BEST Vietnamese Street Foods Only Locals Know in Saigon 2025

blood cockles

🥗Healthier: clams

💰Cheaper: mussels

Clams are lower in calories, while mussels are often more affordable.

fish sauce

🥗Healthier: soy sauce

💰Cheaper: salt

Soy sauce provides umami flavor with less sodium.

Rinse blood cockles under cold water to remove any sand.

Soak rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain.

Boil water in a large pot over high heat.

Add soaked rice to boiling water and reduce heat to medium.

Simmer rice for 15-20 minutes until soft and porridge-like.

In a separate pan, sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.

Add blood cockles to the pan and cook until they open, about 3-5 minutes.

Combine cockles with the rice porridge in the pot.

Stir in fish sauce, ginger, and black pepper to taste.

Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld flavors.

Serve hot, garnished with green onions, cilantro, and lime wedges.

Add chili for extra heat if desired.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens