Traditional Vietnamese Breakfast Dishes You Must Try

Vietnamese breakfast is diverse and rich, reflecting the cultural and culinary habits specific to each region. Each part of the country offers distinct breakfast dishes, showcasing different ingredients and preparation styles that contribute to a unique and enjoyable culinary experience. Let’s explore the unique features of Vietnamese breakfast with Lua Viet Tours!

Vietnamese Breakfast Culture

Vietnamese breakfast is not just the first meal of the day; it embodies the diversity and richness of Vietnamese culinary culture. From noodle soups like pho and hu tieu to dry dishes such as xoi (sticky rice) and banh mi, breakfast showcases a broad spectrum of flavors and textures. Most Vietnamese breakfast dishes are prepared with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, ensuring their distinct and delicious flavors.

Rich and nutritious Vietnamese breakfast

Vietnamese people often eat breakfast at street stalls, markets, or small shops. This makes breakfast a social activity, where people can socialize and enjoy the lively morning atmosphere. Vietnamese breakfast is not only a source of energy but also a part of their lifestyle, where they can enjoy traditional food and connect with local culture.

Traditional Roots of Vietnamese Breakfast

Historically, breakfast in Vietnam was simple, often focused on providing energy for labor-intensive work. The introduction of banh mi since the French colonial period, which started as a simple baguette, gradually evolved into the Vietnamese sandwich filled with various meats, pickled vegetables, and herbs. This period also saw the integration of coffee into the Vietnamese breakfast culture, leading to the rise of ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk), which became a popular morning drink.

Vietnamese Banh mi is inspired by the French baguette (Image Source: Internet)

However, with the Doi Moi policy in 1986, which opened the economy, there was an influx of international culinary influences. This led to more diversity in breakfast options, including the rise of more elaborate and varied noodle soups like bun bo Hue and hu tieu.

Typical Northern Vietnamese Breakfast

In Northern Vietnam, Vietnamese breakfast options are generally milder compared to other regions, showcasing a balanced combination of salty, bitter, sweet, and sour flavors. Lua Viet Tours will show you some of the typical breakfasts in this region!

Pho

Pho is the quintessential Vietnamese breakfast dish. This noodle soup, usually served with either beef (pho bo) or chicken (pho ga), is made from a clear broth flavored with star anise, cinnamon, and other herbs. It is often enjoyed by early risers in Hanoi and other northern regions as a comforting and nourishing start to the day.

Restaurant recommendations:

• Pho Bat Dan: 49 Bat Dan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Pho Thin: 13 Lo Duc Street, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi
• Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su: 10 Ly Quoc Su Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Pho – A favorite breakfast dish of Hanoi locals (Image Source: Internet)

Bun Thang (Vermicelli and chicken soup) 

A delicately flavored noodle soup, bun thang is typically associated with Hanoi. This dish features thin rice noodles served in a clear broth with shredded chicken, pork, and eggs, creating a light but hearty meal. It’s known for its balance of flavors and is often eaten during special occasions or as a breakfast option.

Restaurant recommendations:

• Bun Thang Ba Duc: 48 Cau Go, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Bun Thang Thanh Van: 12-14 Hang Ga

Bun thang – A healthy balance for breakfast (Image Source: Internet)

Xoi (Sticky rice)

Xoi is a traditional northern breakfast dish made from sticky rice, served with a variety of toppings. Common variations include xoi ga (sticky rice with chicken), xoi xiu (sticky rice with pork), or xoi dau xanh (sticky rice with mung beans). It’s often sold by street vendors and enjoyed for its rich texture and versatility in toppings.

Restaurant recommendations:

• Xoi Hang Ma: 43 Hang Ma Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Xoi Nguyet: 90 Dao Tan, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
• Xoi Yen: 35B Nguyen Huu Huan, Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

A typical Xoi dish of local people (Image Source: Internet)

>>> Read more: Top 8 Hanoi Snacks You Should Not Miss!

Typical Central Vietnamese Breakfast

Meanwhile, Central Vietnam is known for its bold use of spices, with influences from the royal cuisine of Hue. Signature breakfast meals include bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup) and mi quang (turmeric-infused noodles).

Bun Bo Hue (Hue beef noodle soup)

Bun bo Hue is a signature dish from the central region, especially the city of Hue. This noodle soup is known for its rich and spicy broth, made with beef, pork, and lemongrass, creating a unique combination of savory and spicy flavors. The dish often includes thicker noodles and a variety of herbs, giving it a distinctive taste.

Restaurant recommendations:

• Bun Bo Hue O Cuong – Chu Diep: No. 6 Tran Thuc Nhan Street, Hue City
• Bun Bo Hue O Phuong: No. 24 Nguyen Khuyen Street, Hue City
• Quan Cam – Bun Bo Hue: 38 Tran Cao Van Street, Hue City

Bun bo Hue – A famous dish of Central Vietnam people (Image Source: Internet)

Mi Quang (Quang noodles)

A specialty of Quang Nam province, mi quang is a noodle dish that features flat rice noodles topped with a variety of meats (often pork, chicken, or shrimp) and served with a small amount of rich, turmeric-flavored broth. It’s garnished with peanuts, herbs, and sometimes fried rice crackers for added texture.

