Dive into Vietnam’s Underwater Wonders below
1. Phở – Vietnam’s Breakfast Icon
No conversation about breakfast in Vietnam is complete without mentioning phở. This aromatic noodle soup, typically made with beef (phở bò) or chicken (phở gà), is a national symbol and a beloved way to start the day. It combines silky rice noodles, savory broth simmered for hours, and a fresh garnish of herbs, lime, and chili.
Although phở is available all day, it’s especially popular in the morning, when vendors begin serving at dawn. Northern-style phở is clearer and more delicate, while southern versions often come with more garnishes and a slightly sweeter broth.
2. Bánh Mì – A Fusion of Cultures
One of the most accessible and portable forms of breakfast in Vietnam is the famous bánh mì. Influenced by French baguettes but unmistakably Vietnamese in flavor, bánh mì sandwiches are typically filled with pâté, pork, eggs, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and chili sauce.
Vendors across the country offer endless variations, from bánh mì trứng ốp la (with fried eggs) to bánh mì xíu mại (with meatballs). It’s a convenient choice for busy commuters and travelers on the go, offering a quick, flavorful start to the day.
3. Xôi – Sticky Rice with a Twist
Xôi is a traditional and deeply rooted choice for breakfast in Vietnam, especially among schoolchildren and office workers. This dish features glutinous rice paired with an array of toppings: mung bean paste, shredded chicken, Chinese sausage, fried shallots, or even grilled pork.
Sweet versions of xôi, such as xôi đậu xanh (with mung beans) or xôi gấc (made with red gac fruit), are also popular, especially during festive seasons. Affordable, filling, and easy to carry, xôi is a beloved morning staple from north to south.
4. Bún – Noodle Soup Beyond Phở
While phở is internationally famous, breakfast in Vietnam also features a variety of other noodle soups. Bún bò Huế offers a spicy, lemongrass-infused broth with beef and pork, originating from the central city of Hue. Bún riêu, on the other hand, is a northern favorite, combining crab paste, tomatoes, tofu, and fresh herbs.
Each region has its own morning noodle dish, and trying different types of bún throughout Vietnam is a rewarding culinary adventure in itself.
5. Cháo – Comfort in a Bowl
For a lighter yet nourishing option, many locals opt for cháo, a Vietnamese rice porridge that’s often served with shredded chicken (cháo gà), duck (cháo vịt), or minced pork (cháo thịt bằm). This comforting dish is especially popular during colder months or when someone is feeling under the weather.
Soft and savory, cháo embodies the simplicity and warmth of breakfast in Vietnam, especially in northern households where it’s sometimes served with a salted duck egg or pickled vegetables.
6. Bánh Cuốn – Rolled Delicacy
Bánh cuốn is another delicate and delicious choice for breakfast in Vietnam. These thin steamed rice rolls are filled with minced pork and mushrooms, then topped with crispy shallots and served with a side of nước chấm (dipping sauce).
Often accompanied by slices of Vietnamese pork sausage (chả lụa), this dish showcases the light and elegant side of Vietnamese cuisine. It’s best enjoyed freshly made, often at small morning food stalls or local eateries.
Alt: Bánh cuốn rolls, a delicate and savory breakfast in Vietnam.
7. Hủ Tiếu – Southern Comfort
In southern Vietnam, especially in cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho, hủ tiếu is a go-to choice for breakfast in Vietnam. This noodle soup has a sweeter and more aromatic broth than phở, often served with shrimp, pork, or squid and topped with chives and fried garlic.
There are both dry (hủ tiếu khô) and soup (hủ tiếu nước) versions, making it a versatile and flavorful morning meal. Variants like hủ tiếu Nam Vang (Phnom Penh-style) reflect the cultural blend found in Vietnam’s southern cuisine.
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