Ho Chi Minh City Halal Food Guide 2025

Halal food 🍽️ means food and drinks that are allowed for Muslims to eat based on Islamic rules. The word “halal” (حلال) comes from Arabic and means “permitted” or “allowed.”

Halal food is not just about avoiding pork 🐖 or alcohol 🍷. It also includes how the food is prepared, what ingredients are used, and how animals are killed for meat. For example, meat is only halal if the animal is slaughtered in a special way 🕌 by a Muslim, while saying the name of Allah (بسم الله), and cutting the throat quickly to reduce pain. If this is not followed, the meat is not halal, even if it’s chicken 🐔 or beef 🐄.

Halal food must also be clean 🧼 and not mixed with anything haram (forbidden), like pork, alcohol, or dirty tools. Even cooking pans, knives, or plates should not be shared with non-halal food 🍳❌.

That’s why many Muslims look for a halal label ✅ on food packages or choose halal-certified restaurants 🍛. It helps them know the food is safe, clean, and okay to eat according to their faith ☪️.

🍜 Must-Try Halal Local Dish in Ho Chi Minh City

🍲 A Bowl of Pho That Warmed My Soul in Saigon

📝 Tasting the Dish
When the bowl of steaming pho bo (beef noodle soup) landed in front of me, the scent of cinnamon, star anise, and fresh herbs instantly lifted my mood. I took my first sip of the broth, it was deep, clear, and incredibly fragrant, like it had been simmering all day. The beef was tender, the rice noodles silky, and with every slurp, the warmth spread through my body like a hug. I ate it at Pho Muslim, surrounded by local Muslim families and the buzz of the evening prayer call. It felt authentic, welcoming, and unforgettable.

📖 About Pho Bo
Pho bo is Vietnam’s national dish, a slow-cooked beef noodle soup flavored with spices and served with fresh herbs, lime, and chili. In Ho Chi Minh City, it’s a staple breakfast and comfort meal for locals, and yes, there are halal versions too!

🍴Best Place to Try It

💡 Pro Tips

• Squeeze in fresh lime and add chili for extra depth.
• Ask for rare beef (tai) if you like it slightly pink.
• Pair it with iced jasmine tea for a refreshing balance.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit
Perfect for comfort food seekers, first-time halal food explorers, and anyone who loves slurpy noodle soup.

🍗 Grilled Lemongrass Chicken That Hit All the Right Notes

📝 Tasting the Dish
When the plate arrived, juicy grilled chicken laid atop a warm bed of broken rice, pickled veggies, and a fried egg. I knew I was in for something special. The first bite was incredible: smoky from the charcoal, tangy from the lemongrass marinade, and balanced with a hint of sweetness. The rice was slightly chewy, the egg yolk creamy. Everything came together like a symphony of flavors on a sunny afternoon in Saigon.

📖 About Cơm Gà Nướng Sả
This dish, lemongrass grilled chicken with broken rice, is a beloved street food in Southern Vietnam. The halal version uses chicken marinated in lemongrass, garlic, and soy-based sauces, packed with flavor and cooked to golden perfection.

🍴Best Place to Try It

💡 Pro Tips

• Eat with your hands like the locals, it's more satisfying!
• Add chili fish sauce (nuoc cham halal) if available.
• Ask for extra pickled veggies for a tangy contrast.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit
Great for grilled meat lovers, those who enjoy bold marinades, and anyone craving a filling lunch.

🍛 A Hearty Taste of Saigon's Halal Beef Curry

📝 Tasting the Dish
I sat down at a family-run halal spot in District 5 after hearing locals rave about their bo kho, Vietnam’s famous beef stew. The aroma hit me first deep, savory, with notes of clove, lemongrass, and star anise. When the bowl arrived, the rich orange-red curry shimmered with chili oil and herbs. I dipped the warm baguette into the thick, velvety sauce, and wow it was spicy, sweet, and full of slow-cooked magic. The beef was fall-apart tender, the carrots soft and sweet, and each mouthful left a warm tingle on my lips. It was the kind of dish that makes you slow down and savor every bite.

📖 About Bò Kho
Bò kho is a Vietnamese beef stew cooked with lemongrass, star anise, cinnamon, and chili. It’s typically served with baguette or rice noodles. The halal version skips any alcohol or pork-based stock and focuses on deep, spice-rich flavor.

🍴Best Place to Try It

💡 Pro Tips

• Always ask if they serve it with a baguette, it’s the best way to enjoy the stew.
• Add a squeeze of lime to brighten the flavors.
• Come hungry, it’s a filling dish!

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit
Ideal for spice lovers, stew enthusiasts, and those who enjoy rich, hearty meals.