Restaurant recommendations:

• Mi Quang Dung: 121 Do Ba, Bac My Phu, Ngu Hanh Son, Da Nang
• Mi Quang Giao Thuy: 1B Ba Dinh, Thach Thang, Hai Chau, Da Nang
• Mi Quang Co Sau: 37b Pham Quang Anh, An Hai Bac, Son Tra, Da Nang

You cannot miss Mi Quang for a perfect breakfast at Quang Nam (Image Source: Internet)

Banh Can (Vietnamese mini pancake)

Banh can is a type of small pancake from central Vietnam, often served for breakfast in areas like Da Nang. The dish features a crispy outer layer with a soft, egg-filled center and is typically served with fresh herbs, dipping sauce, and sometimes seafood or pork. It’s a popular street food item, particularly for a quick and flavorful breakfast.

Restaurant recommendations:

• Banh Can Di Hoang: 35 Trung Nu Vuong, Hai Chau, Da Nang
• Banh Can Loan Nguyen: 274 Hai Phong, Thanh Khe, Da Nang
• Banh Can co Bac: K58/21 Co Bac, Hai Chau, Da Nang

Banh can, a small pancake from Central Vietnam (Image Source: Internet)

Typical Southern Vietnamese Breakfast

In Southern Vietnam, foods are typically more vibrant and sweeter, creating rich and savory meals. Let’s learn more about that with us!

Banh Mi

The banh mi is perhaps the most internationally recognized Vietnamese dish. This French-inspired sandwich features a crispy baguette filled with a variety of ingredients, such as grilled pork, pate, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and chili. It is a popular breakfast choice across southern Vietnam, especially in Ho Chi Minh City, due to its delicious combination of flavors and convenient portability.

Restaurant recommendations:

• Banh mi Huynh Hoa: 26 Le Thi Rieng – Pham Ngu Lao – District 1
• Banh mi 362: 25 Tran Cao Van – Da Kao – District 1
• Banh mi Kim Dung: 118A Ly Thuong Kiet – Ward 7 – District 10

Eating Banh mi is a uniqueness of Saigon people. (Image Source: Internet)

Com Tam (Steamed broken rice)

Com tam, or broken rice, is a hearty southern breakfast dish often served with grilled pork, but variations with beef or chicken are common. The dish is typically accompanied by pickled vegetables, fried eggs, and sometimes a side of soup. It is a comforting and filling breakfast loved by locals in Ho Chi Minh City.

Restaurant recommendations:

• Com Tam Ba Ghien: 84 Dang Van Ngu, Phu Nhuan District
• Com Tam An Duong Vuong: 500-502 An Duong Vuong Street, District 5
• Com Tam Thanh Nien: 570 Truong Sa Street, Phu Nhuan District

Com tam or Steamed broken rice (Image Source: Internet)

>>> You may also like: From Necessity To National Dish: The Rise Of Com Tam

Hu Tieu (Noodle soup)

Hu tieu is a versatile noodle soup popular in the south of Vietnam, especially in Ho Chi Minh City. The dish features a clear broth with rice noodles and can be made with a variety of meats such as pork, beef, or seafood. Hu tieu can be served in different styles, either as a dry noodle dish with dipping sauce or in a broth, making it a customizable and beloved breakfast option.

Restaurant recommendations:

• Hu Tieu My Tho: 45 Vo Van Tan Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
• Hu Tieu Nam Vang 24: 24 Lê Lai, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Hu Tieu District 5: 197 Le Quang Dinh Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

Starting a day with a bowl of Hu Tieu (Image Source: Internet)

Vietnamese Coffee

In addition to its delicious dishes, a Vietnamese breakfast wouldn’t be complete without a cup of traditional Vietnamese coffee. Enjoying coffee has been an integral habit for many Vietnamese over the years. Whether you prefer a traditional hot drip coffee or a refreshing iced version, the rich aroma of Vietnamese coffee enhances the flavors of your breakfast experience.

Vietnamese coffee will enhance your breakfast experience! (Image Source: Internet)

Conclusion

Vietnamese people often eat breakfast at street stalls, markets, or small shops. This makes breakfast a social activity, where people can socialize and enjoy the lively morning atmosphere. Vietnamese breakfast is not only a source of energy but also a part of their lifestyle, where they can enjoy traditional food and connect with local culture.

Experience the vibrant and authentic side of Vietnam with Lua Viet Tours. Join us on our specially crafted Saigon Early Morning Motorbike Tour to explore local Vietnamese breakfast at bustling Nguyen Van Troi Market and uncover the morning rhythms of Saigon like a local. Book your adventure today and taste the essence of Vietnam’s culinary heritage!