Ho Chi Minh City & Da Lat Guide

Vietnam is magical.

HCMC and Da Lat have a unique flavor of that magic.

Ho Chi Minh

Eats:

Nem Nướng Nha Trang Bé Thảo – 1237/31, Đ. Hoàng Sa, Phường 5, Tân Bình, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam. Cannot recommend enough, incredible plate of build-your-own spring rolls.
Bánh Xèo 46A – Anthony Bourdain visited this street seafood pancake spot. IMO, it’s overhyped. However, the dish in general might not be to my liking; it’s a bit heavy for me. The custard apple smoothie, however, was unreal.
539 Đ. Kinh Dương Vương, An Lạc, Bình Tân, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam. The street right before this Highlands Coffee has one of the best soups in Vietnam. Walk down the alley for maybe 20 meters, and the first food cart on the left is run by a wonderful lady, who wouldn’t accept a two dollar tip.
114 Đ. Tân Thới Nhất 1, Tân Thới Nhất, Quận 12, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam. Near this Ruby Coffee, maybe across the street, is a noodle place that sells macaroni-esque noodles that have been going strong for the past 20 years. It’s unlike any noodle I’ve had in Vietnam.
Mini BAO Phú Nhuận – This is a chain restaurant but makes solid bao and phoenix buns.
231 Lê Cơ, An Lạc, Bình Tân, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam. Really good soup with fried dumplings.
Cà Phê Đỗ Phủ – Bảo Tàng Biệt Động Sài Gòn. This is both an activity and a café, considering there are caves beneath the house created for meeting in secret during the Vietnam War.
African Delight Food – 183/30 Đ. Bùi Viện, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam. Did not think I would be trying incredible African food in Vietnam, but that’s Vietnam; she’s full of surprises. Apparently, the owner dated an African, learned how to make the food, and it has turned into a core hangout spot for all the Africans in Ho Chi Minh City.
Ho Thi Ky Flower Market & Street Food – Must try’s are grilled rice paper, potato tornado/potato ball, chen trung nuong, Cambodian beef skewer, sugar cane drink/strawberry tea, fish balls fried with sweet fish sauce.
Vina Chuoi – Cong Hoa. This spot is known for its fried bananas, one of the best street food snacks in Vietnam in my opinion.
Anan – In my opinion, this is an overhyped Michelin-star restaurant. Being the only one in HCMC, it has a bit of a monopoly, but I didn’t enjoy the food very much, and the service wasn’t very good.
Kuta Donut – SO GOOD. A bit of Japanese classic pon de ring donuts in Vietnam.
Quán Bún Chả Ánh Hồng – Good bún chả, not the best but well known.
Flan Ngoc Nga – The best flan I’ve ever had. Ever.
338 Phan Huy Ích, Phường 12, Gò Vấp, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam. Somwhere near here I had the most insane coconut jelly experience, that was served with fish sauce and various cold cut meat. It was an insane texture and flavor experience.
Bột chiên Gia Bảo – Fried hargow that was so gooood.
Quán Thùy Trâm – At night this restaurant closes and they have a food stall selling amazing hargow, run by my friend Hao! There’s also charcoal grilled bananas served with green onions here that was pretty remarkable.
KUNGFU BAKERY – 212 Nguyễn Súy, Tân Quý, Tân Phú, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam. Chain bakery but solid pandan bread!
Bún thịt nướng 25k -192 Đ. Gò Dầu, Tân Quý, Tân Phú, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 72011, Vietnam. This is the spot where I always got vermicelli bowls on my walk home for $1.
Quán phở Phương – Solid pho!
Hung Khanh Phnom Penh Noodles – Unreal dry noodles and a bowl of broth. Also has the best smoothie spot on this street.