VIETNOMNOMNOM

Quán Bánh Xèo 46A is known for some of the best bánh xèo (savory crepe with shrimp and pork and veggies) in Saigon. This alleyway pub prepares other delicious Vietnamese specialities, like bún thịt nướng (grilled pork and noodle bowl), gỏi cuốn (spring rolls), and bò lá lốt (beef wrapped in la lot leaves). Vietnomnomnom salutes 46A for giving its customers a hefty pile of greens and herbs. 

All of the food stalls at Chợ Tân Định are arguably delicious, but Vietnomnomnom's favorite is this one (no-name, bright yellow signs). Be sure to order their speciality, Bún Bánh Hỏi - Thịt Nướng  (with chả giò). And a nước mía with kumquat to drink.

Phở Hòa is a perfect go-to for all who want to taste traditional southern style phở. The accompanying herbs and greens are fresh and plentiful, and bonus - they also delicious traditional appetizers like gỏi cuốn (spring rolls) and chả giò (fried rolls).  Prices are reasonable, not the cheapest phở in the city, but the volume of customers is high, ensuring the freshest of ingredients.

This casual pub restaurant's specialty is its bún chả (traditional noodle dish from Hà Nội). They grill their pork patties fresh throughout the day, but be sure to go for breakfast or lunch, as some times they run out before the end of the day. You can find this place on Xuan Thuy Street in Thao Dien.

Xôi Gà No. 1 specializes in traditional Vietnamese sticky rice and rice cake dishes and also serves other delicious Vietnamese soup/noodle dishes like bún mắm and bún bò Huế. Near Ben Thanh Market, this fast and casual streetside pub is ideal for an afternoon snack or late lunch. 

Sườn Nướng Cao Bồi is a Vietnamese beer/barbeque garden in District 2. Open air with vents at each table, the ambiance is clean and fun and relaxing. The meats are fresh, and the menu offers a plethora of diverse options at reasonable prices. Vietnomnomnom highly recommends the thịt bò lá lốt (beef in la lot leaves), and the mực nướng (grilled squid).

Hue Corner in Thao Dien serves a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes, including specialities from Hue, at reasonable prices. The ambiance is casual and quaint, and the quality of food is consisently good.  Vietnomnomnom recommends this spot if you're looking for a place to try a variety of Vietnamese dishes simultaneously on a small budget. Hue Corner is also a great spot for a coffee pick-me-up.

The Lunch Lady is best for breakfast or early lunch, as she stops serving as soon as she runs out. The Lunch Lady serves one type of soup/noodle dish per day (with optional appetizers) - all are her own unique creations, but still traditional Vietnamese at heart. Her spot is close to the canal-side park, nice for an after lunch stroll.

Bánh Mì Hòa Mã is one of Saigon's iconic bánh mì spots especially for first-timers. Quality ingredients, tasty pate and special sauce, and the quintessential roadside pub experience - perfect for visitors and locals alike. This place is ideal for breakfast - order the Bánh mì Op La!
***Vietnomnomnom challenges all 'nom-ers to find his/her own favorite bánh mì artist in the city. Bánh mì is indeed an art form, and no two bánh mìs are the same :)

Quán 94 is a casual street pub known for its crab. Be sure to get the soft-shell crab (fried, of course), the crab spring rolls, and the vermicelli.