Vietnam rises with the roosters. Tiny plastic stools appear as motorbikes pull up for steaming bowls of soup before the day begins. Vietnamese breakfast isn’t just fresh and vibrant – it’s an antidote to an empty stomach and a wonderful glimpse into local life. Here are some of the best Vietnamese dishes to try as you rub your eyes and your belly awake.
What is a typical Vietnamese breakfast?
The simple answer is that it depends on where you are. Each region of the country slings its own signature dishes eaten throughout the day, but you can bet that a traditional Vietnamese breakfast includes some form of rice followed by a strong cup of coffee at a nearby cafe.
1. Pho
Arguably the most recognizable Vietnamese dish in the world, this beloved noodle soup is a breakfast go-to. Served streetside, pho is a comforting bowl of rice noodles covered in a fragrant broth and slices of meat, typically beef. Fresh greens and herbs are heaped on top, while chilis and lime are served on the side.
2. Bò né
Vietnam’s answer to a British fry up, bò né is the perfect hangover cure. This sizzling hot plate is packed with eggs, beef, sausage, and pâté. The name translates to “dodging beef” in Vietnamese, and you’ll catch the meaning as soon as the sputtering, splattering plate of meats is delivered.
3. Bò kho
A delightful version of beef stew, bò kho is both a perfect late-night snack and an early-morning breakfast in Vietnam. Slow-cooked chunks of beef combine with fragrant flavours like lemongrass and chilli for a super savoury, spicy bowl of hearty goodness. Sop up every bit with the baguette served alongside.
4. Xí mà
A dish served only in Hoi An, this bowl of liquid black sesame finely blended with herbs is said to have medicinal powers. The two stalls that sell this dish are on Nguyễn Trường Tộ St and are open until roughly 10:00am. The original creator of this beloved elixir passed away in 2022 at the age of 108. Now, his family (and a copycat or two) continues to sell the breakfast food to school children and anyone complaining of a bad stomach. One bowl of xí mà, and they’re cured.
5. Banh mi
Banh mi literally translates to “bread,” but it’s all about what goes in the baguette that makes it a breakfast favourite for locals and tourists. While pork is always a winner, some larger stalls offer everything from chicken to egg to avocado. Combine that with a pâté spread, pickled vegetables, mayo herbs, Laughing Cow cheese, and a dollop of chilli, and you’ll understand why banh mi is a daily breakfast food in Vietnam.
6. Xôi
Xôi is one of the country’s most popular breakfast dishes, especially for kids headed to school. It’s made up of a heap of sticky glutinous rice topped with different ingredients, depending on which stall you stop by. Common additions include fried egg, mung bean pâté, fried onions, and pork.
7. Mì Quảng
A bowl found only in central Vietnam, mì quảng is a satisfying mix of rice noodles topped with meat and a turmeric-based broth. Add in fresh veggies, herbs, lime, and chilli until you’ve achieved flavour perfection. While the yellow soup will probably stain your clothes, it will fill you up for the day ahead.
8. Bánh cuốn
Popular in northern Vietnam, bánh cuốn is ground pork, minced mushrooms, and fried garlic rolled inside slices of steamed glutinous rice. It’s commonly served with a side of fresh cucumber and herbs, plus a dipping sauce that includes fish sauce and chilis.
9. Coffee
Vietnam runs on coffee. The world’s third-largest producer drinks multiple cups of strong Arabica a day, which often leaves travellers buzzing. But coffee is also where Vietnam’s creativity shines. The country has a huge variety of types to try, including coconut coffee, salt coffee, egg coffee, yoghurt coffee, and, most deliciously, coffee with condensed milk or cà phê sữa.
10. Bún chả
A North Vietnam mainstay, bún chả is a must-try in Vietnam. Small pieces of pork and garlicky patties are roasted over a charcoal grill before going into an umami fish sauce broth sprinkled with slices of carrot. On the side is a heaping bowl of thin rice noodles for dipping into the broth. On the table, diners will always find sprouts, leafy greens, minced garlic, and chillis to add in.
11. Cháo
Rice porridge is a comforting way to fill up fast in Vietnam. A common cold remedy, it’s also a childhood favourite. There are variations on the dish, including a chicken porridge made with chicken broth, shredded chicken, ginger, scallion, and seasoning. A beef version exists using ground beef.
12. Cơm tấm
Meaning “broken rice” in Vietnamese, cơm tấm is a breakfast stalwart in Saigon. Fractured pieces of rice are topped with egg and flavorful pork, marinated, and cooked over charcoal before being sliced. On the side, you’ll find fresh tomato and cucumber, pickled veggies, fish sauce, and chilli sauce.
