Fall In Love With These 10 Iconic Dishes At Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market is not only famous for its diverse goods but also a fantastic culinary paradise. Here, you can enjoy iconic Vietnamese dishes, each offering a unique flavor and character. Come discover the top 10 must-try dishes at Ben Thanh Market and let your taste buds experience the distinct tastes of Saigon!

1. “Bánh bèo” - Water fern cake

Price range: 25.000 - 35.000 VND (0.96 - 1.35 USD)

“Bánh bèo” is a signature dish from Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. These small steamed rice cakes are made from finely milled rice flour and served in small dishes. Each cake is topped with a savory mix of finely ground dried shrimp, crispy pork skin or shallots, and sometimes a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs. A spoonful of sweet and salty fish sauce is added just before eating to enhance the flavor.

When you visit Ben Thanh Market, which is one of the oldest cultural landmarks in Saigon, make sure to stop by Ms Anh’s stall. The stall is located right at the West Gate of the market. It has been serving customers for nearly 30 years.

2. “Bánh canh” - Vietnamese thick noodle soup

Price range: 30.000 - 50.000 VND (1.16 - 1.93 USD)

If you have the chance to stroll through Ben Thanh Market, be sure to take some time to try a bowl of “Bánh canh” - a traditional dish beloved by many locals in Saigon. In the midst of the bustling atmosphere of the food area, the “bánh canh” stalls emit an irresistible aroma from the rich, bone broth simmered for hours, complemented by smooth, white noodles and generous toppings.

“Bánh canh” is appealing not only because of its toppings but also due to the rich broth, which is typically prepared by simmering bone marrow for hours. This slow cooking process gives the broth a naturally sweet and savory flavor, eliminating the need for MSG. The dish is commonly served with fresh herbs, lime, chili, and crispy fried shallots, allowing diners to customize the flavors to their preference.

With its affordable price and easy-to-eat flavors, a hot bowl of “Bánh canh” in the lively food area of Ben Thanh Market is sure to be a delightful culinary experience, offering both a comforting and authentic taste of Vietnam.

3. “Bún riêu” - Vietnamese tomato noodle soup

Price range: 30.000 - 50.000 VND (1.16 - 1.93 USD)

“Bún riêu” is a beloved Vietnamese dish, and you’ll find some of the best versions of it in the vibrant food stalls of Ben Thanh Market. This flavorful noodle soup is a popular choice among locals and tourists alike, especially for those wanting to try something rich in both taste and tradition.

The dish features a hearty broth made from simmering crab or shrimp paste, tomatoes, and pork bones, creating a tangy, savory flavor profile. The star of the dish is the "riêu," a type of crab or pork paste that is served as small, flavorful chunks floating in the broth. The broth itself is light but full of depth, offering a refreshing contrast to the rich, aromatic paste.

A bowl of “Bún riêu” is typically served with thin rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a variety of condiments such as lime, chili, and fried shallots, which allow you to customize the taste to your liking. Some vendors even add tofu or blood pudding, adding further depth to the dish.

4. “Bún mọc” - Pork Ball Vermicelli Soup

Price range: 30.000 - 50.000 VND (1.16 - 1.93 USD)

When visiting Ben Thanh Market in Saigon, don't miss out on trying “Bún mọc” – a comforting Vietnamese noodle soup loved by locals. Made with vermicelli noodles, pork meatballs, and a savory broth simmered from pork bones, this dish offers a light yet rich flavor.

What makes “Bún mọc” special is its simple, balanced taste. The broth is clear and subtly sweet, complemented by tender meatballs. The soup is served with fresh herbs, lime, chili, and fried shallots for you to customize the flavor to your liking.

5. “Bột chiên” - Vietnamese fried rice flour cake

Price range: 20.000 - 30.000 VND (0.77 - 1.16 USD)

Vietnamese fried rice flour cake is a famous snack that attracts diners with its combination of crispy and chewy texture of fried dough and the rich aroma of eggs. This dish is made from crispy dough, usually fried until golden brown, creating a crunchy exterior while maintaining a soft interior. When served, the vendor adds a bit of fried egg and chopped green onions, enhancing the delicious flavor.

What sets this dish apart is that it is usually served with soy sauce or sweet and sour fish sauce, and sometimes accompanied by cucumber and fresh herbs for a refreshing touch. It’s a perfect snack for those who enjoy simple yet rich flavors. If you ever visit Ben Thanh Market, be sure to try this dish to experience the distinctive appeal of Saigon’s cuisine!

