Beyond District 1: Hidden Gems & Local Eats in Ho Chi Minh City
When people think of Ho Chi Minh City, they often picture the bustling streets of District 1—home to famous landmarks, high-rise hotels, and well-documented eateries. But for me, this trip was about something different. Instead of following the usual tourist path, I stayed in District 5, where my parents were born and raised.
This wasn’t just a visit; it was a homecoming of sorts. My parents grew up eating at small, family-run restaurants that have been around for decades—places with no online presence, no flashy signs, just incredible food and generations of loyal customers. Many of these spots aren’t even on Google Maps, but they hold stories and flavors that have stood the test of time.
In this post, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite restaurants, cafés, and stores from my time in Ho Chi Minh City. While I may not have a long list of Googleable locations, what I do have are experiences rooted in tradition, nostalgia, and the authentic side of the city that most tourists never see.
Favorite Restaurants
🍜 BÁNH CANH CUA Cô Tư – Rich Crab Noodle Soup
Price: 150,000 VND ($6 USD) for all toppings (as of Feb 2025)
If you’re craving a thick, flavorful noodle soup, this place delivers. The broth is rich and loaded with toppings like crab, fish cake, pork, and even pork’s blood. I personally enjoyed it, but my husband thought the soup could have been more flavorful. One thing to note is that for a street vendor, it’s on the pricier side, and from what I’ve read on Google Maps, locals feel the same way. There’s also no menu or posted prices, so you’ll have to trust the process!
🥖 Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa – The Ultimate Bánh Mì
At $3 USD, this bánh mì is on the expensive side compared to others, but once you see the sheer amount of meat and pâté stuffed inside, you’ll understand why. Some reviews even say it’s too much—but for me, there’s no such thing as too much pâté! The bread is perfectly crispy, and every bite is packed with flavor. I’m still drooling over this one!
🥢 Quán Ngon - Bún Chả Hà Nội – Northern-Style Grilled Pork Noodles
This dish originates from the north, but I had to try it in Ho Chi Minh City. The smoky, grilled pork combined with fresh herbs and vermicelli noodles made for a unique and delicious experience. If you’re looking for something different from the usual southern-style dishes, this is a great choice!
🦐 Bánh Khọt & Bánh Xèo Cô Út Gạo – Crispy Mini Pancakes & Savory Crepes
The bánh khọt (mini crispy pancakes) here are amazing—crispy, flavorful, and just a little oily. You can order a combination to try different toppings like seafood or pork. As for the bánh xèo (savory Vietnamese crepe), while it was massive, it didn’t have much shrimp or flavor compared to other places I’ve tried. If you’re here, definitely go for the bánh khọt!
🍚 Com Tam (Broken Rice) – Hidden Local Spot – Delicious & Affordable Comfort Food
This was one of the best cơm tấm (broken rice) meals I’ve ever had! The plate came loaded with fragrant broken rice, a perfectly grilled pork chop, chả trứng hấp (steamed egg meatloaf), and a side of pickled veggies. The flavors were incredible, and the portion was super generous for just $2 USD. Since this spot isn’t on Google Maps, you’ll have to rely on local recommendations or just explore the area—but trust me, it’s worth the hunt!
Favorite Drinks
☕ Three O’Clock Coffee – A 24/7 Coffee Lover’s Dream
What’s better than a great café? A great café that’s open 24/7! This multi-floor spot has plenty of seating, Wi-Fi, and some of the best drinks I had in Ho Chi Minh City. Their cà phê sữa đá (Vietnamese iced coffee) is fantastic, and they even use coffee ice cubes to keep it from getting watered down. But what really sets this place apart is their non-coffee drinks—I’m obsessed with their “Three’s Special,” a perfectly sweetened herbal drink with dates, sour plum, and other healthy ingredients. It doesn’t taste herbal at all—just refreshing, slightly tart, and absolutely delicious!
☕ Hidden Coffee Stand – Strong & Affordable Vietnamese Coffee
This little coffee stand might not have a name or an online presence, but it serves some of the most flavorful cà phê sữa đá (Vietnamese iced coffee) I’ve had! The coffee is bold, smooth, and perfectly balanced with sweetened condensed milk. At just 15K VND (~$0.60 USD), it’s an absolute steal compared to bigger cafés. If you’re in the area, keep an eye out for this tiny stand—you won’t regret it!
🥤 Vua Mia Thien Thanh / Nuoc Mia Phung Hiep - Affordable Sugarcane Juice
Just before reaching the banh canh restaurant, you’ll find a street vendor serving incredibly refreshing sugarcane juice. The big sign displays the unbeatable price—just 10K VND (40 cents USD) for a large iced cup. Pro tip: Order first and let them know you’ll be dining at the banh canh spot—they’ll bring it over and you can pay afterward. A perfect way to cool down with a sweet, fresh-pressed drink! (Not listed on Google Maps but it’s a stand located right in front of a pharmacy.)
Favorite Shopping Spot
📚 Ho Chi Minh City Book Street – A Paradise for Book Lovers
If you love books, you need to check out Book Street (Đường Sách TP.HCM). This peaceful, tree-lined street is filled with bookstores, stalls, and cozy reading spaces. You’ll find everything from Vietnamese literature to international bestsellers, along with unique stationery and souvenirs. Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, it’s a great place to take a break from the city’s chaos and soak in the literary atmosphere.
✨ Final Thoughts
This trip to Ho Chi Minh City was unlike any other. While I love visiting new places, there was something special about exploring the city through my parents’ memories—eating at the same street stalls they did when they were young, walking through neighborhoods that shaped their childhood, and experiencing a side of the city that most tourists never get to see.
If you’re planning a trip here, I encourage you to venture beyond District 1. While the big-name attractions are fun, there’s so much more to Ho Chi Minh City than what’s listed on travel guides. Take a chance on a restaurant with no menu, grab a late-night coffee at a 24/7 café, and embrace the chaos of the city’s hidden gems. You never know what unforgettable flavors and experiences you’ll discover!
