The South
Gỏi Khô Bò Lê Văn Tám: A Fifty-Year Saigon Street Food Tradition
On Hai Bà Trưng Street, the Gỏi Khô Bò Lê Văn Tám cart serves green papaya salad with beef jerky, continuing a street food tradition spanning about half a century.
By Trip2VN Editorial · 2 min read · Published Oct 17, 2026
A Half-Century Street Food Tradition
On Hai Bà Trưng Street, a vendor known as Gỏi Khô Bò Lê Văn Tám prepares papaya salad. According to Saigoneer, the main proprietor, dì Sáu, has worked here for about half a century. She began working at the cart as a young woman when her aunt operated it. In those early years, each plate cost 50 xu. After her aunt retired, dì Sáu took over the cart. She has continued serving papaya salad at the same spot on Hai Bà Trưng Street.
The Sound and Flavors of Xắp Xắp
Gỏi khô bò is one of Saigon’s oldest street snacks. Locals also know the dish as xắp xắp or xấp xấp. The name represents an onomatopoeia for the clanking of scissors cutting pieces of beef jerky. At the cart, visitors can spot a glass display filled with shredded papaya. The vendor combines the shredded green papaya with pieces of beef jerky. This long-running spot connects generations through a classic street food tradition.
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