The Saigon Iced Tofu Lady

Tàu Hủ Đá
254 Lê Thánh Tôn Street
District 1

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Saigon Street Food is currently under threat!

In recent months, Saigon city officials have launched a “clear the streets of street food” campaign as part of a new “reclaim the sidewalks for sidewalk walkers” policy.

Enforcement seems particularly aggressive this time. Motorbike sidewalk parking lots, hotel sidewalk car parking and traditional sidewalk street food vendors all are being targeted.

The good news: It is becoming far easier to stroll down the sidewalks of some busy tourist-district streets without struggling through the city’s obstacle course of sidewalk economic activity.

The bad news: Some of the most authentic and memorable Saigon street food, available from traditional street vendors – some having served on the same street corner or small alleys for many decades on the streets of Saigon – are now being forceably removed from their sites. The traditional Saigon Street food scene for which the city is internationally known is under siege.

Eating Saigon!’s work to identify excellent street food vendors for you to enjoy is now becoming even more challenging.

Given the current state of affairs, however, it’s even more rewarding when we can report that we’ve identified yet another wonderful Saigon street food option for locals and visitors alike – this one a real dessert treat.  And even more amazing in this era of “cleaning up the streets”, this street treat is located at “ground zero” of Saigon’s tourist center.

At the corner of Đường Trương Định and Đường Lê Thánh Tôn in District 1, you’ll find a covey of young Vietnamese locals huddled around small red and blue plastic stools. They’ll be leaning forward, staring into large plastic cups, and scooping away their treats with smiles on their faces . They’re enjoying a yummy street dessert, tàu hủ đá (iced tofu), at Tàu Hủ Đá (also the eatery’s name).

Hai and I had a “small” family gathering here recently with just Hai’s immediate family members (most of his 11 siblings and their spouses and children)! Everyone loved their late-night treats.

A smooth, creamy white blend of tofu and sugar served over a cup of shaved ice. Delicious, refreshing, thirst-quenching, semi-healthy, and cheap (about 8000 vnd – 35 cents USD)! What’s not to like about a cool, sweet dessert on a steamy Saigon evening!?

The owner, Thuy, has been happily serving up her popular dessert on Saigon’s streets for over 36 years.

Just a stone’s throw from Bến Thành Market, you absolutely should stop by to cool off and enjoy this authentic local sweet street treat … before the “authorities” show up to clear the sidewalks!

UPDATE – January, 2020:  Looks like the authorities showed up and closed her down … so sad!  If I find that’s she’s relocated somewhere, of course, I will let you know here.

OPEN: 6:00 pm to late
Tàu Hủ Đá
254 Lê Thánh Tôn Street
District 1