Amuse Bouche

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You don't need to prime the credit card for a decent three-course lunch in Ho Chi Minh City: the streets of Vietnam's southern capital are lined with choice selections from the country's larder, available for marvelously small sums. Take a stroll from Ben Thanh market, along Le Thanh Ton street, and stop off at a street-side phó bo stall for your appetizer. Vietnam's signature dish of beef noodles—flavored with star anise, cilantro and fish sauce—is a soupy snip at $0.30 per bowl.

Ready for mains? Head to the shopping district near the Caravelle Hotel for another savory...