Vietnam's Top 12 Breakfast Delights!

While traveling through a street food paradise, there's nothing better than starting your day in Vietnam with a delicious traditional Vietnamese breakfast. As you stroll through the city streets in the morning, you'll discover a wide variety of mouthwatering options, leaving you wondering which dishes to choose. This question is not as simple as it seems, as each dish in different regions carries different flavors and stories.

Discover this list of the best Vietnam breakfast dishes, cherished by locals in each region!

Written by Jade NGUYEN, (local expert) Updated on 27-03-2024

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Breakfast in Northern Vietnam: Subtle dishes!

The cuisine of the North, exuding refinement, gentleness, and elegance mirroring the people of Hanoi, is wild and intriguing, yet always subtle enough to leave a distinct impression on Vietnam's culinary map.

1. Xôi (Steamed Glutinous Rice)

Xôi is a familiar and authentic dish for Vietnamese people, made from fragrant glutinous rice grains. It is often accompanied by other ingredients such as peanuts, gac fruit, corn, etc., which give it unique flavors.

Xôi can be divided into two main types: savory xôi and sweet xôi. Savory xôi is often enjoyed with accompaniments such as eggs, braised pork belly, chicken, and more. On the other hand, sweet xôi is prepared using natural ingredients such as xôi đỗ (glutinous rice with mung beans), xôi gấc (glutinous rice with Momordica fruit), and xôi ngô (glutinous rice with corn).

Whether savory or sweet, xôi offers a soft and flavorful texture of glutinous rice. It is an excellent choice to start a busy day.

These restaurants in Hanoi will introduce you to delicious variations of Xôi and allow you to savor this traditional dish in all its splendor:

• Xôi Yến: 35b Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi (6h-0h)
• Xôi Mây: 31 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi (6h30 – 13h)
• Xôi Cát Lâm: 24b Duong Thanh Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi (6h30-22h30)

2. Banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich)

Banh mi, a food made from ground grain flour mixed with water and cooked, originated from the baguettes brought by the French to Saigon in the early 19th century. Today, Banh mi has become an essential culinary symbol in the daily lives of Vietnamese people. Its popularity is such that the term "banh mi" is even featured in the Oxford Dictionary, a testament to its global appeal.

Banh mi is easily accessible in all cities, streets, or neighborhoods in Vietnam, whether it be in ordinary working districts, bustling shopping centers, sidewalks, alleyways, or even luxury hotels. It can be said that Banh mi is a dish for everyone, without distinction.

Here are some of the best Banh mi restaurants in Vietnam:

• Bánh mì Lãn Ông - 20 Cha Ca Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi (7h-22h)
• Bami Bread – 55 Hang Dieu Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi (7h-21h)
• Bánh mì Phượng - 2B Phan Chu Trinh, Hoi An (6h-21h)

While Banh mi is not traditionally a popular breakfast in northern Vietnam, it enjoys immense popularity in Ho Chi Minh City, the southern metropolis of the country, where it originated as a world-renowned Vietnamese sandwich:

• Huỳnh Hoa - 26 Le Thi Rieng Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (11h-21h)
• Hoa Ma - 53 rue Cao Thang Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City (6h-11h)

3. Banh bao (Vietnamese Steamed Pork Buns)

Banh bao, originally inspired by various types of Chinese steamed buns such as mantou, jiaozi, and baozi, has found its place in Vietnam through gradual adaptation to Vietnamese tastes and local cuisine.

A typical Banh bao consists of minced pork, wood ear mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, vermicelli noodles, and quail or chicken eggs. Traditionally served hot, it is kept in a steamer or oven before being served to customers. Banh bao accompanied by a glass of soy milk makes for an ideal and balanced breakfast.

Today, Banh bao has become a popular dish enjoyed by many people in Vietnam. Their success lies in the combination of savory flavors, soft textures, and the art of crafting them to perfection.

If you're a Banh bao lover or looking to experience this delicious Vietnamese specialty, here are a few restaurants not to be missed:

• Vua Bánh Bao: 83 Hang Bac Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi (18:00 – 23:00)
• Bánh Bao Phát Đạt: 8 Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi (7h30-9h/15h-19h30)
• Bánh Bao Chiên: 18 Luong Van Can Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi (7h-22h)

4. Banh cuon (Vietnamese Rice Rolls)

Banh cuon is one of the Vietnamese dishes with a very rich and diverse way of processing and use. The origin of Banh cuon comes from China, but when it comes to Vietnam, it is processed in a very creative way and has its unique flavor, with a thin, soft, and flexible cake crust wrapped with different types of fillings inside.

