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Breakfast in Vietnam

Breakfast in Vietnam: 13 hearty options to try like a local

25/06/2025 551 views

If you want to enjoy a hearty breakfast in Vietnam, don’t miss this article featuring 13 delicious options, from pho and banh mi to bun rieu. Vietnamese breakfasts are flavorful, satisfying, and a must-try experience for every traveler.

1. Pho – best breakfast in Vietnam

Pho is a beloved Vietnamese national dish and a top breakfast choice. So, what does Pho taste like? Its rich broth, made by simmering beef or chicken bones for hours, is the soul of the dish. The smooth rice noodles paired with tender slices of beef or chicken create a satisfying texture, complemented by fresh herbs for a harmonious flavor. Pho Hanoi features a light, savory broth, while Pho Saigon is darker and sweeter. Often enjoyed with lime, chili, and bean sprouts, a bowl costs around 30,000 VND. Recognized globally, beef pho was ranked among the world’s 100 best dishes by TasteAtlas in 2025.

Pho – best breakfast in Vietnam

Don’t miss pho to enjoy breakfast in Vietnam like a local (Source: Collected)

2. Banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich)

Another popular option for a traditional breakfast in Vietnam is banh mi, or Vietnamese sandwich. Found on nearly every street corner, this Vietnamese breakfast sandwich is a quick, delicious introduction to Vietnamese culinary creativity and a global favorite. It features a crispy, airy baguette stuffed with pork, pate, pickled vegetables, herbs, and chili. Each region offers unique variations, with popular versions including grilled pork and roast pork belly. Its low price, starting at just 10,000 VND, and portability make it a top breakfast pick for locals. In 2024, TasteAtlas named it the world’s best sandwich. 

Banh mi is among the best traditional Vietnamese breakfast foods

Banh mi is among the best traditional breakfast foods in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

3. Bun bo Hue (Hue beef noodle soup)

Bun bo Hue, a Central Vietnamese specialty, is known as the “muse” of Hue cuisine. Its robust broth, simmered from pork and beef bones, is flavored with lemongrass, shrimp paste, and chili oil. The dish features thick noodles, beef shank, pork hock, crab cakes, and congealed blood, served with herbs and bean sprouts. Hearty, spicy, and complex, it is a favorite choice for breakfast in Vietnam. Recognized by TasteAtlas in 2024, bun bo Hue is both a royal relic and a beloved everyday comfort food, usually costing around 30,000–50,000 VND.

Discover: Vietnamese street food: 15 good-tasting dishes that can hardly be ignored

4. Bo kho (beef stew)

Standing out on the map of Vietnamese food, bo kho is among the best options for a hearty breakfast in Vietnam. This flavorful beef stew is typically enjoyed with baguette, noodles, or rice for breakfast. Its signature orange hue comes from slow-cooked beef, carrots, lemongrass, turmeric, and annatto. The broth is rich, aromatic, and slightly spicy, with bold notes of cinnamon and star anise. Fresh herbs like basil and cilantro are common garnishes. Nutritious and satisfying, it was ranked #23 in TasteAtlas’s 2024 breakfast list.

Bo kho (beef stew)

Bo kho is a beloved morning choice that warms both body and soul (Source: Collected)

5. Banh bao (Vietnamese dumplings)

For a quick yet delicious breakfast in Vietnam, don’t miss banh bao (Vietnamese dumplings), a soft, steamed bun filled with seasoned ground pork, mushrooms, vermicelli, and quail egg. The fluffy dough is steamed to perfection, releasing a savory aroma when opened. Vendors often offer modern twists, with fillings like barbecue pork, cheese, or even vegetarian options. Affordable at as little as 10,000 VND and portable, these dumplings are a go-to breakfast for students and workers on the move.

6. Com tam (Vietnamese broken rice)

Com tam, or Vietnamese broken rice, is a Southern Vietnamese staple perfect for breakfast in Saigon. It’s served with grilled pork chops, shredded pork skin, steamed egg meatloaf, and a side of fish sauce, with optional extras like fried egg or braised meat. Its smoky aroma and generous toppings make it irresistibly satisfying. Com tam stalls line the streets of Saigon every morning, offering full meals for just 25,000–60,000 VND. Humble yet hearty, it is a flavorful way to start the day with energy.

Com tam (Vietnamese broken rice)

How much is a breakfast in Vietnam? – A basic dish of com tam is around 25,000 VND (Source: Collected)

7. Banh cuon (steamed rice rolls)

Banh cuon is a light yet flavorful dish for breakfast in Hanoi. Delicate rice sheets are steamed and filled with minced pork, wood ear mushrooms, and scallions, then served with sweet-sour fish sauce. Variations include egg-filled rolls or meatless versions. Often accompanied by Vietnamese ham (cha lua), grilled meat, herbs, and fried shallots, banh cuon delights with its soft texture and balanced flavors. This popular morning dish can be found throughout Northern Vietnam, with prices starting from around 20,000 VND per plate.

