Vietnamese chicken rice: Top 9 delicious specialties across 3 regions

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Vietnamese chicken rice is a simple but incredibly tasty dish that can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner (Source: Collected)

Vietnamese chicken rice, known as “Com Ga” in the local language, is a gastronomic masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of Vietnamese cuisine. Bursting with fragrant aromas, vibrant colors, and an irresistible medley of flavors, this beloved dish has captivated palates worldwide.

In this guide, we will take you on a mouthwatering Vietnam travel journey through the world of Vietnamese chicken rice, exploring 9 irresistible variations that will satisfy even the most discerning foodies!

1. Com dao ga rang – A famous Hanoi-originated Vietnamese chicken rice

This is a rising star in Vietnamese cuisine. It is a one-pot wonder, perfectly blending flavorful rice, succulent chicken, and an assortment of vegetables. The highlight of this dish lies in its unique seasoning, which adds depth and complexity to the dish and will surely tantalize your taste buds.

Here are the top places to sample it: 

• 24 Tong Duy Tan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• 7 Tong Duy Tan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• 19 Tong Duy Tan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

2. Com ga Hoi An (Hoi An chicken rice)

This iconic dish hails from the beautiful town of Hoi An in Vietnam and has been tantalizing taste buds for generations. The star of Hoi An chicken rice is undoubtedly the tender, succulent chicken served on a bed of fragrant jasmine rice cooked in chicken broth. 

Every bite is bursting with flavors as the chicken is marinated with an array of aromatic spices. Add some crispy julienned papaya on top, along with a zesty lime dipping sauce, and you have yourself a dish that will leave you wanting more.

Chicken rice Hoi An is a Vietnamese rice recipe you should not miss out on (Source: Collected)

You can give this dish a try at: 

• 22 Phan Chau Trinh Street, Hoi An
• 17/4 Hai Ba Trung, Hoi An
• 56 Le Loi, Minh An, Hoi An

3. Com lam ga nuong (Vietnamese sticky rice in bamboo with grilled chicken)

Vietnamese sticky rice in bamboo with grilled chicken traces its origin back to the ethnic minorities residing in the mountainous regions of Vietnam. The sticky rice is soaked overnight, stuffed into bamboo tubes, and then roasted over an open fire. 

The result is a unique smoky flavor that permeates the tender grains of rice. The combination of fragrant sticky rice and succulent chicken creates a delightful harmony of flavors. 

Here are some of the best places to enjoy this Vietnamese chicken rice dish:

• 36 Mac Dinh Chi, Ward 4, Da Lat, Lam Dong
• 65/1 Quang Trung, Ward 9, Da Lat, Lam Dong
• National Highway 722, Junction 3 Mangline, Ankroet – Cam Ly Street, Da Lat, Lam Dong

>>> Vietnamese food: List of 17 MUST-TRY specialties across three regions

4. Com ga xoi mo (Vietnamese fried chicken rice)

Com ga xoi mo is a popular Vietnamese dish that originates from Hanoi. “Xoi mo” refers to the way the chicken is fried until it turns golden brown and crispy using its own fat. This unique cooking method gives the dish a delightful crunchiness that complements the tender and flavorful chicken perfectly. 

The dish is often accompanied by a tangy dipping sauce made from lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and chili for an extra burst of flavor. The highlight of Vietnamese fried chicken rice lies in its simplicity yet complexity of flavors and textures! 

Taste this crunchy goodness at: 

• 217 Thach Lam, Tan Phu, Ho Chi Minh City
• 142 Ba Dinh, District 8, Ho Chi Minh City
• 82/1 Chu Van An, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City

Fried chicken and rice Vietnamese is a filling dish for any occasion (Source: Collected)

5. Com ga Hai Nam (Hainanese chicken rice in Vietnam)

Hainanese chicken rice is believed to have been brought to the country by immigrants. The highlight of this Vietnamese chicken dish lies in its tender poached chicken, which is glazed with a blend of fragrant herbs and spices, giving it a uniquely delicate taste. 

The succulent meat is complemented by the aromatic jasmine rice cooked with chicken broth, resulting in grains that are infused with both flavor and aroma. 

These are 3 great places to try Hainanese chicken rice: 

• 205-207 Calmette, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• 934 Tran Hung Dao, Ward 7, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City 
• 107 Lo Duc, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi

6. Com ga Tam Ky (Tam Ky chicken rice) – A must-try Vietnamese chicken rice in the central region

Originating from the city of Tam Ky in central Vietnam, this Vietnamese chicken rice dish holds a special place in the hearts and taste buds of locals and visitors alike. 

