Bun Mam (Vietnamese Fermented Fish Rice Noodle Soup)
To kick off the series of the hottest delicious dishes in District 1 of Saigon, one cannot overlook Bun Mam, a simple specialty that embodies the essence of the Vietnamese people. Anyone who has ever been to Ho Chi Minh City, specifically District 1, has surely been captured by the delicious and enticing flavors of this dish.
You can stop by the traditional bun mam restaurant on Co Giang Street to enjoy a bowl of bun with all the toppings, including pork, squid, shrimp, and especially the essential mam nem, served with fresh herbs. At first glance, the process of making this dish seems simple, but creating that “divine” dipping sauce that keeps customers coming back is no easy task. You should try the fermented noodle soup here because you will definitely be blown away by its incredibly delicious sweet and sour flavor.
Khan’s Bun Dau ( Noodle and Tofu with Shrimp Sauce )
Bun Dau is no longer an unfamiliar dish to Vietnamese diners, but enjoying this authentic Northern flavor in the South is not easy to find.
A complete platter of vermicelli with fried tofu and shrimp paste will include crispy green rice cake, boiled pork, golden fried tofu, fragrant sausage, rice noodles, and various fresh herbs on the side. Especially the shrimp paste, which is prepared very similarly to those in Hanoi restaurants, has captivated many customers, prompting them to order a second serving.
Bun Bo Hue ( Spicy Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup )
Bun Bo Hue Cong Quynh—a reputable address that attracts hundreds of customers from all over every day. The only thing you have to trade when you come here is an empty stomach to bring back a full belly filled with a delicious bowl of Hue beef noodle soup.
This delicious dish from District 1 is meticulously prepared by the chefs, featuring large, chewy, fresh noodles paired with beef brisket, beef tendon, and rich Nem, all complemented by a flavorful broth that captures the authentic taste of Hue.
Pho Ngọc
Once again, I temporarily distance myself from the bustling nightlife of Saigon and return to the serene atmosphere of a Hanoi morning. This is a restaurant of memories, a delicious spot in District 1 called Pho Ngoc. This delicious dish from District 1 in Saigon will recreate the rich and nostalgic flavors of the North.
Located in a small alley, this restaurant has never been empty. The diners here are very numerous, even lining up to enjoy the authentic flavors of Hanoi.
Ngoc Pho restaurant is a famous delicacy in District 1, known for its long-standing history and spices that delight the palate. The broth is clear and sweet, rich in flavor, the noodles are soft, and the fragrant meat makes it incredibly enjoyable. In particular, the menu here is quite diverse; you can completely ask the chef to cook according to your preferences, whether you like tender meat, medium-cooked, or chewy and crispy.