Best cheap eats in Saigon District 1: Backpackers exploring Saigon, Vietnam, eagerly seek out the prime locations for affordable dining in District 1.
When you find yourself in Saigon, a visit to District 1 is a must! This vibrant locale not only boasts numerous entertainment spots but also serves as a culinary haven. Let Indochina Charm Travel guide you to the top 10 budget-friendly and delectable restaurants in District 1, ensuring you don’t miss out on these culinary gems in this enchanting city.
Thien Ly Clay Pot Rice – Saigon Affordable Dining
- Address: 16 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, Da Kao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Prices: 100,000 – 150,000 VND/person.
Kicking off our list of top-notch eateries in District 1 is Thien Ly Clay Pot Rice Restaurant. Despite its relatively recent establishment, Thien Ly has swiftly become a favored spot for many diners. The rice, served in charming small pots, boasts fragrant grains and a crispy crust, all presented in a captivating, traditional Vietnamese style. The restaurant’s staff is notably professional, offering enthusiastic and prompt service – a significant highlight.
Com Xua Restaurant – Saigon Budget-Friendly Cuisine
- Address: 20 Tran Cao Van, Da Kao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Prices: 50,000 – 120,000 VND/person.
When it comes to venerable establishments, the locals of District 1 are well-acquainted with Com Xua Restaurant. Its interior design resonates with the enduring charm of Vietnamese culture. Featuring unique dishes with distinct Vietnamese flavors – such as rice stuffed with cassava, crispy green mango eel salad, and fried pork leg – Com Xua has won the hearts of many patrons. The restaurant’s youthful and dynamic staff ensures a satisfying experience for every visitor.
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Mam Bac Restaurant – Inexpensive Meals of Saigon
- Address: 94 Ho Tung Mau, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Prices: 100,000 – 250,000 VND/person.
Mam Bac stands as a delectable option among the renowned clay pot rice restaurants in Saigon’s District 1. Offering Northern Vietnamese specialties like vermicelli with tofu and shrimp paste, crab spring rolls, and lotus root duck salad, Mam Bac boasts a spacious setting with luxurious two-floor design. The restaurant’s energetic and attentive staff adds to the overall positive experience.
Citadel Saigon Restaurant – Low-cost Gastronomy
- Address: 74/7 Hai Ba Trung, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Prices: 50,000 – 200,000 VND/person.
No discussion of dining in District 1 would be complete without mentioning Citadel Saigon restaurant. Nestled behind the central theater, this establishment is an ideal choice for those seeking rusticity, peace, and simplicity. With a 70s Saigon ambiance, Citadel Saigon offers a menu rich in Vietnamese flavors, featuring dishes like fried soft-shell crabs with tamarind sauce, snails stuffed with meat and steamed with lemongrass, and shrimp and meat rolls.
Bo Ne Hi-Ushi – Cheap Food in Saigon
- Address: 56 Cao Ba Nha, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Average Price: 20,000 – 40,000 VND/person.
Familiar to many young Saigon locals, Bo Ne Hi-Ushi is renowned for its generously portioned yet affordable beef dishes. The restaurant’s signature super giant beef dish has gained widespread acclaim for its delicious quality. In addition to beef, the menu features mixed dishes like beef with sausage, pate, shumai, and fried eggs – perfectly complemented when enjoyed with bread.
An Nam Quan – Best Cheap Eats in Saigon
- Address: 59 Nguyen Binh Khiem, Da Kao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Prices: 50,000 – 165,000 VND.
Moving on to the renowned District 1 establishment, An Nam Quan takes the spotlight. This restaurant is celebrated for its menu featuring Central region specialties, including grilled snakehead fish in banana leaves, Da Nang pork rice paper, braised fish cake with bamboo shoots, and strabismus fish hotpot. Housed in a meticulously renovated old French villa, the restaurant combines the simple, rustic architectural features of the Central region, exuding a liberal and idyllic atmosphere reminiscent of the Vietnamese countryside. With a capacity for over 100 guests, An Nam Quan not only entices patrons with its delectable offerings and distinctive ambiance but also garners repeat visits due to its agile, polite, and dedicated staff.
