14 Best Banh xeo in Saigon: Where to Eat Crispy Vietnamese Pancake

The best banh xeo in Saigon is a culinary journey that takes you through the heart of Vietnamese flavors. In the city, there are mainly two types of banh xeo: the Central-style, which is smaller and crispier, and the Mekong-style, larger and richer in flavor. This GTrip guide is your ultimate map to discovering them, from iconic restaurants in former District 3 to hidden street-side stalls in former District 7. Discover the various sizes, fillings, and local touches that make each version distinct. With reviews, addresses, and hours for 14 of Saigon’s top banh xeo spots, this guide helps you easily explore the city’s vibrant food scene. Get ready to taste where locals go for this iconic crispy pancake.

1. Banh xeo 46A

• Address: 46A Dinh Cong Trang Street, Tan Dinh Ward (former District 3), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 1:50 PM, 4:00 PM - 8:50 PM daily
• Price range: 110,000 - 180,000 VND ($4.21 - 6.90)

Banh Xeo 46A is a legendary spot in Saigon, often regarded as the benchmark for Mekong-style banh xeo and even recommended in the Michelin Guide. Tucked away in a bustling alley in former District 3, it’s famous for its generously sized, crispy pancakes with a fragrant, golden shell made from coconut milk and turmeric. Each pancake is filled with classic ingredients like fresh shrimp, fatty pork, and crunchy bean sprouts. Served with a large platter of fresh herbs, you wrap each piece and dip it in perfectly balanced sweet and sour fish sauce. This iconic Southern-style banh xeo experience draws both locals and tourists eager to savor a true taste of Saigon.

Michelin-recommended Banh Xeo 46A serves iconic Southern-style pancakes with a crispy coconut-turmeric shell and savory shrimp and pork filling

2. Banh xeo Ngoc Son

• Address: 103 Ngo Quyen Street, Cho Lon Ward (former District 5), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily
• Price range: 55,000 - 100,000 VND ($2.11 - 3.83)

Banh xeo Ngoc Son offers a delicious and authentic taste of Central Vietnam's take on the dish. Unlike the larger Saigon-style pancakes, Ngoc Son specializes in the smaller, thicker banh khoai-style pancakes. These smaller versions are exceptionally crispy and come with a unique, rich peanut-based dipping sauce that sets them apart. Each pancake is skillfully cooked in a small cast-iron pan, resulting in a satisfying crunch with every mouthful. The fillings are simple yet flavorful, typically including pork and shrimp. The bustling, no-frills environment provides a truly local atmosphere where the focus is entirely on the food. It's an excellent choice for anyone looking to experience regional variations of banh xeo and enjoy a quick, affordable, and incredibly tasty meal. This spot is a testament to how diverse Vietnamese cuisine is.

3. Bep Me In

• Address:
  • 136/9 Le Thanh Ton Street, Ben Thanh Ward (former District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
  • 165/50 Nguyen Thai Binh, Ben Thanh Ward (former District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 10:30 AM - 10:30 PM daily
• Price range: 200,000 - 300,000 VND ($7.66 - 11.49)

Bep Me In offers a refined and charming culinary experience inspired by traditional home cooking. While serving a wide array of Vietnamese classics, their banh xeo is a standout dish, celebrated for its beautiful presentation and focus on high-quality ingredients. The pancake is delicately thin and light, with a wonderfully crisp texture that doesn’t feel overly greasy. It’s packed with fresh shrimp, tender pork, and bean sprouts, then folded neatly for an elegant appearance. What makes this place truly special is the cozy, home-like atmosphere, which makes you feel like you are dining in a Vietnamese family’s kitchen. Served with fresh greens and a tasty dipping sauce, it’s a great introduction to Banh Xeo for first-time visitors seeking authentic flavor.

Bep Me In offers a cozy, home-style setting with elegantly crisp Banh Xeo filled with fresh shrimp, tender pork, and bean sprouts

4. Banh xeo 335/2

• Address: 335/2 Dien Bien Phu Street, Ban Co Ward (former District 3), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 2:30 PM - 9:00 PM daily
• Price range: 40,000 - 80,000 VND ($1.53 - 3.07)

Tucked away in a small alley off a major street in former District 3, Banh Xeo 335/2 is a hidden gem loved by locals. This humble eatery serves Mekong-style banh xeo, with a moderate richness from coconut milk that enhances flavor without being too heavy. Each pancake is cooked to order over charcoal, giving it a subtle smokiness, crispy edges, and a slightly soft, chewy center. The filling features a classic mix of pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, perfectly cooked. Served with fresh herbs and a well-balanced sweet, sour, and savory dipping sauce, this spot offers an authentic, no-frills street-food experience at a very reasonable price.

