From hidden cafes to bustling evening markets, this Southern Vietnam meals information covers all the things in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, Da Lat, Mui Ne, and Phu Quoc that may have you ever saying ‘ngon’!
When one thinks of Southern Vietnam, the aroma of Vietnamese drip espresso, recent spring rolls, and recent mint atop a piping bowl of pho instantly involves thoughts.
Being the biggest metropolis within the nation, Ho Chi Minh is a haven for foodies, with cultures converging in gastronomic matrimony.
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However why ought to the meals path finish right here? We ventured a bit of additional to the lesser-known cities of Da Lat, Mui Ne, and Phu Quoc on the hunt for among the greatest meals spots. From hidden cafes to bustling evening markets, listed here are 17 meals locations to strive in Southern Vietnam!
Click on to leap to every metropolis: Ho Chi Minh | Da Lat | Mui Ne | Phu Quoc
The place to Eat in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
1) The Cafe Condominiums
Situated within the coronary heart of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, The Cafe Flats is a towering matchbox-looking constructing with… you guessed it, cafes stacked throughout each flooring.
Remodelled retailers are scattered throughout the nine-storey constructing so take your time to discover.
Most cafes have a balcony overlooking Saigon Strolling Road, making it the perfect place for people-watching over a cuppa.
After spending a while exploring the constructing, we settled for Saigon Oi Cafe on the fifth flooring for its charming boho-chic inside. We tried their iced fruit tea (58,000₫) and Iced Vietnamese Espresso (48,000₫), which helped us cool off from the humidity outside. In contrast to common lattes, espresso drips by a particular Vietnamese filter earlier than being paired with condensed milk — an actual shot of vitality!
*Professional-tip: Taking the elevator is a price of three,000₫. however shall be offset if you buy a drink or meal at most cafes.
Value: From 43,000₫ (~S$2.60)
Opening hours: 7AM – 10PM (Varies for various cafes)
Tackle: 42 Nguyễn Huệ, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
2) Nam Giao Restaurant
Nam Giao Restaurant is a hidden gem tucked behind an alley close to Ben Thanh Market, identified for genuine Hue delicacies.
We visited twice, due to how a lot we liked their banh canh cua (70,000₫), a Vietnamese crab and shrimp tapioca noodle soup with a gravy-like texture bursting with flavour! It has an explosive seafood flavour that’s umami and hearty — chef’s kiss! :*
One of the vital iconic dishes that originated in Vietnam’s historic capital, Hue, is the bún bò huế (70,000₫), a spicy beef rice noodle soup. In contrast to pho, the dish isn’t as well-known exterior of Vietnam and is extra fashionable among the many locals. The noodles are on the thicker aspect and the broth has a wealthy lemongrass perfume — very yummy certainly 😋.
Value: From 45,000₫/dish (~S$2.70)
Opening hours: 7:30AM – 10PM
Tackle: 136/15 Lê Thánh Tôn, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Ho Chi Minh Metropolis Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
3) Bánh mì Bà Huynh
No journey to Vietnam is full with out bánh mì and we determined to strive one really helpful by our Mekong River tour information. Bánh mì Bà Huynh homes the unique recipe of a well-liked store as soon as owned by a pair. After they went their separate methods, they turned Bánh mì opponents, the place one took the title and the opposite the recipe. #NoLongerBánhMates 😔✊
We tried the bánh mì home particular (55,000₫) which comes with 4 several types of ham, slathered with a layer of Pâté (pork liver unfold), topped with a beneficiant serving of pork lard and served in a crunchy baguette. Totally sinful and scrumptious, that is one in every of our favorite spots on the listing.
Value: From 40,000₫ (~S$2.40)
Opening hours: 6AM – 11PM
Tackle: 55 Đường Số 4, Phường 4, Quận 3, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Learn additionally: The place to Eat in Hanoi — 31 Native-Authorised Locations to Eat in Vietnam’s Charming Capital
4) Secret Backyard Restaurant
TikTok as soon as went loopy over this dinner spot and rightfully so.
Overlooking Ho Chi Minh Metropolis’s skyline, Secret Backyard is decked out in vibrant Vietnamese lanterns and conventional decor. It felt like we have been transported to Hoi An’s Historical City.
We ordered the roasted hen & sticky rice (265,000₫) and the blended rolls (250,000₫) to share. The blended rolls had a platter of fried, recent, and grilled rice paper rolls, with dipping sauces — that completely slapped! 🤤 Our favorite was the inexperienced lemongrass-mint sauce which was mild and tangy!
The doorway would possibly look a bit of shady however don’t fear, you’re in the appropriate place!
As its title suggests, attending to this restaurant is a journey itself. Other than the ‘Secret Backyard’ signboard pointing right into a dodgy-looking entrance of an condo constructing, there isn’t any different indication of a eating institution. Nonetheless, we had numerous enjoyable looking for the restaurant and strolling previous precise residential houses — an precise treasure hunt!
Value: From 85,000₫/dish (~S$5.10)
Opening hours: 11AM – 10PM
Tackle: 158 Pasteur, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam
5) Malaysian Road
For halal-certified Vietnamese meals, Malaysian Road is the place to go. Situated in downtown Saigon, this stretch of highway is fashionable amongst Vietnam’s Muslim neighborhood as there are a number of eateries, clothes, and memento retailers owned by Malaysians and Indonesians.
We visited Restaurant Halal Osman and tried their Roti Vietnam (40,000₫), which is a hen bánh mì with out pickled greens. The sauce was on the sweeter aspect and the parts have been beneficiant!
Whereas the dishes supplied right here stray away from the standard Vietnamese type, it’s nonetheless a very good choice for these on the lookout for halal choices
Opening hours: 6AM – 9PM (Varies for various shops)
Tackle: QMCW+PRW, Nguyễn An Ninh, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
6) 200 Market
One other spot really helpful by our tour information is 200 Market. Getting its title from the hearsay that 200,000₫ is sufficient to eat by your complete 300m avenue, you’ll be capable of discover something from crab soup to pig brains right here.
The road is slender and stuffed with motorcyclists that may drive as much as the stalls like a drive-through, so do watch out when crossing the road!
A lot of the dishes have been listed in Vietnamese so we pointed at what regarded good and hoped for the perfect. We ended up with vermicelli noodles with mince pork and prawns (40,000₫), which tasted like a sweeter model of mee pok. Every bowl was served with uncooked greens on the aspect, and a bowl of clear soup to cleanse your palette.
We additionally ordered clams and snails(~50,000₫/plate), marinated in a savoury garlic sauce. If you’re an adventurous eater, don’t give 200 Market a miss!
Opening hours: 5AM – 11PM
Tackle: Nhà Thờ, Xóm Chiếu, Phường 15, Quận 4, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam
Learn additionally: Final Southern Vietnam Information — 13 Finest Issues to do in Ho Chi Minh, Da Lat, Phu Quoc, and Mui Ne
The place to Eat in Da Lat
7) Curry Chaaa
Da Lat is thought for its aircon climate and having fun with a piping scorching bowl of curry noodles actually hits the spot. The dish originates from the Cham minority group, drawing influences from Indian and Khmer delicacies. It’s additionally one of many solely locations in Da Lat to promote curry noodles!
We tried the hen curry (30,000₫) and the meat curry noodles (35,000₫), which had a powerful lemongrass and spices flavour. Curry Chaaa solely opens within the evenings and is normally packed so head down early to beat the dinner crowd!
Value: From 30,000₫/bowl (~S$1.80)
Opening hours: 4:30PM – 9PM, closed on Tue
Tackle: 32 Đường Ánh Sáng, Phường 1, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam
8) Cabin within the Woods
Beneficial by a Da Lat native, Cabin within the Woods is a hidden gem — actually.
Situated down a dust highway with no signboards main up, we have been pleasantly shocked to discover a rustic cafe with Instagrammable spots at each nook. Adorned with crops, dangling vines, and mirrors that appear to be they belong in a European citadel, we spent half an hour snapping photographs earlier than consuming.
*Professional-tip: We recommend taking a scooter or GrabBike for comfort as the trail resulting in the cafe is sort of slender.
The cafe largely serves mild bites just like the mì tôm đặc biệt’ (50,000₫), which is tom yum prompt noodles, and a sausage with fries platter (70,000₫) to share.
We additionally had nice firm with the native doggos throughout our meal, so guard your meals (however be beneficiant along with your cuddles!) 🐕
The principle stars have been the drinks. The Cabin Espresso (65,000₫) and tra vai hoa nhai (60,000₫) are our favourites, the latter being an iced lychee tea that was crisp and had simply the appropriate degree of sweetness.
