Amazing Vietnam Breakfast Food: Must-Try Dishes!

The highlight of Vietnam tourism lies in experiencing its incredible local cuisine, and Vietnam breakfast food is a perfect example. From iconic dishes like ‘pho’ (Vietnamese noodles soup) and ‘banh mi’ to regional specialties such as ‘mi Quang’ (Quang style noodle), ‘banh cuon’ (Steamed rice roll), each offers a flavorful way to start your day.

Join Joy Journeys to discover the best breakfast options Vietnam has to offer!

Classic Vietnamese Breakfast Dishes

Vietnam breakfast food is incredibly diverse, offering a variety of flavors that visitors can enjoy. Here are some top recommendations.

Pho

‘Pho’ is a renowned soup often enjoyed as breakfast in Vietnam. This iconic dish comes in many variations, including ‘pho bo’ (beef pho), ‘pho ga’ (chicken pho), ‘pho Bac’ (Northern-style pho), and ‘pho Nam’ (Southern-style pho).

Visitors can easily notice the difference between Northern and Southern pho. In Hanoi, Northern pho features flat noodles, a clear broth, thinly sliced chicken or beef, green onions, coriander, lemon, pickled garlic, and fresh chili. Meanwhile, Southern pho is more elaborate, with additions like beef balls and a variety of vegetables. The Southern broth is often thicker, slightly cloudy, and sweeter.

Pho is widely available across Vietnam and internationally. To find it, simply look for “pho” on signs or use Google Maps for reviews.

Bun bo Hue

‘Bun Bo Hue’, a specialty from Thua Thien Hue province, is a popular noodle dish in all three regions of Vietnam and among Vietnamese communities overseas. Its main ingredients include noodles, beef shank, pork leg, and a spicy, aromatic broth made with lemongrass, shrimp paste, and chili.

Preparing ‘Bun Bo Hue’ is a meticulous process. The meat is washed, the beef shank is tied tightly, onions are cut, and lemongrass is crushed. Fish sauce is added to the bone broth, where the beef shank is cooked. Pork leg pieces are prepared separately. The broth is then seasoned with spices, chili paste, onions, and lemongrass before being boiled to perfection.

This dish is served with raw vegetables, chili, herbs, onions, and lemon, making it a flavorful experience. ‘Bun Bo Hue’ is easy to find through recommendations and reviews on platforms like Google Maps.

Banh mi

‘Banh Mi’, the beloved Vietnamese sandwich, is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. It features crispy toasted bread filled with cucumber, pickled radish, green onion, herbs, and a variety of proteins such as roast pork, grilled meat, spring rolls, or a serving of eggs for a classic Vietnamese breakfast with eggs.

While banh mi is a popular breakfast option, its versatility makes it suitable for any meal of the day. For those following a vegetarian diet, vegetarian banh mi is widely available, offering a delicious way to enjoy Vietnam breakfast food vegetarian.

Xoi

‘Xoi’ refers to Vietnamese sticky rice dishes, a filling and satisfying breakfast option. It comes in two main flavors: sweet (e.g., red sticky rice, mung bean sticky rice, corn sticky rice) and savory (e.g., ‘xoi xeo’ (Vietnamese sticky rice with mung bean), ‘xoi man’ (savory sticky rice), ‘xoi bat buu’ (8 Treasure Sticky Rice)).

Sticky rice dishes are known for their aromatic and chewy texture, especially when served hot. Sweet sticky rice is an excellent choice for visitors exploring Vietnamese vegetarian breakfast food, offering both a cultural and culinary experience.

Regional Specialties

Beyond the popular breakfast dishes, each region of Vietnam offers its own unique specialties that are worth exploring.

Northern Vietnam

In addition to the famous Hanoi pho, Northern breakfast options are diverse and include dishes such as ‘bun rieu cua’ (crab paste noodle soup), ‘bun oc’ (snail noodle soup), ‘xoi xeo’ (sticky rice with mung beans), ‘banh cuon’ (steamed rice rolls), and ‘banh gio’ (pyramidal rice dumplings). Breakfast in the North is characterized by its light, subtly sweet flavors, which are perfect for gently awakening the taste buds at the start of the day.

