5 Must-Try Street Food Under 2 USD in Ho Chi Minh City

Eat like a local — for less than the price of your morning coffee!

From smoky grilled meats to the iconic egg coffee, Ho Chi Minh City is a haven for street food lovers — and the best part? Most of it costs less than 2 USD.

Here’s your quick guide to five must-try street food spots where you can taste authentic Saigon flavors without spending much.

1. Bếp Cô Tư, bánh căn Nha Trang – Vietnamese mini pancake for 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 – broken rice done right (⭐ 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.

Eat local, stay local 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.