What to Eat in District 3 and Nearby Areas? Food Price Review

When it comes to Ho Chi Minh City’s culinary map, District 3 stands out as one of the city’s most distinctive dining destinations. The area is home to long-established street vendors, lively food alleys, family-run eateries, and international-standard restaurants, creating a rich and diverse food scene.

If you are looking for great places to eat in District 3, this guide highlights everything from traditional Saigon breakfasts and popular local snacks to refined dining experiences along Hai Ba Trung Street.

1. Authentic Saigon Breakfast and Lunch Spots in District 3

1.1 Cu Ly Banh Mi – More Than 70 Years of Tradition

When locals think of a great breakfast in District 3, Cu Ly Banh Mi is often one of the first names that comes to mind. This long-running banh mi cart is renowned for its house-made cold cuts, including Vietnamese pork sausage, dill beef sausage, cinnamon pork sausage, and pork head cheese, offering flavors rooted in Northern Vietnamese culinary traditions rarely found in modern-day Saigon.

Thinly sliced onions and cucumbers balance the richness of the fillings, creating a simple yet flavorful sandwich. It is an excellent choice for travelers looking to experience a nostalgic side of Saigon’s food culture.

• Address: 187–191 Hai Ba Trung Street, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM (Closed Sundays)
• Price Range: VND 20,000–35,000 per sandwich

1.2 242 Nguyen Thien Thuat Food Alley

Widely regarded as one of the best lunch destinations in District 3, 242 Nguyen Thien Thuat Alley is bustling from early morning. Connected to the Ban Co Market area, the alley is lined with long-established vendors serving a variety of noodle dishes, broken rice, hu tieu, and traditional Vietnamese snacks.

Its biggest appeal lies in its diversity and affordability. Within just a short walk, visitors can sample a wide range of local specialties in one convenient location.

• Address: 242 Nguyen Thien Thuat Alley, Ward 3, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Price Range: VND 25,000–50,000 per dish

1.3 Hoa Ma Banh Mi Chao

One of Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic breakfast spots, Hoa Ma has been serving guests for more than 60 years. Its signature banh mi chao features sunny-side-up eggs, pâté, Vietnamese pork sausage, cold cuts, and sausage served sizzling in a hot cast-iron skillet.

The modest setting inside a small alley remains packed with diners every morning. It is a must-visit for those looking to experience authentic local life.

• Address: 53 Cao Thang Street, Ward 3, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM
• Price Range: VND 35,000–60,000 per serving

1.4 Ky Dong Chicken Pho and Glass Noodles

For many Saigon residents, Ky Dong Chicken Pho and Glass Noodles is a local institution. Its clear, naturally sweet broth, slowly simmered from chicken bones, pairs perfectly with firm free-range chicken, creating a distinctive flavor profile.

Recognition by the Michelin Bib Gourmand has further elevated its reputation among international travelers seeking quality local dining experiences.

• Address: 14/5Bis Ky Dong Street, Ward 9, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening Hours: 5:30 AM – 10:30 PM
• Price Range: VND 55,000–70,000 per bowl

2. Street Food and Cafés Around Turtle Lake and Tan Dinh Church

While mornings in District 3 are dedicated to traditional Vietnamese dishes, the area takes on a more vibrant and youthful atmosphere in the afternoon and evening. Around Turtle Lake, Le Van Tam Park, and Tan Dinh Church, visitors will find many popular food spots favored by local residents and young crowds.

2.1 Turtle Lake Street Food

Turtle Lake has long been considered a symbol of Saigon’s street food culture. As the sun sets, the International Square roundabout becomes lively with vendors selling mixed rice paper salad, fried fish balls, grilled skewers, fried bean curd skin snacks, and refreshing beverages.

More than simply a place to eat, it serves as a social gathering space where visitors can experience the city’s dynamic urban lifestyle.

• Address: International Square Roundabout, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3
• Opening Hours: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Typical Prices:

• Mixed rice paper salad or rice paper rolls: VND 25,000–35,000
• Fried fish balls, grilled skewers, bean curd skin snacks: VND 30,000–80,000
• Drinks: VND 15,000–25,000

2.2 Discover Local Flavors Around Tan Dinh Market

Located near Hai Ba Trung Street and just a short distance from District 3, the Tan Dinh Market area is a favorite destination for street food enthusiasts.