🌶️ Halal Street Food or Hawker Favorite in Ho Chi Minh City

🔥 Smoky Satay Skewers at Ben Thanh Night Market

📝 Describing the Scene
I found a small halal satay stall near the market’s edge, the vendor flipping skewers over open charcoal flames while chanting prices to the queue forming behind me. I ordered the beef satay, and as he brushed on the thick, sweet-spicy peanut sauce, the meat crackled with flavor. The first bite? Smoky, juicy, with a hint of lemongrass and just enough chili heat to make my eyes water in the best way. I stood right there on the street, grinning with sauce on my fingers.

📖 About Ben Thanh Satay Stall
This humble stall has become a favorite among Muslim travelers looking for halal street snacks. The satay is grilled over hot coals, marinated in traditional Malaysian-Indo style, and served hot off the fire.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit
Best for solo explorers, night market lovers, and meat-on-a-stick fans.

🌯 Rolling into Flavor with Halal Bánh Mì at Nguyen An Ninh

📝 Describing the Scene
I ordered a bánh mì and watched her pile in the fillings of beef, chicken floss, herbs, and a rich halal pâté spread before drizzling it with spicy sauce and wrapping it up in paper. The bread cracked when I bit into it, followed by an explosion of textures: crisp vegetables, savory meat, creamy pâté. It was the perfect street sandwich.

📖 About Halal Bánh Mì Cart
This hidden gem near the mosque is a go-to for halal versions of Vietnam’s most iconic street food. It’s run by a local family who has adapted the bánh mì to suit Muslim dietary needs without losing the authentic flavor.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit
Best for breakfast hunters, sandwich fans, and Muslim travelers looking for a quick bite.

🍗 Crispy Delights at Kampung Pandan’s Fried Chicken Stall

📝 Describing the Scene
I ordered a thigh piece, and the vendor pulled one fresh from the fryer, still bubbling. The skin was crisp and golden, the meat inside piping hot and juicy. The first bite made me stop mid-walk. It was spicy, salty, perfectly crunchy, with just a hint of sweetness from the batter. People were eating on the sidewalk, laughing, some dipping it in chili sauce, others just tearing it apart with their hands.

📖 About Kampung Pandan Fried Chicken
Though Kampung Pandan is known for full Malaysian meals, their side stall is famous for crispy halal fried chicken. It’s spiced Malay-style, deep-fried on the spot, and wildly popular during lunch and dinner rushes.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit
Best for fried food fans, family snack stops, and anyone needing comfort food on the go.

🍽️ Signature Restaurant or Food Institution

🍽️ A Taste of Home at Kampung Pandan

📝 Dining Experience
The space was warm, with wooden tables, soft yellow lighting, and the rich scent of spices in the air, a mix of lemongrass, curry, and coconut. The staff welcomed me with genuine smiles and offered recommendations. I ordered the Nasi Lemak with Rendang Daging, and it arrived as a feast: fluffy coconut rice, crispy anchovies, sambal with real heat, and the beef rendang oh, that rendang tender, slow-cooked, and deeply aromatic. Every bite reminded me of home-cooked meals, carefully layered in spice and soul.

📖 About Kampung Pandan
Kampung Pandan has become a cornerstone for halal dining in Ho Chi Minh City. Opened by a Malaysian-Vietnamese family, it’s known for authentic Malay dishes, generous portions, and comforting flavors, a go-to for Muslim travelers and expats.

📍 Location: 53 Thu Khoa Huan Street, District 1 (Near Ben Thanh Market)

🍴 Don’t miss: Nasi Lemak with Rendang Daging

🕒 Reservation recommended during weekend dinner hours

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit
Great for halal-seeking diners, families, and comfort food lovers.

🌿 Refined Halal Dining at Saigon Green House

📝 Dining Experience
It felt upscale yet inviting. The staff spoke fluent English and Malay, guiding me through the menu. I chose the Butter Chicken with Garlic Naan, and the balance of creaminess, spice, and smokiness was absolutely perfect. The naan was charred just right, puffed and warm, ready to mop up the thick, aromatic curry. As I looked around, I saw a mix of locals and tourists, all quietly enjoying their meals like it was something special.

📖 About Saigon Green House
Known for its clean, modern interior and international halal menu, Saigon Green House offers a fusion of Indian, Malaysian, and Vietnamese halal dishes. It's a popular pick for business lunches and family dinners alike.

📍 Location: 52 Đông Du Street, District 1 (Near Saigon Central Mosque)

🍴 Don’t miss: Butter Chicken with Garlic Naan

🕒 No reservation needed for lunch; dinner can get busy on weekends

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit
Great for small groups, couples, and those seeking halal with a modern twist.

