Can You Picture Saigon's Food Scene in Our Parents' Day?

Take a look at the fun foods and eateries that went hand in hand with our parents' younger years.
Every era has its own culinary charm, and dishes you now take for granted were once real treats people longed for.
Join VN Cooking in revisiting those lovely memories through the photos we have collected:

EATERIES

Street food carts on the sidewalks have been a hallmark of Saigon since long ago, and to this day they remain one of the city's highlights for visitors from near and far.

Ever wondered why people say "banh mi is the signature food of Saigon"?

Here's the answer: banh mi has been part of Saigon life since the French colonial era. This humble food has won the hearts of the locals thanks to its enduring flavor and the hard work of the people who make it.

DRINK STALLS

These days, young people flock to drink shops and coffee and milk tea chains. Back then, soft drinks, smoothies, fresh juices or simply a glass of egg soda were enough to win people over.

And the sidewalk drink carts were every bit as popular

MARKETS

Traders would pick a busy residential area and lay out all kinds of goods, forming an open-air "flea market".

Or there were the official markets set up by the State

Snacking at the markets was a favorite pastime of our mothers and aunts back in the day.

Through many periods of change, the food of Vietnam as a whole, and of Saigon in particular, has kept its own distinctive character, so wherever you go in the world, you will always remember the land, the people and the food of Saigon.

Source: collected