Dig Into the Best Bo Ne in Saigon

Bo Ne in Saigon isn’t just a dish, it’s a sizzling, flavourful experience. Served on a hot cast-iron skillet with steak, eggs, pate, and a side of crispy banh mi (bread), this Vietnamese breakfast classic is bold, rich, and wildly satisfying.

When it comes to Saigon street food favorites, Bo Ne ranks right up there with the best of them.

It’s quick, delicious, and full of flavour, one of those Vietnamese dishes that’s nearly impossible to dislike. I mean, we’re talking steak and eggs here. What’s not to love?

But before we dig into the best places to eat Bo Ne in Saigon, let’s break down what it actually is and how to eat it like a local.

What is Bo Ne?

Bo Ne is Vietnam’s answer to the ultimate sizzling breakfast. The name literally means “dodging beef,” a nod to the way the hot, oily beef sizzles and splashes when it hits the cast-iron pan, diners often have to lean back to avoid the flying oil, especially when it first arrives at the table.

At its core, Bo Ne is made up of thinly sliced beef steak, served alongside a sunny-side-up egg, a chunk of rich pork pate, and sometimes a Vietnamese meatball or sausage.

It’s all delivered still bubbling hot on a personal skillet, often with a side of crusty banh mi to dip into the egg yolk and juices.

By the way, banh mi translates to bread in Vietnamese, despite the famous sandwich name. Confusing at times, I know.

The best part? Every spot does it a little differently. Some throw in cheese, onions, or even fries.

Others keep it simple and let the meat do the talking. No matter where you try it, Bo Ne is meant to be hearty, flavourful, and fun, the kind of dish that leaves you wiping your plate clean.

How to Eat Bo Ne

Bo Ne comes out piping hot on a sizzling skillet. Don’t touch it just yet. Give it a minute or two to settle, it’s way too hot to dive into right away.

Once the sizzle calms, how you eat Bo Ne is really up to you. Some go straight for the steak and egg combo, keeping it simple.

Others add a splash of the vinegar or chili sauce on the side for an extra kick. You’ll also see locals grabbing a piece of banh mi, scooping up some beef, running it through the egg yolk, and making what’s basically a mini steak-and-egg sandwich, highly recommend giving that a try.

If the plate comes with extras like onions or cilantro, mix them in and build your own bite.

Occasionally, you might also get a little salt-and-pepper mix on the side. Great for a quick dab before your bread bite.

And if the beef looks a little rare, just press it against the hot skillet for a few seconds and it’ll cook through in no time. There’s no wrong way to enjoy it, just dig in and go with the flow.

Where to Eat Bo Ne in Saigon

Bo Ne is easily one of my favorite dishes in the world, simple, fast, and seriously tasty.

And since I visit Saigon every year, you can trust I’ve eaten at most of the best central Bo Ne spots. Here are my top picks to devour some proper steak and eggs!

Bo Ne Thanh Tuyen

Tucked away on a quiet street just over the river in District 1, Bo Ne Thanh Tuyen is the real deal.

This is one of those spots where you know it’s going to be good the second you arrive, the sound of sizzling pans, the clatter of metal tables, and the unmistakable aroma of steak, egg, and butter in the air.

Open only from 6 to 11 AM, they stick to tradition here, Bo Ne is a breakfast dish, after all. And while locals might enjoy it all day long, this spot keeps it classic.

The scene inside is fast-paced and a bit chaotic (in a good way). You’ll probably see one of the family members manning seven sizzling pans at once, right at the entrance. It’s a street food spectacle.

The food? Incredible. This is hands down one of my personal favorite Bo Ne spots in all of Saigon. The beef is tender, the eggs perfectly runny, and the portion generous.

What stands out though is the little extras: they serve fresh veggies on the side, along with soy sauce. Watch the locals, many mix the veggies into the sauce, then scoop it up with their bread and steak in one epic bite.

Despite being super local, the menu is extensive and has English translations. Whether you want it with pâté, pork, or double egg, it’s all there.

And yes, I’ve been known to order two (okay, three) plates in one sitting… and get a few raised eyebrows from the owners who now recognize me.

Bo Ne Ba Nui

If you’re craving Bo Ne later in the day, or just looking for a second spot to try after falling in love with the dish, Bo Ne Ba Nui should be high on your list.

Located right on a buzzing street corner, this spot delivers sizzling plates of steak and eggs well into the evening (often until 10:30 or 11 PM), making it one of the few Bo Ne joints in Saigon that isn’t strictly a morning affair.

The vibe is classic Saigon street dining: red plastic chairs, open-air seating, and the perfect view of a busy intersection for some top-tier people-watching.

Right by the entrance, you’ll spot two guys working the pans over an open flame, putting on a full-blown Bo Ne performance with clouds of smoke and sizzling butter as far as the eye can see.

The Bo Ne here comes out hot and loud, with your choice of meats (besides the usual steak), plus a nice sprinkle of onions and cilantro to finish it off.

The flavour? Absolutely delicious. Seriously, this is my second favorite Bo Ne spot in all of Saigon. It’s got that rich, buttery taste with just enough crust on the beef to make every bite count.

Just a heads up: bread isn’t included automatically, so be sure to ask for it. That crusty bánh mì is essential for soaking up all those sizzling juices.