Cua Dong Village Restaurant – Cost-Effective Meals
- Address: 18A/3 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Da Kao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Prices: 50,000 – 187,000 VND.
Cua Dong Village Restaurant specializes in crafting crab-centric dishes, such as crab vermicelli and jute crab soup, alongside other enticing Northern delights like boiled meat with shrimp paste and braised fish. Nestled within red-brown brick walls, illuminated by soft oil lamps, the restaurant emanates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Characterized by tables and chairs crafted from typical Vietnamese bamboo, and featuring sedge mats for communal dining, Cua Dong Village Restaurant offers a unique setting for a delightful meal.
Ho Hao Hon Noodle Soup – Saigon Economical Food Option
- Address: Alley 30 Ho Hao Hon, Cau Kho Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Prices: Breakfast ranges from 50,000 – 60,000 VND.
Tucked away in alley number 30 Ho Hao Hon, Pho Ho Hao Hon is a long-standing breakfast spot in District 1 cherished by many patrons. Despite its modest size with neatly arranged tables, the restaurant stands out for its cleanliness and traditional pho dishes with scrumptious flavors. The affordable prices ensure a delightful experience, with every bowl of pho crafted with quality ingredients, leaving a lasting impression that beckons diners to return.
Pho: “Phở” is a popular Vietnamese dish that is a type of noodle soup. It consists of flavorful broth, rice noodles, and various ingredients such as meat (usually beef or chicken), herbs, and vegetables. The broth is typically made by simmering bones (usually beef or chicken) along with aromatic spices like star anise, cloves, cinnamon, and ginger.
Go Thai Noodle – Saigon Pocket-friendly Dining
- Address: 150/7/3 Nguyen Trai, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Prices: Around 150,000 VND.
Among the most popular dining destinations for young locals in District 1, Type Thai Noodle offers exceptionally delicious dishes originating from Thailand, all at reasonable prices. The best-selling papaya salad is a favorite among patrons who frequent the restaurant. With such an enticing menu, there’s no reason to hesitate—come and indulge in the delectable offerings here.
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Hoa Dong Bun Cha – Cheap and Delicious Food
- Address: 150/8B Nguyen Trai, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Price: Around 40,000 VND.
Hoa Dong Bun Cha, a venerable breakfast spot with almost 80 years of history, stands out among the delectable restaurants in District 1. Located in the hearts of Saigon, the restaurant’s two best sellers – bun cha* and crab spring rolls – offer unique flavors that are unparalleled.
Bun cha: The grilled pork is typically seasoned with a marinade that includes ingredients such as fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and pepper. It is then grilled until it develops a flavorful char. The vermicelli noodles are often served at room temperature or slightly chilled. The dish is accompanied by a dipping sauce, which can vary in ingredients but often includes fish sauce, sugar, vinegar, garlic, and chili.
Conclusion for best cheap eats in Saigon District 1
In conclusion, Vietnam stands as a gastronomic haven, offering an array of affordable and delectable dining experiences that cater to both locals and visitors. This Up-to-Date Tourist Guide 2024 has highlighted ten outstanding cheap eats in Saigon District 1, each contributing its unique flavors and cultural ambiance to the vibrant culinary scene.
From the crispy clay pot rice at Thien Ly to the Northern specialties at Mam Bac, and the charmingly renovated An Nam Quan, District 1 boasts a diverse range of culinary delights. Cua Dong Village Restaurant and its crab-centric dishes, the time-honored Pho Ho Hao Hon, the Thai-inspired Type Thai Noodle, and the enduring Hoa Dong Bun Cha contribute to the district’s rich tapestry of flavors. As these establishments continue to welcome diners with open arms, they not only offer a taste of Vietnam’s diverse cuisine but also provide an authentic and memorable experience for those exploring the bustling streets of Saigon.
The culinary adventure in Saigon’s District 1 is an exploration of tradition, innovation, and the warm hospitality that defines this dynamic city.
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