When mentioning Saigon, people immediately think of famous delicious dishes, including banh mi chao - a simple dish but full of the flavor of this land. However, among the countless banh mi chao shops springing up like mushrooms, there is a shop that always makes customers wait in line, even coming late risks going home empty-handed - that is Banh mi Hoa Ma, known as the "most stylish" banh mi chao in Saigon.
The bakery is over 60 years old
The "snobbishness" of Banh Mi Hoa Ma does not lie in the luxurious space or expensive prices, but in the distinctive flavor and the large number of customers that the owner does not have time to... answer customers. Located in a small alley on Cao Thang Street, Banh Mi Hoa Ma has long been a familiar destination for those who love traditional pan-fried bread.
Open from 6am, the small alley was crowded with diners and quickly sold out in just one afternoon.
What makes Banh Mi Hoa Ma so attractive is that it has kept its flavor intact for more than half a century. The restaurant's specialty is the "everything" pan-fried bread. Crispy bread, sandwiched with fatty pate, ham, pork roll, cinnamon sausage, salted pork belly... all fried golden brown in a hot cast iron pan, mixed with the fatty taste of fried eggs and a little refreshing pickle. The amount of food is so "huge" that many people feel full just by eating the filling.
Pickles are an indispensable side dish for Hoa Ma pan bread. The mild sourness from white radish, cucumber, carrots combined with a bit of fresh ginger helps balance the flavor, effectively reducing the feeling of fullness in greasy dishes. Instead of being cut into regular strips, the pickles here are cut into large slices, bringing a new and interesting experience to diners.
A mixed pan will be filled with attractive ingredients, including 2 fried eggs, ham, pork roll, cinnamon sausage, sausage, salted pork belly...
Saigon in the early morning is beautiful and clear, the sunlight shines brightly on the small alleys and the cheerful laughter of diners creates a picture of Saigon that is simple but full of life. Each person has their own story and joy when coming to Hoa Ma. Some people come here to enjoy the specialty fried bread that they have been attached to for many years, some people look for childhood memories with their family, some people want to experience the taste of old Saigon in the heart of the modern city.
The staff were cheerful and the whole street was bustling.
For over 60 years, Hoa Ma has maintained its original flavor, offering diners a unique culinary experience. The space of the restaurant is simple, with just a few plastic tables placed along the alley, but it brings a feeling of closeness and warmth. Enjoying Hoa Ma Bread, diners not only feel the irresistible delicious taste but also feel like they have gone back in time, back to old Saigon with small alleys, simple shops and a slow pace of life.
This is also a familiar restaurant for many generations.
The restaurant staff shared that Banh mi Hoa Ma has long been a destination for middle-aged diners and overseas Vietnamese who want to rediscover the taste of old Saigon. More and more young people come here to enjoy and learn more about the city's unique cuisine.
