Best Cheap Eats In Ho Chi Minh City Under 100.000 VNĐ

To make navigating this vibrant food scene easier, I’ve divided the best cheap eats in Ho Chi Minh City by districts, each with its own hidden gems. Whether you're craving a hearty bowl of com tam or looking for the best banh mi in Ho Chi Minh City, this guide will take you to the most mouth-watering, affordable dishes.

Best Street Food Stalls by District

District 1 – The Heart of Saigon's Street Food

Com Tam Tran Qui Cap

• Name and location: 260 Vo Van Tan, District 3 (near District 1)
• Specialty dish(es): Com tam suon nuong - broken rice with grilled pork chop
• Price range: 30,000 – 60,000 VND
• Must-try items: Com tam suon nuong here is the stuff of legends. The pork is marinated in some kind of sauce and then grilled to perfection and served over nutty broken rice. Add a fried egg and pickled veggies and you have perhaps the most stereotypically Vietnamese thing you could eat.
• Operating hours: 10 AM – 9 PM, daily

You can't claim you had the best cheap eats in Saigon if you haven't had a plate of com tam. This humble dish will redefine your love for rice, most especially when topped with tender grilled pork that has been marinated in a sweet and savory blend.

Pho Le

• Name and location: 415 Nguyen Trai, District 5 (near District 1)
• Specialty dish(es): Pho
• Price range: 50,000 – 70,000 VND
• Must-try items: The steaming bowl of pho with rice noodles, beef brisket, tendon, and fresh herbs. Southern style pho is a bit sweeter, as opposed to its Northern counterpart, and a great way to start your day or cap off an evening.
• Operating hours: 6 AM – 1 AM, daily

It's said that Pho Le has the best pho in town, and for that reason, it's a great place to stop in and enjoy one of two of Vietnam's national dishes without breaking the bank. And for good reason: Pho Le consistently ranks among the best cheap eats in Ho Chi Minh City.

Ben Thanh Market – A Foodie's Paradise

Banh Mi Bay Ho

• Name and location: 19 Huynh Khuong Ninh, District 1
• Specialty dish(es): Banh mi
• Price range: 20,000 – 30,000 VND
• Must-try items: The classic banh mi here is all about balance: the crispy baguette, savory meats, and a perfect mix of pickled veggies and fresh cilantro.
• Operating hours: 6 AM – 9 PM, daily

This humble stall, now located near Le Van Tam Park, appears to have garnered votes for the best banh mi in Ho Chi Minh City or decade after decade. Simple and incredibly flavorful; absolutely spot on, it is, for eating on the go.

Ben Thanh Street Food Market

• Name and location: 26-28-30 Thu Khoa Huan, District 1
• Specialty dish(es): Several street food options
• Price range: 40,000 – 80,000 VND
• Must-try items: Everything from pho to spring rolls can be found in this market for a taste of Vietnam all under one roof.
• Operating hours: 9 AM – 11 PM, daily

A must-visit for anyone looking to sample a variety of Vietnamese food in a clean, vibrant environment. It’s a bit more touristy, but the variety and convenience make it a great stop for first-time visitors.

Though a bit more tourist oriented, this is a must visit for anyone looking to sample a variety of  Vietnamese food in a clean and vibrant setting. It's more touristy, but the variety and convenience make it a great stop for first time visitors.

Chinatown – District 5

Oc Oanh – Snail Feast on Vinh Khanh Street

• Name and location: 534 Vinh Khanh, District 4
• Specialty dish(es): Seafood and snails
• Price range: 50,000 – 150,000 VND
• Must-try items: The chili salt mud creepers and grilled octopus are definite must tries. A seafood haven with all dishes wonderfully fresh and full of flavor.
• Operating hours: 1 PM – 12 AM, daily

For something a little different in the way of Saigon street food, Oc Oanh shouldn't be missed. Sitting roadside, snacking on a plate of snails with a cold beer in hand is probably a quintessential way to experience the best cheapest eats of Ho Chi Minh City.

2. Best Hidden Gem Eateries

Best Pho – Pho Mien Ga Ky Dong

• Name and location: 14/5Bis Ky Dong, District 3
• Specialty dish(es): Pho ga (chicken pho)
• Price range: 40,000 – 60,000 VND
• Must-try items: Light and refreshing, this chicken pho is perfectly paired with fresh herbs and crunchy bean sprouts. For pho lovers, this is a hidden gem offering the best pho experience in town.
• Operating hours: 5 AM – 1:30 AM, every day.

Tucked away in D3, Pho Mien Ga Ky Dong is a local favorite. The clear broth and tender chicken make the place a contender for best pho in HCMC, and prices make this a must visit for anyone wanting to try the best cheap eats in Saigon.

Best Bun Cha – Bun Cha 145

• Name and location: 145 Bui Vien, District 1
• Specialty dish(es): Bun cha
• Price range: 50,000 – 70,000 VND
• Must-try items: Bun cha - Grilled pork, crispy spring rolls served over a bed of rice noodles, with a side of fresh herbs. Nuoc cham Sauce, the sourness gives it the final touch.
• Operating hours: 11 AM – 10 PM, daily

Tucked away in the backpacker's area, Bun Cha 145 is authentic Vietnamese food, priced just right. It has to be one of the best value for money eats in District 1 to satisfy any sudden cravings you might have for northern Vietnam in the center of Saigon.

Best Bot Chien – Bot Chien Dat Thanh

• Specialty dish(es): Bot chien (fried rice flour cake)
• Price range: 30,000 – 50,000 VND
• Must-try items: The bot chien here is well-done, where it is crispy on the outside and soft inside, topped with a very well-fried egg. It goes well with the papaya salad with sweet soy sauce for dipping.
• Operating hours: 2 PM – 11 PM, daily

To sample a Saigon favorite, Bot Chien Dat Thanh dishes out some of the better versions of this street food mainstay. It's one of those hidden gems locals swear by, and a prime example of the best you can get for that price Ho Chi Minh City eats.

Tips for Eating Cheap in Ho Chi Minh City

Best times to eat

If you want the best prices, it's best to avoid peak meal times. Most vendors will charge less at off peak hours, like mid morning or late afternoon. Lunchtime is busier and a bit pricier, especially in areas heavier with tourists, like street food District 1.

Haggling etiquette

While haggling is not common in sit down restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City, it can sometimes be part of the fun at the markets or food stalls. Always be polite and smile while you negotiate, but do not expect to knock the price down considerably. Most prices are super cheap already, especially for the local dishes.

Local phrases for ordering food

Learn a few key phrases to make your hawker experience smoother:

• "Mot banh mi, lam on" – One banh mi, please.
• "Mot com tam" - One broken rice, please.
• "Bao nhieu tien?" – How much does it cost?

Cash vs. card

Most street vendors and small eateries in Saigon are cash only, so be sure to have plenty of Vietnamese Dong. Some of the larger cafe restaurant establishments may accept cards, while some sit-down eateries do, but always ask first.

Street food safety

Observe the following rules to guarantee a safe and delicious experience:

• Look for vendors with long lines. This usually means the food is fresh and popular.
• Choose places where food, especially meat and seafood, is cooked to order.
• Stick to bottled water, avoiding ice unless you're at a restaurant or café that you feel you can trust.

Conclusion

Ho Chi Minh City hosts some of the world's best food at prices that will seriously blow your mind. Whether one is after the best banh mi in Ho Chi Minh, hankering for the best com tam in Saigon, or searching for the lesser known bot chien and even bun cha, the options are endless for something truly extraordinary. Street food is more than just a meal; it's an adventure.
So put on your best walking shoes, stock up with some Vietnamese Dong, and set off to cross off the top cheap eats Ho Chi Minh City has to offer. Be sure to hit up the comments section below with your most loved finds we love hearing about what other food explorers like you have uncovered in this culinary wonderland!