The star of the show is undoubtedly the chicken, which is simmered to perfection until tender and succulent. The rice used in this dish is infused with a blend of turmeric, creating a vibrant yellow hue that immediately grabs your attention.

Vietnamese chicken with rice from Tam Ky is a must-try (Source: Collected)

You can try Tam Ky chicken rice at: 

• 576 Phan Chu Trinh Street, Chau Hoa Huong, Tam Ky, Quang Nam
• 256 Trung Nu Vuong, Tam Ky, Quang Nam
• 43 Nguyen Duc, An My, Tam Ky, Quang Nam

>>> Food travel: Benefits and top 5 destinations for food enthusiasts

7. Com ga Nha Trang (Nha Trang chicken rice)

This is a delectable dish from Vietnam’s coastal city, Nha Trang. The secret to its incredible taste lies in the traditional method employed during preparation. Tender chicken is gently poached until perfectly cooked, ensuring a juicy and flavorful result. 

The chicken is then thinly sliced and served atop fragrant rice that has been infused with the essence of the poultry broth. This simple yet exquisite combination is further enhanced by a medley of fresh herbs, crispy fried shallots, and tangy sauce-based dressings.

Some good places to sample this dish are:

• 14A, To Hien Thanh Street, Nha Trang
• 88, Tran Nguyen Han Street, Nha Trang 
• 114, Mai Xuan Thuong Street, Vinh Hai Ward, Nha Trang

8. Com ga Phu Yen (Phu Yen chicken rice) – Among the best Vietnamese chicken rice dishes

This delightful dish originated in the central coastal province of Phu Yen, Vietnam. It is essentially a scrumptious combination of tender chicken, fragrant rice, and an array of aromatic herbs and spices that take your taste buds on a tantalizing journey. 

The flavor profile of this Vietnamese chicken rice dish is complex yet well-balanced, with hints of lemongrass and garlic enhancing every bite. 

You can try this dish at: 

• 189 Le Thanh Ton, Ward 3, Tuy Hoa, Phu Yen
• 211 Le Thanh Ton Street, Ward 4, Tuy Hoa, Phu Yen
• 31 Ngo Gia Tu Street, Tuy Hoa, Phu Yen

Vietnamese chicken rice Phu Yen is simple yet sophisticated (Source: Collected)

9. Com nieu ga (Vietnamese clay pot chicken rice)

This humble yet flavor-packed dish traces its origins back to the rural areas of Northern Vietnam. The rice and chicken are cooked together in a clay pot over an open fire, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. 

As the rice simmers slowly, it absorbs flavors from the succulent chicken, creating a harmony that is hard to resist. The result is fragrant and tender rice paired with perfectly cooked chicken that tastes like heaven on a plate.

Places to try Vietnamese clay pot chicken rice: 

• 29 Trung Hoa, Cau Giay, Hanoi
• 67 Ho Dac Di, Dong Da, Hanoi
• 26 Nguyen Hong, Dong Da, Hanoi

To try the various types of Vietnamese chicken rice, you can visit Hanoi, Hoi An, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc. These cities will also provide you with the opportunity to explore Vietnam’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty.

If you are interested in underwater wonders and educational experiences, you can visit the VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium. This fascinating attraction showcases a diverse array of marine species and offers interactive exhibits that allow you to create cherished memories.

Have fun at VinWonders

For a dose of thrilling entertainment and amusement park fun, VinWonders Nam Hoi An, VinWonders Nha Trang, and VinWonders Phu Quoc are perfect choices. 

These amusement parks feature a variety of rides, shows, and attractions suitable for all ages. You can immerse yourself in a world of excitement and adventure while enjoying the charming allure of these destinations! 

>>> Book e-tickets to VinWonders Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Nam Hoi An, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium for less hassle, better offerings, and something memorable to look forward to on your next short break and day out!

Vietnamese chicken rice is a culinary masterpiece that embodies the essence of Vietnamese cuisine. With its aromatic flavors, vibrant colors, and diverse regional variations, this dish has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide. 

Whether enjoyed at a street food stall or a fine dining establishment, Vietnamese chicken rice offers a tantalizing experience that will transport you to a flavorsome paradise! 

>>> Book voucher, combo, tour to Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Da Nang to elevate your travel experience!