# Vietnam rises in global street-food and culinary rankings

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ho-chi-minh-city-tops-streetfood-ranking
> Updated: 2026-08-25T03:44:53.000Z. Sources: 21. Developments: 4.

Time Out magazine’s 2026 global street‑food ranking, based on a survey of approximately 24,000 urban residents, placed Ho Chi Minh City at the top with a 63% approval rating. The city narrowly outpaced Kuala Lumpur (62%) and Jakarta (59%), while Taipei, Mexico City, and Manila also secured high positions. The ranking highlights Ho Chi Minh City’s diverse food scene, which ranges from six Michelin‑starred restaurants to the alley‑side stalls around Ben Thanh Market serving phở, bánh mì, and bún thịt nướng.

Hanoi secured seventh place with 57% approval, placing it ahead of Bangkok (56%) and Mumbai (55%). Vietnam is noted as the only country with two cities in the top 10. While Lima, Peru, was named the world’s overall best cuisine city, the results underscore the growing international appeal of Vietnamese street‑food culture.

Furthering this culinary momentum, Vietnam was named the top culinary destination in the NZ Herald Travel Readers’ Choice Awards 2026. In that ranking, the country outperformed major culinary hubs including Italy, Japan, Thailand, and France. Experts suggest that Vietnam’s regional cuisine and street food are increasingly serving as primary drivers for tourism, helping to strengthen the nation’s brand as a distinct travel product.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-25: Vietnam named top culinary destination in 2026 travel awards

Vietnam has ranked as the number one culinary destination in the NZ Herald Travel Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, surpassing established food destinations like Italy and Japan.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-named-top-culinary-destination-in-2026-travel-awards

### 2026-08-05: Hanoi ranks seventh in global street‑food survey, ahead of Bangkok

Hanoi placed seventh in Time Out’s 2026 global street‑food ranking, surpassing Bangkok, while Ho Chi Minh City topped the list, giving Vietnam two top‑10 spots.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hanoi-ranks-seventh-in-global-streetfood-survey-ahead-of-bangkok

### 2026-08-02: Ho Chi Minh City tops Time Out street‑food ranking, ahead of Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta

Time Out ranks Ho Chi Minh City #1 for street food in 2026, edging out Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta with 63% approval, highlighting its mix of Michelin‑starred venues and bustling street stalls.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ho-chi-minh-city-tops-time-out-streetfood-ranking-ahead-of-kuala-lumpur-and-jakarta

### 2026-07-31: Ho Chi Minh City tops 2026 global street‑food rankings

Time Out’s 2026 street‑food ranking puts Ho Chi Minh City first with 63 % local support, ahead of Kuala Lumpur and others, while Hanoi ranks seventh.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ho-chi-minh-city-named-worlds-best-streetfood-destination-by-time-out

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Cite as: Vietnam rises in global street-food and culinary rankings. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ho-chi-minh-city-tops-streetfood-ranking