
Chinese Roast Duck
Vịt quay kiểu người Hoa
Crispy, savory Chinese-style roast duck popular in Saigon's Chinese districts
Photos
What's in it
- Duck
- Five-spice powder
- Soy sauce
- Hoisin-style sauce
- Garlic
- Honey or maltose glaze
- Rice
- Cucumber
- Scallions
Best moments to enjoy it
Best at lunch or dinner when the duck is freshly chopped and the skin is still crisp
Origin & history
Chinese roast duck in Vietnam comes from Cantonese and broader southern Chinese siu mei traditions brought by Chinese communities to southern Vietnam. In Ho Chi Minh City, it is especially associated with Cholon and other Chinese-Vietnamese food areas, where roast meats are displayed in shop windows and served with rice, noodles, or takeaway portions.
How to order & pay
For solo diners, ask for '1 phần' or 'half portion' if available, or order duck rice instead of a whole duck. If you want less fat, ask for more meat and less skin. In Chinese-Vietnamese shops, pointing to the roast duck display is often the easiest way to order.
Cash is still the safest option at older roast duck shops, but many city restaurants now accept QR payments and cards. Carry small bills for takeaway stalls and ask the price before ordering a whole or half duck.
Allergens, nutrition & health
Allergens
Contains soy; may contain sesame, gluten, and traces of peanuts depending on the sauce and marinade
Nutrition & benefits
High in protein and satisfying for one meal; duck skin adds fat and calories, while rice and vegetables make it more balanced
Health notes
Roast duck can be oily and salty, so balance it with vegetables or soup if you are eating it as a solo meal. If you have a sensitive stomach, go easy on chili sauce and rich skin portions.
How to eat it
Eat it with rice or noodles, adding a little sauce over the duck and rice. Use chopsticks to pick up the meat and cucumber, and a spoon if the dish comes with broth or gravy. For takeaway, reheat briefly to restore some crispness.
Best spots in Ho Chi Minh City
- 4.4
Vịt quay Vĩnh Phong
527 Đ. Phan Văn Trị, An Đông, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
- Hours
- 5:00 AM–8:00 PM
- 4.2
Roast Duck Shop Phat Thanh
524 Đ. Phan Văn Trị, An Đông, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
- Hours
- 6:00 AM–9:00 PM


