Follow three different ways of carrying a savoury filling around central Saigon: hủ tiếu, steamed rice rolls, and bánh mì. The first two stops sit around Võ Văn Tần and Cao Thắng; leave the Nguyễn Trãi sandwich for later if the cart is not serving yet.
Dishes below are suggested orders. Check current menus and hours.
Use the Hồng Phát branch at 391 Võ Văn Tần. Ask whether you can choose a dry bowl with broth alongside: separating the two makes it easier to notice the noodles and dressing. Check the pork, seafood and offal options before ordering.
What I ordered
Hủ tiếu Nam Vang: a noodle bowl with travelling roots
With a dry bowl, alternate a dressed noodle bite and a spoonful of broth. A soup bowl gives you a useful contrast on another visit.
At Hải Nam on Cao Thắng, pay attention to the rice wrapper before adding much dipping sauce. The filled rolls make a softer comparison with the earlier noodle bowl. Share a plate if you are continuing to the sandwich stop.
What I ordered
Bánh cuốn: the pleasure of freshly steamed rice sheets
Try the edge of a rice sheet and then a piece with filling. Add sauce gradually so the wrapper still has a voice.
Find the Bánh Mì 37 cart around the entrance to alley 39 Nguyễn Trãi, checking its current service first. The grilled-pork filling brings the final contrast: bread that breaks around a warm, savoury centre. Buy only what you plan to eat soon.
What I ordered
Bánh mì: one bread, many personalities
Let the hot filling settle briefly, then eat while the crust is crisp. Choose your chilli before the sandwich is finished.
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