🍛 Spice & Soul at Halal@Saigon

📝 Dining Experience
I found Halal@Saigon after Asr prayer at the nearby mosque. The green signage was simple, but inside was a welcoming air-conditioned space, filled with travelers chatting in English, Arabic, and Bahasa. I sat by the window and ordered their signature Vietnamese Chicken Curry with Baguette. The bowl arrived steaming hot golden yellow with hints of turmeric and lemongrass. The chicken was falling-off-the-bone tender, the curry rich but not too heavy. Dipping the crusty Vietnamese bread into that sauce was pure joy. The friendly server even offered me a small sambal dish on the side fiery and perfect.

📖 About Halal@Saigon
Just steps from Ben Thanh Market, Halal@Saigon has been a mainstay for over a decade. It’s trusted by Muslim tourists for its certified halal meals and comforting Vietnamese classics made with care.

📍 Location: 31 Đông Du Street, District 1 (Opposite Saigon Central Mosque)

🍴 Don’t miss: Vietnamese Chicken Curry with Baguette

🕒 No reservation needed; great for walk-ins after prayer times

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit
Great for Muslim travelers, prayer break meals, and casual lunches.

🛍️ Halal Local Snack or Food Souvenir

🎁 A Crunchy Delight: Halal Vietnamese Coconut Candy

📝 The Find & the Flavor
Wandering through Ben Thanh Market, I stumbled upon a stall stacked high with boxes of coconut candy. I picked up a small pack to try and it was love at first bite! Chewy yet creamy, with a rich coconut flavor and just a hint of sweetness, each piece melted slowly on my tongue. Individually wrapped, it was perfect for sharing (or not!).

📖 About Kẹo Dừa (Coconut Candy)
A southern Vietnamese classic, coconut candy is a nostalgic treat, especially beloved in the Mekong Delta. Locals often enjoy it during Tet (Lunar New Year) or offer it to guests. The halal-certified versions are made without alcohol or lard.

🛒 Where to buy: Ben Thanh Market or CoopMart supermarkets
🎁 Travel-friendly? Yes, light, non-perishable, and sealed tight

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit
Great for travelers who want a compact, halal-friendly gift.

🍘 A Savory Must-Have: Halal Shrimp Rice Crackers

📝 The Find & the Flavor
I found these crispy rice crackers with shrimp flavor at a small halal grocer in District 1. They were super crunchy with a subtle seafood aroma and a light saltiness that made them addictive. The bonus? They came in resealable packs, perfect for snacking on the go or on the plane.

📖 About Bánh Phồng Tôm (Shrimp Crackers)
Originally from southern Vietnam, these crackers are usually served alongside soups or as party snacks. Many halal-certified versions are now made using fish or vegan-friendly shrimp flavoring.

🛒 Where to buy: Minh Phuong Halal Shop, District 1
🎁 Travel-friendly? Yes, lightweight and resealable

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit
Great for travelers who love a savory snack with a local twist.

🍮 A Sticky-Sweet Treat: Halal Vietnamese Palm Sugar Cake

📝 The Find & the Flavor
I tried this palm sugar rice cake at a halal dessert shop tucked away in District 5. It was sticky, rich with caramel notes, and slightly nutty from the mung bean filling. Packaged in pretty banana leaf wrapping, it felt both rustic and festive.

📖 About Bánh Ít (Sticky Rice Cake)
Often served during celebrations or ancestral offerings, bánh ít is a traditional Vietnamese sweet. The halal versions skip the pork lard and are made with all-plant-based ingredients.

🛒 Where to buy: Cholon Halal Sweets, near An Dong Market
🎁 Travel-friendly? Not ideal for long trips, best eaten within 2 days

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit
Great for travelers who want a traditional, handmade food gift.

🛣️ Food Street or Dining Zone

🏮 Spice Trails & Street Vibes at District 1's Nguyễn An Ninh Street

📝 Walking Through the Food Street
I followed my nose turmeric, lemongrass, and sizzling meat on skewers. The street was buzzing with both locals and curious travelers. I stopped at a halal Vietnamese stall run by a friendly auntie and ordered Bún Chả Giò crispy spring rolls over vermicelli with tangy fish sauce. Every bite had a crunch, freshness, and a warm welcome.

📖 About Nguyễn An Ninh Street
Tucked near Ben Thanh Market, this street is a small but mighty halal food gem. Many stalls here cater to Muslim travelers, thanks to the nearby mosque. It’s a melting pot of Vietnamese and Malaysian-style halal dishes.