Central Vietnam

In Central Vietnam, the cuisine tends to be saltier and spicier, and this bold flavor profile carries over into breakfast. Popular options include ‘mi Quang’ (Quang-style noodles), ‘banh xeo’ (crispy pancakes), traditional cakes such as ‘banh beo’ and ‘banh nam’, and ‘bun bo’ (spicy beef noodle soup).

Southern Vietnam

In the South, ‘com tam’ (broken rice) is a quintessential breakfast dish, though it is enjoyed at any time of the day. Other Southern breakfast staples include ‘hu tieu Nam Vang’ (Phnom Penh-style noodles), grilled pork noodles, and fried breadsticks.

The Vietnamese Breakfast Experience

Coffee Culture

Since its introduction, coffee has become a staple crop in Vietnam, and drinking coffee has become a cherished habit. Many Vietnamese start their day with a cup of coffee for a boost of alertness and energy.

The Vietnamese coffee menu is diverse and includes intriguing combinations such as coconut coffee, egg coffee, and salted coffee. However, the most iconic choices remain black coffee and milk coffee, both celebrated for their bold and rich flavors.

Dining Out vs. Eating at Home

Traditionally, meals in Vietnam were enjoyed at home with the entire family. However, with the increasingly fast-paced lifestyle and the affordability of Vietnam breakfast food, people now have more flexible options, including dining out or eating at home.

Home-cooked breakfasts often involve dishes with elaborate preparation methods, making dining out a more convenient choice for many. Restaurants offer quick and affordable meals, which align with the budget-friendly Breakfast in Vietnam price.

Breakfast on the Go

Given the busy pace of life and early work hours, breakfast in Vietnam is versatile. People may enjoy breakfast at a restaurant, at home, or even on the move. Children often eat bread or sticky rice while riding on the back seat of a motorbike on their way to school. Working adults frequently grab food and coffee to eat while commuting, whether on a bus, motorbike, or on foot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a typical Vietnam breakfast?

A typical Vietnamese breakfast often includes staples like banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich) and milk coffee, or a main dish such as pho or bun bo.

What to eat in the morning in Vietnam?

Vietnam is truly a breakfast paradise. Whether you’re craving a comforting hot soup or a savory grilled dish, you’ll find plenty of options for breakfast. Popular choices include ‘bun bo’ (beef noodle soup), ‘pho bo’ (beef pho), ‘pho ga’ (chicken pho), ‘com tam’ (broken rice), ‘xoi’ (sticky rice), and ‘bun thit nuong’ (grilled pork noodles).

What did you eat for breakfast in Vietnamese?

Vietnamese people typically eat breakfast between 6 AM and 10 AM, enjoying a variety of dishes such as ‘banh mi’, ‘pho bo’ (beef noodles soup), ‘pho ga’ (chicken noodles soup), ‘banh cuon’ (steamed rice rolls).

What are 3 traditional breakfast dishes?

Pho (Vietnamese noodles soup), ‘banh mi’, and ‘xoi’ (sticky rice) are three of the most popular breakfast dishes in Vietnam. They are beloved for their familiar flavors, widespread availability, and affordable prices.

Conclusion

Vietnamese breakfast food is a vibrant and unique aspect of the country’s culinary culture, reflecting distinct regional characteristics. Imagine beginning your day with a selection of hundreds of mouthwatering specialties like pho (Vietnamese noodles soup), ‘bun bo’ (beef noodles soup), ‘com tam’ (broken rice). Each dish offers a delightful way to immerse yourself in Vietnam’s rich culinary traditions.

Why not make your next trip unforgettable by exploring the incredible variety of Vietnam breakfast food? Let Joy Journeys guide you on a flavorful adventure through Vietnamese cuisine. Check out their tours here: https://joyjourneys.com.vn/