Top 10 Cheap Eats In Saigon Under $5

Saigon, or Ho Chi Minh City, is a street food lover’s paradise, where world-class flavors meet unbelievably low prices. This guide will take you on a journey through the top 10 best cheap eats in Saigon under $5, each dish brimming with local authenticity, expertly grilled, deep-fried, stir-fried, or simmered to perfection. Whether you are a budget traveler or a food enthusiast searching for hidden gems, these cheap food Ho Chi Minh City recommendations will satisfy your cravings.

1. The Ultimate Top 10 Best Cheap Eats in Saigon (Under $5)

Bánh Mì – Vietnam’s Iconic Sandwich

There is a reason why bánh mì is world-famous—it is a flavor explosion in every bite. This crispy French-style baguette is generously stuffed with a mix of grilled pork, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and homemade pâté, all brought together by a drizzle of fish sauce or spicy mayonnaise.

Where to Try the Best Bánh Mì in Ho Chi Minh City:

• Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa (District 1) – The most famous, fully loaded, and a bit pricier than others but worth it.
• Bánh Mì Bảy Hổ (District 1) – A no-frills, street food legend serving simple yet delicious bánh mì.

Price: $1.50 – $3.00

Phở – The Classic Vietnamese Noodle Soup

No trip to Saigon is complete without slurping down a steaming bowl of phở. This noodle soup consists of silky rice noodles, tender slices of beef or chicken, and a rich, aromatic broth slow-cooked with star anise, cinnamon, and bone marrow. A squeeze of lime and a handful of bean sprouts complete the masterpiece.

Best Phở in Ho Chi Minh City (Cheap and Delicious):

• Phở Hòa Pasteur (District 3) – A legendary phở spot with a deep, flavorful broth.
• Phở Phú Vương (District 1) – Great balance of affordability and taste, one of the best cheap eats Saigon.

Price: $2.50 – $5.00

Cơm Tấm – Broken Rice with Grilled Pork

If there is one dish that defines cheap eats in Saigon, it is cơm tấm. This broken rice dish is topped with grilled pork (sườn nướng), a fried egg (op la), shredded pork skin, and pickled vegetables, all drizzled with sweet-savory fish sauce. A side of fried spring rolls makes it even better.

Best Cơm Tấm in Saigon (Must-Try):

• Cơm Tấm Ba Ghiền (Phú Nhuận District) – Famous for massive pork chops, deeply marinated and caramelized.
• Cơm Tấm Cali (Various locations) – A reliable, budget-friendly chain serving authentic cơm tấm.

Price: $2.50 – $4.50

Hủ Tiếu – Cambodian-Chinese Noodle Soup

For something lighter yet still packed with flavor, hủ tiếu is a must-try. This Cambodian-Chinese noodle soup features a delicate pork broth, thin rice noodles, and a mix of shrimp, pork, and crispy fried garlic. You can order it dry (hủ tiếu khô) or in soup form.

Where to Find the Best Hủ Tiếu in Saigon:

• Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang Nhân Quán (District 3 and 5) – Rich broth, top-tier ingredients.
• Hủ Tiếu Thanh Xuân (District 1) – A favorite for locals, great for cheap eats Ho Chi Minh City.

Price: $2.00 – $4.50

Bún Bò Huế – Spicy Hue-Style Beef Noodle Soup

If you love bold flavors, then bún bò Huế is for you. This noodle soup from Central Vietnam features thick rice noodles, tender beef shank, and a spicy, lemongrass-infused broth with a hint of shrimp paste.

Best Places for Bún Bò Huế in Ho Chi Minh City:

• Bún Bò Huế Đông Ba (District 1) – One of the most famous bowls in the city.
• Bún Bò Gánh (District 3) – Cozy spot, full of authentic flavors and cheap eats.

Price: $3.00 – $5.00

Bánh Xèo – Vietnamese Crispy Pancake

One of the most beloved Vietnamese dishes, bánh xèo is a crispy, savory pancake made from rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk, stuffed with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. This dish is cooked on a sizzling pan, giving it an irresistibly crunchy texture. The best way to eat bánh xèo is by wrapping it in fresh lettuce and herbs, dipping it into a tangy fish sauce for the ultimate bite.

Where to Try the Best Bánh Xèo in Ho Chi Minh City:

• Bánh Xèo 46A (District 3) – A legendary spot serving extra crispy, flavor-packed pancakes.
• Bánh Xèo Đinh Công Tráng (District 1) – Well-known for its light, non-greasy texture and rich fillings.

Price: $2.50 – $4.50

Gỏi Cuốn – Fresh Vietnamese Spring Rolls

For those seeking a lighter, healthier option among the best cheap eats Saigon, gỏi cuốn, or Vietnamese fresh spring rolls, are a must-try. These delicate rolls are made from thin rice paper, wrapping a delicious mix of shrimp, fresh herbs, rice noodles, and pickled vegetables. Each bite bursts with freshness, especially when dipped into the signature peanut sauce or fish sauce-based dip.

