan Saigon (meaning "Eat, Eat") is the undisputed pioneer of modern Vietnamese cuisine. Helmed by Chef Peter Cuong Franklin—a Yale graduate who abandoned finance to follow his culinary passion—Anan was Ho Chi Minh City’s first-ever restaurant to receive a Michelin star.
To enter the narrow tube house, you must navigate through a bustling wet market filled with fishmongers. Inside, the energy is electric yet unpretentious. Chef Peter’s menu is a masterful "homage to a new Vietnam," marrying classical French cooking techniques with the bold flavors of street food. While the restaurant gained global headlines for its $100 pho and $100 banh mi, the real magic lies in the tasting menus. Standout dishes include the "Dalat Pizza"—a creative take on the street-style grilled rice paper cracker topped with local cheese, pork, and herbs—and the Ca Mau Crab and Sea Urchin with a savory crab ice cream. Book at least three weeks in advance.
- Address: 89 Ton That Dam, Ben Nghe, District 1
- Must-Order: The Chef's Tasting Menu
CieL
Debuting with its first Michelin Star, CieL has quickly established itself as a must-visit dining destination for discerning foodies. Founded and helmed by Chef Le Viet Hong, who was also honored as Michelin’s Young Chef of the Year, this restaurant delivers a deeply emotional, narrative-driven dining experience. Chef Hong, who trained at France’s prestigious Ferrandi culinary school, brings a sophisticated European sensibility to traditional Vietnamese storytelling.
The space itself is minimalist and serene, offering a stark and beautiful contrast to the frantic pace of District 1 outside. The multi-course menus at CieL do not simply modernize street food; instead, they elevate humble, nostalgic ingredients from Chef Hong's childhood into sublime works of art. Ingredients like fresh river prawns, native herbs, and coastal fish are prepared using precise European techniques, coaxing out deep, complex flavors.
- Address: District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Must-Order: The seasonal tasting menu
Akuna
For a fine dining experience that is focused, sophisticated, and deeply creative, Akuna is unmatched. Located inside the luxury Le Méridien Saigon hotel overlooking the Saigon River, Akuna has held its one Michelin star since 2024. The restaurant is led by acclaimed Australian Chef Sam Aisbett, whose boundary-pushing cuisine is as dramatic and energetic as the city itself.
The dining room at Akuna is intimate and theatrical, featuring a stunning open kitchen. Aisbett’s tasting menus are a thrilling exploration of Vietnamese ingredients through an international, avant-garde lens. Rather than sticking to safe, predictable flavors, the kitchen actively seeks out unusual local delicacies—such as coastal sea worms, wild mountain herbs, and local game—and presents them with immaculate fine-dining technique. Combined with highly attentive service and a curated list of exceptional global wines, Akuna is perfect for a special occasion.
- Address: Le Méridien Saigon, 3C Ton Duc Thang, District 1
- Must-Order: The signature multi-course tasting menu
Coco Dining
Promoted to one Michelin star, Coco Dining is a spectacular, design-forward oasis in District 3. Helmed by Chef Thanh Vuong Vo, the restaurant represents the contemporary Vietnamese kitchen at its absolute finest.
The core of Coco Dining's culinary philosophy is its innovative and meticulous use of fermentation. Chef Vo draws inspiration from age-old Vietnamese preservation methods, employing curing, drying, and fermenting techniques to extract rich, deep umami profiles from everyday local produce. The tasting menu is beautifully structured, balancing rich, modern textures with comforting, nostalgic flavors. Coco Dining occupies a highly sought-after middle ground in the city's dining scene: offering world-class cuisine and impeccable plating without the formal rigidity often associated with hotel dining.
- Address: Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, District 3
- Must-Order: The 12-course fermentation-focused tasting menu
Legendary Bib Gourmands & Street Food Institutions
While Saigon’s fine dining scene is soaring, the culinary heart of the city will always belong to the streets. The balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy is perfected on the sidewalks. These legendary establishments—many of which have earned coveted Michelin Bib Gourmand status—offer world-class flavors in a highly casual setting.
Cơm Tấm Ba Ghiền
You cannot say you have truly experienced Saigon until you have tasted cơm tấm (broken rice). This humble dish, originally made from fractured rice grains that couldn't be sold, has become the definitive breakfast and lunch of the city. For the absolute pinnacle of this dish, head directly to Cơm Tấm Ba Ghiền in the Phu Nhuan District.
Awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand, this open-air, no-frills restaurant is legendary for its massive portions and mouthwatering flavors. The star attraction is the sườn nướng—a giant pork chop marinated in a secret blend of lemongrass, garlic, honey, and fish sauce, then grilled over a roaring wood-charcoal fire right at the front of the restaurant. The pork chop is served over a bed of broken rice and accompanied by shredded pork skin (bì), a savory steamed pork and egg meatloaf (chả chưng), pickled vegetables, and a generous splash of sweet-and-sour fish sauce.
- Address: 84 Dang Van Ngu, Ward 10, Phu Nhuan District
- Must-Order: Cơm tấm sườn bì chả
Bánh Xèo 46A
Tucked away in a lively alleyway near the Pink Church (Tan Dinh Church) in District 1, Bánh Xèo 46A is an absolute culinary institution. Famed for its massive, crispy Vietnamese sizzling crepes, this Bib Gourmand-winning street food stall has been feeding generations of hungry locals and adventurous travelers.
As you enter, you will see a row of chefs standing over blazing charcoal stoves, expertly swirling thin rice batter in giant, seasoned woks. The crepe is beautifully colored with turmeric and packed with pork, shrimp, mung beans, and a generous heap of fresh bean sprouts. To eat it like a local, tear off a piece of the crispy crepe, wrap it in a large, peppery mustard green leaf along with fresh herbs like mint and Thai basil, and dip it deep into the sweet-and-sour fish sauce (nước chấm).
- Address: 46A Dinh Cong Trang, Tan Dinh, District 1
- Must-Order: Bánh xèo đặc biệt (Special sizzling crepe)
Ốc Oanh
Saigon's unique snail and shellfish culture (known locally as "ăn ốc") is a nightly ritual that is not to be missed. To experience this vibrant, high-energy dining culture at its absolute best, make your way to Ốc Oanh on Vinh Khanh Street in District 4. Vinh Khanh is a famous street food strip, and Ốc Oanh is its undisputed queen.
Dining here is a fully immersive, chaotic street-side feast. You’ll sit on low plastic chairs under bright neon lights, surrounded by the lively chatter of hundreds of diners and the savory smell of sizzling garlic and chili. The absolute must-try dish is ốc hương rang muối ớt (sweet snails fried with salt and chili). The snails are coated in a spicy, salty, and slightly sweet chili-salt crust that you lick off the shell before extracting the tender, sweet meat inside. Another legendary crowd-pleaser is the scallops grilled with scallion oil and crushed peanuts (sò điệp nướng mỡ hành), served sizzling hot.
- Address: 534 Vinh Khanh, District 4
- Must-Order: Snail with chili salt (Ốc hương rang muối)
Bếp Mẹ ỉn
For those who want to experience the rich, comforting flavors of authentic Vietnamese home cooking in a clean, air-conditioned, and highly accessible setting, Bếp Mẹ ỉn is a phenomenal choice. Hidden down a narrow alleyway just steps from the historic Ben Thanh Market, this cozy, Michelin-selected restaurant serves traditional country-style dishes.
The interior is vibrantly decorated with colorful murals and vintage Vietnamese art, creating a warm, nostalgic atmosphere. The menu focus is on rustic, home-style cooking—the kind of dishes local mothers prepare for family gatherings. A standout favorite is the cơm chiên trái dừa (fried rice served inside a whole fresh coconut, incorporating sweet coconut meat, fresh shrimp, and vegetables), which offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory notes. Another must-try is their bánh khọt (mini, crispy rice pancakes topped with fresh shrimp and fragrant scallion oil).
- Address: 136/9 Le Thanh Ton, Ben Nghe, District 1
- Must-Order: Fried rice in coconut shell and crispy mini pancakes (bánh khọt)
Unmissable Bowls: Pho, Bun Bo Hue, and Crab Noodles
No food guide to Ho Chi Minh City is complete without highlighting the incredible array of noodle soups. While noodle dishes vary widely across Vietnam's regions, Saigon acts as a melting pot where every regional noodle dish is perfected and served.
Phở Hòa Pasteur
While Hanoi is the birthplace of pho, Ho Chi Minh City has developed its own distinct, bolder style of the beloved noodle soup. Southern pho features a richer, slightly sweeter broth, thinner noodles, and a massive platter of fresh herbs and sprouts served on the side, allowing you to customize your bowl to your exact preference. Phở Hòa Pasteur, located on a leafy street in District 3, has been serving some of the city's finest Southern-style pho for over fifty years.
At Phở Hòa, the broth is simmered for over twelve hours using beef bones, charred ginger, onions, and a complex blend of spices including star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. Order the phở tái chín (rare beef slice and well-done beef brisket) and don't forget to order a side of quẩy (crispy, golden fried dough sticks) to dip into the rich broth.