The Hanoi people have adopted the habit of eating in the morning. They eagerly wait for the plate of Banh cuon to come out of the oven and watch the cook quickly coat the rice flour cake, spread the onion fat, sprinkle dried onions, and cut pieces of cinnamon brioche on top. The guests who receive this plate enjoy it hot with a slightly spicy sweet and sour sauce.

Here are the addresses of the Banh Cuon restaurants, it’s up to you to decide if you want to go there:

• Banh cuốn Hàng Bồ: 57A, Hang Bo, Hanoi
• Banh cuốn Bà Hạnh: 26B Tho Xuong, Phu Doan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Banh cuốn Thành Trì- Đại Đồng: 21 Dai Dong, Hoang Mai, Hanoi
• Banh cuốn Bà Hoành: 66 To Hien Thanh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Banh cuon is also a unique culinary specialty of Cao Bang, a beautiful destination located in the northeast of Vietnam, famous for the Ban Gioc Falls, the largest natural waterfall in Southeast Asia. If you have the opportunity to visit this province, do not miss tasting this typical breakfast dish in these eateries:

• Bánh Cuốn Cô Lan Pháo Đài: route nationale 4, Tan Giang, Cao Bang
• Bánh cuốn bà Hải: 4 route Hien Giang, Hop Giang, Cao Bang

5. Bun thang (Chicken broth vermicelli)

If dishes such as Banh bao or Banh cuon win the hearts of food lovers with their simplicity, bun thang is a sophisticated breakfast appreciated by the inhabitants of Hanoi.

A bowl of Bun thang, filled with vermicelli, also contains other ingredients such as chicken, fried eggs, dried shrimp, pork sausages, mushrooms, etc. The broth poured over everything must be very rich, and tasty and give off a characteristic aroma of boiled bones.

Bun thang embodies the elegance of Hanoi cuisine, offering a perfect combination of colors, flavors, and tastes. Often compared to a "five-color flower" because of its colorful ingredients, Bun thang instantly attracts guests at first glance.

Here are some delicious Bun thang restaurants in Hanoi where you can savor this authentic dish:

• Bun thang Cầu Gỗ: 48 Cau Go, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi (7h-23h)
• Bun thang Hàng Hòm, 11 Hang Hom, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi (6h30-21h30)
• Bun thang  Hạ Hồi: 11 Ha Hoi, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi (6h-23h)

6. Bun rieu (Crab Noodle Soup)

Bun rieu is a familiar dish for the Vietnamese, and its flavor can vary according to the culinary traditions of each region.

In Hanoi, the preparation of Bun rieu involves the use of copper crab puree to obtain a tasty broth, as well as tomatoes cut into small pieces. The pieces of crab are sautéed with dried onions and tomatoes, creating a bright and appetizing color.

Chives are reserved for garnishing the dish. Visually, the vermicelli noodles bring a combination of colors with their whiteness, the red tomatoes, the green onions, the delicious pieces of copper crab, and the fresh vegetables that accompany the dish.

Here are some delicious Bun rieu restaurants in Hanoi where you can savor this authentic dish:

• Bun rieu Nguyễn Siêu: 23 Nguyen Sieu, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi (8h-22h)
• Bun rieu Hàng Bạc: 11 Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi (6h-20h)
• Bun rieu Nguyễn Du: 50 Nguyen Du, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi (6h-14h)
• Bun rieu Hàng Lược: 14 Hang Luoc, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi (6h-9h)

7. Pho (Beef/Chicken Noodle Soup)

"Visiting Vietnam without savoring a Pho is comparable to going to France without tasting a croissant." Pho is an iconic dish of Vietnam, closely linked to the traditions, heritage, and daily life of the Vietnamese people.

In a bowl of Pho, you will find soft noodles accompanied by beef (Beef Pho) or chicken (Chicken Pho), all mixed in a broth prepared from bones, herbs, and spices, enhanced with a touch of coriander that creates a unique flavor that is found nowhere else in the world.

