Saigon food tour
Hear Saigon sizzle with frying woks, charcoal smoke, and the warm humidity in this southern city. As the sun dips, District 3 transforms into a neon-lit altar of flavor where neighbourhood regulars gather for the good stuff.
We’re navigating the backstreets of District 3 to visit the street food heroes who have been serving up hot, honest suppers for generations.
We're talking crispy khoai môn chiên taro cakes, and Michelin-rated grilled beef wrapped in wild betel leaves. You’ll slurp down a rich, unapologetic bánh canh cua crab noodle soup — dunking Chinese crullers into the broth like a pro. Tear into razor clams stir-fried with crunchy morning glory. For the adventurous, there are Babylon snails swimming in a rich salted egg sauce; for the purists, there's Ms. Hoa’s legendary bò kho beef stew that tastes like a hug from old Saigon. Among many more surprises, there's 15+ tastings on our movable feast.
And Saigon is about more than just the plate. We’re serving up a side of history with an exclusive invite to a secret weapons bunker hidden beneath the city’s skin.
Later, we’ll explore the halls of Nguyen Thien Thuat apartment complex. Once a temporary home for American GIs, it’s now a pulsating, concrete ecosystem and a street food haven. It’s a beautiful and messy throwback to the nostalgia of old.
The mission is simple: the food. You’ll end the night with a full belly, a slight case of sensory overload, and a perspective on this city that most visitors never get to see. This is Saigon’s boldest, bravest, and most interesting food expedition yet. Come hungry.
Why this tour is awesome
This tour is an unfiltered dive into the culinary trenches of District 3 where dishes are served in the lurid soul of the real Saigon. We’ve mapped out the 'holy grails' of District 3 street food, connecting you with the legendary food heroes who have fed this city for generations.
Most visitors only scratch the surface, but we take you beneath the city’s skin — from secret weapons bunkers to Michelin-rated back-alley kitchens, with front-row seats to the city's most iconic apartment complex.
It’s a rare blend of food history and culinary discovery, designed for the brave traveler who wants to leave full, and with a new perspective on Saigon that others don't always see.
Your guide
If you think you know Saigon food, let Binh show you the real deal. He’s 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. He’s 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.
Food heroes with crispy taro cakes
Discover the real food of Saigon
Meet the legendary street food vendors
Succulent beef wrapped in lolot leaves
Decades-old culinary powerhouses
Freshly prepared food with closely guarded recipes
An exclusive invite to a hidden capsule of history
Try foods you might not try alone
Visit the fascinating Nguyen Thiat Thuat apartments
Learn about local life in old Saigon
Eat Saigonese street food that has stood the test of time
See Saigon like you've never seen it before
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 4:00 PM
- Duration Around 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on the pace of the group
- Transport / Walking Walking tour with 6-7 stops
- Child Policy Children aged 3-12 years: 50% discount. Infants 0-2 years: free
- 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
- Peanuts / Tree Nut 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 peanuts are used in 1-2 tastings. There are no other known tree nuts
- 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 Saigon / Ho Chi Minh City evening 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, please contact us. Safety and comfort of guests is our first priority, so if you have any questions on dietary information or food allergies, please contact us before booking.
What to expect
This tour is designed for adventurous eaters with an interest in discovering the food locals eat. It’s 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 Saigon / Ho Chi Minh City food tour starts outside The Venerable Thich Quảng Đức 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