A legendary beef pho shop in District 5 with more than 70 years of history. The broth is clear and slightly sweet, and one bowl has rare beef, braised beef and tendon. Queues start in the morning; it's the locals' go-to breakfast.

A one-of-a-kind hot-pot pho: a sizzling pot of broth arrives with the raw beef on the side, so you cook it to your liking, and broth refills are free. Dip fried dough sticks in the soup; it's a taste you'll miss when you get home.

An unassuming street stall that won the MICHELIN Guide's attention. It sells just two things: chicken sticky rice and sweet corn sticky rice. Generous chicken thigh with a special gravy, simple yet addictive. Open from early morning into the night.

Often called one of the best banh mi in Ho Chi Minh City, stuffed almost to bursting with ham, head cheese, pâté and pork, plus pickled radish, chili and coriander. The bread is freshly baked and crisp. Long queues form as soon as it opens in the afternoon, so go early!

Crispy rice crepes filled with fresh shrimp, pork and bean sprouts, sizzling hot from the griddle. Break the big crepe into pieces, wrap them in lettuce and dip in fish sauce with garlic and chili: one of the most authentic everyday southern Vietnamese dishes in Ho Chi Minh City.

Completely different from mild pho, the Hue noodle broth is simmered with lemongrass, chili and shrimp paste, rich and fragrant with heat. Thick round noodles with beef shank, pork knuckle and pork blood cake give it plenty of texture; many people love it on their first taste of Vietnamese food.

Fresh translucent rice paper wrapped around whole shrimp, sliced pork, rice noodles and herbs, served with a peanut dipping sauce. Light and not greasy, it's perfect for Ho Chi Minh City's heat. Many diners rate Ba Mien restaurant's version as the freshest and tastiest in the city.

A golden, clear chicken broth simmered for 3–4 hours from chicken and pork bones, smooth with a lingering sweetness, served with springy glass noodles and tender chicken thigh. A MICHELIN Bib Gourmand loved by locals and visitors alike; go in the morning for a shorter wait.

Ho Chi Minh City's best-known social-enterprise restaurant, where visually impaired servers guide you through a meal in total darkness. Without sight, the taste, aroma and texture of the French cuisine feel many times stronger. Great for couples or special occasions; booking ahead is required.

In Ho Chi Minh City you have to sit on a roadside plastic stool and have a coffee! Two must-tries: iced coffee with condensed milk (Cà Phê Sữa Đá), or coconut coffee smoothie at Cộng Cà Phê. Strong robusta with a creamy sweetness is Saigon's everyday happiness.