To taste Pho like a resident of Hanoi, here are some recommended addresses:

• Phở Khôi Hói (beef pho): 50C Hang Vai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi (6h-21h30)
• Phở Thìn (beef pho sauteed with onions): 13 Lo Duc, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi ( 6h-20h30)
• Phở Lý Quốc Sư (beef pho): 10 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi (6h-14h/17h-22h)
• Phở Nguyệt (chicken pho): 5b Phu Doan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi (6h-10h/ 17h-6h)
• Phở Huyền Hương (chicken pho): 20 Bao Khanh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi (8h-23h)

Breakfast in Central Vietnam: Daring dishes!

The cuisine in Central Vietnam is renowned for its balance, harmony, and delicacy. The main dishes are typically characterized by their spicy and salty flavor. In essence, culinary design in the Center favors taste richness, which means that a dish, even if it appears simple, must be elaborate and tasty to be considered delicious.

8. Bun Bo Hue (Hue beef noodles)

Bun Bo Hue is a dish appreciated for its visual appeal and unforgettable taste, being an integral part of the ancient imperial capital of Vietnam since the 16th century. A bowl of Bun Bo Hue noodle soup consists of noodles, beef, cubes of pork blood, crab donuts, and broth.

To enjoy a delicious bowl of Bun Bo Hue, true to the taste of the ancient capital, it must give off an enticing aroma. The noodles are imbued with the orange color of cashew oil, the beef brings a touch of red, and the onions add a note of green, all accompanied by a pleasant smell and a pinch of fresh bean sprouts. This noodle dish offers spicy, sweet, and savory flavors that truly captivate the guests.

Here are some of the best restaurants recommended by locals to enjoy a delicious Bun Bo Hue:

• Bún bò Mụ Rơi: 48 Nguyen Chi Dieu, Thuan Thanh, Hue (5h30-10h)
• Bún bò Kim Dong 2: 21 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Phu Nhuan, Hue (5h-14h)
• Bún bò O Gái: 47 Chu Văn An, Phu Hoi, Hue (6h-12h)
• Bún bò O Oanh: 12 Nguyen Luong Bang, Phu Nhuan, Hue (6h-12h)

9. Mi Quang (Quang Nam noodle soup)

Visitors who go to Quang Nam should never forget to taste an idyllic and rustic dish: Mi Quang. Originating from Hoi An in the 16th century, Mi Quang is a fusion of Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine.

In the central region of Vietnam, you can find restaurants offering Mi Quang everywhere, whether in the countryside or the city. No matter the location, Mi Quang is always ready to be savored, offering visitors an authentic and delicious culinary experience.

A typical bowl of Mi Quang offers a tasty combination of ingredients such as fish, pork, chicken, water spinach, pickled vegetables, and quail eggs. Mi Quang is a subtle balance between flavors and textures, offering guests a unique culinary experience.

Here are some of the delicious Mi Quang restaurants in Quang Nam, recommended for their quality and authenticity:

• Mì Quảng Cô Sáu Hội An: 191 Nguyen Truong To, Minh An, Hoi An, Quang Nam (6h-22h)
• Mì Quảng Cô Vân Hội An: 329 Nguyen Duy Hieu, Cam Chau, Hoi An, Quang Nam (6h-13h/15h-20h30)
• Mì Quảng Ông Hai Hội An: 6a Truong Minh Luong, Cam Chau, Hoi An, Quang Nam (7h30-21h)
• Mì Quảng Cô Bích Hội An: 272 Hung Vuong, Thanh Ha, Hoi An, Quang Nam (6h30-22h)

10. Cao Lau (Hoi An noodles)

Cao Lau is indeed a unique and delicious dish. It consists of yellow noodles accompanied by a tasty broth prepared from pork bones, grilled pork, shrimp, and fresh vegetables. It’s often garnished with fried or grilled noodles to add a crispy texture.

In the 17th century, Chinese and Japanese merchants frequented the port of Hoi An, contributing to the emergence of Cao Lau. This dish is the result of a blend of Chinese and Japanese cuisine, influenced by the culinary cultures of both countries. Over time, Cao Lau has been adapted to satisfy the taste buds of the Vietnamese, thus becoming a specialty appreciated by the inhabitants of the central region.