8. Xoi (Vietnamese sticky rice)

A satisfying breakfast in Vietnam can start with xoi, or Vietnamese sticky rice,a dense, aromatic dish made from steamed glutinous rice. Toppings vary widely—from mung bean paste and fried shallots to savory extras like Chinese sausage, shredded chicken, and braised pork. Xoi xeo Hanoi, with mashed mung beans, is a favorite, while coastal towns like Nha Trang feature xoi with anchovies. Conveniently wrapped in banana leaves and sold warm for as little as 5,000 VND, xoi is a filling, budget-friendly breakfast found across Vietnam’s streets and markets.

Xoi is known as one of the most common Vietnamese breakfast foods

Xoi is known as one of the most common Vietnamese breakfast foods (Source: Collected)

Explore: Top 30 Vietnamese traditional foods with cultural essence

9. Bo ne (Vietnamese beef steak with egg)

Bo ne is a favorite choice for Vietnamese breakfast with eggs, especially among young diners. Served in a cast-iron pan, it features tender beef, sunny-side-up eggs, fries, and vegetables, all drizzled with savory sauce. It is usually paired with crusty banh mi and fresh greens. Resembling a Western-style breakfast but rich in Vietnamese flavor, bò né is loved for its hearty portions and striking presentation. Prices vary by toppings but typically start from 40,000 VND, making it a filling morning indulgence.

10. Chao long (pig’s offal porridge)

Chao long, a rich rice porridge made with simmered pork bones and a mix of pig offal like liver, kidney, and intestines, is among the unique Vietnamese breakfast ideas. Served hot with scallions, chili flakes, and crispy fried dough, it is a hearty breakfast cherished across Vietnam. Side condiments like fish sauce, ginger, and fresh herbs let diners customize the taste. The porridge has a warming, deep flavor, especially enhanced by fresh blood pudding. Priced affordably, chao long is a humble yet soul-satisfying dish for breakfast in Vietnam that many locals swear by.

What is a typical Vietnamese breakfast dish? - Chao long

What is a typical Vietnamese breakfast dish? – Chao long (Source: Collected)

11. Bun rieu (Vietnamese crab noodle soup)

Bun rieu is a vibrant Vietnamese crab noodle soup from the Red River Delta, known for its tangy tomato broth enriched with freshwater crab paste. Served with vermicelli, fried tofu, pork, herbs, and shrimp paste, it is a favorite for breakfast in Vietnam, especially in the northern region. Regional versions may include snails or seafood. Recognized in TasteAtlas’s 2024 list of best crustacean dishes, bun rieu typically costs 20,000–30,000 VND and offers a deliciously refreshing start to the day.

12. Hu tieu (Vietnamese rice noodle soup)

Among Vietnamese rice noodles, hu tieu is a beloved choice for a typical breakfast in Vietnam. This Southern Vietnamese noodle soup is known for its delicate, subtly sweet broth made from pork bones and dried shrimp. Served with tapioca or rice noodles and topped with minced pork, shrimp, sliced pork, and quail eggs, it’s customizable with fresh herbs and chili vinegar. Popular variations include hu tieu Nam Vang, hu tieu Sa Dec, and hu tieu My Tho. A versatile dish, it is served wet or dry, typically costing 30,000–50,000 VND.

Hu tieu (Vietnamese rice noodle soup)

There are many variations of hu tieu to choose from for your breakfast in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

13. Banh canh (thick noodle soup)

If you are falling in love with Vietnamese noodles, choose banh canh for a hearty breakfast in Vietnam. This dish features thick, chewy noodles in a savory broth, often made with pork, crab, or fish. Popular variations include banh canh cua (crab) and banh canh gio heo (pork hock). The soup is hearty, warming, and packed with umami, often garnished with green onions, fried shallots, and chili. Its satisfying texture and rich flavor make it a favorite breakfast in Central and Southern Vietnam. Easily found at street stalls and casual eateries, banh canh is both filling and affordable.

More on: Breakfast in Da Nang: Best local breakfast dishes to kickstart your day

Breakfast in Vietnam is more than just a meal; it is a flavorful journey through the country’s culinary culture. From steaming bowls of pho to crispy banh mi, Vietnamese breakfast foods offer variety and richness in every bite. Whether you are exploring street stalls or cozy local eateries, Vietnamese breakfast dishes are sure to leave you both satisfied and inspired.

After savoring a delicious breakfast, you are all set to explore a country bursting with life, color, and unforgettable experiences. From the laid-back island vibe in Phu Quoc to the sunny coastline in Nha Trang, the modern energy in Da Nang, and the historic charm in Hoi An, Vietnam caters to every type of traveler. 

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