Eating is a highly social affair in Saigon and the rest of Vietnam which is why proper eating etiquette is paramount. A traditional home-cooked meal is served to guests who often sit on mats, each with their own rice bowl, chopsticks and spoons for soup. Most of the time, all the dishes are served family style which means that there will be a huge plate of various dishes at the center of the table, most likely on a Lazy Susan, intended to be shared among those in the table.

Here are some guidelines for foreigners and expats who might have a different customs from their country.

First of all, serving others first whenever possible is practiced. Keep in mind that the head of the table is usually reserved for the most respected or oldest person in a group; it’s best to let your local host guide you to your seat and do not dig in unless the oldest person in the room has started to.

Remember to avoid grabbing large servings of food or picking the best cuts of meat. When taking something from the shared dish, do not put it directly to your mouth. Put it in your bowl first before eating it.

Chopsticks should always be laid down on a chopstick rest when taking breaks in between bites. And never stick it in on your rice or bowl as chopsticks pointing upwards resembles incense that are offered to the dead. Doing so is deemed unlucky and disrespectful. b You also should never use your chopsticks to point towards something or someone. 

Always pass and receive items such as food or condiments with both your hands and never over someone else’s head. Don’t forget to say please and thank you.

As much as possible, try to finish what is in your bowl. Leaving your plate unfinished is just rude.

Place your chopsticks on top of your bowl once you’re done eating but do not leave your seat until everyone is finished eating. You should stay and have a little bit of conversation while waiting for others to finish and never take your dishes out of the table when someone isn’t done eating yet.

In case you forgot something or did something wrong, don’t stress too much because Vietnamese people are very understanding. A lot of foreigners are not aware of these table manners and etiquette but as someone who is technically an outsider, it’s always good to be aware and respectful of their culture.

For information on Vietnamese traditions go to Vietnamese New Year Traditions

Eating is a highly social affair in Saigon and the rest of Vietnam which is why proper eating etiquette is paramount. A traditional home-cooked meal is served to guests who often sit on mats, each with their own rice bowl, chopsticks and spoons for soup.

Most of the time, all the dishes are served family style which means that there will be a huge plate of various dishes at the center of the table, most likely on a Lazy Susan, intended to be shared among those in the table.

Here are some guidelines for foreigners and expats who might have a different customs from their country.

First of all, serving others first whenever possible is practiced. Keep in mind that the head of the table is usually reserved for the most respected or oldest person in a group; it’s best to let your local host guide you to your seat and do not dig in unless the oldest person in the room has started to.

Remember to avoid grabbing large servings of food or picking the best cuts of meat. When taking something from the shared dish, do not put it directly to your mouth. Put it in your bowl first before eating it.

Chopsticks should always be laid down on a chopstick rest when taking breaks in between bites. And never stick it in on your rice or bowl as chopsticks pointing upwards resembles incense that are offered to the dead. Doing so is deemed unlucky and disrespectful. b You also should never use your chopsticks to point towards something or someone.

Always pass and receive items such as food or condiments with both your hands and never over someone else’s head. Don’t forget to say please and thank you.

As much as possible, try to finish what is in your bowl. Leaving your plate unfinished is just rude.

Place your chopsticks on top of your bowl once you’re done eating but do not leave your seat until everyone is finished eating. You should stay and have a little bit of conversation while waiting for others to finish and never take your dishes out of the table when someone isn’t done eating yet.

In case you forgot something or did something wrong, don’t stress too much because Vietnamese people are very understanding. A lot of foreigners are not aware of these table manners and etiquette but as someone who is technically an outsider, it’s always good to be aware and respectful of their culture.

For information on Vietnamese traditions go to Vietnamese New Year Traditions.

The concept of leaving a tip in Vietnam used to be alien to many restaurant service staff. However, given inflow of tourists and expatriates in Saigon and other cities, tipping is becoming widely known and accepted without drawing quizzical looks from the service crew.

To answer the question directly, no. You are not required to tip, but the servers and staff will always appreciate it. If you are not comfortable with the idea of tipping, then just consider rounding up your bill to the nearest ten-thousand and leaving the change behind.

For information on restaurants go to A Day in The Life of la Villa French Restaurant in Saigon.

Restaurants in Saigon usually tax meals at 8% or build the charge into the prices. Service charges may also be levied and usually run 5%.

Most street food stalls and smaller eateries state net prices without any additional tax involved upon payment.

For information on food go to A 3-Day Tour of Saigon For Foodies.

As tourists and expats visiting Saigon, exploring Vietnamese food is one of the things you should definitely do.

Although most fresh meat and other perishables are transported citywide by refrigerated trucks, food cleanliness and preparation standards vary in HCMC. Nonetheless, many residents enjoy eating out without any unfortunate food incidents and this includes dining everywhere from modest street stalls to international fast food chains and gourmet restaurants in the fanciest hotels.

It is not always true that the more expensive places have the cleanest kitchens, the freshest ingredients, or the best-trained employees. Just because an eatery boasts stratospheric menu prices and trendy decor does not mean the kitchen has been sanitized thoroughly. Of course, the inverse might also be true when considering eateries that at first glance appear aged and in need of a polish.

What are the basic guidelines for food hygiene in Ho Chi Minh City?

Local eateries around Southeast Asia are famous for upsetting stomachs (or worse) after an initial introduction with a country’s cuisine. Western stomachs are accustomed to certain bacteria, drinking water or the water used to clean plates, glasses and cutlery. However, gradual exposure to local cuisine and bacteria steels the stomach and soon many expats can comfortably head to their favourite plastic-stool eatery for a quick meal of Bún chả or Bánh mì.

