What Do Vietnamese Eat for Breakfast?

Vietnamese food is incredibly diverse, and breakfast is no exception. There are so many different options for breakfast in Vietnam that it can be hard to choose what to eat!

One popular option for breakfast is pho, a noodle soup made with beef or chicken broth and rice noodles. Other popular breakfast foods in Vietnam include banh cuon (steamed rice rolls), nem (fried spring rolls), and com tam (broken rice).

No matter what you decide to eat for breakfast, one thing is for sure – you won’t be disappointed with the food in Vietnam! In this article, let’s take a look at some of the popular breakfast items that Vietnamese people typically eat. 

What Do Vietnamese Eat for Breakfast?

Breakfast is the meal that is most frequently consumed outside of the home in Vietnam.

As a result, every morning on the stoops of banks, offices, factories, stores, and other buildings around the cities and villages, a beautiful ecology of pop-up restaurants and side hustlers come to life, selling a consistent menu of savory breakfast foods between 6 and 9 am.

Starting the day off right is important in any culture, and that is especially true in Vietnam. As a result, breakfast is typically a hearty affair that includes rice or noodle dishes as well as eggs, pork, fish, or vegetables.

Some popular breakfast options in Vietnam include banh xeo (a savory crepe made from eggs, pork fat, rice flour, chilies, and shallots) and bun bo Hue giap cuon chat trai nuoc mam vien (mixed grilled pork chop with sticky rice).

Not sure what to eat for breakfast? Check out the comprehensive guide to Vietnamese breakfast food to get started. Bon appétit! 

Traditional Vietnamese Breakfast 

1. Bánh Mì 

Banh Mi

If you’re looking for a delicious and filling breakfast choice, try the Vietnamese Bánh Mì. This sandwich is made of French bread, pork pate, pickled vegetables, and mayonnaise – all of which are easily customizable to your taste.

Why do people like this banh mi? Simply because it is presented in a fresh and delectable manner, as is Vietnamese custom. The banh mi, which was created out of a desire for a quick lunch, is the ideal sandwich.

It makes a fantastic supper at any time of the day and is simple to consume on the go. Banh Mi is a popular food around the world thanks to the French.

For people who don’t like too heavy breakfast options, this dish is perfect as it’s light but filling. Furthermore, make sure to enjoy it with some fresh fruits or juices on the side! 

2. Phở 

Vietnamese Pho

Phở is a noodle dish that originates from Vietnam. It is best served with fresh herbs and flowers and can be topped with anything you like – eggs, prawns, etc.

There are many variations of phở, so it is perfect for those who love to explore new flavors.

Phở can also be enjoyed as breakfast – something hearty and satisfying that everyone can enjoy no matter what their diet preferences may be. 

3. Bún Bò Huế 

Bun Bo Hue

Bún Bò Huế is a rice noodle dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. It usually consists of beef and vegetables, making it filling and nutritious. The flavors are delicious – you’ll never get tired of trying different sauces and herbs to add on!

In addition to being a delicious food, bún bò huế is also known for its versatility – you can enjoy it as breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can even have it with shrimp, pork, or chicken if these are in season.

So no matter what your mood might be, there’s sure to be an option for you in this popular Vietnamese dish! 

4. Banh Cuon 

Banh Cuon

Vietnamese steamed rice rolls, also known as banh cuon, are made of thin sheets of steamed rice batter that are filled with minced wood ear mushrooms and ground pork.

Banh Cuon is a dish that is popular in Vietnam and can be found in most restaurants. It is made from rice flour, eggs, and pork fat which are fried together until golden brown.

This breakfast or main course dish can be served as part of a meal with other dishes or as an individual portion. If you’re in Vietnam, then you should try this Banh Cuon as this meal is light and easy on your stomach!

