Xôi Gà Number One (Chính Gốc) — Restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City

If you've spent any time in Ho Chi Minh City, you'll know that the city's pulse beats strongest at its street food stalls. Among them, Xôi Gà Number One rises like a culinary phoenix, offering a masterclass in the art of sticky rice, chicken, and a symphony of flavors that refuse to be forgotten.

Nestled in a bustling alley where the sounds of scooters harmonize with sizzling woks, Xôi Gà Number One is an unassuming food cart that punches well above its weight. The aroma wafting from the steamer alone could lead a blindfolded gourmand straight to its treasures.

The Star of the Show: Xôi Gà Their xôi gà (sticky rice with chicken) is nothing short of divine. The rice is a study in texture—each grain perfectly cooked, not too sticky, not too dry, with a glossy finish that catches the light and promises satisfaction. It's generously topped with shredded chicken, tender and flavorful, marinated in a secret sauce that whispers of garlic, lemongrass, and a hint of sweetness.

But the magic lies in the extras. Fried shallots add a crispy, aromatic crunch, while a ladle of golden chicken fat takes decadence to new heights. The optional chili sauce? A fiery kick that turns up the volume on this already harmonious dish.

The Sides: Don’t Skip Them If you're feeling adventurous, try their gà nướng (grilled chicken) on the side. Smoky, charred to perfection, and seasoned with a medley of spices that linger on your palate, it’s the perfect companion to the comforting base of sticky rice.

The Experience Xôi Gà Number One isn't about white tablecloths or polished cutlery. It's about the grit and soul of Saigon. You’ll eat at a rickety plastic table, surrounded by the chatter of locals and the hum of the city. But it’s in this simplicity that the magic of Vietnamese street food reveals itself.

Why It’s Worth It At just around 30,000 VND ($1.20), Xôi Gà Number One proves that great food doesn’t have to break the bank. It’s a meal that embodies Saigon—humble, unpretentious, yet impossibly rich in flavor and culture.

Final Thoughts Xôi Gà Number One is more than a meal; it’s a rite of passage for anyone looking to understand the essence of Ho Chi Minh City through its street food. It’s not just sticky rice with chicken—it’s a love letter to the city’s culinary roots.

If you’re in Saigon, don’t just eat here. Devour the experience, savor the history, and leave with a belly full of happiness. Trust me: they didn’t call it “Number One”...

Nestled on a bustling street corner in Saigon, Xôi Gà Number One is a culinary institution that has stood the test of time, a true testament to the power of a single, perfected dish. This is not a formal dining experience; it's an authentic, immersive taste of Vietnamese street food culture at its very best. The atmosphere is lively and a little chaotic, with the aroma of fried shallots and simmering sauces wafting from the small, open-air stall.

The star of the show, and the reason for its loyal following, is the sticky rice. It's an art form here, with a texture that is both wonderfully chewy and incredibly fragrant. The rice serves as the perfect canvas for the generous toppings. The chicken, cooked to tender perfection, is pulled and served with a variety of accompaniments that create a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. The crispy, fried shallots add a delightful crunch and nutty depth, while the rich, savory sauce ties everything together. The addition of a quail egg or a piece of Chinese sausage elevates the dish from simple street food to a truly satisfying and complex meal.

While the xôi is the main attraction, a visit isn't complete without trying the sugarcane drink. It's a revelation—freshly pressed and mixed with a surprising blend of citrus juices like orange and lime. The result is a drink that cuts through the richness of the sticky rice with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, a refreshing counterpoint to the savory dishes.

Xôi Gà Number One is more than just a place to eat; it's a piece of Saigon's history and a celebration of the simple, honest pleasure of good food. The prices are incredibly reasonable, offering a fantastic value for such a flavorful and filling meal. This is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience authentic, unpretentious, and unforgettable...

Simple typical Vietnamese dishes offer a unique combination of flavors and textures.

I had xôi gà, which is a common Vietnamese dish perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a late-afternoon snack when it’s too early for dinner. The ingredients are really simple: sticky rice, shredded chicken, some chicken intestine, and unlaid eggs. If you’re not keen on the intestine, you can ask them to leave it out and only include the chicken.

The sticky rice quality is decent, though it might be heavy for some to digest. In that case, you might want to try xôi bắp, which is corn sticky rice. This dish is as simple as others on their menu but much lighter and has a sweeter taste. It comes with soft mashed mung bean, topped with a bit of sugar and fried shallots.

I eat here once in a while but will update this post when I remember to...