Ho Chi Minh City food tour
Deep in the neighbourhoods of District 3 in Hoi Chi Minh City, is where decades-old culinary powerhouses have been feeding hungry locals for generations.
We kick off our adventure with a pate-slathered banh mi from a 40+ year-old joint, paying homage to the icon born from the Franco-inspired bakeries of old Saigon. From there, we head for the backstreets, looking for a Michelin-rated kitchen that doesn't care about white tablecloths โ just smoky thit nuong grilled pork with stringy rice noodles, and succulent beef wrapped in wild betel leaves.
There's a movable feast of 15+ tastings in all, everything from red banh cua crab soup to white shredded pork and coconut cream. We'll push the palate further with charcoal-grilled Babylon snails and razor clams tossed with morning glory, to sticky rice, grilled bananas and pumpkin custard. We wonโt spoil all the surprises, but we promise you wonโt leave hungry.
This culinary expedition includes a dosage of history at a secret weapons bunker, and a photo-worthy stroll through the fascinating Nguyen Thien Thuat apartments - a bygone home of the American solider era, now transformed to a bustling, sprawling mecca for street food.
Weโll toast to the finish with an interactive coffee workshop, mixed with the innovative twists of Vietnamโs world-famous coffee culture. Youโll leave full, thoroughly marinating in the buzzing atmosphere, and with a newfound respect for this relentless foodie capital of the South.
Your guide is a local, theyโre food-obsessed, and they aren't going to let you leave until youโve seen the real Saigon.
Why this tour is awesome
This isnโt a curated "best-of" list from a guidebook; itโs a deep dive into the unfiltered soul of Saigon. We bypass the tourist traps of District 1 to plant you on a plastic stool in District 3, where decades-old culinary dynasties serve the same secret recipes theyโve perfected for generations.
You aren't just eating; youโre navigating the grit and glory of Vietnamese food history. From a hidden weapons bunker to the legendary Nguyen Thien Thuat apartments, youโll experience the cityโs raw, sensory chaos alongside a guide who lives for the next great bite. It's a flavor-packed expedition designed for those who want to taste the truth of this foodie capital.
Your guide
If you think you know Saigon food, let Binh show you the real deal. Heโs fun and has an uncanny ability to find the best street stalls that don't even have a sign. He takes you into the heart of the neighborhood alleys where the real magic happens. Expect big laughs, local secrets, and a very full stomach.
Your guide
Saigon is a labyrinth of flavor, and Hien has the keys to the city. He believes that the best way to see the city is through the steam of a noodle bowl and the chaos of a hidden alleyway. Hien will lead you past the tourist traps and straight to the legendary stalls only the locals know. Heโs a storyteller at heart who knows that every dish has a history and every street corner has a soul. f you want to eat like a king and laugh like a local, Hien is your guide.
Meet your guide in the heart of District 3, an area for locals-in-the-know
Feast on specialities like grilled beef wrapped in lolot leaves
Meet the food heroes that are the beating pulse of the city
Rich flavourful red crab noodle soup
An exclusive invite to a hidden weapons bunker
Local shredded pork noodles dish
Friendly locals in District 3
Breaking fresh bread over snails and crunchy morning glory
Work your chopsticks over delicious meat and noodles
Charcoal grilled specialities for the curious foodie out there
Creamy banana cake lightly grilled
Visit the famous Nguyen Thien Thuat apartments
Includes
- Price US $45 per person
- Tastings 15+ food tastings included
- Drinks Bottled water included
- Small group tour Maximum of 8 guests (private tours or groups of 9+, please contact us)
- Start Time 10.00AM
- Duration Around 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on the pace of the group
- Child Policy Children aged 3-12 years: 50% discount. Infants 0-2 years: free
- Transport / Walking Walking tour with 6-7 stops
- Instant Confirmation Book instantly on our live calendar. If your date is unavailable, please contact us
- Cancellation policy Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Language English
- Pick up / Drop off Not included. Easy to find meeting point for all guests
Dietary information
- General Advice Many streetside vendors specialise in signature menus, and may not have alternatives. It is not always possible to cater for all dietary requests at every stop
- Vegetarian Unsuitable sorry, as meat and seafood is used in 5-6 tastings
- Vegan Unsuitable as meat, seafood and eggs are used in over half the tastings
- Pescatarian Possible, though meat is used in 3-4 tastings
- Pork Possible, though pork is used in 2-3 dishes. Unsuitable for halal diets.
- Halal Unsuitable, as there are no vendors on the tour route that hold halal certification.
- Gluten Intolerance / Celiac Possible, though gluten is used in 1-2 tastings.
- Lactose Intolerance Suitable for lactose intolerances, only 1-2 tastings have lactose
- Tree Nuts / Peanut allergy Possible for mild allergies, though peanuts are used in 1-2 tastings. There are no other known tree nuts
- Seafood / Shellfish allergy Possible for mild allergies, though seafood is used in 3-4 tastings
- Severe allergies Due to the nature of street food cooking, we can never guarantee any dish to be 100% free from allergens, as there is always the risk of traces and cross-contamination. It is unsuitable for severe allergies. Contact us: info@achefstour.com
How to book
To join our Ho Chi Minh City / Saigon lunchtime food tour, use the live booking calendar to select your date and secure your tour. If the date is unavailable, or for special requests and private bookings, pleaseย contact us. Safety and comfort of guests is our first priority, so if you have any questions on dietary information or food allergies, pleaseย contact usย before booking.
What to expect
This tour is designed for adventurous eaters with an interest in discovering the food locals eat. Itโs a walking tour, but the pace is gentle, the terrain flat and there are plenty of rest (eating) stops along the way. Join us on the best Ho Chi Minh City food tour in the city, you won't regret it.
Meeting point
This Ho Chi Minh City / Saigon food tour starts outside The Venerable Thich Quแบฃng ฤแปฉc Monument in District 3 of the city. It's easily reachable by taxi. At the end of the experience, your guide can help you find transport back if you wish. More details will be sent upon booking confirmation.
Cancellation Policy
Why you should book with us
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99% 5 star reviews across our tours -
Secure payments through provider Peek
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No hidden charges - all food tastings included in the price
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Authentic food experience, escape the tourist traps