Phung Hung Market: The Best Spot for Authentic Chinese Food in Saigon’s District 5

Phung Hung Market in District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, is not just a place to shop—it’s a street food paradise where you can taste some of the best Chinese food in Saigon. From early afternoon until late at night, this market transforms into a bustling food haven packed with authentic flavors, cultural charm, and a lively atmosphere.

Daytime Shopping, Nighttime Food Heaven

By day, Phung Hung Market—also known as Thu Do Market—is a busy trading hub selling fresh meat, seafood, vegetables, and household goods. But as the afternoon approaches, the scene changes completely. Food stalls pop up along the streets, filling the air with the aroma of freshly cooked dishes, especially classic Chinese street food.

Iconic Eats You Can’t Miss

One must-visit spot is Tang Banh Mi, a legendary bakery with over 50 years of history. Famous for its giant pork meatball banh mi, this shop also serves pate, Vietnamese sausage, and shredded pork floss—perfect for a quick yet filling snack.

As you wander deeper into the market, you’ll find stalls selling a variety of Chinese specialties: wonton soup, stuffed bitter melon and chili, pork rib noodles, dumplings, potstickers, steamed rice cakes, and har gow.

Signature Dishes of Phung Hung Market

Locals recommend trying Che Trang’s stuffed bitter melon and chili soup—a comforting dish made with vegetables like bitter melon, eggplant, okra, and tofu stuffed with fish paste, served with fish balls, pork blood, and pork skin in a sweet, clear broth. Prices start at around 35,000 VND per portion.

Another highlight is the “giant” fish ball, about the size of a small football, made from chewy, well-seasoned beef paste with a salted egg yolk center.

For lighter bites, check out Kieu Ky’s har gow stall. These thin-skinned dumplings come with various fillings like shrimp, scallop, crab, spinach, and seaweed. At only 5,000 VND per piece, you can mix and match as you please.

Sweet & Savory Chinese Snacks

In the evening, many visitors buy traditional Chinese snacks such as bánh lá liễu (willow leaf cake) and chive cakes. The bánh lá liễu, with its bright pink hue and fragrant filling of rice flour, dried shrimp, and mushrooms, is pan-fried to order and best enjoyed hot with shredded papaya, vinegar soy sauce, and chili satay.

Cool Down with Herbal Drinks

No visit to Phung Hung Market is complete without trying a refreshing herbal drink. Stalls here serve 24-ingredient herbal tea, sugarcane juice, chrysanthemum tea, and winter melon tea—perfect for cooling down after a spicy food adventure. Prices start from just 12,000 VND per glass.

💡 Travel Tip:
Phung Hung Market is busiest from 4 PM to 9 PM. Come hungry, bring cash, and be ready to explore one of the most authentic night market experiences in Ho Chi Minh City.

📍 Location: Phung Hung Market, Nguyen Trai Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam