5 Best Street Food Under 2 USD in Ho Chi Minh City

Eat like a local — delicious, cheap, and full of flavor!

Think you need to spend big to eat well in Vietnam? Think again. In the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, some of the tastiest meals cost less than 2 USD — and they’re loved by locals and visitors alike.

From buttery grilled bánh mì to colorful Vietnamese sweet soups, here’s your guide to 5 must-try street food spots under 50,000 VND.

1. Bánh căn Nha Trang at Bếp Cô Tư – A crispy mini pancake breakfast (⭐ 4.5/5)

Tucked away in a narrow alley, Bếp Cô Tư is a local breakfast spot famous for serving bánh căn Nha Trang.

Photo credit: Yu-chan LIN

Mini rice flour pancakes cooked over charcoal, topped with quail eggs and shrimp or squid. Crispy outside, soft inside, and best enjoyed with a warm bowl of dipping sauce with meatballs, fried shallots, and herbs.

They open early at 6 AM, and the alley gets busy. Best to go before 9 AM before they sell out!

2. Cơm Tấm Đề Thám – Saigon’s ultimate comfort food (⭐ 4.4/5)

Cơm tấm is a Saigon staple. One of the best places to try it is Cơm Tấm Đề Thám!

Photo credit: Bk Lee

Their “sườn trứng” combo (grilled pork & fried egg) is a local favorite: fluffy rice, smoky pork, balanced fish sauce, and pickled veggies on the side.

3. Bún Thịt Nướng Kiều Bảo – flavorful grilled pork noodle (⭐ 4.1/5)

Bún Thịt Nướng Kiều Bảo serves one of the best grilled pork noodle salads in town.

Photo credit: Thanh Đỗ

Smoky grilled pork, crispy spring rolls, herbs, pickles, and tangy fish sauce. I’ve been eating here since uni days — it never gets old!

4. Chè 3 Màu Nguyễn Phi Khanh – sweet soups with a 50-year legacy (⭐ 4.0/5)

Chè 3 Màu is easy to spot with its bright red frame — a classic since the 1970s!

Photo credit: Thi Phạm Phương

Classic sweet soups like mung bean, black bean, hyacinth bean, with pandan jelly and ruby water chestnuts — all topped with thick, creamy handmade coconut milk.

5. Bánh Mì Bò Nướng Bơ A Tùng – bánh mì stuffed with butter-grilled beef (⭐ 4.2/5)

At A Tùng, buttery grilled beef is served on the side so you can stuff your own crispy bánh mì!

Photo credit: Fiona

Rich buttery beef, cucumber, pickled veggies, chili and house sauce in a perfectly crisp baguette — a real Saigon twist.

Taste Saigon without breaking the bank

Eating well in Ho Chi Minh City doesn't require a big budget. You can taste some of the best flavors the city has to offer straight from the streets, all under 2 USD! So skip the fancy restaurants and try these local gems instead.

Most of these street food spots are located right in the heart of District 1, just a short walk or taxi ride away from our Kin Hotels!

Photo credit: TRIPADVISOR

Whether you stay at Kin Hotel Đông Du, Lý Tự Trọng, Thái Văn Lung or Thi Sách Edition, you're always close to local gems.

🛎️ Book your stay with Kin Hotel

Love discovering places like this? We share even more hidden corners, cafes, and city gems over at @kinhotel. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for your daily dose of Saigon charm.