The cafe additionally has a panoramic out of doors seating space — excellent to remain and watch the sundown.
Value: From 45,000₫ (~S$2.70)
Opening hours: 7AM – 8PM
Tackle: 2 Đường Phù Đổng Thiên Vương, Phường 8, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam
9) Café Túi Mơ To
Café Túi Mơ To is extremely really helpful on each Da Lat cafe listing, so we needed to strive it! A comfortable cottage overlooking the city and mountains, the cafe appears to be like straight out of a fairytale novel. To not point out, it’s adorned with twinkling fairy lights and daisy bushes— perfect for the cottage-core girlies🧚🏻♀️.
The cafe has a wide range of hand-crafted drinks and desserts to select from. We tried the recent cacao (60,000₫) and the iced tra vai cam dau (65,000₫), a pleasant blended fruit tea. The desserts have been a pastel feast for the digicam and the Passionfruit Cheesecake (55,000₫) is a must-try for its creamy and tangy flavour!
Value: From 45,000₫ (~S$2.70)
Opening hours: 7:45AM – 9:45PM, closes 10PM on Solar
Tackle: hẻm 31 Sào Nam, Phường 11, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng 66118, Vietnam
*Professional-tip: Arrive earlier than 4:30PM to safe the perfect seats to catch the sundown because it will get crowded through the night.
10) Da Lat Night time Market
Ever heard of Vietnamese Pizza? In contrast to a daily dough pizza, it’s made from rice paper and topped with eggs, ham, dried shrimp, spring onions, candy chilli, and mayo. Originating from Da Lat, there are quite a few stalls promoting this speciality dish on the Da Lat Night time Market for round 25,000₫/piece.
Consuming a scorching cup of soybean milk (15,000₫) is fashionable amongst each guests and locals alike. A great place to savour the beverage and benefit from the energetic market ambiance is the staircase by the roundabout.
As there are various strawberry farms in Da Lat, you could find avenue distributors promoting recent strawberries. These offered in a cup are normally served with a mixture of fish sauce and shrimp powder — the best way the locals take pleasure in it
Opening hours: 6PM – 7AM
Tackle: 6b Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Phường 1, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng 690000, Vietnam
The place to Eat in Mui Ne
11) Pho Mui Ne Restaurant
Being a coastal city, Mui Ne is thought for its inexpensive, recent seafood and locally-manufactured fish sauce. We acquired the Grilled Tiger Prawns (99,000₫), Seafood Noodles (89,000₫), and Salt and Pepper Grilled Pork Ribs (129,000₫) — which have been generously portioned with a bang-for-buck worth!
We additionally tried the speciality Steamed Greens served with native fish sauce (59,000₫), consisting of woman’s fingers and carrots that paired effectively with the dip.
The Mui Ne fish sauce has a thicker consistency and is sweeter than common store-bought ones so we extremely suggest you to do this mixture!
Value: Varies
Opening hours: 10AM – 11PM
Tackle: 55 Huỳnh Tấn Phát, Mũi Né, Thành phố Phan Thiết, Bình Thuận, Vietnam
12) Pandora Doner Kebab
After seeing the excessive rankings on-line, we dropped by Pandora Doner Kebab to load up on carbs earlier than spending the day catching waves.
They’re well-known for the shish kebabs (99,000₫) and shawarma beef wrapped in pita bread (67,000₫), which weren’t too chewy and very flavourful. If you’re on the lookout for one thing more healthy, the shrimp salad (80,000₫) is a refreshing various.
*Word: The restaurant shouldn’t be Halal.
Value: From 29,000₫ (~S$1.75)
Opening hours: 10:30AM – 11:30PM
Tackle: 235A Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, khu phố 2, Thành phố Phan Thiết, Bình Thuận, Vietnam
13) Momo Cafe Restaurant
Momo Cafe Restaurant is a fusion restaurant that serves each conventional Vietnamese and Japanese dishes. We tried their bo kho as really helpful by our surf teacher.
It’s a Vietnamese beef stew served with both rice or noodles. The stew has a soup-like consistency that was candy and savoury. The meat was melt-in-your-mouth delicate — one in every of our favorite meals in Mui Ne.
We additionally ordered the beef pho which was served with a plate of recent greens on the aspect. The restaurant can also be well-known for its sushi rolls.
