Top 20 Southern Vietnamese Foods That Will Delight Your Taste Buds

What Makes Southern Vietnamese Cuisine Special?

Sweet and Bold Flavors
The essence of Southern Vietnamese cuisine lies in its sweet and bold flavors. Tropical fruits like mango, pineapple and coconut are frequently used in dishes, adding a natural sweetness to the savory offerings. This cuisine also emphasizes the use of regional spices such as lemongrass, chili, and fish sauce, creating a balance of flavors that are both refreshing and satisfying.
The combination of these ingredients gives Southern Vietnamese food its distinctive tangy, spicy and savory taste, which makes it particularly appealing to those who enjoy vibrant and robust flavors. Herbs such as mint and basil are often used to complement the rich and fragrant dishes, adding an aromatic touch to each bite. Together, these ingredients form the foundation of Southern Vietnamese cooking, celebrated for its ability to balance flavors and textures in every dish.

Rice Dishes

- Cơm Tấm (Broken Rice with Grilled Pork)
A beloved dish in Southern Vietnam, cơm tấm features broken rice served with succulent grilled pork, fresh herbs and a fried egg. This dish is often enjoyed with fish sauce, adding a salty kick that complements the sweetness of the pork. You can enjoy cơm tấm at Cơm Tấm Ba Ghiền in Ho Chi Minh City, a local favorite for this classic Southern dish.
Address: 84 Trần Đình Xu, Phường Cầu Kho, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh City.

Noodle Dishes

Hủ Tiếu (Rice Noodle Soup)
Hủ tiếu is a quintessential noodle dish in Southern Vietnam. It features thin rice noodles in a rich broth, topped with a variety of meats such as pork, shrimp, and beef. The combination of fresh herbs, lime, and chili makes this dish both savory and refreshing. One of the best places to try hủ tiếu is Hủ Tiếu Mỹ Tho in District 5, where the broth is rich and the noodles are perfectly cooked.
Address: 131 Nguyễn Trãi, Phường 2, Quận 5, Hồ Chí Minh City.

Pancakes and Savory Dishes

Bánh Xèo (Savory Pancake)
Bánh xèo is a crispy pancake filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs. It’s often wrapped in lettuce leaves and dipped in a tangy fish sauce, creating a perfect balance of crunch, flavor, and freshness. For crispy bánh xèo, head to Bánh Xèo 46A in District 3, Saigon, known for its perfect golden crust and savory fillings.
Address: 46A Đinh Công Tráng, Phường Tân Định, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh City.

Salads and Fresh Dishes

Gỏi Cuốn (Fresh Spring Rolls)
These fresh spring rolls are filled with shrimp, rice noodles, herbs and lettuce, all wrapped in a thin layer of rice paper. They are typically served with a peanut or hoisin dipping sauce, offering a healthy and refreshing snack. Enjoy fresh, healthy gỏi cuốn at Pho 2000 in Ho Chi Minh City, where they serve these rolls with a variety of fillings.
Address: 1-3 Phan Chu Trinh, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh City.

Soups and Stews

Canh Chua (Sour Soup)
Canh chua is a famous Southern Vietnamese sour soup made with tamarind, pineapple and fish. This refreshing dish is typically served with rice and is a perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors. Canh Chua can be found in many restaurants in the Mekong Delta region, but Nhà Hàng Cơm Niêu Sài Gòn offers a great version with a balanced sour and savory flavor.
Address: 7A Lê Quang Định, Phường 5, Quận Bình Thạnh, Hồ Chí Minh City.

Street Food and Snacks

Chả Giò (Fried Spring Rolls)
These crispy fried rolls are filled with a mixture of ground pork, shrimp, and vegetables. They are a popular snack or appetizer, often served with fresh herbs and dipping sauce . Chả giò is typically enjoyed with lettuce leaves to wrap and add crunch, making it a fun and interactive eating experience. Chả giò can be found at Chả Giò Cô Sáu in District 11, known for its crispy texture and flavorful fillings.
Address: 280 Lý Thường Kiệt, Phường 15, Quận 11, Hồ Chí Minh City.

Southern Vietnamese cuisine offers a wonderful blend of bold, sweet, and savory flavors, making it a must-try for any food lover. Whether you're sampling Com Tam on a busy street corner or enjoying a flavorful Lau Mam with friends, the food here tells a story of tradition, culture, and community. The rich culinary heritage of the region is more than just a meal – it’s an experience that connects you to the heart of Vietnam’s southern charm.
To fully immerse yourself in these authentic flavors, consider staying at Amanaki Saigon Boutique Hotel. Nestled in the vibrant Thao Dien area, the hotel offers not only a stylish and comfortable escape but also the opportunity to indulge in carefully crafted dishes that celebrate the region’s unique food culture. At Amanaki, every meal is a journey into the culinary soul of Southern Vietnam.
Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, the hotel provides easy access to local dining experiences, offering guests a chance to enjoy authentic Southern Vietnamese Food in a welcoming and comfortable environment.