5. Banh xeo Ba Hiu

• Address: 12/46/9 Tran Nao Street, An Khanh Ward (former District 2), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM daily
• Price range: 50,000 - 100,000 VND ($1.91 - 3.83)

Banh xeo Ba Hiu is particularly famous for its unique duck meat banh xeo (Mekong-style banh xeo), a savory alternative to the more common pork and shrimp filling. The duck meat is tender and flavorful, pairing exceptionally well with the crispy, turmeric-infused shell. The pancakes themselves are large, thin, and expertly fried to achieve a satisfying crunch without being greasy. They are served with a generous portion of fresh vegetables and herbs for wrapping, including fragrant options like fish mint and basil. The bustling, open-air setting adds to the authentic local dining experience. For those looking to try a delicious variation on the classic banh xeo, the duck pancake at Ba Hiu is an absolute must-try that showcases a different side of this beloved dish.

Banh xeo Ba Hiu serves Mekong-style pancakes with tender duck, crispy turmeric shells, and fresh herbs for a unique take on this classic dish

6. Banh xeo Hen Ho Mien Tay

• Address: 34L Street No. 7L, Quarter 5, Tan Thuan Ward (former District 7), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM daily
• Price range: 60,000 VND ($2.30)

Banh xeo Hen Ho Mien Tay brings the distinct and rustic flavors of the Mekong Delta to Saigon. This eatery is renowned for its specific regional style, which is reflected in its ingredients and preparation. The defining feature here is the addition of mung beans to the batter, which gives the pancake a slightly nuttier flavor and a denser, yet still crispy, texture. The pancakes are generously sized and filled with traditional Western Vietnamese fillings like pork, shrimp, and an abundance of fresh bean sprouts. The atmosphere is casual and lively, reminiscent of a countryside eatery. It's a fantastic choice for those wanting to explore the regional diversity of banh xeo and taste a version that is less common in the city center. The friendly service and authentic flavors make it well worth the trip to former District 7.

7. Bep Cuon Sai Gon

• Address: 76 Vo Van Tan Street, Xuan Hoa Ward (former District 3), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 10:30 AM - 9:00 PM (Fri-Tue), 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Thu), closed on Wed
• Price range: 100,000 - 200,000 VND ($3.83 - 7.66)

Bep Cuon Saigon specializes in Vietnamese “cuon” (roll) dishes, and its Central-style banh xeo fits perfectly into this concept. The pancake is light, thin, and elegantly crispy, ideal for wrapping and eating. The kitchen ensures it’s flavorful without being heavy, so you can enjoy several rolls without feeling full. The fillings are fresh and perfectly cooked, served with a beautifully arranged platter of herbs and rice paper. With a modern, clean, and comfortable setting, it’s a great spot for a relaxed meal and a refined take on this street food classic.

Bep Cuon Saigon serves light, delicate Central-style Banh Xeo with fresh fillings and herbs in a modern, comfortable setting

8. Banh xeo Ba Hai

• Address: 49 Nguyen Trong Tuyen Street, Phu Nhuan Ward (former Phu Nhuan District), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM daily
• Price range: 50,000 - 100,000 VND ($1.91 - 3.83)

Banh xeo Ba Hai is a popular destination for locals craving a taste of Central Vietnamese cuisine. The restaurant is celebrated for its wide variety of unique fillings, which go beyond the standard pork and shrimp. Here, you can find exciting options such as beef, squid, and mixed seafood, allowing for a new experience with every visit. The pancakes are smaller and thicker, characteristic of the Central style, and are fried until they are supremely crunchy. Another highlight is their special dipping sauce, which is a savory, thick concoction made from liver pate and peanuts, offering a rich and distinct flavor profile that deviates from the typical fish sauce base. The lively, open-kitchen setup allows you to watch the cooks in action, skillfully pouring batter and flipping pancakes in a mesmerizing rhythm. It's a fantastic spot for adventurous eaters.

9. Banh xeo banh can Co Trang

• Address: 293/5 Ung Van Khiem Street, Thanh My Tay Ward (former Binh Thanh District), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 9:30 AM - 9:00 PM (Sat-Thu), 12:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Fri)
• Price range: 55,000 - 85,000 VND ($2.11 - 3.26)

Banh xeo Co Trang is a cherished local spot that wins hearts with its simple, home-style cooking and incredibly crispy pancakes. What makes this eatery a standout is its perfectly thin and lacy batter, which fries up into a brittle, golden crepe that shatters with every bite. The chefs have mastered the art of creating a pancake that is almost entirely crunchy. The fillings are kept classic and well-executed, with a balanced mix of pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts that complements the texture of the pancake. The restaurant has a very humble, down-to-earth ambiance, attracting a loyal crowd of neighborhood residents. It feels like you're eating a meal prepared with care by a seasoned home cook. For those who believe the most important quality of a banh xeo is its crispiness, Co Trang is an unmissable destination.