5. Cháo Long (Congee Or Rice Porridge) 

Chao Long

Vietnamese residents adore Cháo Long, a strong and hearty congee made with pork offal. While the stock is simmering, each item is cooked until soft. Fresh herbs and aromatics are used as a garnish to emphasize the variety of textures.

Congee is a versatile food that can be improved by the inclusion of various ingredients in addition to being a traditional breakfast dish. This is the reason why you should try it because taste-wise, it is pretty rich and healthy!

6. Xôi (Sticky Rice) 

Xoi 1

There’s no denying that xôi – also known as sticky rice – is a dish that everyone should try at least once in their lifetime. Traditionally eaten as breakfast, xôi can also be enjoyed as an afternoon snack or dinner entrée.

Made with glutinous rice and either pork, shrimp, or vegetables, this delicious meal is usually boiled in water and then served with sugar or salt as toppings. A breakfast staple in Vietnam, xôi is a nutrient-rich food that fills you up for hours on end.

It’s perfect for people who are looking for something nutritious and fuss-free to eat during the morning hours. In addition to its nutritional benefits, xôi tastes surprisingly good! So if you’re ever feeling adventurous (or just hungry), give this sticky rice dish a try! 

7. Bún Chả

Bun Cha

Bún chả is a popular Vietnamese noodle dish made of rice noodles, pork, and vegetables. It’s often served with a variety of sauces and spices, making it very filling and best enjoyed when eaten fresh from the pan.

For breakfast people who want to stay healthy throughout the day or people who work early in the morning, bún chả is an excellent option as it is full of nutrients that are beneficial for overall health. 

8. Vietnamese Coffee (Cà Phê Đá) 

Vietnamese Coffee

If you’re in the mood for a caffeine-rich drink, look no further than cà phê Đá. This type of coffee is popular in Vietnam and is made from roasted coffee beans that are then mixed with sweetened condensed milk and sugar.

It’s often served hot as part of breakfast or as an afternoon pick-me-up. If you’re keen on trying out a traditional Vietnamese breakfast, cà phê Đá should be at the top of your list! 

9. Bo Kho (Braised Beef) 

Bo Kho

The popular Vietnamese stew with meat and carrots is called bo kho. Carrots and beef make up the majority of the stew, which is flavored with herbs and spices from Southeast Asia like lemongrass and ginger.

It has a strong savory flavor with brilliant notes of star anise, lime leaf, and numerous fresh herbs that are added at the very end.

Vietnamese beef stew, or bo kho, is filled with chunks of soft, fall-apart braised beef, herbs, aromatics, and a mouthwatering broth that will keep you coming back for more Vietnamese baguettes! This dish is perfect for breakfast if you need that warm and hearty meal.

Popular Vietnamese Breakfast 

10. Pho Ga

Pho Ga

Anyone looking for a filling and nutritious breakfast food will enjoy pho ga. Simply said, “Pho Ga” means chicken rice noodle soup. Sliced or shredded chicken meat, light, fragrant broth, and soft, slippery pho noodles make up a bowl of pho ga.

A cousin of pho bo, pho ga is thought to have its roots in Hanoi (beef pho). Chicken pho has its own pleasures despite not being as daring as beef pho. It is a popular dish throughout Vietnam as well as other parts of Southeast Asia.

Pho ga is considered healthy as it is full of nutrients you will need to tackle the day, so if you’re in Vietnam, consider eating pho ga!

11. Mien (Cellophane Noodles/Glass Noodles) 

Mien Ga
Credits: Delightfulplate

Mien noodles are a popular breakfast food in Vietnam and can be made in many different ways. They come in cellophane and glass noodle varieties, each with its unique flavor and texture.

Boiled or steamed, mien noodles make a quick and easy breakfast option for busy mornings. This is one of the must try this if you like Vietnamese pho as it is a satisfying dish, I’m sure you won’t regret it if you’re in Vietnam!

