The Saigon Taste: A Feast of Local Flavors and Street Food 

Naw Cherrian Htoo | 2. January 2025

After my Ho Chi Minh bike tour, I continued the journey with a food tour. Exploring this vibrant city, I didn’t just delve into its bustling streets but also immersed myself in its rich culinary tapestry, making unforgettable stops along the way.

The Journey Begins: Exploring on Two Wheels 

My journey began in the vibrant Sala urban area, known for its modern architecture and lush greenery. The igus:bike instantly turned heads with its striking design and eco-friendly innovation. The adventure continued as I rode to Vietcycling, a hub for cycling enthusiasts. There, the igus:bike became the center of attention, sparking curiosity among visitors who couldn’t wait to experience its unique features firsthand. 

Cycling through the scenic roads of Sala and the towering modernity of Landmark 81, the igus:bike truly stood out. Its innovative and eco-friendly design turned heads, with passersby stopping to admire and inquire about its features. This journey wasn’t just about exploring the city but also about sharing the story of the igus:bike and its sustainable innovation. 

Discovering Vietnam Through Its Flavors 

No visit to Vietnam is complete without indulging in its world-famous cuisine. Saigon, in particular, offers a feast of flavors that reflect tradition, creativity, and a deep connection to the land. 

Van Kiep Street in Ho Chi Minh City is a haven for food enthusiasts, brimming with lively street food stalls and cozy eateries. Renowned for its incredible variety and wallet-friendly prices, this street serves up irresistible dishes like flavorful xôi (sticky rice) topped with savory or sweet delights, and golden, crispy gà chiên (fried chicken), hot and juicy with every bite. Every corner is filled with the tantalizing aroma of freshly cooked specialties, making it an unmissable destination for those seeking authentic Vietnamese flavors in a vibrant, local atmosphere.

Street Food: The journey to Vietnamese cuisine. 

We began mine with bánh xèo (Vietnamese sizzling pancake) – crispy, golden pancakes bursting with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, perfectly paired with fresh greens and a tangy dipping sauce. Wrapping a piece of the pancake in a layer of rice paper, along with vibrant Vietnamese vegetables, created the perfect bite—a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that truly captured the essence of Saigon’s Street food. 

Next, I couldn’t resist indulging in a plate of freshly cooked ốc (sea snails), served with a garlic fish sauce. In Vietnam, snails come in a variety of types and are prepared in countless ways. Some highlights include steamed snails infused with Steamed Cockle- shell with garlic spice (nghêu hấp tỏi), roasted spotted babylon snails with tangy tamarind (ốc hương rang me), and grilled apple snails seasoned with fragrant citronella (ốc bươu nướng sả), stir-fried razor clams with water spinach (ốc móng tay xào rau muống). To round off the feast, We treated ourselves to a bowl of chè (dessert soup) —a delightful Vietnamese dessert that combines an enticing mix of textures and flavors, perfectly ending the culinary journey on a sweet note. 

Our team had a truly wonderful evening, savoring every dish as we shared stories and laughter under the city’s glowing lights. Each bite was a sensory experience, and together, we marveled at how these humble, yet flavorful dishes carried the essence of Saigon’s culinary soul. 

Each dish celebrated local ingredients and traditional techniques, showcasing the ingenuity of Vietnamese street vendors in creating culinary masterpieces from humble beginnings. 

What makes Vietnamese cuisine exceptional is its harmony of five key flavors: sour, spicy, salty, sweet, and bitter. This balance is evident in every dish, creating a symphony of tastes that delight the palate. 

A Celebration of Connection 

As I wrapped up my Saigon igus:bike tour, it became clear that food and cycling intertwined to create a unique connection with the city. From the warm welcomes at Viet Cycling to the shared laughter over plates of street food, this journey was more than just an exploration—it was an experience of Saigon’s heart and soul.

Whether you’re cycling through its bustling streets or savoring a bowl of local delicacies, Saigon invites you to immerse yourself in its vibrant culture and flavors. And as I pedaled through the city, I carried with me not just the taste of its cuisine but also the warmth and hospitality of its people. 

Let’s embark on the next thrilling adventure together with the igus:bike tour through Central Vietnam!

Our rider:

I am Hieu, sales engineer for e-chain and chainflex in Vietnam. Excited and honored to be part of this amazing journey!

Map of this tour: