6 Flavourful Wraps For a Taste of Ho Chi Minh City

Cá Lóc Nướng - Hay-grilled Whole Snakehead

Cá lóc nướng remains a proud staple of southern Vietnamese dining in 2025. This dish is still considered a perfect pairing with local rice liquor, a tradition that dates back to the early inhabitants of the marshlands.

The recipe is straightforward: skewer a live snakehead fish from head to tail with a bamboo stick and roast it over a fire made from hay or other dry plant leaves. Turn the fish continuously until the scales are charred to a dark, ashy black. Once cooked, the scales are easily removed, revealing tender, smoky, and firm white meat that's a true delight.

This dish shines when served with a tangy tamarind fish sauce, complemented by slices of red hot chili pepper. Diners can wrap the meat with an assortment of local vegetables, customizing their selections to suit personal taste. Common accompaniments include slices of young mango, fresh bean sprouts, star fruit (an essential ingredient), green bananas, and other condiments.

Cá Lóc Nướng - Photo: @loveoffoods

Bò Bía - Vegetables and Sausage Wrap

The bò bía cart remains a common sight throughout Ho Chi Minh City in 2025, offering a delightful assortment of modestly prepared ingredients, such as string-cut jicama, various fresh herbs, Chinese sausage, and dried shredded pork. Perfect for a midday snack, these wraps can be enjoyed on the street or taken to go. Despite their seemingly light contents, the delicious dipping sauce—a golden blend of fish sauce, fragrant fried shallots, and crunchy roasted peanuts—makes it easy to consume many before realizing you’ve spoiled your appetite.

This irresistible snack is especially popular among students, so locating them on campus provides an excellent chance to satisfy any cravings. It’s important to note that “bò bía” can refer to a completely different snack in northern Vietnam, which has no connection to its southern counterpart.

Bò Bía - Photo: @hetmydiscovery

Gỏi Cuốn - Fresh Summer Rolls

Gỏi cuốn, commonly known as fresh summer rolls, has garnered international recognition alongside pho in recent years. This cold snack is prepared en masse and is typically served chilled, featuring fresh shrimp and the crunchy texture of pork. Each bite offers an unforgettable taste experience.

While two types of dipping sauces are offered, the peanut sauce is a standout that elevates the dish, enriching its flavors and enhancing the overall tasting experience. A perfectly balanced combination of flavors, it transforms each roll into a delectable treat.

While delicious, please remember to save room for your main course, as these rolls are meant to be enjoyed as an appetizer!

Finding a great place for gỏi cuốn is as easy as locating pho shops throughout the city, given its popularity.

Gỏi Cuốn - Photo: @chef_thuy_pham

Bánh Xèo - Pan-fried Rolls/Vietnamese Crepes

In Ho Chi Minh City, bánh xèo comes in a couple of varieties, ranging from traditional recipes to those inspired by central Vietnam. A good bánh xèo features a thin, crispy, golden-yellow outer layer. The filling, typically comprising shrimp and pork, is complemented by juicy bean sprouts that add a refreshing crunch.

Bánh xèo is enjoyed wrapped in rice paper with a generous selection of fresh uncooked herbs, including lettuce, further enhancing its refreshing qualities.

For locals, the dipping sauce can make or break a bánh xèo. Each vendor has their own secret blend, often involving a mix of fish sauce, coconut milk, vinegar, sugar, chili pepper, garlic, and lime. First-time tasters can expect a delightful experience.

For the best bánh xèo, popular chains such as Ăn Là Ghiền and Mười Xiềm remain favorites among locals and tourists alike in Ho Chi Minh City.

Bánh Xèo - Photo: @wanderingchopstix

Nem Nướng - Coal-BBQed Pork Rolls

In 2025, various types of BBQ nem can be found throughout Ho Chi Minh City, each originating from distinct regions like Long An, Nha Trang, and Ninh Hoa. While the taste of nem may differ slightly among vendors, it remains a beloved snack, often accompanied by a variety of fresh herbs.

Unlike some other dishes, chefs do not roll the nem for diners, so mastering the rolling technique is part of the experience! A good roll should be tight, seamless, and packed with flavorful ingredients.

This dish is especially popular among the drinking crowd, so joining them at local gatherings will enhance your experience.

Nem Nướng - Photo: @foodmento

Thịt Heo Cuốn Bánh Tráng - Trang Bang Rolls

Originating from the small town of Trang Bang in Tay Ninh province, this dish has gained popularity, with many visitors expressing that trying it is often the highlight of their trip. Comprising thin slices of lean pork, fresh herbs, and rice paper wrappers, it showcases a simplicity that belies the explosion of flavor it delivers. Ingredients may initially appear mundane, yet together, they create a harmonious combination that awakens the senses.

The authentic experience is best obtained by visiting Trang Bang, located a short distance from the Cu Chi Tunnels. The journey is well worth it for anyone seeking to indulge in this unique dish!

Thịt Heo Cuốn Bánh Tráng - Photo: @tra_huynh