The name “Cao lau” literally translates to a tasty and refined dish, reserved for the upper floors. In other words, while savoring this dish, you can not only feast but also enjoy a panoramic view of the charming old town of Hoi An from the heights.

Here are some authentic restaurants in Quang Nam where you can enjoy delicious Cao Lau:

• Cao Lầu Bá Lễ: 45/3 Tran Hung Dao, Hoi An, Quang Nam (11h-21h)
• Cao Lầu Cô Liên: 21 Thai Phien, Minh An, Hoi An, Quang Nam (6h30-19h30)
• Cao Lầu Bà Bé: Marché Hoi An, Tran Phu, Hoi An, Quang Nam (14h30-22h)

Breakfast in South Vietnam: Rustic dishes!

The South is indeed blessed with nature’s bounty, offering a wide variety of rich and diverse products. The cuisine of the South is characterized by its liberal and wild nature, which stems from the abundant and generous nature of the Southern river region.

The dishes have a characteristic spicy and sweet-sour taste, composed of ingredients such as tamarind, chili, and a touch of sugar added during cooking.

11. Com Tam (broken rice)

Hanoi cuisine is famous for its renowned pho, while the inhabitants of Saigon are proud of a dish with a very particular taste: Com Tam. Originating from the Com Tam Thuan Kieu store in District 11, this dish dates back to the early 70s of the last century. Originally, Com Tam was a common dish among poor workers and students, and it got its name from the use of leftover broken rice grains for its preparation.

The most traditional and delicious dish is the trio "sườn - bì - chả", which consists of grilled ribs (sườn), crispy pork skin (bì), and grilled pork hash (chả). It is served with Com Tam. To enhance the flavors, onion fat sauce is added, and a cup of sweet and sour fish sauce gives this dish a perfect taste balance.

Here are some famous Com Tam restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City:

• Cơm tấm Bà Cường: 263 Tran Quang Khai, Tan Dinh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (7h-21h30)
• Cơm tấm Nguyễn Văn Cừ: 74 Nguyen Van Cu, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (6h30-15h)
• Cơm tấm Bãi Rác: 77 Le Van Linh, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City (18h-3h)
• Cơm tấm Tài: 1 Nguyen An Ninh, Binh Thanh, Ho Chi Minh City (6h-10h/16h-21h)

12. Hủ tiếu (Saigon noodles)

Hủ tiếu is a dish of Cambodian origin that has developed in the South of Vietnam, particularly in Saigon, since the 1950s. Over time, it has become a typical breakfast enjoyed by the inhabitants of the South.

Hủ tiếu consists of tender and fibrous rice noodles, accompanied by a carefully prepared soup based on pork bones. The main ingredients include pork intestines and pork cooked together, as well as onions, soybean sprouts, chives, and minced meat. To add flavor, guests can garnish their bowl of Hủ tiếu with chili sauce for a touch of spice or a little lemon juice for a tangy note.

When visiting Ho Chi Minh City, don't miss the opportunity to enjoy a delicious bowl of Hủ tiếu. Here are some of the must-see restaurants where you can enjoy this specialty:

• Hủ tiếu Hồng Phát: 389-391 Vo Van Tan, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City ( 6h30-22h)
• Hủ tiếu bò viên Trần Quang Khải: 40 Tran Quang Khai, Tan Dinh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (6h-13h30/ 15h-23h)
• Hủ tiếu Nam Vang Quỳnh: A65 Nguyen Trai, Nguyen Cu Trinh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (5h30-21h30)
• Hủ tiếu Thanh Xuân: 62 Ton That Thiep, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (6h30-14h)

Our final words,

The 12 dishes mentioned above represent Vietnamese breakfast in all regions of Vietnam. By tasting these specialties, you can truly immerse yourself in the local culture and understand a part of the soul of the Vietnamese people.

So, what is your favorite Vietnamese breakfast? Kampá Tour hopes that the list will recommend more options. 

>>> Read more essential information at:

• Vietnamese Desserts: 10 MUST-TRY Dishes Without Further Delay!
• Discover the Top Vietnamese Dishes to Try in Each Region! 
• 12 Best Restaurants and Places to Enjoy Cuisine in Hanoi [2024 UPDATED]