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Backpackers are in search of an effective guide to discovering the best cheap eats in Saigon.
While exploring the city’s scenic spots, historical sites, and immersing themselves in the local culture, tourists should not overlook the opportunity to savor the distinctive cuisine of the “Pearl of the Far East.” Here is a compilation of budget-friendly and delightful dining spots in Saigon that no visitor should overlook.
Explore these recommendations now with the Vietnam Travel Guide! Uncover a collection of inexpensive and delicious dining options in Saigon.
Hereunder the curated selection of affordable and delectable dining spots in Saigon.
Alley 284 Le Van Sy
- Address: Alley 284 Le Van Sy, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Operating Hours: 08:00 – 23:30.
- Price Range: 15,000 – 55,000 VND.
Renowned as a culinary “paradise” in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Alley 284 Le Van Sy boasts a diverse menu featuring dishes from the North to the South. Delight in specialties like mussel rice, Quang noodles, banh beo cup, dumplings, and sweet soups. The reasonable prices, averaging between 15,000 and 55,000 VND per dish, ensure a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
Alley 76 Hai Ba Trung
- Address: Alley 76 Hai Ba Trung, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Operating Hours: 14:00 – 17:00.
- Price Range: 15,000 – 20,000 VND.
Famed as Saigon’s premier snack haven, Alley 76 Hai Ba Trung attracts a vibrant crowd of young locals and tourists alike. The alley hosts numerous stalls offering delicious, nutritious, and budget-friendly snacks such as Thai vermicelli, chicken rice, stir-fried noodles, grilled meat, fried dough, pha lau, Hue cake, and snails. Enjoy these delectable treats, each priced at a modest 20,000 VND per serving.
Vinh Khanh Snail Street
- Address: Vinh Khanh Street, Ward 8, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Operating Hours: 16:00 – 23:00.
- Selling Price: 100,000 – 165,000 VND.
For backpacker, no visit to Saigon is complete without indulging in the fresh snail dishes at Vinh Khanh Street. This culinary hotspot offers a wide array of seafood and snail dishes, featuring options like boiled, stir-fried, grilled, fried, steamed, and roasted with garlic or tamarind sauce. While prices range from 100,000 to 165,000 VND, the vibrant atmosphere and diverse menu make it a must-visit destination. Arrive early to secure a prime seating spot amidst the bustling scene.
Alley 200 Xom Chieu
- Address: Alley 200 Xom Chieu, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Operating Hours: 17:00 – 22:00.
- Selling Price: 10,000 – 22,000 VND.
Nestled in the heart of District 4, Ho Chi Minh City, the Xom Chieu culinary haven at Alley 200 is a beloved spot among the city’s youth, renowned for its delectable dishes at remarkably affordable prices. Delight in the “paradise” of irresistibly tempting snacks, featuring Aunt Lan’s mussel noodles, Miss Oanh’s pha lau masterpiece, crab noodle soup, snail bowls, and Hang crab soup. A visit to Alley 200 Xom Chieu is an invitation to succumb to the allure of its delicious offerings.
An Duong Vuong Snack Street
- Address: An Duong Vuong Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Operating Hours: 17:00 – 22:00.
- Selling Price: 20,000 – 55,000 VND.
Recognized as a culinary “mecca” in Saigon, An Duong Vuong Snack Street has earned its fame for an array of enticing dishes, including beef dumplings, stir-fried balut with tamarind, noodles, dumplings, and especially grilled octopus. Indulge in the unique flavors that linger long after your visit, with a plate of grilled octopus priced at a mere 60,000 VND, an experience you’ll forever “miss.”
Phan Xich Long Food Street
- Address: Phan Xich Long Street, Ward 2, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Operating Hours: 07:00 am – 21:00 pm.
- Selling Price: 25,000 – 55,000 VND.
Step into the culinary realm of Phan Xich Long Food Street, located in Phu Nhuan District. The array of dishes here, including spring rolls, Hanoi rice rolls, and Singaporean frog porridge, promises an unforgettable gastronomic journey. The selling prices, ranging from 25,000 to 55,000 VND, ensure an affordable and delectable experience that will leave you enamored with the flavors of this vibrant street.
Phan Van Tri Street
- Address: Phan Van Tri, Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Operating Hours: 07:00 – 23:30.
- Selling Price: 10,000 – 35,000 VND.
When discussing affordable and delightful dining options in Saigon, the delectable eateries along Phan Van Tri Street deserve a prominent mention. Simply venture to Go Vap’s Phan Van Tri Street and step into any restaurant to savor a variety of enticing dishes. Notable establishments include Canh Dong Quan for grilled delights, Mat for a tofu noodle experience with shrimp paste, 2 Sieve for fish sauce hotpot, and Mat Quan offering Northwest cuisine. Alternatively, explore Emart Phan Van Tri, a culinary treasure trove showcasing the flavors of Saigon.
Nguyen Canh Chan Fruit Platter Street
- Address: No. 33/7 Nguyen Canh Chan, Cau Kho Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Operating Hours: 10:00 – 22:00.
- Selling Price: 16,000 – 30,000 VND.
Upon arriving at Nguyen Canh Chan Street, the bustling atmosphere, especially in the evening, will captivate your senses. Students, professionals, and couples gather along the street after school or work hours to relish fruit platters and fruit bowls. Indulge in a variety of fruits such as watermelon, durian, longan, mango, plum, guava, and toadstool, all at exceptionally affordable prices. This street stands out as a vibrant hub for budget-friendly, fruity delights.
Cao Thang Grilled Rice Paper Street
- Address: No. 53 – 57, Cao Thang Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Operating Hours: 17:00 – 22:00.
- Selling Price: 10,000 – 22,000 VND.
A true haven for grilled rice paper enthusiasts, Cao Thang Grilled Rice Paper Street beckons those with a passion for this simple yet enticing dish. Delight in a variety of rice paper options, including grilled beef onion, cheese, sausage, seafood rice paper, shredded chicken, and more. Despite its humble ingredients, this street has carved a niche as a specialty, adding to the culinary allure of Saigon. Don’t miss the chance to experience the unique flavors that make this street a standout in Saigon’s gastronomic scene.
Conclusion for best cheap eats in Saigon Vietnam
In conclusion, Saigon’s culinary landscape offers a delightful array of budget-friendly dining options that promise to satisfy both the palate and the pocket. Saigon’s best cheap eats not only showcase the city’s rich culinary heritage but also provide a memorable and accessible gastronomic experience for all.
May your journey to Saigon be filled with unforgettable culinary adventures!
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