- Address: 260C Pasteur, Ward 8, District 3
- Must-Order: Phở tái chín with a side of quẩy
Thúy 94 Cũ
For seafood lovers, Thúy 94 Cũ on Dinh Tien Hoang Street in District 1 is an unmissable culinary landmark. This unassuming, brightly lit restaurant has earned a legendary global reputation for one thing: spectacular, fresh crab.
The front of the restaurant features an open kitchen where chefs toss ingredients in massive, smoking woks over high flames. The undisputed signature dish here is miến xào cua (stir-fried glass noodles with crab). The glass noodles are perfectly chewy, infused with the smoky "wok hei" (breath of the wok), and tossed with incredibly generous chunks of sweet, fresh crab claw meat. Another legendary dish is the chả giò cua (crab spring rolls)—crispy, golden parcels packed with shredded crab, pork, and wood-ear mushrooms—and the deep-fried soft shell crab.
- Address: 94 Dinh Tien Hoang, Da Kao, District 1
- Must-Order: Stir-fried glass noodles with crab
Insider Tips for Navigating Ho Chi Minh's Dining Scene
To get the absolute most out of your culinary adventures in Saigon, keep these essential insider tips in mind:
- Book Fine Dining Well in Advance: For highly sought-after, Michelin-starred spots like Anan Saigon, CieL, and Coco Dining, bookings open weeks in advance and fill up rapidly. Aim to secure your table at least 3 weeks before your trip.
- Embrace the Street Food Stalls: Don’t let the plastic stools or open-air setups intimidate you. Street food is a core pillar of Vietnamese culture. Look for stalls that are packed with locals and have a high turnover of ingredients—this guarantees that the food is fresh and safe to eat.
- Keep Cash on Hand: While modern, upscale restaurants and mid-range cafes readily accept credit cards, street food vendors, local noodle shops, and snail joints operate strictly on cash (Vietnamese Dong) or VietQR. Always keep a stash of small-denomination bills in your pocket.
- Understand the Districts: Saigon’s dining scene is geographically diverse. District 1 is the heart of upscale dining, trendy cafes, and tourist-friendly street food. District 3 offers a mix of historic colonial villa restaurants and local favorites. District 4 is the ultimate destination for street-side seafood and snails, while District 5 (Cholon) is the go-to area for claypot dishes.
- Watch the Peak Hours: Locals tend to eat lunch early, typically between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM. Dinner starts as early as 6:00 PM and peaks around 7:30 PM. Snails and street-side seafood are best enjoyed after dark, when the streets come alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City in advance?
For high-end, Michelin-starred restaurants like Anan Saigon, Coco Dining, and Akuna, advance reservations are absolutely essential and should be made 3 to 4 weeks ahead. For legendary local spots like Cơm Tấm Ba Ghiền or Phở Hòa Pasteur, reservations are not accepted—simply turn up, wait a few minutes for a table if it’s busy, and enjoy the fast-paced service.
What is the dress code at fine dining restaurants like Akuna or Coco Dining?
The fine dining dress code in Saigon is generally "smart casual." While the atmosphere is sophisticated, the city's tropical climate means heavy formalwear is rare. Men should wear collared shirts or smart tees with trousers and closed-toe shoes. Avoid wearing beachwear, athletic tank tops, or flip-flops to starred establishments.
Is street food safe to eat in Saigon?
Yes, street food in Saigon is remarkably safe, provided you follow basic food hygiene rules. Always choose stalls with high customer turnover, as this ensures the ingredients are fresh and haven't been sitting out. Opt for hot, cooked-to-order dishes, and stick to ice made from purified water (which is standard at almost all established stalls in the city today).
Are Michelin-starred restaurants expensive in Vietnam?
Compared to European or American standards, Michelin-starred dining in Vietnam offers incredible value. For example, a world-class tasting menu at a starred establishment like Anan Saigon or Coco Dining ranges from $100 to $140 USD per person—far lower than what you would pay for comparable quality in New York, London, or Tokyo.
Conclusion
The culinary soul of Ho Chi Minh City lies in its beautiful contradictions. It is a city where you can spend $140 USD on a world-class, multi-course modern Vietnamese tasting menu in District 3, and the very next hour, sit on a tiny plastic stool in District 4 eating the best garlic-fried sea snails of your life for under $5 USD.
To truly experience Saigon, you must embrace both ends of this rich spectrum. By exploring these must try restaurants in ho chi minh, you will not only satisfy your palate but also gain a deep, delicious understanding of one of the world's greatest food capitals. Pack your appetite, leave your culinary comfort zone behind, and prepare to embark on an unforgettable gastronomic journey.
