A list of 12 tasty Vietnamese breakfast foods that you should NOT miss

Vietnamese breakfast foods reflect the unique culinary traditions of different regions in Vietnam, with a wide diversity of options such as Pho, Bun, sticky rice, Banh mi, etc.

During your Vietnam travel, you should not miss out on experiencing the vibrant array of Vietnamese breakfast foods. Vietnamese people believe that a hearty breakfast provides the energy and nutrients to start the day off right. With a wide variety of delicious dishes throughout the country, breakfast in Vietnam aims to not only satisfy hunger but also honor the traditional culture.

1. Banh mi – A favorite Vietnamese breakfast food

Banh mi, one of the beloved Vietnamese breakfast foods, is a delightful combination of flavors and textures encased in a crispy bread crust. Priced from 20,000 – 35,000 VND (1-2 USD), this Vietnamese bread typically features a variety of toppings, including grilled meats, pate, cucumber, carrot, fresh herbs, and a little spicy sauce. Its cheap price, tasty appearance, and portability have made Banh mi one of the top 10 best-rated street foods in the world.

2. Pho 

Pho, a symbol of Vietnamese culinary culture, is a flavorful noodle soup that has gained a worldwide reputation. It consists of a fragrant beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, tender slices of meat, and an assortment of fresh herbs. Diners can choose to enjoy Pho at bustling Vietnamese breakfast restaurants or local eateries. Starting from 40,000 VND, Pho is one of the most popular and favored Vietnamese breakfast foods.

3. Vietnamese noodles – Typical Vietnamese breakfast dishes

Beside Pho, Vietnamese breakfast foods feature a wide array of noodle dishes that tantalize taste buds, such as Mi quang, Bun bo Hue, Bun dau mam tom, etc.

Mi quang features yellow noodles tossed with shrimp, pork, herbs, and crunchy rice crackers, while Bun bo Hue consists of spicy broth, tender beef, and thick rice noodles. Bun cha has a perfect combination of grilled pork, vermicelli, herbs, and fragrant dipping sauce. Bun dau mam tom allures food lovers with the distinctive flavor of shrimp paste, along with tofu, vermicelli, boiled pig’s leg, green rice, and spring rolls.

4. Vietnamese cakes

Vietnamese breakfast foods are not limited to noodles; there is also a delightful selection of tasty cakes to enjoy, such as Banh khuc, Banh gio, Banh nep, Banh te, etc. These cakes are mainly made from sticky rice, mung beans, and meat, having different flavors and textures. You can find them at many street food stalls, with affordable prices from 15,000 VND to 30,000 VND per serving.

5. Xoi – One of the popular Vietnamese breakfast foods

What is a typical Vietnamese breakfast? There is a wide variety of options depending on the region you are in. Notably, Vietnamese sticky rice is an ideal choice for a quick breakfast everywhere in Vietnam. It comes with various toppings, such as steamed mung beans, shredded chicken, fried onions, quail eggs, or sliced sausage. A pack of xoi from a street vendor normally costs from 10,000 to 15,000 VND.

6. Bo kho – A typical breakfast food in Southern Vietnam

Bo kho (Vietnamese beef stew) is a mouth-watering dish of Sai Gon cuisine, commonly enjoyed as one of the popular Vietnamese breakfast foods. It is made with beef chunks, carrots, and aromatic spices like lemongrass, star anise, and cinnamon, all slow-cooked to perfection in a savory broth. Only priced at 35,000 VND per bowl, Bo kho is favored by many locals and visitors.

7. Coffee – A great idea for a tasty Vietnamese breakfast

Coffee holds a special place in Vietnamese breakfast culture, an integral part of the morning routine. Vietnamese coffee is strong and bold, often served with condensed milk for a rich and creamy taste. Sipping a cup of ca phe sua da (iced coffee) or creamy egg coffee after indulging in delicious Vietnamese breakfast foods will bring you an authentic experience like a local.

8. Chao long

Chao long, one of the traditional Vietnamese breakfast foods, is a hearty rice porridge made with pork bone broth, rice, pork offal, and herbs. Priced from 20,000 to 50,000 VND a bowl, Chao long is a beloved choice for locals seeking a wholesome and delicious breakfast option.

9. Banh cuon – One of the traditional Vietnamese breakfast foods

Banh cuon, also known as Vietnamese steamed rice roll, is a popular dish of Vietnamese breakfast recipes. It features delicate rice flour sheets filled with a savory mixture of minced pork, mushrooms, fried onions and served with fish sauce. The price for a portion of Banh cuon is from 30,000 VND to 60,000 VND, making it an affordable and delicious dish for a morning meal.

10. Bo ne – Vietnamese breakfast with steak and eggs

Listed as one of the typical Vietnamese breakfast foods, Bo ne consists of tender beef steak, potatoes, pate, sunny-side-up eggs, and crispy fries, all on a piping hot cast-iron pan. It is commonly served with a baguette, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and cucumber. This Vietnamese breakfast with steak and eggs costs you from 25,000 to 35,000 VND, providing a thrilling dining experience to kickstart your day.

11. Hu tieu

Originating from the Mekong Delta, Hu tieu is one of the prominent Vietnamese breakfast dishes. This dish is made with rice flour, blended with various toppings such as ground pork, shrimp, boiled quail eggs, pork liver, pork intestine, etc. in a flavorful broth. Hu tieu can be enjoyed either with or without broth. A bowl of Hu tieu costs from just 30,000 to 60,000 VND.

12. Com tam

Originating from Southern Vietnam, Com tam – Vietnamese broken rice – is a popular dish in the daily life of the locals. Made from broken rice grains, this dish is served with chargrilled pork chops, shredded pork rinds, steamed egg meatloaf, sunny-side-up eggs, and pickled vegetables. Com tam costs from 35,000 VND to 50,000 VND per serving. It has now become one of the prominent Vietnamese breakfast foods throughout the country.