Nestled in District 10's maze-like streets, Ho Thi Ky Food Street beckons food lovers with its intoxicating aromas and bustling energy. Local vendors serve authentic Vietnamese street food here, making this narrow alley a beloved culinary destination for a food tour in Saigon.

1. About Ho Thi Ky Food Street in Ho Chi Minh City

1.1. Location and opening hours

Having earned a spot among the "10 Interesting Shopping Destinations" of Ho Chi Minh City in December 2023, Ho Thi Ky Food Street has evolved from a narrow alley into a celebrated culinary destination. This 300-meter stretch is nestled in Alley 52, Ho Thi Ky Street, Ward 1, District 10. Every day, it buzzes with activity from 125 food vendors.

Ho Thi Ky Food Street in Ho Chi Minh City

The food street's charm lies in its intricate network of alleys that connect to major thoroughfares - Le Hong Phong, Tran Binh Trong, Ly Thai To, and Hung Vuong. Ho Thi Ky street food opening hours extend from 3 PM to 11 PM daily, although early birds can find some vendors serving breakfast and lunch.

Beyond its impressive culinary offerings, the street's strategic location within a residential area creates a unique atmosphere, where local life and food culture intertwine. It not only serves as a vital link to the district's main arteries but also preserves the authentic charm of Saigon's street food heritage.

1.2. History

In the 1970s, while central Saigon flourished as the "Pearl of the Far East," the area around today’s Ho Thi Ky Street was merely a desolate, muddy wasteland. Its transformation began when Vietnamese refugees fleeing the Cambodian genocide settled in the Petrus Ky temporary housing zone, establishing the small Ho Thi Ky Food Market to serve their community.

Many of today's vendors are descendants of these original settlers, who brought with them Cambodian-Vietnamese specialties like num-bo-chok noodles and Tonle Sap dried fish. What started as a simple refugee market, known locally as the "Cambodian Market," has evolved over nearly five decades into Ho Thi Ky Flower Market and Ho Thi Ky Food Street, where these once-foreign dishes have become sought-after delicacies in modern Saigon.

regional specialties in Ho Thi Ky Food Street

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2. How to get there?

Ho Thi Ky Food Street in Ho Chi Minh City lies approximately 4 kilometers away from District 1 and is easily accessible. Visitors can choose between public transport, personal vehicles, or ride-hailing services like the eco-friendly Xanh SM Taxi.

If you opt to drive yourself and are departing from Nguyen Hue Street, follow this route: Le Loi Street - Le Lai Street - Nguyen Trai Street - Cong Quynh Street - Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street - Ly Thai To Street - Ho Thi Ky Street.

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3. Top foods to try at Ho Thi Ky Street Food Market

3.1. Grilled and fried dishes

Grilled and fried dishes are the stars of Ho Thi Ky Food Street, with prices ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 VND. The grilled selection features everything, including sausages, mushroom-wrapped beef rolls, cheese-topped meat skewers, etc. Along the street, there are numerous "mini buffet" stalls offering fried foods such as fish meatballs, shrimp meatballs, beef meatballs, squid meatballs, sausages, and wontons - all priced affordably between 8,000 and 20,000 VND per item.

3.2. Soups and noodles

Ho Thi Ky Night Street offers a robust selection of hearty soup and noodle dishes, with bowls starting at an affordable 25,000 VND. The street is especially known for its Cambodia-influenced dishes like num bo chok (fish noodle soup) and snail noodle soup, alongside Vietnamese favorites such as banh canh, bun, and hu tieu. Visitors can also find beef hotpot, crab soup, and grilled pork with vermicelli.

3.3. Salads and light dishes

Ho Thi Ky Food Street offers a variety of light dishes perfect for those seeking refreshing fare. The selection includes green papaya salad, fresh spring rolls, and mixed rice paper (banh trang tron) - a traditional food in Ho Chi Minh City. These lighter options complement the street's more substantial offerings and provide a refreshing contrast to the grilled and fried dishes, with most items priced affordably between 10,000 and 30,000 VND.

Vietnamese street food at Ho Thi Ky Night Market

3.4. Drinks and desserts

Ho Thi Ky Food Street reviews often highlight its enticing array of drinks and desserts that perfectly complement its savory offerings. The prices of these refreshing beverages start at just 15,000 VND, featuring pineapple juice, strawberry juice, and the popular smashed peach tea. These drinks are highlighted by Co Ut's sweet soup stall with over 10 variations (10,000 VND per serving or 30,000 VND for a 5-dish platter), and Co Huoi's famous Cambodian sweet soup (10,000 - 30,000 VND). Other options include crispy sweet potato balls and milk with flan.

3.5. Other treats

Ho Thi Ky Food Street also features an international corner showcasing popular East Asian and South Asian street foods. Japanese favorites include sushi and takoyaki while Korean offerings feature kimbap and tteokbokki. An unexpected find is Indian pani puri - crispy hollow bread filled with spiced water and various fillings, adding another layer of diversity to this vibrant food street's culinary landscape.

international cuisine at Ho Thi Ky Food Street

4. Extra experiences for your visit

The Ho Thi Ky area offers a unique dual experience, being both a vibrant food street and Saigon's most famous flower market. While enjoying street food, visitors can explore the flower-lined streets of Ho Thi Ky Flower Market, which operate 24/7 and are particularly magical at night under the streetlights. The market sources hundreds of flower varieties primarily from Da Lat and the Mekong Delta. The evening hours are especially popular, offering a more relaxed atmosphere perfect for enjoying street food while strolling through the illuminated flower displays. This combination also creates an ideal setting for photography.

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5. Tips for foodies to Ho Thi Ky Food Street

Note these tips to ensure a joyful visit to Ho Thi Ky Food Street:

Visit between 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM for the most vibrant atmosphere
Confirm the parking fee (normally 5,000 VND per motorbike) before parking to avoid being overcharged
Keep your valuables secure and close to your body during peak hours
Bring small bills and expect to spend around 200,000 VND per person for a satisfying multi-dish meal
Take time to explore every nook and cranny, as some of the best vendors are tucked away in smaller alleys
Order smaller portions to try more dishes

Ho Thi Ky Food Street stands as a culinary haven in Ho Chi Minh City, where street food meets vibrant culture. From grilled skewers and bubbling hotpots to sweet desserts and Cambodian delicacies, this bustling destination captures the essence of Saigon's dynamic food scene, offering visitors a complete sensory experience.

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