The street meals scene in Saigon permeates every district, neighbourhood, and alleyway; town boasts so many avenue meals outlets that, at times, Saigon feels like one gigantic, open-air restaurant. On the recent CityFood symposium in New York Metropolis , Ray and different students explained how road meals the world over contributes to an aesthetic that’s totally different in all places however grounded by a common theme: thrifty, satisfying fare that is instantly delicious, and essential to the geographic and financial material of our cities.
The contrast between the energy and colour of the street meals scene and the gray, grim, concrete bleakness of the condominium buildings (a few of which are now in a state of demolition) is extreme and compelling. Simply across the Thị Nghè Channel from the glitz and glamour of Saigon’s central District 1, Phan Văn Hân Street has a very native, unpretentious ambiance. French fries are highly standard as meals to go, available from small restaurants as well as avenue stalls.
There are a few engaging ‘grilled meat trolleys’ plying this road: the odor of barbecued chicken is troublesome to pass up. Saigon nights may be scorching and humid; cool off with a glass of freshly squeezed pomelo juice (nước ép bưởi) at 114 Tran Khac Chan.
A long, slender road connecting two of Saigon’s greatest arteries, Phan Văn Hân Avenue is lined with low cost meals stalls frequented by locals and college students from close by universities. Not solely do they provide inexpensive meals to workplace workers and tourists, but they are additionally a key supply of revenue for migrants, women, and laid-off professionals. So strive to choose road food that seems to be fresh, and that has a excessive turnover rate, and be more cautious with street foods that use water or ice in the preparation.
Cô Giang is a protracted, straight street that unofficially marks the southern perimeter of Saigon’s burgeoning backpacker area in District 1. Nonetheless, Cô Giang Street is lots quieter than Phạm Ngũ Lão, Bùi Viện and Đề Thám streets whose bars, western eating places and mini-marts make up the centre of the backpacker district.