🍽️ What to try:
Bún chả giò, Vietnamese curry chicken, bánh xèo halal

🍱 Top Things to Eat Here

• Bánh mì Halal – Spicy and crispy, stuffed with halal meats
• Pho Bo – Halal beef pho with rich, herby broth
• Chè – A sweet Vietnamese dessert with coconut milk and beans
• Sate Chicken Skewers – Bold spices and juicy meat
• Gỏi cuốn – Fresh spring rolls with halal prawns

📅 Best time to visit: 6 - 9 PM for dinner vibes
📍 How to get there: 3 minute walk from Ben Thanh Market
💰 Budget: Approx. USD $3 - $7 per person
💡 Pro Tips

• “Try the dessert stalls first, some sell out quickly!”
• “Look for ‘halal’ signs in Arabic, it’s widely recognized here.”
• “Ask for sambal! Some vendors serve a homemade Malaysian-style one.”
  

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Perfect for Muslim travelers, halal foodies, and anyone craving authentic street eats.

🌮 Late-Night Bites on Nguyễn Trãi’s Halal Stretch

📝 Walking Through the Food Street
It was nearly 9 PM when I wandered down Nguyễn Trãi Street in District 5, but the halal eateries were still glowing with neon lights and clinking dishes. I slipped into a small Indonesian-run café and ordered Mie Ayam Halal. The noodles were springy, the chicken perfectly seasoned, and the broth warm and soulful. I sipped on a tall glass of Teh Tarik while watching motorbikes buzz past.

📖 About Nguyễn Trãi Halal Zone
This area is well-known for its cluster of halal-friendly eateries run by Vietnamese Muslims and expats. The atmosphere is cozy and less touristy, perfect for a more laid-back halal dining experience.

🍽️ What to try:
Mie ayam, halal bánh mì, Teh Tarik

🍱 Top Things to Eat Here

• Halal Nasi Goreng – Spicy, satisfying fried rice
• Gulai Ayam – Indonesian-style curry chicken
• Pho Gà – Chicken pho with halal broth
• Roti Canai – Crispy, layered flatbread
• Avocado Smoothie – Creamy and refreshing

📅 Best time to visit: 7 - 10 PM for late bites
📍 How to get there: Near Chợ Lớn (District 5), via Grab or local bus
💰 Budget: Approx. USD $4  - $8 per person
💡 Pro Tips

• “This street is quieter than District 1, great for night owls.”
• “Some places close early on Fridays, plan ahead.”
• “Most spots take e-wallets like MoMo too!”

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Perfect for Muslim couples, Indonesian expats, and after-dark diners.

🍢 Malaysian Tastes & Vietnamese Streets at Halal@Saigon Food Court

📝 Walking Through the Food Street
I stepped into the open-air food court at Halal@Saigon and was instantly met with sizzling satay, nasi lemak aromas, and the cheerful buzz of families. Under fairy lights and colorful umbrellas, I grabbed a plate of Halal Bánh Xèo, a Vietnamese pancake with shrimp, bean sprouts, and herbs. It came with dipping sauce and lettuce wraps, crunchy and comforting with every bite.

📖 About Halal@Saigon Food Court
Located in District 1, this modern halal hub brings together vendors offering Vietnamese, Malay, and even Middle Eastern dishes. It's family-friendly, Instagrammable, and fully halal-certified.

🍽️ What to try:
Halal bánh xèo, nasi lemak, pho gà

🍱 Top Things to Eat Here

• Halal Pho Gà – Hearty chicken pho with fresh herbs
• Satay Chicken – Char-grilled and juicy
• Nasi Lemak – Coconut rice with sambal and egg
• Mango Sticky Rice – Sweet and tropical
• Vietnamese Ice Coffee – Strong, smooth, and halal

📅 Best time to visit: 5 - 8 PM for golden hour snacks
📍 How to get there: Near Saigon Central Mosque, walking distance from Notre-Dame Cathedral
💰 Budget: Approx. USD $5 - $10 per person
💡 Pro Tips

• “Perfect for breaking fast during Ramadan.”
• “There’s a prayer room on-site, super convenient.”
• “Plenty of shaded seating, even on hot days.”

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Perfect for Muslim families, Malaysian travelers, and casual diners looking for halal variety.

✅ Conclusion: Halal Food in Ho Chi Minh City 🍜

Halal food in Ho Chi Minh City is a hidden gem waiting to be explored! 🌟 From aromatic halal pho 🍲 and sizzling Vietnamese BBQ 🍢 to sweet delights like durian pastries and lotus seed treats 🍮, there’s something for every craving. You’ll find Muslim-owned warungs, halal-certified restaurants ✅, and even surprise halal-friendly options in local markets and food streets 🏙️.

Whether you're wandering through the lively Ben Thanh Market 🛍️, enjoying a peaceful meal at a halal cafe ☕, or grabbing a quick street snack 🚶‍♂️you never have to compromise on faith or flavor. 🙏✨

Perfect for Muslim travelers, adventurous eaters, and those seeking cultural flavors with peace of mind 🧕👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, Ho Chi Minh City welcomes you with open arms and a full plate.
Ready to eat your way through Saigon, one halal bite at a time? Let’s go! 🎒