Ho Chi Minh City Crowned World's Best Street Food Destination

Ho Chi Minh City has been crowned the world's best city for street food in a recent survey by British magazine Time Out. The publication highlighted that the promise of sizzling woks and freshly prepared street food is a major draw for travelers seeking culinary experiences abroad. The megacity topped the ranking with a 63% approval rating. Time Out noted that this achievement is particularly remarkable for a city boasting six Michelin-starred restaurants, including Anan Saigon, which elevates Vietnamese street food into fine dining. Rather than reserving a table at a high-end establishment, the magazine recommends visitors wander through the bustling alleyways around Ben Thanh Market in the city center to savor its vibrant tastes. From a steaming bowl of pho enjoyed on a plastic stool to a crispy banh mi eaten on the go, the city offers an authentic culinary adventure. Kuala Lumpur secured the second position with a 62% approval rating, followed by Jakarta and Taipei, which tied for third place with 59% each. A previous reader survey by VnExpress International had also ranked Ho Chi Minh City as Vietnam's top street food destination, with Hanoi coming in second. The top 10 best cities for street food in 2026, as voted by Time Out readers, are: 1. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – 63% 2. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – 62% 3. Jakarta, Indonesia – 59% 4. Taipei, Taiwan – 59% 5. Mexico City, Mexico – 58% 6. Manila, Philippines – 58% 7. Hanoi, Vietnam – 57% 8. Johannesburg, South Africa – 56% 9. Bangkok, Thailand – 56% 10. Mumbai, India – 55%