One of the biggest challenges of a Muslim travelling to a non-Muslim country is finding halal food. In Vietnam, there are over a thousand Vietnamese Muslims in the country’s capital Ho Chi Minh City. While the number is small, a community emerged, along with mosques and halal trades in the area to meet both local and foreign Muslims’ needs. You can find Halal food in Ho Chi Minh City.

The one tip I typically use, as a Muslim traveller, is to stay in an area where there is a mosque. This way, I can get connected to fellow Muslims and they can point me to the nearest halal place to eat. When you’re in Ho Chi Minh City, that place is District 1. In this district, you can find Masjid Musulman (Saigon Central Mosque), which is just a 15-minute walk from Ben Thanh Market.

Here are five halal restaurants you can find in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City.

1. The Daun Restaurant

The Daun Restaurant is just a three-minute walk from Ben Thanh market. Owned by a Singaporean, this restaurant offers a variety of local, Singapore, Malaysia and even Western cuisine. There’s also free WiFi in the premises.

As their reputation precedes them, the Daun is famous among Muslim travellers for their appetizing menu which includes Bun Cha Gio (grilled spring rolls with noodles) and of course, the classic Beef Pho. Customers can expect excellent service and a comfortable place to savour your authentic Vietnamese dishes. A prayer room is also available for Muslim travellers to catch their prayers!

Address: 132 Bis Ký Con, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bìn Quận 1 Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Hours: Tue – Sun, 12:00 – 21:00

2. Halal Saigon

Halal Saigon is just opposite Masjid Musulman and it serves local, Malaysian and vegetarian dishes. It is probably the busiest restaurant on this list and also the easiest to find.

Their menu exclusively consists of authentic Vietnamese and Malaysian food. They also provide a vegetarian option if needed. Its convenient location is definitely a draw for Muslim travellers as it is just opposite Musulman Mosque. This place is not only for Muslim travellers but also great for locals to try legit Malaysian food as the owner hails from Malaysia.

Address: 31 Đông Du, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Hours: Mon – Sun, 10:00 – 22:00

3. Pho Muslim

Pho Muslim is located a two-minute walk from Jamiul Islamiyah mosque, locally known as Nancy Mosque. This is a streetside stall that serves halal authentic Vietnamese food. It is a hidden gem, considering that many of the halal restaurants are typically foreign-owned with dishes that are tailored to attract tourists. On top of that, the dishes are reasonably priced. Pho Muslim is the farthest from Ben Thanh so if you want to dine here, consider hailing a taxi.

Don’t be fooled by this modest street stall, located near Jamiul Islamiyah Mosque or more affectionately known as Nancy Mosque. Pho Muslim is an affordable place to satisfy your pho cravings while in Ho Chi Minh. Besides the Beef Pho, give their only other dish Bun Bo Hue (beef with spicy soup and noodles) a try! Get in line quickly because this famed pho stall attracts Muslim travellers from all over Southeast Asia.

Address: 505 Đường Trần Hưng Đạo, Cầu Kho, Quận 5, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Hours: Mon – Sun, 16:00 – 00:00

4. Kampung Pandan Restaurant 

Kampung Pandan is just a five-minute walk from Ben Thanh market. Owned by a Malaysian, this restaurant offers Indian food plus local and Asian cuisines from the region. Don’t miss their Roti Canai!

Address: 53 Thu Khoa Huan Street, District 1

5. VN Halal 

I had most of my meals in VN Halal when I was in Ho Chi Minh. It is five minutes away from Ben Thanh market and near my hotel. They served mainly Asian dishes with bits of Thai and Chinese influences, which were very similar to the foods we have in Singapore.

Address: 14 Pham Hong Thai, Ben Thanh

Enjoy your halal meals in Ho Chi Minh City!