Nevertheless, some caution should be exercised if you’re opting for street eats rather than a more established restaurant setting.

A few tips:

››Eat at crowded restaurants.

››They are usually the safer bet because of higher food turnover and an established reputation. Even better, ask your friends to recommend a few trusted spots as you get acclimated. You won’t have a problem with this as your friends will surely give you recommendations even without asking.

››Go early.

››The earlier you eat at street stalls, the better. Food is fresher earlier in the day.

››Use your senses.

››Take time to smell the food if possible, it is a good indicator of freshness. Some Vietnamese food and cooking ingredients are pungent; you will soon learn the difference between fragrant and spoilt.

››Check the way food is handled

››Food handlers (usually stall owners) should be wearing gloves. If they’re not, glance at their fingernails for cleanliness. When possible also check cutting boards, washing water and food preparation surfaces. Also look for street stalls a good distance away from rubbish bins, bus stops and other public transportation.

Below is a general pricing table in Vietnamese Đồng (VND) for common food items:

››Coriander (Rau mùi): VND2,500/100g

››Mint (Bạc hà): VND3,000/100g

››Fish Mint (Rau diếp cá): VND2,500/100g

››Basil (Húng quế): VND2,500/100g

››Lime Leaf (Lá chanh): VND3,000/100g

››Lemongrass (Sả): VND2,000/100g

››Onions (Hành tây): VND1,500/100g

››Scallions (Hành lá): VND2,000/100g

››Garlic Chives (Hẹ): VND1,000/100g

››Perilla Leaf (Tía tô): VND2,000/100g

››Turmeric (Nghệ): VND7,000/100g

››Pepper (Tiêu) VND200,000/kg

››Coffee Bean Arabica (Cà Phê) VND30,000- 40,000/100g

››Garlic (Tỏi) VND70,000/kg

››Chili (Ớt) VND26,000/kg

››Ginger and Galangal (Gừng và Riềng): VND7,000/100g

››Beef (Bò): VND200,000-250,000/1kg

››Pork (Heo): VND80,000-100,000/1kg

››Chicken (Gà): VND60,000-120,000/1kg

››Tuna (Cá Ngừ) VND105,000/kg

››Vietnamese Rice (Gạo): VND11,000- 25,000/1kg

All items are available at HCMC wet markets and supermarkets. Prices may vary depending on location and these were last checked in January 2020. If you notice something to be improved, please send us your details. Thanks.

For information on hygiene go to Vietnam Still Struggling With Unsafe Food.

These propositions were last checked in July 2022. If you notice something to be improved, please send us your details. Thanks.

Being vegetarian is easier when in Saigon because a lot of Vietnamese food are already vegetarian friendly with just a little adjustment. In addition to the food, the country is also rich in fruits that you can enjoy for snacks and as siding for your meals. There’s also Halal food available if you’re Muslim.

Vietnamese vegetarian food fare includes spring rolls (fresh and fried), tofu (prepared in an astonishing number of ways including deep fried with lemongrass and chilli), meatless phở (made with shiitake mushrooms and vegetable broth), all sorts of steamed, boiled and pickled vegetables, salads, fruits, and even mock meats (fish, chicken legs and duck) shaped and textured to imitate the real thing. These imitation meats can possibly serve as painless veggie introductions to your dubious meat-eating friends.

Are all vegetarian restaurants purely vegetarian in Saigon?

No, not all are strictly Vegetarian. It depends on the target market of the restaurant you are visiting. Keep in mind that unless you are tucking in at a strict vegetarian or vegan restaurant, dishes are likely to contain animal ingredients in the forms of fats, broths, sauces, or condiments. Your stir-fried morning glory and tofu may have been sizzled in a shallow wok of pork lard so it is important to ask the waiter or restaurant staff before ordering your meals. If you are serious about your vegetarian diet, stick to restaurants and street vendors who specialise in such types of cooking rather than relying on meatless menu requests at establishments catering mainly to meat eaters.

What vegetarian restaurants are there in Ho Chi Minh City?

Cỏ Nội

61-63 Hai Ba Trung, D1 / +84 28 3843 5555 /  bongsenhotel2.com

Centrally located restaurant to entertain your vegan visiting friends.

Hum Vegetarian

2 Thi Sach, D1 / +84 28 3823 8920 / humvietnam.com

Outstanding vegetarian food with a unique Thai twist. Book in advance if you want to have a spot.

The Organic

54 Ly Van Phuc, D1 / +84 28 3820 0278 / the-organic.vn

Dishes are made with locally grown organic food only.

Chay Thiện Duyên

505 Xa Lo Ha Noi, An Phu, Thu Duc City / +84 927 896 869 /
+84 28 6683 8999/
Nhahangchaythienduyen.com

That is one of the largest vegetarian only restaurants in the city. They have lunch and dinner buffet everyday with more than 50 vegetarian dishes.

Prem Bistro and Cafe

204 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Ward 6, D3 / +84 28 6279 9920

Hum Vegetarian, Café & Restaurant

32 Vo Van Tan, D3 / +84 28 3930 3819 / humvietnam.com

Vegetarian Restaurant Sân Mây

771 Le Hong Phong, D10 / +84 28 3507 1628

Loving Vegan Kitchen

450 Dien Bien Phu, D10 / +84 28 6270 0177 / https://facebook.com/vegankitchenbepthuanchay/