12. Com Tam (Broken Rice) 

Com Tam

Vietnamese cuisine known as “com tam” uses rice with broken rice grains. Rice that has been cooked is referred to as com, while broken rice is referred to as tam. Even though sai gon is known by several names, including com tam sai gon, the basic components are typically the same.

Com Tam, or Broken Rice as it is formally known in Vietnam, is a popular breakfast dish that consists of rice cooked with either chicken or pork. It can also include shrimp, eggs, and vegetables.

There are many variations of com tam – some including pork liver, squid ink, and green onion. If you’re looking for a nutritious breakfast that will satisfy your taste buds as well as fill you up, look no further than com tam! 

13. Banh Canh – Vietnamese Thick Noodle Soup 

Banh Canh

Banh Canh is one of the most popular breakfast items in Vietnam and for good reason – it’s delicious, filling, and quick to make!

Made from rice noodles, fish sauce, pork balls, and vegetables, banh canh tastes great with a variety of toppings such as boiled eggs or squid ink.

It’s perfect as a quick breakfast on the go or as part of a larger meal. So if you’re in Vietnam and wanted to have breakfast, try Banh Canh!

14. Banh Bao – Vietnamese Dumplings 

Banh Bao

Banh Bao is a popular breakfast dish in Vietnam that can be enjoyed either as is, or filled with savory fillings. These dumplings are made from wheat dough and usually contain pork, shrimp, crabmeat, chives, or cilantro as the filling.

Unlike many Asian cuisine dishes that are typically served at lunchtime or dinner time, banh bao makes for perfect breakfast food – providing energy to start your day off right!

Topping them off with a sweet and sour dipping sauce makes them even more enjoyable. So if you wanted to have some kind of light meal, you can try Banh Bao in Vietnam here.

15. Bo Ne

Bo Ne
Credits: tasteatlas.com

Traditional Vietnamese food known as bo né is particularly well-liked in Nha Trang. On a sizzling hot cast iron plate, it is served with fried eggs, onions, chili sauce, and a dollop of pate. It is created with beef cuts like skirt steak that have been marinated in seasonings.

Along with lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and cucumber, the dish frequently includes condiments and bread. The baguette is used to scrape the remaining pate and egg yolks off the plate while the meat is frequently dipped into a mixture of pepper sauce, lime juice, and salt.

This dish is perfect for you if you want a substitute of European steak, or just trying out Vietnamese food as this tastes really good!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What do Vietnamese eat for lunch? 

The typical lunchtime menu for local Vietnamese includes bot chien, bun cha, com ga xoi mo, cha ca la vong, banh xeo, and bun dau mam tom.

2. Do Vietnamese eat banh mi for breakfast? 

That is correct! In Vietnam, banh mi is immensely popular for breakfast. Vietnam’s cities are filled with Bánh mi vendors who offer these sandwiches. Banh mi op la, which uses egg rather than pork, is also available.

3. What do Vietnamese eat every day? 

Rice, veggies, and fish are the main ingredients of meals, which are frequently prepared by steaming or stir-frying. The main component of practically every meal is rice, which is a mainstay of the diet. Steamed rice and side dishes of vegetables, fish, or meat may make up all three of the Vietnamese adults’ daily meals.

4. What do Vietnamese not eat? 

These foods, which include raw blood pudding, puffer fish, toads, tap water, dog meat, uncooked vegetables, and fruits with edible skin, are harmful and are not consumed by Vietnamese people.

Conclusion

Did you know that Vietnamese breakfast is a complex dish that can include rice porridge, fish sauce, vegetables, eggs, and pork? If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide on what to eat for breakfast in Vietnam, look no further!

In this blog post, I’ll outline the different types of breakfast foods that are popular in Vietnam and give you a taste of what to expect. So, whether you’re looking for a traditional breakfast or something a little more modern, I’ve got you covered! Thanks for reading this article!

I’m a passionate food blogger on a journey to become a go-to person who can help others prepare delicious foods. I share recipes, food substitutes, and other cooking tips. Read more about my journey...

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