Ba Chieu Market
Sticky rice with fried chicken at Ba Chieu Market. Photo by VnExpress/Duc Hung
One
of the biggest markets in the city, Ba Chieu in Binh Thanh District stays busy
through the night, serving the bellies that refuse to go to sleep. Shops and
carts serving sticky rice varieties, baguettes and soy milk open from 8 p.m.
until 4 the next morning.
The
most popular of them is a push cart selling sticky rice with fried chicken and
pork and a very tasty sauce on top, for VND20,000 (less than $1) a box. Don't
ask for the recipe. We heard that it's top secret.
'Ghost' broken rice
Broken rice served on a sidewalk at night in Saigon. Photo by VnExpress/Thien Chuong
Broken
rice can be found across the southern region but Saigon seems to be most crazy
about the dish.
“Ghost
broken rice” is a beloved nickname given to broken rice joints that can be
found along Saigon sidewalks late at night. It comes with all basic components
of the famous dish – grilled pork chops, meatloaf, shredded pig skin and eggs.
A plate should cost around VND18,000 (80 cents).
Dinh
Tien Hoang in District 1 and Cao Dat in District 5 are two of the streets where
you can discover the best "Ghost broken rice." Just find any place
with a big crowd.
Beef noodle soup
Beef noodle soup at a night restaurant in Saigon. Photo by VnExpress/Huan Phan
Beef
noodle soup, or bun bo, is a popular Vietnamese dish perfect for fans of late
dinners. You just need between VND20,000-35,000 for a steamy bowl on a plastic
stool at the corner of Nguyen Van Dau and Le Quang Dinh in Binh Thanh District.
Hanh Xanh porridge
This simple porridge can be a night feast in Saigon: Photo by VnExpress/Thien Chuong
The
city offers many stops for midnight porridge but the most popular is possibly
the one near the Hanh Xanh traffic circle. It's very popular and you won't miss
it.
A
bowl will set you back VND 10,000 - 30,000, depending on whether you want to go
with red beans, salted eggs or braised shrimps.
Bui Vien
Diners on Bui Vien Street. Photo by VnExpress/SuZi
The
backpackers' street in the heart of Saigon is vibrant with all kinds of colors
and flavors, especially after nightfall.
This
is where you can find Vietnamese, Thai, Indian, Italian restaurants and
everything in between.
Bar-and-grills
are usually the most crowded. There are also many options for desserts if you
want more than just a late supper (Hey, we don't judge). Expect to pay a little
bit more here because after all it's a touristy neighborhood.
By VnExpress