Taste the Flavor of Time: Iconic Long-Standing Eateries in Saigon
Have you ever wondered how the flavors of Saigon's traditional dishes have changed over the years? Or perhaps you've wished you could experience the authentic taste that generations of locals grew up with? If so, let me introduce you to some of Saigon's oldest and most beloved eateries—restaurants that have been serving customers for decades.
1. Dì Mười's Red Tapioca Noodle Soup (Over 20 Years)
No list would be complete without Dì Mười's famous red tapioca noodle soup. This humble sidewalk eatery holds a special place in my childhood, as it was my family's favorite breakfast spot for years.
Locals affectionately call it "Dì Mười" because the owner is the tenth child in her family.
Despite its modest setup—a small cooking station, a few plastic tables and chairs, and a large umbrella providing shade—the stall has remained popular since 1998. Its secret lies in the rich pork bone broth, beautifully colored with annatto oil, creating its signature reddish-orange appearance.
Its secret lies in the rich pork bone broth, beautifully colored with annatto oil, creating its signature reddish-orange appearance.
Unlike many noodle shops that cook the noodles only after customers order, Dì Mười gently simmers the tapioca noodles directly in the broth, allowing them to absorb every bit of the soup's rich flavor.
Each bowl comes with tender pork bones, dried shrimp, pork blood pudding, crispy shrimp crackers, and bean sprouts.
At only 18,000 VND, it's one of Saigon's best-value comfort foods.
Address: Next to Pho 53, Pham Phu Thu Street, District 6
Opening Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Price: From 18,000 VND
2. Ba Ghiền Broken Rice with Giant Pork Chop (Nearly 30 Years)
Cơm Tấm Ba Ghiền has become legendary among Saigon food lovers.
Established in 1995, the restaurant has remained in the same location while preserving its original recipes and cooking style.
The first thing you'll notice is the enormous grilled pork chop that almost completely covers the plate of rice beneath it. The pork is perfectly marinated, juicy, and smoky from the charcoal grill, paired with fragrant fish sauce and just a hint of chili. Every now and then you'll bite into crispy pork cracklings mixed into the rice—a delicious surprise. The only downside? The price is a little higher than average, but most diners agree it's worth every bite.
Cơm tấm “Ba Ghiền”
Address: 84 Dang Van Ngu Street, Phu Nhuan District
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Price: Around 60,000 VND
3. Thu Nga's Crab Noodle Soup (Over 30 Years)
The first thing visitors notice isn't the food—it's owner Ms. Nga's warm smile.
She cheerfully recalls opening her shop on the 25th day before Lunar New Year in 1988, and despite decades of operation, she still insists on maintaining the same quality.
Each generous bowl includes:
- Fresh crab paste
- Pork sausage
- Pork knuckle
- Pork blood pudding
- Fried tofu
- Whole tomato
Of course, no authentic bowl of bún riêu would be complete without fermented shrimp paste.
The broth is rich, flavorful, and packed with crab aroma.
The only complaint? The serving is so large that many customers struggle to finish it.
Bún riêu “Thu Nga Nguyễn”
Address: 64 Nguyen Huu Hao Street, District 4
Opening Hours: 11:15 AM – 6:00 PM
Price: From 35,000 VND
4. Bình Tiên Market Fermented Fish Noodle Soup (Over 40 Years)
For locals in District 6, simply mentioning Bình Tiên Market's Bún Mắm is enough—they immediately know which stall you're talking about.
The shop began serving customers in 1980, even before Bình Tiên Market officially existed.
Back then, each bowl cost only 1,500 VND.
Today, a steaming bowl is filled with:
- Roast pork
- Squid
- Fried fish cake
- Rice noodles
- Rich fermented fish broth
It's a deeply satisfying combination of sweet, savory, and umami flavors that keeps generations of customers coming back.
Bún mắm chợ Bình Tiên
Address: Food section inside Bình Tiên Market, District 6
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Price: Around 34,000 VND
5. Đặng Thanh Mai Rice Porridge (Over 40 Years)
I'll admit—I never liked porridge growing up.
But this tiny neighborhood shop completely changed my mind.
The restaurant has been operating since 1977, originally run by the owner's mother before being passed down to the next generation.
A bowl arrives overflowing with:
- Tender pork ribs
- Liver
- Intestines
- Pork blood pudding
- Heart
The porridge itself is thick, creamy, and fragrant with fresh ginger.
When asked about the secret recipe, the owner simply smiled:
"Everything is still the same. We just cook larger batches now because more customers come. More bones mean sweeter broth."
It's difficult to find a flaw in this comforting bowl of porridge.
Cháo bụi “Đặng Thanh Mai”
Address: Ngo Gia Tu Apartment Complex, Hoa Hao Street, District 10
Opening Hours: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Price: 15,000–30,000 VND
6. Hòa Mã Skillet Bánh Mì (Over 60 Years)
Established in 1958, Hòa Mã is considered one of Saigon's oldest bánh mì restaurants.
Now managed by the third generation of the founding family, the shop continues to serve its iconic breakfast exactly as it has for decades.
Hidden inside a small alley on Cao Thắng Street, it's the perfect place to enjoy breakfast while watching old Saigon quietly come to life.
The bread remains the restaurant's greatest pride—crispy outside, fluffy inside, and wonderfully fragrant with butter.
A full skillet typically includes:
- Ham
- Vietnamese pork sausage
- Two fried eggs
- Sausage
- Pâté
One serving is generous enough for two people—just order extra bread to share.
Despite the morning crowds, service is remarkably fast.
Bánh mì chảo ký ức “Hòa Mã”
Address: 53 Cao Thang Street, District 3
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Price: Around 52,000 VND
7. The "Nameless" Wonton Noodle Shop (More Than 70 Years)
Hidden away in a small alley off Lê Văn Sỹ Street is a tiny noodle shop with no official name—but plenty of history.
According to the current owner, the business began in 1954, started by his father and passed down through the family.
When asked why the restaurant has no name, he simply laughed:
"We've always just sold noodles like this. No name—just age."
Watching him carefully prepare each bowl is almost as enjoyable as eating it.
The clear broth is wonderfully rich without being heavy.
The springy egg noodles pair perfectly with plump wontons packed generously with seasoned pork filling.
Sometimes, the simplest restaurants leave the strongest memories.
Address: 139 Le Van Sy Street, Phu Nhuan District
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Price: 40,000–50,000 VND
If you're looking to enjoy authentic local cuisine while experiencing a piece of Saigon's history, these long-standing eateries are well worth the visit.
Each restaurant tells its own story—one bowl, one plate, and one generation at a time.
Some flavors never fade, and these beloved establishments continue to preserve the true spirit of Saigon for both locals and travelers alike.