Banh xeo Co Trang delights with ultra-crispy, thin pancakes filled with classic pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts in a humble, home-style setting

10. Banh xeo Co Ut Gao

• Address: 311 Binh Dong Street, Phu Dinh Ward (former District 8), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM daily
• Price range: 45,000 - 70,000 VND ($1.72 - 2.68)

Banh xeo Co Ut Gao offers a truly off-the-beaten-path culinary adventure for those dedicated to finding authentic local flavors. This humble eatery is famous for using pure rice flour without any additives, which results in a pancake with a distinct, rustic flavour and a delightfully chewy-crisp texture. The owner has been perfecting her recipe for decades, and her expertise is evident in every dish. The pancakes are cooked over traditional charcoal stoves, adding a subtle smoky aroma. The fillings are simple but fresh, letting the quality of the pancake itself shine through. Dining here is an immersive experience, surrounded by the lively sounds of a local neighborhood. It’s a rewarding journey for food lovers seeking a taste of banh xeo that is deeply rooted in tradition and made with immense passion and care.

11. Banh xeo 276

• Address: 276 Le Van Luong Street, Tan Hung Ward (former District 7), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 3:30 PM - 9:00 PM daily
• Price range: 50,000 - 65,000 VND ($1.91 - 2.49)

Banh Xeo 276 is a go-to evening spot in former District 7 for a quick, delicious, and budget-friendly meal. This street-side vendor excels at one thing: making consistently great banh xeo. The main draw here is the perfectly balanced texture, crispy around the edges but soft and slightly chewy in the middle. This texture makes it easy to roll in rice paper and herbs without them falling apart. The pancakes are cooked fresh to order in front of you, ensuring they arrive at your table hot and sizzling. The filling is a classic, satisfying mix of shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, and the portions are generous for the price. The bustling roadside atmosphere provides an authentic Saigon street food vibe. It's an ideal choice for a casual dinner where you can enjoy a high-quality, unpretentious banh xeo that truly hits the spot.

Banh xeo 276 serves hot, crispy-edge pancakes with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts in a casual, budget-friendly street food setting

12. Banh xeo Cay Bang

• Address: 146 Vu Tung Street, Gia Dinh Ward (former Binh Thanh District), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 9:00 PM daily (approximate)
• Price range: 8,000 - 60,000 VND ($0.31 - 2.30)

Banh xeo Cay Bang is a hidden treasure known for its incredibly affordable and delicious Central-style pancakes. What sets this place apart is its amazingly low price point combined with its fantastic quality, making it a huge favorite among students and locals. Here, you can enjoy a variety of small, crispy pancakes with different fillings, including the classic pork and shrimp, as well as options like quail eggs. These "banh khoai" are fried to a deep golden brown, offering an immensely satisfying crunch. The modest, open-front setting is always buzzing with activity, contributing to a lively and authentic dining experience.

13. Banh xeo Tom Nhay Thanh Dieu

• Address: 80 Ung Van Khiem Street, Thanh My Tay Ward (former Ward 25, Binh Thanh District), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily
• Price range: 35,000 - 45,000 VND ($1.34 - 1.72)

Banh xeo Tom Nhay Thanh Dieu offers a unique and theatrical dining experience centered around its star ingredient. "Tom nhay" translates to "jumping shrimp", and this restaurant lives up to its name by using incredibly fresh shrimp that are practically jumping off the plate. The freshness of the seafood is the main attraction, giving the banh xeo a distinctly sweet and succulent flavor. The pancakes are crafted in the Central Vietnamese style, smaller, thicker, and exceptionally crispy. Watching the chefs prepare the dish with such fresh ingredients is part of the fun. The restaurant maintains a bustling and vibrant atmosphere, popular with locals who appreciate high-quality seafood. If you are a shrimp lover, this is the place to go, as the superior quality of the jumping shrimp truly elevates the entire dish and provides a memorable culinary experience.

Banh xeo Tom Nhay Thanh Dieu features Central-style pancakes loaded with exceptionally fresh, ‘jumping’ shrimp for a vibrant, flavorful experience

14. Banh xeo Cau Van

• Address: 211 Luy Ban Bich Street, Tan Phu Ward (former Tan Phu District), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily
• Price range: 80,000 - 100,000 VND ($3.07 - 3.83)

Banh xeo Cau Van is a destination for serious foodies willing to venture out for an authentic taste of Quang Ngai cuisine. This restaurant's signature dish is its banh xeo with a unique soft, chewy texture and an open-faced presentation, which is characteristic of its home region. Unlike the crispy Southern-style pancakes, these are served flat and are meant to be topped with herbs and rolled. The batter has a subtle flavor that allows the fillings, typically pork and shrimp, to be the star. The dish is served with a special regional dipping sauce and a basket of fresh greens, including young mango and cucumber slices, which add a refreshing tartness. Visiting Cau Van is a must for anyone wanting to explore the regional variety of banh xeo beyond the usual crispy versions.

Your search for the best banh xeo in Saigon ends here. This GTrip - Vietnam Travel Agency guide takes you on a culinary tour across the city, showcasing the incredible diversity of this beloved dish. Large, crispy Southern-style pancakes, delicate Central-style ones, and rustic, chewy versions offer something for every taste and budget. Each spot offers a unique experience, shaped by its ingredients, cooking techniques, and regional influences. Explore with confidence, whether you’re after a popular favorite, a hidden local gem, or an adventurous new flavor.