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International Magazines Recommend: The Ultimate Travel and Dining Guide for Visitors to Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnamese cuisine is no longer a “rising star” but a well-established name on the global culinary map, continuously recognized by international media and prestigious organizations. From street food stalls to award-winning fine dining restaurants, Vietnam’s flavors are being celebrated worldwide as an essential part of every traveler’s experience.

Global Recognition: Vietnam Ranks Among the World’s Top 4 Culinary Destinations
In the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards by Condé Nast Traveller, Vietnam achieved an impressive milestone, ranking 4th in the list of “World’s Most Attractive Culinary Destinations” with a score of 96.67. This remarkable recognition places Vietnam ahead of renowned food capitals such as France and Spain, trailing only behind Thailand, Italy, and Japan.

Previously, Vietnam also secured a spot in the Top 20 “Best Cuisines 2025” by TasteAtlas Awards, with Pho, Banh Mi, and Bun Cha earning high praise. In 2024, the country ranked 19th among the “Top 100 Best Cuisines in the World,” leading Southeast Asia’s culinary scene.

Culinary Ambassadors that Define Vietnam’s Flavor
Vietnam’s most beloved dishes have become national icons, simple yet profound in flavor and cultural meaning. Pho, Bun Cha, Banh Mi, and Com Tam are not just meals; they are stories of local life and hospitality that captivate visitors from their very first bite.

Vietnamese street food has also gained global acclaim. Michelin Guide recently recognized dishes like Bun Cha and Bo Kho Ganh for their authentic flavors and consistency, proving that local eateries can stand alongside top-tier restaurants. Even the iconic Ca Phe Sua Da (iced milk coffee) made its way into international rankings, representing the soulful rhythm of Southern Vietnam’s daily life.

The country’s culinary richness lies in its geographical diversity. From mountains to deltas and coastlines, Vietnam offers an abundance of local ingredients that inspire chefs to create, innovate, and preserve their roots.

Cuisine as a Key Driver of Tourism
For international visitors, food is no longer a secondary activity but a central motivation for travel. Culinary experiences reveal the essence of a culture, its history, creativity, and sense of community.

According to domestic tourism experts, “Culinary development is fundamental to tourism growth.” Many foreign travelers, especially from South Korea, say they first learned about Vietnam through its food. This strong culinary impression often leads them to extend their stay to explore more local flavors. Korean visitors, now Vietnam’s second-largest international market, affectionately refer to the country as a “food paradise” offering exceptional value compared to Seoul.

Major food festivals, including the Saigontourist Group Food Festival and the Saigon Street Food Festival, draw tens of thousands of attendees each year, significantly boosting revenue and promoting Vietnam’s culinary identity to the world.

Time Out Highlights: The Flavors of Saigon - Where Heritage Meets Innovation
In its latest feature, UK-based Time Out magazine spotlighted eight must-visit dining destinations in Ho Chi Minh City, describing it as “a vast culinary playground” where tradition and creativity coexist.

Among the highlighted venues is Bun Thit Nuong Chi Tuyen (175C Co Giang, District 1), celebrated for its grilled pork, crispy spring rolls, and perfectly balanced fish sauce. Another local favorite, Oc Dao (212B/D48 Nguyen Trai, District 1), is a seafood haven representing Saigon’s lively night culture. Meanwhile, Com Tam Ba Ghien (84 Dang Van Ngu, Phu Nhuan District) continues to impress with its signature charcoal-grilled ribs and authentic “home-style” rice plates.

For modern dining, Anan Saigon (89 Ton That Dam, District 1) was praised for “telling Saigon’s story through contemporary cuisine.” The restaurant offers tasting menus and à la carte options that reinterpret familiar flavors with elegance and precision.

Other highlights include Madam Lam (10 Tran Ngoc Dien, Thu Duc City), offering refined home-style dishes from Binh Dinh; Chay Garden (52 Vo Van Tan, District 3), known for its seasonal flower hotpot and serene green villa setting; and two acclaimed fine dining spots, Quince Saigon (37bis Ky Con, District 1), where open-fire cooking transforms top-quality proteins into smoky masterpieces, and Sol Kitchen & Bar (110–112 Ly Tu Trong, District 1), which brings vibrant Latin American spirit to Saigon’s dining scene.

Through the lens of international media, Vietnamese cuisine has transcended beyond taste, it has become a living cultural heritage told through the universal language of food. When local ingredients like rice, fish, and fresh herbs are honored and reimagined, they not only nourish but also connect Vietnam with the world.

From humble street corners to fine dining tables, the essence of Vietnamese cuisine continues to inspire and enchant, reaffirming its place among the world’s most treasured culinary destinations.