Vietnamese cuisine is a celebration of diverse flavors, expertly combining sweet, spicy, fragrant, and fishy tastes without compromising on flavor. This culinary delight attracts food lovers from around the world, especially when they visit Ho Chi Minh City, as highlighted in the article.
Beyond the vibrant streetside food stalls and bustling markets lies a gastronomic journey. While the traditional dishes of banh mi, snails, broken rice, and offal stew are a treat, the city also boasts Bib Gourmand and Michelin-starred restaurants that offer creative twists on classic Vietnamese cuisine. Of all the dishes mentioned in TimeOut’s survey, Phở, a beloved local noodle soup, stood out the most.
In the south, this comforting noodle soup is generously garnished with basil, coriander, chili, and hoisin sauce. It has become a staple in Ho Chi Minh City, easily found across various eateries. As Dan Q Dao, a writer based in the city, noted, “Though Hanoi might be the birthplace of Vietnamese cuisine and culture, Ho Chi Minh City has emerged as the country’s most exciting dining destination.”
TimeOut recommends exploring the culinary delights of Ä‚năn Saigon, a ‘new Vietnamese’ restaurant by chef Peter Cuong Franklin, which has earned the city’s sole Michelin star. Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa, a 30-year-old street food institution serving French-influenced Vietnamese baguette sandwiches, is also a must-visit. For a unique dining experience, Tre Dining restaurant and the gastro-focused wine bar Little Bear are excellent choices.
Leading the list is Naples, Italy, with its iconic Pizza Margherita, followed by Johannesburg and its mouthwatering Kota sandwiches. Other cities that made the cut include Lima, Beijing, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Mumbai, each offering their unique culinary delights.