HO CHI MINH CITY FOOD MARKET ADVENTURES

Best Food Markets Ho Chi Minh City

1. Ben Thanh Market Food

Located in District 1, Ben Thanh Market is an iconic symbol of Ho Chi Minh City and a must-visit for any food lover. The market offers a wide variety of goods, but its food section is especially renowned. 

Here, visitors can find fresh produce, dried goods, and a bustling array of food stalls serving classic Vietnamese dishes such as fresh spring rolls, broken rice with grilled chicken or BBQ ribs, and an abundance of fresh seafood.

Although prices here tend to be slightly higher than other markets, the variety and quality make it worthwhile. The market operates as a day market from 6 AM to 6 PM and transforms into a vibrant night food market Ho Chi Minh City from 6 PM to 10 PM, offering a sensory feast of sights, sounds, and smells.

Location: Ben Thanh Ward, District 1

Opening Hours: Day Market 6 AM – 6 PM; Night Market 6 PM – 10 PM

2. Binh Tay Market (Cho Lon)

Situated in Chinatown, Binh Tay Market offers a more local, less touristy experience. Known for its wholesale goods and unique atmosphere, it is a paradise for food lovers interested in Chinese-Vietnamese cuisine and specialty ingredients. 

The market is filled with stalls serving iconic dishes like pho, banh mi, fresh spring rolls (goi cuon), and broken rice (com tam). Street food delights such as grilled pork skewers (nem nuong) and Vietnamese desserts (che) are also abundant. 

This market is ideal for adventurous travelers seeking authentic flavors away from the usual tourist paths.

Location: Cho Lon (District 5)

Opening Hours: Typically early morning to late afternoon, exact hours vary.

3. Ho Thi Ky Flower Market Food

Primarily famous for its vibrant flower trade, Ho Thi Ky Flower Market also boasts a lively street food scene, especially in the evening. 

This market uniquely combines the aroma of fresh flowers with the enticing smells of local dishes. Food lovers can enjoy specialties like mixed rice paper (banh trang tron), Thai-style dessert soup (che Thai), and dried beef salad (goi kho bo).

The flower market comes alive late at night, around midnight, when trucks arrive with fresh blooms from the highlands, creating a feast for the senses. Evening visits offer a colorful and authentic Saigon experience.

Location: Ho Thi Ky Street, District 10

Best Time to Visit for Food: Evening to late night

4. Van Kiep Street Food Area

Van Kiep Street is a renowned street food market Ho Chi Minh City offering a local and authentic culinary experience. This area is famous for its variety of grilled meats, seafood, and Vietnamese tacos (banh trang nuong). 

Visitors can try specialties like deep-fried spicy octopus sticks and southern-style thick meat sticks (nem lui). The atmosphere is lively and less touristy, perfect for those wanting to dive deep into Ho Chi Minh City street food culture. It is best visited in the evening when the food stalls are most active.

Location: Van Kiep Street, District 10

Best Time to Visit: Evening

Tips for Exploring Saigon Food Market

Be Adventurous!

Come with an empty stomach and a willingness to try new flavors. The diversity of Vietnamese food at these markets is vast, from savory dishes to sweet treats.

Follow the Locals

Observe where locals gather and eat. Stalls with high local patronage often serve the most authentic and delicious food.

Food Safety First

Choose stalls with freshly cooked food and high turnover to ensure freshness. Pay attention to hygiene standards to enjoy a safe culinary adventure.

Bargaining (Where Applicable)

While food prices are generally fixed, bargaining might be possible for souvenirs or other goods. Approach bargaining politely and with a smile.

Learn a Few Basic Vietnamese Phrases

Simple phrases like “Bao nhiêu tiền?” (How much?) or “Ngon quá!” (Delicious!) can enhance your interactions and enrich your experience.

Private Saigon “Foodie” By Night Motorbike Tour

Travelers looking to fully experience Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant street food scene should consider the Private Saigon “Foodie” By Night Motorbike Tour offered by Joy Journeys. 

This tour takes you through the city’s famous night food markets and popular street food spots, where you can savor a wide variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes such as pho, banh mi, grilled pork skewers, fresh seafood, and many other local specialties.

Hop on a motorbike to enjoy spiced seafood, fresh Banh Mi in District 3, and sizzling Banh Xeo and Banh Khot in hidden alleys. Visit Ho Thi Ky Flower Market, then savor avocado dessert, Banh Trang Nuong, and Bo La Lot. A delicious and unforgettable Saigon food adventure!

As this is a private tour, if there are any particular Vietnamese dishes or culinary experiences you’d like to explore beyond the suggested itinerary, you are flexible to discuss and accommodate to make your food trip as nice as possible.

Guided by an experienced local expert, you’ll learn about the city’s rich culinary culture, get insider tips on choosing and enjoying dishes, and experience the thrill on a motorbike through the bustling streets of Saigon at night. 

This tour is perfect for those who want a convenient, safe, and immersive way to explore Ho Chi Minh City’s street food markets after dark.