American visitors enjoy bánh mì sandwiches at the 4th Bánh mì Festival in HCM City on April 23. — Photo znews.vn

HCM CITY — A vibrant mix of street food, traditional dishes and modern culinary trends has helped HCM City secure a spot among the world’s top food destinations, according to a recent ranking by Time Out magazine.

In its latest list of the 20 best food cities globally, HCM City ranked sixth, outperforming many internationally renowned culinary hubs.

According to Time Out, the appeal of HCM City’s cuisine lies in its creativity, much of which was shaped during challenging periods in history. Iconic dishes such as bánh mì (sandwiches) and cơm tấm (broken rice) are highlighted as examples of this resourcefulness.

Bánh mì, now globally recognised, originated when bakers blended rice flour with wheat flour during times of shortage to make light, crusty bread. Meanwhile, cơm tấm reflects a practical approach to using fractured grains once considered less desirable, transforming them into one of the city’s most beloved dishes.

The magazine also points to cà phê sữa đá (Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk) as a product of adaptation to local conditions. In a tropical climate where fresh milk was difficult to store, condensed milk became a popular alternative, giving rise to the rich, sweet iced coffee that has since become a defining feature of Việt Nam’s coffee culture.

Beyond its traditional fare, HCM City continues to impress with its dynamic and evolving food scene. Dishes like bánh tráng nướng, often dubbed 'Vietnamese pizza', showcase a playful fusion of flavours. It consists of grilled rice paper topped with ingredients such as cheese, dried shrimp and chilli sauce, commonly enjoyed as a late-night street snack.

Seafood, particularly snail dishes, is another must-try experience highlighted by Time Out. More than just a meal, these gatherings reflect a distinctive local social culture, where people continue to meet, eat and chat well into the night, even after dinner.

The ranking is part of Time Out’s annual global survey on the world’s most liveable and exciting cities. The results are based on responses from thousands of residents, who evaluated their local food scenes across 18 criteria, including quality, affordability and diversity.

The publication also consulted chefs, editors and food critics to better understand what defines each city’s culinary identity, from its historical roots to the influence of different cultures.

Survey data shows that 85 per cent of respondents in HCM City consider coffee to be affordable, while only 36 per cent say that going to bars or pubs is reasonably priced. Notably, 84 per cent of participants rated grocery shopping and everyday dining experiences between four and five stars.

With its blend of tradition, innovation and accessibility, HCM City continues to strengthen its position on the global culinary map, offering visitors a rich and ever-evolving food experience. — VNS