Binh Tay Market in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo by VnExpress/Huu Nguyen |
China Town, District 5 & 6
China Town, established in the 19th century, can be found near Saigon's Cho Lon. In April 1931, Cho Lon was integrated into Saigon, hence the name Saigon - Cho Lon. In 1956, Saigon became the official name and Cho Lon was referred to mostly as where the Vietnamese Chinese lived. China Town is an area that encompasses districts 5 and 6, and some parts of District 8. Chinese food is available everywhere on the streets, but with a special Vietnamese twist. In China Town, you can find some of the oldest dishes in Saigon.
Kuy teav is a signature Chinese dish that can be found on many streets in District 5. There's also sticky rice, offal stew, fried dumplings, etc. Photo by VnExpress/Phong Vinh |
Cambodian market, District 10
Also known as Le Hong Phong, the Cambodian market was founded around 20 years ago in an old apartment complex, with scores of stalls selling ingredients and food from the land of Angkor.
The Cambodian market has expanded with locals getting in on the act, but Cambodian soul is still preserved by around 15 stores run by the children and grandchildren of the families that fled Cambodia more than 40 years ago. This photo shows Tu Xe's shop where she serves traditional num bank chok noodle soup from Cambodia. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran |
Its official name is Le Hong Phong but for decades people have been calling this market in District 10 the Cambodian market, simply because it sells products from Cambodia. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran |
Cambodian che, or sweet dessert, is another highlight at this market. Co says she follows her mother's recipe to cook Cambodian che at the market. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran |
Most streethawkers here have lived and worked in Cambodia, or are Vietnamese of Cambodian origin.
You can also find kuy teav, traditional vermicelli soup, banh canh (soup with tapioca flour), grilled bananas and more for around VND 25,000 to VND 50,000 ($1.1 - $2.2). Cambodian specialties at this market include che made with palmyra palm sugar, and num-po-choc (traditional Cambodian noodle soup). |
Japanese street, District 1
The 2-km road that connects 15B Le Thanh Ton to Thai Van Lung in District 1 is lined with wooden doors and windows, and lanterns in white, red and yellow. People could easily think this street is in Japan, hence the name.
Japanese street in Saigon. Photo by VnExpress/Kim Hue |
Most restaurant owners on this street are Japanese, which may explain the distinct Japanese flavors. Many notable dishes include ramen, takoyaki, sashimi, sushi and mochi. Photo by VnExpress. |
Thai area, District 5
Located on Nguyen Tri Phuong Street, this area is famous for its Thai street food. Photo by VnExpress. |
The menu includes Thai specialties such as tom yum, lod chong, coconut ice cream, Thai sushi, son tam, and more. Photo by VnExpress/Di Vy |
Korean corner, District 7, 1 and Tan Binh
If you are a fan of Korean food, you'll need to pass by these districts. There are a number of a Korean restaurants along Thang Long, Truong Son, Tan Son Hoa, Thai Van Lung, Le Thanh Ton, Le Duan and Phu My Hung.
Korean Gim chi. Photo by AFP/Ed Jones |
Some of the best dishes in South Korea can be found here, including grilled pork, gimbap, gim chi soup, cold noodles, suntubu and mushroom hot pot. Photo by VnExpress/Hong Lien. |