When it comes to breakfast options, Vietnamese cuisine has an array of delectable dishes to offer. From steaming bowls of Pho to savory Banh Mi, there is something to satisfy every craving. Join us as we explore nine mouthwatering breakfast foods that are beloved by the Vietnamese people.
Pho: The Iconic Vietnamese Breakfast
Pho is not only the most popular breakfast choice in Vietnam, but it is also internationally renowned as a symbol of Vietnamese gastronomy. This flavorful noodle soup is made with stewed bones of cows or pigs, infused with aromatic spices. The rice noodles used in Pho are made from a special type of fragrant rice called “gao te.” The best versions of this dish are Pho Bo Tai (rare fillet) and Pho Ga (boneless white chicken meat). A squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of chili are essential for achieving the perfect balance of flavors.
Photo: @jennerous_eats
Bun: A Delightful Rice Vermicelli Dish
Similar to Pho, Bun, made from rice flour, is another popular choice for breakfast. This versatile dish comes in various forms, with different types of broths and ingredients. Whether it’s Bun Cha (vermicelli and grilled chopped meat), Bun Rieu (vermicelli and crab meat soup), or Bun Bo (vermicelli with beef), each variation offers a unique and delicious experience. The tangy flavors of tomato, garcinia cowa, and lemon lime bring the broths to life.
Photo: @thanh_bunthanggiatruyen
Mien: The Delicate Cellophane Noodles
Mien, also known as cellophane noodles or glass noodles, is a Chinese-influenced dish made from seaweed and cassava flour. These translucent noodles are low in calories and ideal for those on a vegetarian diet. Mien Luon (Mien with eel) is a popular variety, especially in Hanoi. The broth for this special dish is made from eel’s bones and ginger. Served with fresh uncooked vegetables, Mien Luon offers a delightful combination of flavors.
Photo: @kikifoodies
Xoi: A Sticky Rice Sensation
Xoi is another breakfast staple in Vietnam that gives Pho a run for its money. This sticky rice dish comes in a variety of flavors and toppings. From the simple and affordable Xoi Gac (colored with Gac’s oil) to the more elaborate Xoi Trung (topped with egg), Xoi satisfies a range of taste preferences. It can be found in street stalls throughout Vietnam, with vendors advertising their Xoi loudly as they carry baskets of this flavorful treat on their bicycles.
Sticky Rice
Banh Mi: The French-Inspired Vietnamese Bread
Banh Mi, a Vietnamese bread, has its origins in the French colonial period. This culinary fusion has become a beloved breakfast option in Vietnam. Traditional Banh Mi included goose’s liver paste as a filling, but Vietnamese bakers have since innovated with various ingredients such as shrimp, sausage, and pig’s liver paste. In recent years, Turkey’s Donner Kebab bread has also gained popularity in Vietnam as an alternative Banh Mi option.
Photo: @juliejulez.jpg
Banh Cuon: Delicate Rice Flour Steamed Rolls
Made from rice flour, Banh Cuon is a delicacy that captivates the palate. These thin, wide sheets of steamed rice flour are filled with seasoned ground pork and minced wood ear mushrooms. Banh Cuon is traditionally served with Cha Que—a type of Vietnamese sausage—and a special dipping sauce called “nước chấm.” While the dipping sauce used to include Ca Cuong’s oil, it has become scarce and more expensive in recent years.
Photo: @cookingwithmamamui
Chao: Comforting Congee/Porridge
Congee or rice porridge, known as Chao, is a versatile meal that is enjoyed not only for breakfast but also for lunch and dinner in Vietnam. It is easy to prepare, with almost every electronic rice cooker having a porridge cooking function. While Chao can be considered a humble dish, it can be elevated with the addition of various meats. Whether it’s Chao Ga (chicken porridge), Chao Vit (duck porridge), or Chao Ca (fish porridge), each variation offers a comforting and satisfying meal.
Photo: @bachuaviahe
Trung Vit Lon: The Unique Balut
Trung Vit Lon, also known as Balut, is not for the faint of heart. This Vietnamese delicacy consists of a duck embryo still in its shell, boiled to perfection. While it may be a challenging dish for Western visitors, those who dare to try it are treated to a unique flavor profile and a protein-packed meal. Trung Vit Lon is a breakfast favorite among many Vietnamese people and can be found in stalls throughout the country.
Photo: @blackpage161
Vietnamese “Banh”: A Myriad of Tasty Cakes
Vietnamese cuisine offers a wide variety of breakfast cakes, collectively known as Banh. These savory treats are easy to pack and often stuffed with mung beans. Some popular options include Bánh Chưng Rán, Bánh Giò, Bánh Khúc, Bánh Rán, Bánh Nếp, Bánh Tẻ, Bánh Đúc, Bánh Dày, and Bánh Bao. These cakes are widely available in street food stalls and are carried by vendors wandering the streets with a pile of Banh on their shoulders.
Photo: @citastyfood
These nine breakfast foods provide a glimpse into the rich and diverse Vietnamese culinary tradition. So, the next time you find yourself in Vietnam, don’t miss the opportunity to start your day with one of these delicious and satisfying dishes. For more information on Vietnamese cuisine, visit Rừng Cúc Phương.
