Saigon Food Culture and Local Gems with Food Expert

Ho Chi Minh City , Vietnam

Saigon Food Culture and Local Gems with Food Expert

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About this experience

From hidden café apartments that capture a glimpse of Vietnam’s unique café and coffee culture to a visit to one of Saigon’s oldest and largest markets to understand - this tour is an insight into Vietnam’s rich, vibrant and distinctive food culture. During this curated signature tour, you’ll not only find out what to eat but also why it matters and where it’s going.

Expect good food, vibes and drinks as well as lots of learning, industry intel, one-on-one with tastemakers and fascinating tidbits of history and food culture bundled into one exciting afternoon.

We start at a newly-opened café apartment modernizing traditional Vietnamese coffees to talk about Vietnamese coffee and its unique café culture influenced by the French. Then, we move onto an experiential experience where you get to witness one of Vietnam’s oldest brewing methods in the middle of Saigon’s oldest wet market before tasting an assortment of popular Vietnamese snacks and tidbits.

Available options

A Taste of Saigon Food Culture and Culinary Gems with Food Expert

What's included

Vietnamese artisanal chocolate tasting and gift chocolate bar

An assortment of Vietnamese Pho

A tasting of more than six different types of Vietnamese coffees

Detailed itinerary

We begin at Ca Zone Cafe, a newly-opened cafe located inside a vintage residential apartment in Ho Chi Minh City. The reason we're visiting this cafe is first and foremost witness and understand what a "Cafe Apartment" (a big part of Vietnamese cafe culture) is as well as its origin, how it has shared cafe culture in Vietnam as well as its future. This is also where we will taste different types of Vietnamese coffee - Hue Salted Foam Coffee, Egg Coffee from Hanoi as well Lemon Coffee. Here, I share about the different types of coffee and their origins as well as why new cafes nowadays aim to modernise these age-old recipes and how they're doing it. We end with understanding the importance of Robusta Coffee (Vietnam's main coffee bean type since it's the world's largest exporter of Robusta Coffee) and how it's changing.

Stop 2 Pass by

Tao Dan Park has a long history, beginning ever since the 1860s when the French started invading Vietnam. The Tao Dan Park is located right behind the Reunification Palace and was repaired at the same time when the Palace was rebuilt by the French. In 1869, the French separated the Tao Dan land from the garden of the Reunification Palace and built Miss Cawell Street between them (also known as Huyen Tran Princess nowadays).

Here, we'll enjoy the sights scenes and sounds of a typical morning in Saigon.

Stop 3

We take a 10-minute walk over to Ben Thanh Market - one of the earliest surviving structures in Saigon and an important symbol of the city. Ben Thanh Market is also the second largest indoor wet market in Ho Chi Minh City, home to over a thousand different stall vendors from food to clothes, souvenirs and more. Here, we also pay a visit to a young Vietnamese coffee stall owner modernising one of the oldest coffee forms - Ca Phe Vot or "Stocking Coffee" - in Vietnam and try a little bit of Vietnamese Stocking Coffee while enjoying some locals snacks, fruits and more. Here, tourists can also go shopping and admire the architecture of the market while soaking in the hustle and bustle of the main commercial activities that occur in Vietnam.

For an early dinner, we head to MamaPho to try not one but six different types of Pho from the North to the South of Vietnam. Here, we try everything from the popular Beef Pho to deep fried Pho Puffs and Stir-Fried Pho (which you usually would only be able to witness and try in the North of Vietnam) to steam-fried pho rolls. We deep dive a little more into what Pho is, its importance in Vietnamese food culture as well as its history, the building blocks of a delicious bowl of Pho and how to tell when you've got a good bowl of Pho in front of you.

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Meet in front of a street food cart parked in front of a residential building apartment.

About Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest metropolis, is a vibrant blend of tradition and modernity. Known for its rich history, bustling markets, and French colonial architecture, it offers a dynamic travel experience with its lively street food culture, historical landmarks, and energetic nightlife.

Top Attractions

War Remnants Museum

This museum provides a sobering look at the Vietnam War and its impact on the country. It houses a collection of war machinery, photographs, and artifacts.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (donations appreciated)

Cu Chi Tunnels

A network of underground tunnels used by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War. Visitors can explore the tunnels, learn about their history, and see various war relics.

Historical Half-day tour Moderate (tour prices vary)

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

A beautiful example of French colonial architecture, this cathedral is a prominent landmark in the city. It is a peaceful place to visit and offers a glimpse into the city's religious heritage.

Religious 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Ben Thanh Market

One of the most famous markets in Ho Chi Minh City, offering a wide variety of goods, including food, clothing, souvenirs, and handicrafts. It's a great place to experience local culture and shop for bargains.

Market 1-2 hours Budget to Moderate

Bitexco Financial Tower Skydeck

Offers panoramic views of the city from the 49th floor. The Skydeck provides a unique perspective on Ho Chi Minh City's skyline and landmarks.

Observation Deck 1 hour Moderate

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pho

A traditional Vietnamese noodle soup made with beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, and various toppings such as meat, herbs, and bean sprouts.

Dinner Vegetarian options available

Banh Mi

A Vietnamese sandwich made with a baguette, filled with various ingredients such as grilled meat, pâté, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.

Lunch Vegetarian options available

Com Tam

Broken rice served with grilled pork, a fried egg, and various accompaniments like pickled vegetables and fish sauce.

Lunch Vegetarian options available

Goi Cuon

Fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp, pork, herbs, and rice vermicelli, served with a peanut or fish sauce dipping sauce.

Appetizer Vegetarian options available

Popular Activities

Golfing at Long Thanh Golf Resort Exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels Boat tours in the Mekong Delta Beach relaxation in Vung Tau Nature walks in Cần Giờ Mangrove Forest Spa and wellness treatments Visiting historical sites like the War Remnants Museum Exploring local markets and temples

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the dry season with lower humidity and less rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The weather is generally pleasant, though it can be quite hot.

25-35°C 77-95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Vietnamese
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other areas

Currency

Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded areas and at night

Ho Chi Minh City is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and at night. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Bargain for better prices at markets

Getting there

By air

Tan Son Nhat International Airport • 7 km from city center

By train

Saigon Railway Station

By bus

Mien Dong Bus Station, Mien Tay Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are an affordable way to get around, but they can be crowded and slow due to traffic. Routes are numerous and well-marked.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab, Gojek

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

District 1 District 3 District 5 (Chinatown) District 7 Phu Nhuan District

Day trips

Mekong Delta

130 km from Ho Chi Minh City • Full day

The Mekong Delta is a vast network of rivers, canals, and islands known for its lush landscapes, floating markets, and traditional villages. It offers a unique glimpse into rural Vietnamese life.

Cu Chi Tunnels

60 km from Ho Chi Minh City • Half day

A network of underground tunnels used by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War. Visitors can explore the tunnels, learn about their history, and see various war relics.

Vung Tau

120 km from Ho Chi Minh City • Full day

A coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, seafood, and relaxed atmosphere. It's a popular destination for a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City.

Festivals

Tet Holiday (Vietnamese New Year) • January or February (varies each year) Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival • December (varies each year) Mid-Autumn Festival • September or October (varies each year)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals
Use ride-hailing apps like Grab or Gojek for convenient and affordable transportation
Bargain for better prices at markets and street vendors, but do so politely and with a smile
Try street food and local eateries for an authentic and delicious culinary experience
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the midday heat