Saigon: Vegan Food Walk with Hidden Alleys & Local Markets

Summary

Saigon vegan eats tangled alleys family-run curry fruit markets

You’ll wind through Saigon’s hidden alleys tasting vegan bánh mì, coconut-mushroom curry in family-run kitchens, tropical fruits at lively markets, and sweet lotus soup shared by locals. Expect laughter over messy spring rolls, stories you won’t find online, and flavors that linger long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the smell — a mix of incense from a tiny shrine wedged between noodle stalls and something frying in oil. Our guide, Linh, waved us down a side alley I’d have walked past a hundred times. She laughed when I hesitated at the tangle of scooters. “Don’t worry, follow your nose,” she said. We started with bánh mì chay: crusty bread with mushroom pâté and pickles, eaten sitting on plastic stools while two old men played cards behind us. The soy sauce dripped onto my fingers — worth it.

I didn’t expect to end up in someone’s living room for curry (well, almost). The place had no sign, just a handwritten menu taped to the wall. Coconut-mushroom curry over sticky rice, plus tea that tasted faintly of lemongrass. Linh showed us how to wrap crispy spring rolls in lettuce — mine fell apart but nobody cared. At one point she handed out fruit by zodiac sign; I got longan and still can’t describe the flavor except sweet and weirdly creamy? The local market was chaos: kids darting around piles of dragon fruit, vendors yelling prices, the air thick with humidity and ripe mangoes.

We wandered through a communist-era apartment block where laundry flapped like flags above our heads. A woman selling lotus soup called out to Linh by name and insisted we try some — light broth with floating seeds that tasted almost floral. There was this moment when everything went quiet except for distant scooter horns and the clink of spoons against bowls. I caught myself thinking how none of this felt staged or rushed; just people eating together because it’s what they do here.

By the time we reached the last stop — chewy taro cakes with scallion oil and chili sauce — I was full but not in that regretful way. It felt more like being let in on a secret circuit of vegan food Saigonese actually eat, not just stuff made for tourists. Linh sent us off with her recipe ebook (though I doubt I’ll ever get that broth right), addresses scribbled on my phone, and way too many photos of fruit I can’t pronounce. Still think about that curry sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Vegan food tasting and hidden Saigon tour

• Start with Bánh Mì Chay sandwich
• Try hidden alley coconut mushroom curry
• Enjoy DIY Bánh Xèo wrap party
• Taste traditional sweet soups (Chè)
• Explore local market with exotic fruits
• Eat Bún Thịt Nướng Chay noodles
• Sample vegan Phở with wontons
• Try Bột Chiên fried taro cakes
• Taste old Vietnamese desserts
• See Communist Apartment Complex
• Visit Flower Market and Cambodian Neighborhood
• Walk through the Maze of Alleys

Top questions

How long is the Saigon vegan food walk?

The tour lasts about 3 hours from start to finish.

What vegan dishes are included on this Saigon food tour?

You’ll try around 10 dishes like bánh mì chay, coconut-mushroom curry, taro cakes, vegan pho, spring rolls, tropical fruits, sweet soups, and more.

Does the tour include hidden local spots or just tourist areas?

You visit hidden alleys, family-run eateries without signs, local markets, and even a communist-era apartment complex most tourists miss.

Is there a guide for this Saigon vegan walk?

Yes—a local vegan guide leads you through all stops and shares stories along the way.

Are special diets like gluten-free or nut allergy accommodated?

You can let them know about special diets such as gluten-free or nut allergies before joining.

Is pickup included in this Saigon vegan food tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you’ll meet at an easy-to-find location in central Saigon.

Will I get recipes or addresses after the tour?

Yes—you receive an ebook with recipes plus addresses and tips for finding vegan food in Vietnam.

What’s included

Your walk includes about 10 different vegan tastings—from bánh mì chay to coconut-mushroom curry—plus seasonal fruits at a bustling market, visits to hidden alleys and an old apartment complex most visitors never see. You’ll have a friendly local guide sharing stories throughout and receive their recipe ebook so you can try these dishes back home.