The Best Cheap Eats in Saigon’s Best Food Alleys

76 Hai Ba Trung district 1

Located in the heart of district 1, this alley mainly serves students and office workers. There is a good variety to choose from at relatively reasonable prices. With 10000 - 15000 VND anyone can get a portion of noodles, meat/ fish balls, soup. However, the low cost doesn’t define the quality of food, which can be compared to that of any indoor food stall. Moreover, the sellers are very friendly and helpful if you’re not familiar with Saigon streets. The cheap, tasty and eye-catching food here accounts for their getting sold out within 3 hours every day (3-6pm).

Video edited by Son Nguyen & shot by Chi Le

After getting enough energy, pay a visit to the Ho Chi Minh city Municipal theatre, which is only a few minutes away on foot to the south.

Ho Ba Kien, district 10

This one is much younger than the first, having been discovered for no longer than a few months. Teenagers and university students often gather here since the price is generally cheap, each dish costing no more than 20000 VND. Most famous here is the seafood stall and some Vietnamese specialties such as banh nam and banh bot loc.

177 Ly Tu Trong, District 1

Here customers are offered the special dessert after the main course: fruit. A combination of pineapple, strawberry, watermelon, etc is served in bowls with cups of yogurt. This cannot fail to quench the thirst of tourists made exhausted by the scorching heat of Saigon noon.

After a good rest, continue your visit to nearby attractions such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the city post office or the Tran Dai Nghia High school for the Gifted.

14 Tran Binh Trong, District 5

Another checkpoint for anyone who loves sweet food. Located in the so-called Chinatown of Saigon, this alley leads to an old apartment block, which makes it easier to find. Jelly and flan cakes are the most popular dishes, with a variety of flavors to choose: cheese, coconut, etc. In case you want something for the main course, try fried dough next door. A meal here can be nothing but a bargain, since prices are no more than 2500 VND for desserts and 15000 for fried dough.

Since this alley is in the Chinatown, take your time to discover one of the most important parts of Saigonese culture by visiting Cho Lon, Thien Hau pagoda, and various other sites.

51 Cao Thang, District 3

Not so far from the Ban Co Market, this alley is best known for the 70-year-old porridge stall named “Tieu”. One difference, however, is the high price 65000 VND per portion. The ingredients used, including heart, kidney, meat and even mushroom, may result in the unreasonable price compared to other stalls. Or else, try the mouth-watering girdle cake made on the spot. Also on offer are noodles, balut fried with tamarind, fish balls, dim sum, ravioli soup, crab soup, etc. for about 15000 VND. Last but not least, have a go at the cocktails, on the menu at most stalls.

284 Le Van Sy, District 3

Another place all too familiar with students and workers in district 3, this is a haven for all fans of Vietnamese noodles- “bun”- as well as tourists interested in Hue food culture: banh nam, banh beo, banh uot, banh loc, etc. Enjoy your meal for no more than 20000 VND. There’s a parking lot nearby in case you get there by motorbike, right in front of the kindergarten. Young Saigonese often hold small gatherings here at night, which makes this time of the day the most exciting and suitable for a visit.

Nam Ky Khoi Nghia highschool, District 11

Located on Nguyen Thi Nho street, which is also famous as a dining area, this alley is right next to the Nam Ky Khoi Nghia highschool. As a result, its students are the most usual customers. Besides the dishes mentioned above, milk tea- an addictive drink too familiar with Vietnamese teens- can be found. Most popular here is the popiah cart, known to be not only the cheapest throughout Saigon but also one with the highest quality. For seafood enthusiast, snails and fish are a must-try.

Food alleys are one irreplaceable piece of Saigonese culture and have never lost their appeal towards tourists as well as locals, and above are some of the most popular places to explore this aspect of the city. Hungry after reading all these illustrations yet? Get up and give them a try yourself!