Also, while you’re here, do not skip their nui bò. It’s basically Vietnamese-style beef pasta, chewy, rice-shaped noodles with sizzling beef, tomato, onions, lettuce, and a wildly addictive sauce that seeps into everything.

It sounds random, but trust me, it hits hard. I always order both the Bo Ne and the nui when I come here, I cannot order one.

Quan Bo Ne Ky Con

Tucked away in one of District 1’s quieter alleyways just over the bridge, Quan Bo Ne Ky Con feels like one of those hidden gems only locals seem to know about.

It’s got that down-to-earth charm and hits every note of what a great Bo Ne experience should be, sizzling beef, runny eggs, a slab of rich pâté, crunchy bread, and that must-have side of fresh veggies with soy sauce for dipping. Everything just works here.

Being nestled in an alley means you’ll see street vendors shuffling by and locals going about their day, it’s a cool little slice of daily Saigon life happening all around you while you dig into your steak and eggs.

The bread here deserves a special shoutout. It’s extra crunchy and clearly fresh, one time I was here, I actually witnessed the bread delivery and cheekily begged the guy for an extra piece (and yes, I paid for it). Totally worth it.

They also offer a small selection of juices that pair nicely with the meal, and I definitely recommend grabbing one to go with your plate.

Banh Mi Chao Anh Map – Banh Mi Bo Kho 93

Located near the lively New Hoi Promenade in District 1, Banh Mi Chao Anh Map isn’t just a Bo Ne spot, it’s one of my favorite places in Saigon for a good steak-filled banh mi or bo kho.

The bread here is top-notch: warm, crispy, and stuffed with juicy cuts of beef that hit the spot every time.

While this place is more well-known for its banh mi than Bo Ne, I finally gave their sizzling steak and egg dish a try, and it didn’t disappoint.

It may not serve the most traditional Bo Ne setup (the plate isn’t your typical cast iron hotplate), but the flavours still deliver, and the setting makes it a worthy stop if you’re nearby.

What really makes this spot memorable is the location. You’ve got a busy, buzzing street in front and the iconic Nguyen Hue pedestrian zone to the side, making it the perfect place to sit, snack, and people-watch.

Whether you’re in the mood for Bo Ne or one of the best steak banh mi in the city, this spot is worth a visit, even if just to soak in the atmosphere and grab a great bite.

Banh Mi Chao Di Nu

Tucked away in a charming alley right in the heart of District 1, Banh Mi Chao Di Nu is a breakfast favorite of mine, and not just for the Bo Ne.

This spot offers a slightly different take on the dish, with just a hint of sizzle on the plate. But what really sets it apart is the variety of customizations available.

You’ll find a wide range of meats to mix and match, and one quirky yet tasty addition: a wedge of Laughing Cow triangle cheese melting right next to the steak and eggs.

You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see the grandma running the show, sitting by her cart surrounded by all the ingredients she needs to assemble dish after dish.

There’s something really local and homey about this spot, from the no-frills seating to the side of pickled cucumbers and carrots that help cleanse the palate between bites.

They also serve a strong cup of Vietnamese coffee, which makes this a perfect morning stop if you want something authentic and satisfying to start your day.

Whether you’re here for the Bo Ne, a good coffee, or just a chill alleyway breakfast spot in central Saigon, this place delivers every time.

Bo Ne Condiments in Saigon

Bo Ne might seem simple at first glance, but depending on where you go in Saigon, the condiments and toppings can vary quite a bit.

Most local spots will give you a handful of classic Vietnamese sauces and additions, but some keep it bare-bones and let the beef and egg speak for themselves.

Over time, I’ve seen everything from cilantro, onions, and crispy fries served alongside the dish.

Some places also include fresh veggies like tomato slices or crunchy lettuce, which you can dip in soy sauce or add to your bread for an extra layer of flavour.

And while not every spot lays out a full condiment set, these are some of the usual suspects you’ll find:

• Vietnamese hot sauce (Cholimex or similar)
• Pickled vegetables
• Soy sauce

• Vinegar
• Maggi seasoning
• Fresh tomato and crunchy lettuce

Final Thoughts on Eating Bo Ne in Saigon

Bo Ne is easily one of my favorite Vietnamese dishes, it’s simple, satisfying, and packed with flavour. And if you’re in Saigon, this is the place to have it. It’s the kind of meal that feels right at home after a full day exploring some of the best things to do in Saigon.

While you might see Bo Ne in other parts of Vietnam, it’s truly a Southern specialty.

In central regions like Da Nang, you’ll spot it here and there, but it’s not nearly as common.

Up north in Hanoi? You’re lucky if you find one or two places offering it at all. And honestly, the flavour just doesn’t compare there for Bo Ne, however there you’ve got Hanoi Pho, my preferred Pho of the two.

But when it comes to Bo Ne, Saigon is where this dish thrives, both in taste and variety.

That’s why I always tell people: if you want to try Bo Ne, eat it while you’re visiting Saigon. These spots I’ve listed are my personal go-tos, I’ve eaten at all of them multiple times, and I never get tired of it.

Sure, Bo Ne is traditionally a breakfast dish, but with some locations staying open past noon, there’s no wrong time to enjoy a sizzling plate of steak, egg, and bread.

Trust me: once you try it here, you’ll understand why this humble dish leaves such a big impression.