There’s something wonderfully satisfying about discovering a great meal in Ho Chi Minh City, especially when it comes from an unassuming eatery that locals have been visiting for years. Saigon is a city where food is woven into everyday life, from early-morning bowls of phở to late-night seafood feasts and leisurely Vietnamese coffee sessions.

Our search for the best eats in Ho Chi Minh City takes us through traditional Vietnamese restaurants, family-run establishments, bustling markets and neighbourhood food stalls. Along the way, we explore the dishes, flavours and dining experiences that make Saigon one of Southeast Asia’s great food destinations.