6. “Bún mắm” - Fermented fish noodle soup

Price range: 50.000 - 90.000 VND (1.93 - 3.46 USD)

“Bún mắm” is a specialty dish from the Mekong Delta, renowned for its rich and distinctive flavor of broth made from fermented fish, creating a dish that is both unique and familiar. The broth of "Bún mắm" has a characteristic red color, made from fermented fish such as fish sauce, blended with spices like garlic, chili, and lemongrass, resulting in a bold, slightly spicy, and aromatic taste.

The “Bún mắm” is typically served with fresh rice noodles, fresh herbs such as basil, bean sprouts, cilantro, and crispy roasted peanuts. These ingredients create a perfect combination of the salty taste of fermented fish, the sweetness of the broth, and the refreshing crunch of the herbs.

Additionally, "Bún mắm" at Ben Thanh Market is often served with seafood like shrimp, fish, squid, or even pork belly, making the dish more diverse and appealing. This is an ideal dish for those who enjoy the distinct flavors of Mekong Delta cuisine.

7. Sticky rice

Price range: 20.000 - 35.000 VND (0.77 - 1.35 USD)

This sticky rice dish is made from glutinous rice, with each color created from natural ingredients like pandan leaves, beetroot, butterfly pea flowers, and other fruits.

The seven-colored sticky rice is not only visually appealing but also offers distinct flavors, from the mild sweetness and refreshing aroma of pandan leaves to the unique fragrance of butterfly pea flowers and beetroot.

With a variety of hot, fragrant sticky rice, the sticky rice stall at the corner of Ben Thanh Market, facing Le Thanh Ton Street, will attract all passersby. If you're looking for a filling meal, you can enjoy gac sticky rice, pandan sticky rice, charcoal sticky rice, or peanut sticky rice.

8. “Bún tôm” - Shrimp noodle soup

Price range: 60.000 - 120.000 VND (2.31 - 4.62 USD)

Grilled shrimp vermicelli at Ben Thanh Market is a distinctive dish with rich, savory flavors, combining the freshness of shrimp with the irresistible aroma of grilled cooking. The fresh shrimp are grilled over charcoal, releasing a unique fragrance, with a crispy exterior and sweet, firm flesh.

Grilled shrimp vermicelli is typically served with fresh vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, roasted peanuts, and a bit of sweet and sour fish sauce. These ingredients create a perfect balance between the sweetness of the shrimp, the freshness of the herbs, and the rich flavor of the fish sauce.

This dish is ideal for seafood lovers who want to explore a characteristic flavor of Saigon cuisine. Be sure to try the grilled shrimp vermicelli when visiting Ben Thanh Market to experience this wonderful taste!

9. “Bánh xèo” - Crispy Vietnamese pancake

Price range: 35.000 - 50.000 VND (1.35 - 1.93 USD)

“Bánh xèo” is a signature dish from Southern Vietnam, known for its crispy, golden crust. Made from rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric, it offers a unique and delicious flavor. The filling typically includes shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs, all wrapped in the crispy outer layer.

When eaten, “Bánh xèo” is dipped in a sweet and sour fish sauce, creating a perfect balance between the crunch of the pancake, the sweetness of the shrimp and pork, and the salty flavor of the sauce.

If you visit Ben Thanh Market, don't miss the chance to try “Bánh xèo”, an irresistible Southern delicacy. Here, you'll experience hot, crispy pancakes filled with shrimp, pork, and fresh herbs, offering an unforgettable culinary experience.

10. “Chè” - Sweet soup

Price range: 20.000 - 40.000 VND (0.77 - 1.54 USD)

Sweet soup at Ben Thanh Market is a delightful dessert, known for its variety and richness of ingredients. The Sweet soup stalls here always attract customers with colorful bowls of Sweet soup, full of delicious flavors.

From mung bean Sweet soup, mixed Sweet soup, tapioca Sweet soup, to yogurt or grapefruit Sweet soup, each type offers its own unique taste, refreshing, sweet, and light. Sweet soup is typically enjoyed with shaved ice or cold, making it even more refreshing and perfect for the tropical climate of Ho Chi Minh City.

The journey to discover 10 iconic dishes at Ben Thanh Market will bring you closer to the unique flavors of Saigon's cuisine. Each dish is a vibrant piece that contributes to the rich culinary tapestry of this place. Come and savor the authentic taste of Saigon!