A-GRASS 2025: My First Day in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Touchdown in Ho Chi Minh City! My first day here has been a whirlwind of sights, flavors, and vibrant street life. From the moment I stepped out, I was greeted by the city’s energetic pulse—motorbikes zipping by, the aroma of street food, and friendly locals everywhere.
Starting the Day with Vietnamese Street Food
Breakfast was a must-try local favorite: bánh mì. The crisp baguette, loaded with savory meats, fresh herbs, and pickled veggies, was the perfect introduction to Vietnamese cuisine. Enjoying it on the sidewalk, I truly felt immersed in the daily rhythm of the city.
A Taste of Vietnamese Coffee Culture
No visit to Vietnam is complete without sampling its legendary coffee. I stumbled upon a street stall offering cà phê muối—Vietnamese salted coffee. The menu also featured classics like iced black coffee (cà phê đá) and milk coffee (cà phê sữa). The salted coffee was a unique surprise: rich, creamy, and with a subtle salty finish that balanced the sweetness.
Exploring the City: Ramana Hotel Saigon
For my stay, I checked into the Ramana Hotel Saigon. The hotel’s welcoming facade was just as inviting by day as it was by night, providing a comfortable base for my Ho Chi Minh adventures.
Evening at a Lively Local Restaurant
Dinner took me to a bustling Vietnamese restaurant filled with locals and vibrant graffiti decor. The atmosphere was electric, with laughter and conversation filling the air. I tried a sizzling dish of stir-fried snails in a spicy, aromatic sauce, paired with fresh local herbs—a true explosion of flavors.
A Toast with Rượu Ba Kích
To complete the experience, I sampled rượu ba kích, a traditional Vietnamese medicinal wine made from the ba kích root. Served chilled, it had a distinctive herbal taste and a warming kick—definitely a memorable way to toast my first day.
Ho Chi Minh City has already captured my senses with its dynamic street life, delicious food, and warm hospitality. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!