Tan Dinh Sticky Rice with Chicken (Xoi 315)

This popular sticky rice dish is known for its crispy fried chicken skin, richly seasoned chicken offal, and signature sauce. It is a favorite choice among locals for an afternoon snack or light evening meal.

• Address: 90I Tran Quoc Toan Street, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3
• Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Price Range: VND 30,000–55,000

Traditional Sweet Dessert Stalls

The dessert vendors around Tan Dinh Market provide a pleasant way to end a culinary journey. Popular options include three-color sweet soup, mung bean and taro dessert, and jelly desserts with pomegranate seeds, all showcasing Southern Vietnamese flavors with light sweetness and fragrant coconut milk.

• Location: Inside and around Tan Dinh Market
• Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Price Range: VND 15,000–30,000

Hanh Crab Soup

This long-running crab soup stall is known for its thick, flavorful soup filled with crab meat and shredded chicken. Diners can add pork brain or preserved eggs for extra richness and depth of flavor.

• Address: Opposite 123 Nguyen Huu Cau Street, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1
• Opening Hours: 5:00 AM – 7:30 PM
• Price Range: VND 30,000–50,000

3. Premium Dining Experiences in the Heart of District 3

Beyond its vibrant street food culture, District 3 is also home to a variety of upscale dining venues that cater to business travelers, corporate gatherings, and international visitors.

3.1 Food Exchange Restaurant – International Buffet Dining in the City Center

Located on Level 2 of Novotel Saigon Centre at 167 Hai Ba Trung Street, Food Exchange Restaurant offers a contemporary open-plan setting with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the vibrant city center.

The restaurant is an excellent choice for international buffet dining and business lunches, featuring a carefully curated menu that combines Asian and Western flavors with fresh local ingredients.

Highlights include:

• International Lunch Buffet featuring seafood, barbecue selections, cold cuts, and a variety of desserts.
• Weekend Seafood Dinner Buffet featuring lobster, crab, abalone, freshwater prawns, squid, and octopus.
• Professional service aligned with international four-star hotel standards.

Reference Pricing:

• International Lunch Buffet: Approximately VND 768,000 per guest.
• Weekend Seafood Dinner Buffet: VND 939,000–1,319,000 per guest.
• Sunday Seafood Brunch: VND 1,199,000 per guest.
• Early booking offers and exclusive privileges for ALL Accor+ members are often available.

Prices are for reference only. Please check the official Novotel Saigon Centre website for the latest menus and promotions.

3.2 OnTop Bar – A Relaxing Rooftop Experience on Hai Ba Trung Street

After dinner, guests can continue their evening at OnTop Bar on the 20th floor of Novotel Saigon Centre. With panoramic city views and an open-air atmosphere, it is an ideal setting for social gatherings, business meetings, or unwinding after a productive day.

The venue also offers a menu of Asian and Western tapas, complemented by more than 20 varieties of cheeses and cold cuts, paired with wines from around the world.

Highlights:

• Rooftop setting with sunset and city skyline views.
• Extensive cocktail, house wine, and finger food menu.
• Happy Hour from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, featuring a Buy One, Get One Free offer on a wide selection of beverages.

Reference Pricing:

• Drinks and light bites: VND 180,000–450,000.
• Group dining packages: From VND 599,000 per person.

Prices are for reference only. Please check the official Novotel Saigon Centre website for the latest menus and promotions.

Together, Food Exchange Restaurant and OnTop Bar provide two distinct dining experiences: a refined setting for thoughtfully prepared meals and a relaxed rooftop venue to conclude the day.

4. Comparison of Popular Dining Spots in District 3

5. Conclusion

While not as bustling as District 1, District 3 offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and culinary diversity, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Saigon. From traditional banh mi and longstanding chicken noodle shops to the lively street food scene at Turtle Lake and international buffet dining, every experience contributes to a memorable culinary journey.

For visitors exploring the city center, District 3 offers an excellent opportunity to discover some of Ho Chi Minh City’s most beloved dining destinations while enjoying international dining experiences at Food Exchange Restaurant and OnTop Bar at Novotel Saigon Centre—a stylish gathering place on Hai Ba Trung Street for travelers, business professionals, and modern urban diners alike.

Novotel Saigon Centre

Address: 167 Hai Ba Trung, Xuan Hoa Ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Phone: (+84) 28 3822 4866
Email: h7965@accor.com
Website: www.novotel-saigon-centre.com