Where to Try the Best Gỏi Cuốn in Ho Chi Minh City:

• Gỏi Cuốn Lê Văn Sỹ (District 3) – Famous for its thick, flavorful peanut sauce.
• Chợ Bến Thành (District 1) – The perfect grab-and-go snack in the heart of street food Ho Chi Minh District 1.

Price: $1.50 – $3.50

Xôi – Vietnamese Sticky Rice

If you are in search of cheap food Ho Chi Minh City that is both filling and flavorful, look no further than xôi, or Vietnamese sticky rice. This dish comes in both sweet and savory varieties. The savory version is often topped with grilled pork, shredded chicken, pâté, fried shallots, and pickled vegetables, while the sweet version is infused with coconut milk and served with mung bean paste.

Where to Find the Best Sticky Rice in Saigon:

• Xôi Bà Chiểu (Bình Thạnh District) – A legendary spot for generous portions and flavorful toppings.
• Xôi Gà Út Mập (District 1) – Known for its tender shredded chicken and crispy shallots.

Price: $1.50 – $3.00

Bột Chiên – Fried Rice Flour Cake

A popular late-night street food Ho Chi Minh City, bột chiên is the ultimate comfort dish. Cubes of rice flour cake are stir-fried until crispy, then tossed with egg, scallions, and sometimes shredded papaya for an extra crunch. The dish is then served with a sweet-savory fish sauce-based dip.

Where to Try the Best Bột Chiên in Ho Chi Minh City:

• Bột Chiên Đạt Thành (District 5) – A famous spot for its crispy yet soft rice flour cakes.
• Bột Chiên Hẻm 185 (District 3) – A favorite among students and budget travelers looking for best cheap eats in Saigon.

Price: $2.00 – $4.00

Chè – Traditional Vietnamese Desserts

No list of best cheap eats Saigon is complete without mentioning chè, a category of traditional Vietnamese desserts that includes sweet soups, puddings, and bean-based delicacies. Chè Thái is a must-try, featuring coconut milk, tropical fruits, and jelly. Meanwhile, chè bắp (corn pudding) and chè đậu đỏ (red bean soup) are local favorites.

Where to Find the Best Chè in Ho Chi Minh City:

• Chè Thái Ý Phương (District 10) – A famous dessert shop with an impressive variety of sweet soups and puddings.
• Chè Kỳ Đồng (District 3) – A must-visit for authentic, homemade Vietnamese desserts.

Price: $1.00 – $3.50

2. Where to Find the Best Cheap Eats in Saigon?

Street Markets – The Heart of Saigon’s Food Scene

Markets are the lifeblood of cheap food Ho Chi Minh, offering a mix of ready-to-eat meals and fresh ingredients that make up the city’s vibrant cuisine. Here are the top markets for a delicious, affordable feast:

• Ben Thanh Market (District 1): The most famous market in Ho Chi Minh City, packed with food stalls offering bánh mì, noodle soup, fried spring rolls, and coconut milk-based desserts. It is a bit touristy, but if you know where to look, you will find great deals on authentic Vietnamese dishes.
• Binh Tay Market (District 6): The go-to place for authentic Chinese-Vietnamese street food, including stir-fried noodles, rice noodle soups, and deep-fried snacks.
• Ho Thi Ky Market (District 10): This lively night market is perfect for food lovers looking for cheap eats, from grilled pork skewers and spring rolls to steaming bowls of bun cha.

Food Streets – Where Locals Go for Cheap Eats

If you want to experience best cheap eats Saigon like a true local, skip the high-end restaurants in Saigon and head straight to the city’s dedicated food streets. These areas are packed with street vendors serving up some of the most iconic Vietnamese dishes at unbeatable prices.

• Vinh Khanh Street (District 4): Best known for fresh seafood. You can get a plate of grilled scallops topped with fish sauce and peanuts for just a few dollars.
• Nguyen Thuong Hien Street (District 3): The best place for snail dishes, stir-fried noodles. If you have never tried Vietnamese-style snails, this is where you should start.

Local Stalls – The Hidden Gems of Ho Chi Minh City

Some of the best cheap food Ho Chi Minh City is found at small sidewalk stalls, tucked into alleyways where locals go for their daily meals. These places may not have big signs or fancy seating, but their food is rich in flavor and tradition.

• Sidewalk Vendors in District 1: You will find carts selling grilled pork bánh mì, rice noodles, and sticky rice with shredded chicken at every corner.
• Alleyway Eateries in District 3 & 4: Tiny hole-in-the-wall spots where locals grab a quick bowl of pho or a plate of broken rice with perfectly charred grilled pork.

3. Conclusion

For anyone who loves food, Ho Chi Minh City is a dream come true. The city offers an unmatched variety of cheap eats, from crispy bánh mì and fragrant noodle soups to deep-fried treats and coconut milk-based desserts. Whether you are grabbing a quick bite at a sidewalk stall or indulging in a late-night seafood feast, the flavors of Saigon’s street food scene will leave you craving more.

So, step outside, take a deep breath, and dive into the vibrant world of best cheap eats ho chi minh city. What are you waiting for? Let’s eat!