Private Saigon Foodie Walk_Eleven Street Tastings Can’t Miss

Set out on a private Saigon foodie walk and savor eleven must-try street tastings that showcase Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage. From Michelin-rated delights to exotic snacks, this immersive experience takes you on a flavorful journey through the vibrant food culture of Saigon. Along the way, you’ll discover unique local specialties and uncover the stories behind each tantalizing bite. Where will this culinary adventure lead you next?

Key Points

• Explore the historic Huyen Sy Church, the starting point for a private Saigon street food adventure through local markets and alleyways.
• Savor the Michelin-rated Bo La Lot, bite-sized beef rolls wrapped in aromatic betel leaves and grilled over charcoal.
• Indulge in the delightful combination of grilled banana and sticky rice, a quintessential Vietnamese street food treat.
• Discover the savory Banh Xeo, a crispy Vietnamese pancake filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs.
• Immerse in the bustling atmosphere of the Ho Thi Ky Food Street night market, where exotic street snacks and freshly squeezed sugar cane juice await.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Huyen Sy Church – Starting Point

The tour begins at the historic Huyen Sy Church, located in District 3. This Catholic church, built in the 19th century, serves as the starting point for the private Saigon street food adventure.

Participants will meet their guide here before embarking on a culinary journey through the vibrant neighborhoods of Ho Chi Minh City. The church’s ornate architecture and serene atmosphere provide a peaceful contrast to the lively food stalls and bustling streets that await.

From this central location, the tour will wind its way through the local market and alleyways, offering an authentic taste of Vietnamese cuisine and culture.

Bo La Lot – Michelin-Rated Delight

Michelin-rated Bo La Lot is the first stop on the culinary adventure.

These bite-sized beef rolls, wrapped in aromatic betel leaves, are a specialty from Central Vietnam. Expertly grilled over charcoal, the beef is infused with a complex blend of lemongrass, garlic, and fish sauce. The crisp, charred exterior gives way to a juicy, flavorful interior.

Dipping the rolls in a tangy dipping sauce completes the experience, showcasing the harmonious balance of flavors. Guests will savor this Michelin-recognized delicacy, setting the tone for the diverse array of Vietnamese street food to come.

Chuoi Nep Nuong – Grilled Banana and Sticky Rice

Nestled within the bustling streets of Saigon, the next stop on the culinary adventure is Chuoi Nep Nuong, a delightful combination of grilled banana and sticky rice.

Locals swear by this simple yet satisfying street food. The slightly charred banana is encased in a layer of chewy, fragrant sticky rice, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors.

Guests can watch the vendors expertly assemble and grill this beloved snack right before their eyes. It’s a chance to savor a quintessential Vietnamese treat while immersing in the lively atmosphere of the night market.

Banh Xeo – Vietnamese Pancake

As guests move on from the delightful Chuoi Nep Nuong, they’re greeted by the sizzling sounds of Banh Xeo, a beloved Vietnamese pancake.

This savory delight is made from a rice flour batter, filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs. The host expertly folds the pancake in half, revealing its golden, crispy exterior.

Guests eagerly take a bite, savoring the contrasting textures and flavors. The Banh Xeo’s light, airy texture and robust fillings make it a true crowd-pleaser.

This stop transports travelers deeper into the vibrant street food culture of Saigon.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Banh Khot – Small Rice Pancake

Next, guests are introduced to the delightful Banh Khot, a small Vietnamese rice pancake. This savory bite-sized treat is a specialty of Vung Tau, a coastal city south of Saigon.

Banh Khot is made from a batter of rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric, which gives it a golden hue. The pancakes are fried in small cup-shaped molds, creating a crispy shell with a soft, pillowy interior.

Typical toppings include:

• Shrimp

• Scallions

• Crispy shallots

• Fish sauce

• Lime wedges

Banh Khot is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a highlight of the evening street food adventure.

Vietnamese Pizza – Highlands Specialty

The tour next introduces guests to the unique Vietnamese Pizza, a specialty from the Central Highlands region.

Also known as Banh Mi Xeo, this savory pancake is made with rice flour, eggs, and a variety of toppings like beef, pork, vegetables, and shrimp.

The ingredients are pan-fried until crispy, then folded into a pizza-like shape.

This highland delicacy offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors. Guests can savor the crunchiness of the pancake, the juiciness of the fillings, and the harmonious interplay of sweet, salty, and umami notes.

An authentic taste of Vietnam’s diverse culinary heritage.

Night Street Food Market

After sampling the unique Vietnamese Pizza, the tour moves on to explore the lively night street food market.

Bustling stalls offer a tantalizing array of local delicacies, from sizzling meat skewers to freshly squeezed sugar cane juice. The market atmosphere is electric, with vendors hawking their wares and locals chatting animatedly.

Key highlights include:

Trying exotic street snacks, navigating narrow alleyways, purchasing fresh tropical fruits, and immersing in the local food culture.

• Trying exotic street snacks like balut (fertilized duck egg) and grilled seafood

• Navigating the narrow alleyways and taking in the vibrant sights and sounds

• Purchasing fresh tropical fruits and observing the preparation of local dishes

• Experiencing the energy and community spirit of the night market

• Taking in the local culture and gaining a deeper understanding of Saigon’s food traditions.

Ho Thi Ky Food Street – Ending Point

As the tour draws to a close, the group arrives at the bustling Ho Thi Ky Food Street, the final destination.

This vibrant market offers a wide array of local delicacies and snacks. The guide leads the group through the maze of stalls, pointing out specialties like Vietnamese pizza, grilled seafood, and sweet sticky rice treats.

Visitors can enjoy the lively atmosphere, observing the skilled vendors and sampling the diverse culinary offerings.

The tour culminates here, leaving participants with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Saigon’s rich street food culture.

Since You Asked

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour is a private group experience, so the maximum group size is not specified. The itinerary and activities are tailored to the private group’s needs and preferences.

Are Vegetarian/Vegan Options Available for the Food Tastings?

The tour offers some vegetarian and vegan options for the food tastings, like the grilled banana and sticky rice, Vietnamese pancake, and sticky rice with toppings. However, the overall menu focuses on traditional Vietnamese meat dishes.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?

The tour can be customized to accommodate dietary restrictions. Guests can inform the tour operator of their needs, and the itinerary will be adjusted to ensure they enjoy a satisfying culinary experience that meets their dietary requirements.

Is There a Discount for Children or Students?

Yes, the tour offers discounts for children and students. Rates are $42.68 per child under 12 and $43.58 per student with valid ID. All food tastings and activities are included in the discounted pricing.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour has a casual, comfortable dress code. Guests should wear closed-toe shoes and loose, breathable clothing to accommodate the walking and food tastings. There’s no need for formal attire; the focus is on enjoying the street food experience.

Final Words

This private Saigon foodie walk offers a delectable journey through the city’s vibrant street food culture. From Michelin-rated delights to exotic snacks, the tour showcases the rich culinary heritage of Vietnam. Embark on this flavorful adventure to savor the best of Saigon’s street food, culminating at the lively Ho Thi Ky Food Street.

You can check if your dates are available here: