We’ve always believed that one surefire way to scratch beneath a country’s surface is to investigate the local cuisine. In most Asian countries, mealtimes hold a special place and are key moments of togetherness and community. Of course, it helps that much of the food in Asia is also downright delicious and inspirationally conversation starting.
Vietnam is one such nation whose cuisine is renowned the world over. Bursting with fresh flavors and healthy ingredients, a lot can be learned from the way Vietnamese regard food.
There’s no finer way to trace the authenticity of Vietnamese cuisine than on the city’s sidewalks. The street life of Vietnam is synonymous with everything from a unique coffee culture or drinking beer to selling goods and playing games.
Our local Travel Specialists advise clients visiting Vietnam who are looking to experience local life to try our fascinating Street Food tours which educate and entertain, armed with chopsticks and passion. For example, our evening ‘Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tour’ helps travelers to enjoy a typical local-style evening of delicious food and authentic atmosphere in the city formerly known as Saigon.
Starting at 6pm, the walking tour begins at one of the public parks of the city, allowing the opportunity to work up an appetite through watching others work out! Many locals in Vietnam gather in parks when the sun sets to enjoy communal activities like socializing, aerobics and dancing.
From there the Ho Chi Minh City walking tour moves to a Banh Xeo stall for the first meal of the evening in a local restaurant down a hidden alley. Banh Xeo is a large rice pancake filled with vegetables and pork or shrimp. Despite being hard to find, the restaurant has become renowned amongst locals for this delicious dish.
The next stop on the culinary exploration tour is near Tan Dinh Market to discover a delicious Chinese-inspired street food soup stand. After another leisurely walk, the gastronomic tour stops for com suon non nuong muoi ot, a local city specialty made with rice and pork ribs. To round-off the meal in delicious style, the tour then makes an indulgent stop at a quaint Vietnamese café to sample a contemporary local dessert.
If this Ho Chi Minh City tour sounds like it would suit your food-loving passion for delicious culture, be sure to consult with one of our locally based Travel Specialists, who’ll be happy to tailor any of our fully customizable Vietnam tours to include an exploration into the local food scene.
We also offer similar tours in Hoi An and Hanoi.
