Ho Chi Minh City Food and Nightlife: Where to Go
Ho Chi Minh City comes alive after the heat of the day. Plastic stools fill the pavements, grills start smoking, and the rooftop bars light up above the traffic. Here is where to eat, where to drink and how to spend three evenings in Saigon, at any budget.
Three evenings in Saigon
| Evening | Food | After dinner |
|---|---|---|
| First | Street food around Ben Thanh Market | A walk along Nguyen Hue, then an hour on Bui Vien |
| Second | Vietnamese or fine dining, booked ahead | A rooftop bar with a view |
| Third | Seafood on Vinh Khanh street | A quiet drink before your flight |
Eight things to eat and drink
- Com tam: broken rice with grilled pork, the city's everyday meal, at its best when the smoke is still rising
- Banh mi: a crisp baguette with pate, cold cuts, herbs and pickles, for less than a coffee at home
- Pho: the southern bowl is usually sweeter than Hanoi's, with a plate of fresh herbs on the side
- Hu tieu: a clear noodle soup from the south, served in broth or dry
- Banh xeo: a crisp rice-flour pancake with shrimp and pork, wrapped in greens at the table
- Banh canh cua: thick noodles in a rich crab soup
- Oc: snails and shellfish, grilled or stir-fried, with a cold beer
- Ca phe sua da: strong iced coffee with condensed milk, the drink that keeps the city moving
Where to find street food
Ben Thanh Market is the easy first stop, with stalls inside by day and more food around it as evening comes. For a more local night, go to Vinh Khanh street, known for its grilled seafood and snail restaurants, where the tables spill onto the pavement. Choose busy stalls where the food is cooked in front of you.
Michelin-listed tables
Vietnamese food has moved well beyond the plastic stool. The 2026 MICHELIN Guide lists six One Star restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City. Book ahead, especially on a fixed date.
| Restaurant | Why go |
|---|---|
| Anan Saigon | Modern takes on Vietnamese street food, by chef Peter Cuong Franklin |
| Upstairs | New star in 2026. Just four tables, with a tasting menu inspired by central Vietnam |
| Akuna, CieL, CoCo Dining, Long Trieu | Returning stars in 2026 |
For good food at moderate prices, look at the Bib Gourmand list. New names in the city for 2026 include Banh Canh Cua Ba Ba, Bun Rieu Yen and La Lola. Tales by Chapter, a plant-based restaurant, also earned a MICHELIN Green Star this year.
Where to go at night
Start on Nguyen Hue, the wide walking street that runs from the City Hall towards the river. Families, students and street performers fill it in the evening, and it is free. City Hall is lit up at night and is a good first photo.
Bui Vien is the city's party street, with music from every doorway and low stools facing the crowd. Go for an hour to see it. It suits groups and younger travelers more than couples looking for a quiet drink.
Rooftop bars are the better choice for a first drink. Chill Skybar and EON Heli Bar are known for their views, and Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar at the Caravelle has been a city favourite for a long time. Dress codes apply at some venues, so check hours and dress with each venue before you go.
Practical tips for the evening
- Use a ride-hailing app to get back to your hotel. It shows the fare before you ride
- Keep your drink in sight and prefer bottled drinks on Bui Vien
- Hold your phone away from the road. Bag and phone snatching from motorbikes does happen
- Carry some cash for street food. Larger restaurants take cards
- Cross roads slowly and steadily, so motorbikes can go around you
Questions before you go
What should I eat first in Ho Chi Minh City?
Start with com tam, the city's broken rice with grilled pork, then try banh mi and a bowl of hu tieu. All three are easy to find and quick to order.
Does Ho Chi Minh City have Michelin restaurants?
Yes. The 2026 MICHELIN Guide lists six One Star restaurants in the city: Anan Saigon, Akuna, CieL, CoCo Dining, Long Trieu and Upstairs. Book well ahead, especially for Upstairs, which has only four tables.
Where is the nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City?
Bui Vien is the loud walking street. For a calmer evening, choose a rooftop bar around the city centre or a walk along Nguyen Hue.
Is street food safe?
Choose busy stalls where the food is cooked in front of you and turns over quickly. If you have a sensitive stomach, start with cooked dishes and bottled water.
Is Ho Chi Minh City safe at night?
The central areas are busy late into the evening. Keep your drink in sight, watch your phone near the road, and use a ride-hailing app to get back to your hotel.
Planning a trip?
Reply to the person who sent you this guide with your travel dates, number of travelers and hotel class. They will send you a quote and handle any changes before and during your trip.
This guide is from Dong Thi Co., Ltd, a licensed international tour operator since 2008.