Value: 40,000₫/bowl (~S$2.40)
Opening hours: 7AM – 10PM
Tackle: 177 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Ham Tien, Phan Thiet 800000 Vietnam
The place to Eat in Phu Quoc
14) Phu Quoc Night time Market
Ever heard of S$1 Uni? The ocean urchins (22,000₫/every) at Phu Quoc Night time Market have been succulent and creamy-smooth. We suggest attempting the grilled uni that’s topped with spring onions and peanuts — the epitome of umami!
We additionally had juicy oysters (30,000₫/every) and flower crab fried rice (120,000₫) for the principle course. A lot of the seafood at Phu Quoc Night time Market is caught in a close-by fishing village, so it’ll be one of many least expensive and freshest you’ll ever style! 🤤
Opening hours: 5PM – 10PM
Tackle: 54 Đường Nguyễn Trãi, Khu 1, Phú Quốc, Kiên Giang, Vietnam
15) Buddy Ice Cream – Data cafe
The sinh tố xoài (50,000₫) at Buddy Ice Cream – Data Cafe is an ice-blended mango smoothie that was thirst quenching — nice to flee the warmth! Ice cream can also be obtainable in a wide range of flavours from 40,000₫.
Apart from ice cream, this cafe additionally sells lunch mains. We tried the bánh mì chảo which caught our eye with how attention-grabbing it sounded.
Basically it’s a deconstructed bánh mì with totally different elements to select from relying on the combo. We suggest Combo 1 (55,000₫), which has the meatball and luncheon meat filling, however there are sardines and sausage choices obtainable as effectively.
Value: From 30,000₫ (~S$1.80)
Opening hours: 8AM – 10PM
Tackle: 06 Đường Bạch Đằng, Kp2, Phú Quốc, Kiên Giang, Vietnam
16) The Espresso Vegan
Photograph credit score: The Espresso Vegan
The Espresso Vegan is a beacon for all espresso lovers on the island. We have been intrigued by the idea of espresso coconut (55,000₫) and pleasantly shocked that the richness of the espresso paired seamlessly with the recent cream of the coconut. The cafe additionally has a laid-back vibe, so it’s a very good location for a chill morning.
Value: From 30,000₫/drink (~S$1.80)
Opening hours: 9AM – 10PM
Tackle: 134 Đường Trần Hưng Đạo, Khu Phố 7, Phú Quốc, Kiên Giang, Vietnam
17) Tiếu Ngạo Quán
A common love that almost all Asian nations share is that of scorching pot. We tried the Seafood set at Tiếu Ngạo Quán served with squid, prawns, fish, greens and rice noodles. The broth was aromatic and flavourful, and we have been in a meals coma by the tip of the meal!
Value: 290,000₫/set for 2 (~S$17.30)
Opening hours: 3PM – 2:30AM
Tackle: Cửa Lấp, Phú Quốc, Kien Giang, Vietnam
Suggestions for Planning Your Southern Vietnam Meals Journey
Scripting this Southern Vietnam Meals Information has me salivating over the reminiscence of drip espresso and itching to e book one other flight to Vietnam. Earlier than you go off by yourself meals Tour-de-Vietnam, listed here are some suggestions:
1) Change sufficient money
Cashless cost isn’t widespread in Vietnam, significantly in smaller cities like Da Lat, Phu Quoc and Mui Ne. Whereas some eating places permit financial institution transfers, we strongly counsel altering sufficient money to keep away from any inconveniences.
2) Use Google Translate
English isn’t as extensively spoken and printed so downloading the Google Translate app in your cellphone shall be useful. It helped us translate menus and talk with the locals.
3) Test with the store for particular meals restrictions
In case you have meals restrictions, you may contact the store forward of time by way of Fb Messenger. Many shops is probably not accustomed to the time period ‘Halal’ however you may ask if it’s appropriate for Muslims.
4) Take a look at our Vietnam Itineraries
Plan your journey upfront so you may maximise your time for meals and actions! Listed here are a few of our Vietnam itineraries that will help you get began.
– 3D2N Da Lat Itinerary — A Magical Alpine Journey in Southern Vietnam
– 9 Finest Issues to do in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis — A Much less Touristy HCM Information
– 7-Day Southern Vietnam Itinerary Underneath S$900 — Finest Issues to Do in Phu Quoc, Ho Chi Minh, Mui Ne, and Da Lat
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