Ben Nghe Street Food Market: Complete Guide

Located right in the heart of District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Nghe Street Food Market is a vibrant, modern street food destination and an absolute must-visit for food lovers.

With more than 20 stalls offering a wide variety of international and Vietnamese cuisine, plus a full bar and occasional live music, Ben Nghe Night Market is a fun and casual spot for an evening meal, drink, or late-night snack.

Expect to find everything from Vietnamese grilled meats, skewers, banh mi, and fresh seafood, to global options like pizza, burgers, Indian curries, tacos, and more. There’s also a bar stand serving cocktails and local or imported beer.

Prices typically range from 40,000 to 300,000+ VND (about $1.50 to $12 USD), depending on what you order. While most vendors accept credit cards, it’s always a good idea to carry some cash just in case.

And don’t confuse Ben Nghe Street Food Market with the more traditional Ben Thanh Market nearby. While Ben Thanh is known for its long-standing history and wide selection of goods and souvenirs, Ben Nghe offers a more modern, food-focused experience.

Where is Ben Nghe Street Food Market Located?

Ben Nghe Street Food Market is located in the heart of the Ben Nghe Ward in District 1, right near one of the busiest intersections in Ho Chi Minh City.

As you get close, you’ll likely hear the buzz of live music or spot the glow of neon lights — both of which make the market easy to find, especially at night.

Interestingly, despite the name, the market isn’t actually set on a street. Instead, it’s tucked just off the roadside, in a dedicated open-air area where dozens of food stalls are arranged side by side.

This layout makes it easy to wander around, compare menus, and try a bit of everything in one go.

D Nguyen Du & D Nam Ky Kho Nghia

Ben Nghe Food Street – Google Location

Ben Nghe Street Food Market Hours & Best Time to Visit

Although Ben Nghe Street Food Market may look like a classic night market — the kind you’d find in Bangkok, Taipei, or Hanoi — it actually operates all day long.

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 11:55 PM / Daily

That said, based on my conversations with a few vendors, the market tends to remain fairly quiet during the daytime and only comes to life after 5:00 PM, when both locals and tourists start arriving for dinner and drinks.

If you prefer fewer crowds and a bit more space to roam, visiting for lunch is a great option. Just note that the atmosphere is much more energetic in the evening, thanks to the live bands that often perform.

I visited a few times after dark, and each night there was a band playing covers of classic hits, adding to the lively, communal vibe.

What to Eat at Ben Nghe Street Food Market

Now that you know what the market is about, where it’s located, and when it’s open, let’s dive into the many delicious eats you’ll find at the Ben Nghe Street Food Market!

There are far too many food options to name them all, but I’ve put together a shortlist of stalls and dishes you can expect to see.

From Vietnamese favorites to global street food classics, this market truly has something for everyone.

The air is filled with the scent of sizzling meats, fresh herbs, and grilled seafood — it’s the kind of place where following your nose works.

As always, the best way to experience it is to show up, explore, and let your appetite be your guide.

Once you’ve grabbed a few things to try, grab a spot at one of the many communal benches and dig in!

Vietnamese:

You’ll find plenty of Vietnamese options at the market, from a Banh Mi stall to a variety of seafood dishes and hearty stews.

With over three dedicated Vietnamese food vendors, each specializing in their own category, I had everything from a comforting beef stew with noodles to crispy spring rolls and a flavorful vermicelli soup.

Grilled Meats & Skewers:

No food market in Southeast Asia feels complete without sizzling meat skewers — and this one delivers.

There are several meat-focused stalls here. One specializes in glazed grilled chicken, perfectly charred and juicy, while another serves up tender grilled pork bites on a stick.

Take your time and explore them all! The smoky aroma from the grills fills the air, making it nearly impossible to walk past without grabbing a skewer.

Mexican:

There’s one specific stand here specializing in Mexican food, and they have all the classics from tacos, quesadillas, nachos, and much more.

Might I add that the food is authentic; the tacos were served with cilantro, onions, and a lime wedge, not the fake Tex-Mex way you often find in the US.

The stand also serves flavored tequila cocktails, which pair perfectly with your meal if you’re in the mood for a drink.

Fresh Seafood:

If you love seafood, you must visit this market; you’ll find a wide variety of fresh oysters from all over Vietnam, fresh fish ready to be grilled, whole lobsters, clams, and so much more.

One stall had freshly shucked oysters laid out on ice, while another showcased skewered prawns and octopus ready for the grill.

Everything is prepped on the spot, and you can watch as your seafood is cooked to order right in front of you. If you’re unsure what to get, the vendors are friendly and will often recommend their freshest catch of the day.

Pizza:

For those craving some pizza, there’s a stall at the market serving a wide variety of both traditional and creative pizza options.

From Japanese fusions like salmon-topped pizza, to indulgent five-cheese varieties, chicken pizza, and classics like Margherita and white mushroom, there’s something for every pizza lover.

But if you’re serious about your pizza and want to explore beyond the market, check out Pizza 4P’s — a Vietnam-based pizza company with franchises across Asia. They serve up artisan-style pizzas, fresh pastas, and other Italian favorites worth splurging on.

Indian:

Alongside all the international flavors at the food market, there’s a stall here that specializes in Indian cuisine.

Expect to find all the familiar classics, from skewers of tandoori chicken to rich butter chicken, roti, fish curries, mutton biryani, and much more.

For vegetarians, they’ve got you covered with plenty of meat-free options, including lentil curries and flavorful vegetable dishes. The aroma from the spices alone is enough to pull you in.

Bar & Smoothies

If you’re looking for a refreshing drink, there’s another stand at the market serving fresh fruit smoothies; you can get original flavors or mix/match.

For anyone looking to have a drink or two, there’s a stall at the market operating as a full bar, serving up a wide variety of cocktails and local or international beers.

They even run a happy hour special from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM — buy one cocktail, get one free. Not bad at all for an evening out in Ho Chi Minh City!

If you’re in the mood for something non-alcoholic and refreshing, another stall offers fresh fruit smoothies. You can choose from classics like mango, pineapple, and coconut, or mix and match to create your perfect combination.

Final Thoughts on Ben Nghe Street Food Market

If you’re visiting Ho Chi Minh City and consider yourself a foodie, Ben Nghe Street Food Market is absolutely worth a visit.

It’s a convenient and vibrant place to sample a wide variety of dishes in one go — ideal if you’re short on time or just want to snack your way through dinner.

Now, look, I’ll be honest with you — having eaten at countless Vietnamese restaurants during my time in Vietnam, I found this market to lean slightly toward the touristy side.

That said, it’s still a fun experience, especially if you’re craving a mix of Vietnamese and international flavors. The atmosphere, live music, and the ease of having numerous food options under one roof make it a solid spot to visit at least once.

Also, some stalls at Ben Nghe actually serve as an extension or promotion of established restaurants in the city.

For example, the Mexican stand is part of Bandido, a full restaurant elsewhere in Ho Chi Minh. I’m sure others have similar ties; they just might not say so up front.