Indulge in a culinary odyssey through Saigon’s vibrant streets with the Thirteen Authentic Street Food Tastings Tour. This captivating 3-hour walking adventure unveils the city’s rich gastronomic heritage, led by a local expert who shares the stories behind each iconic dish. From the aromatic bo la lot to the sizzling banh xeo, participants embark on a sensory exploration, savoring the diverse flavors that define Vietnam’s southern capital. With vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-friendly options, the tour caters to all dietary needs, promising an immersive experience that tantalizes the taste buds and immerses visitors in Saigon’s lively culinary landscape. What secrets await around the next corner?
This experience made our list of the 20 Best Walking Tours In Ho Chi Minh City.
Key Points
- A 3-hour street food tour exploring the vibrant culinary landscape of Saigon, featuring 13 authentic and iconic dishes from Vietnam’s southern region.
- Guided by a local expert, providing insights into the sights, sounds, and flavors of Vietnam’s bustling streets.
- Includes tastings of aromatic bo la lot, sizzling banh xeo, crispy banh khot, banh trang nuong, and refreshing nuoc mia.
- Starts at Huyen Si Church in District 1 and ends at the lively Ho Thi Ky Flower Market in District 10, with transportation assistance.
- Offers vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher-friendly, gluten-free, and lactose-intolerant options, with a seamless and stress-free experience guaranteed.
Tour Overview
This 3-hour street food tour takes visitors on a delectable journey through Saigon’s vibrant culinary landscape, showcasing 13 authentic and iconic dishes from Vietnam’s southern region.
Guided by a local expert, the tour immerses you in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Vietnam’s bustling streets.
You’ll savor beloved specialties like the grilled beef wrapped in la lot leaves, the sizzling banh xeo crepes, and the crispy banh khot mini pancakes.
Along the way, you’ll sip on refreshing coconut water and indulge in the creamy coconut ice cream.
With 41 positive reviews and an award of excellence, this tour promises an unforgettable culinary adventure that captures the essence of Saigon’s vibrant street food culture.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ho Chi Minh City.
Included Tastings
Embarking on this culinary journey, guests savor 11 authentic Vietnamese street food specialties, including:
- The aromatic bo la lot (grilled beef wrapped in la lot leaves)
- The sizzling banh xeo (savory crepes)
- The crispy banh khot (miniature coconut pancakes)
Other delights include:
- Banh trang nuong, a grilled rice paper snack
- Refreshing nuoc mia (sugar cane juice)
- Savory xoi man (sticky rice with pork and eggs)
- Banh phong nuong, a puffed rice cracker
- Cooling coconut ice cream
Complementing the flavors are alcoholic beverages like local beers, rice wine, and iced tea, ensuring a complete culture. This comprehensive tasting tour invites guests to indulge in the vibrant tastes that define Vietnam’s iconic street food scene.
Meeting and Pickup
The tour begins with a meeting at the iconic Huyen Si Church in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, where participants convene at 6:00 PM sharp to kick off their culinary adventure.
This picturesque church serves as the perfect starting point, setting the stage for an evening of authentic Vietnamese street food exploration.
The group will then embark on a guided journey, traversing the vibrant streets of Saigon, led by a knowledgeable local who’ll share insights and stories about the city’s rich culinary heritage.
With pickup time precisely scheduled, the tour ensures a seamless start, allowing participants to enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors that define the quintessential Saigon street food experience.
End Point
At the conclusion of the tour, participants arrive at the vibrant Ho Thi Ky Flower Market in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, where the experience comes to an end.
The tour provides assistance in booking a cab to return to their respective hotels, ensuring a seamless transition from the culinary adventure to the comforts of their accommodations.
The Ho Thi Ky Flower Market is a bustling hub of activity, with stalls overflowing with a vibrant array of fresh, fragrant blooms.
Visitors can enjoy the sights, sounds, and aromas of this thriving local market, which serves as the perfect backdrop to the unforgettable street food journey they’ve just experienced.
- Vibrant flower stalls
- Lively atmosphere
- Convenient transportation assistance
- Seamless end to the tour
- Transition to your hotel
Additional Information
What else should participants know about this street food tour in Saigon? The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and it’s not recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with heart conditions or other serious medical issues. It’s a private tour, meaning only your group will participate in the experience.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, it’s essential to consider these additional factors:
Accessibility | Health & Safety |
---|---|
Not wheelchair accessible | Not recommended for travelers with back problems |
Not recommended for pregnant travelers | |
Not recommended for those with heart problems or serious medical conditions | |
Group Size | Private tour, only your group will participate |
- Cu Chi Tunnels Small Group Tour – Morning Trip With English Guide
- Fun & Easy Vietnamese Coffee Workshop in Ho Chi Minh City
- Private Insight Mekong Delta (Day Trip)
- Morning Saigon Unseen Adventure Scooter With Ao Dai Riders Option
- Cu Chi Tunnels VIP Tour From Ho Chi Minh City
- Immersive Cooking Class & Wet Market Tour – Chef Led W/ Private Cook Stations
Dietary Restrictions
Participants with dietary restrictions can notify the tour organizers in advance, who’ll make every effort to accommodate their needs and provide suitable alternatives during the 13 authentic street food tastings.
The tour is designed to be inclusive, catering to various preferences and needs. Some dietary restrictions that can be accommodated include:
- Vegetarian and vegan options
- Halal and Kosher-friendly dishes
- Gluten-free alternatives
- Lactose-intolerant substitutes
- Nut and shellfish allergies
The guides are knowledgeable about the local cuisine and can suggest appropriate replacements to ensure everyone enjoys the authentic flavors of Saigon’s vibrant street food scene. With advance notice, the tour promises a delightful and inclusive culinary experience for all.
Cancellation Policy
The tour operator offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing participants to receive a full refund if they cancel their booking at least 7 days prior to the tour date.
Cancellations made within 7 days of the tour are subject to a 50% fee, while no-shows or last-minute cancellations forfeit the entire tour cost.
This policy ensures that guests can plan their trip with confidence, knowing they can receive a full refund if their plans change. The operator understands that unforeseen circumstances can arise, and they aim to accommodate their guests to the best of their ability.
This policy reflects the tour operator’s commitment to providing a seamless and stress-free experience for all participants.
Contact Details
The tour operator’s contact details are readily available on their website, allowing interested participants to easily connect and secure their spot on this immersive street food adventure.
To get in touch, prospective guests can:
- Call the dedicated tour hotline number
- Send an email to the tour coordinator
- Fill out the online booking form
- Connect via the company’s social media channels
- Reach out through the ‘Contact Us’ section on the website
With these convenient options, travelers can seamlessly inquire about availability, ask any questions, and finalize their booking for an unforgettable exploration of Saigon’s vibrant street food scene.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can We Request Specific Dishes to Be Included in the Tour?
Yes, guests can typically request specific Vietnamese dishes to be included in the tour. The tour operator will try to accommodate special requests, though the exact dishes served may vary based on availability and the group’s preferences.
Is the Tour Guide Fluent in English?
The tour guide is fluent in English, allowing for seamless communication and a deeper understanding of the authentic Vietnamese street food experience. Travelers can expect a knowledgeable and engaging guide to lead them through the culinary delights of Saigon.
Can We Take Photos and Videos During the Tour?
Yes, participants can take photos and videos throughout the tour. The tour encourages guests to document their culinary journey and capture the vibrant street food scene. Photographing the dishes and bustling markets is welcomed and encouraged during the experience.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Participants?
There are no age restrictions for the tour participants. The tour is suitable for travelers of all ages, though it’s recommended that young children be accompanied by a parent or guardian due to the walking involved.
Are There Any Options for Vegetarian or Vegan Participants?
The tour doesn’t seem to offer specific vegetarian or vegan options. However, the local guide may be able to accommodate such dietary needs by modifying the dishes upon request. Guests should communicate any dietary restrictions when booking the tour.
Recap
The Thirteen Authentic Street Food Tastings Tour in Saigon offers an immersive culinary adventure through the vibrant streets of Vietnam’s southern capital.
Led by a local expert, the tour introduces participants to 13 iconic dishes, catering to diverse dietary needs.
It’s an opportunity to explore the sights, sounds, and flavors of Saigon’s bustling food scene, creating an unforgettable experience for any traveler.
More Walking Tours in Ho Chi Minh City
- Ho Chi Minh City: Walking Tour With Local Guide
- Saigon Local Sightseeing Walking Tour
- Ho Chi Minh City: Night Walking Tour With Local Guide
- Saigon: Authentic Walking Street Food Tour With 13+ Tastings
- Ho Chi Minh: City Highlights & Hidden Gems Walking Tour
- Street Food Walking Tour With a Cooking Instructor
More Tours in Ho Chi Minh City
- Mekong Delta Full Day – My Tho & Ben Tre – Four Islands Tour
- Ho Chi Minh City: Top Sightseeing Saigon Trip & History Tour
- Private Cooking Class Tour With Female Guide In Ho Chi Minh
- Ho Chi Minh City Sightseeing Full-Day Tour With Great Guide
- Essential Mekong Delta: Highlight Tour From Ho Chi Minh City
- Saigon Half Day City Tour
More Tour Reviews in Ho Chi Minh City
- Mekong Delta Full Day – My Tho & Ben Tre – Four Islands Tour
- Cu Chi Tunnels, Cao Dai Temple, Ba Den Mountain Full Day
- Ho Chi Minh City: Mekong Delta Day Trip With Lunch & Drinks
- Saigon at Sunset: Ultimate Street Food Experience
- Ho Chi Minh City: Top Sightseeing Saigon Trip & History Tour
- Private Cooking Class Tour With Female Guide In Ho Chi Minh
Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Ho Chi Minh City we have reviewed
- Mekong Delta Full Day – My Tho & Ben Tre – Four Islands Tour
- Cu Chi Tunnels, Cao Dai Temple, Ba Den Mountain Full Day
- Ho Chi Minh City: Mekong Delta Day Trip With Lunch & Drinks
- Saigon at Sunset: Ultimate Street Food Experience
- Ho Chi Minh City: Top Sightseeing Saigon Trip & History Tour
- Private Cooking Class Tour With Female Guide In Ho Chi Minh
- Ho Chi Minh City Sightseeing Full-Day Tour With Great Guide
- Essential Mekong Delta: Highlight Tour From Ho Chi Minh City
- Cu Chi Tunnels, Cao Dai Temple, Ba Den Mountain Full Day
- Fastrack at Cam Ranh ( CXR) International Airport (Option)
- Vietnamese Craft Liquor Tasting Led by Food & Drink Writer
- HCM: 2-Day Mekong Floating Market With Cooking & Bike Ride