Best Vietnamese Breakfast Foods You Can Enjoy Anytime

Vietnamese cuisine is celebrated for its vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, making it a favorite around the world. While breakfast is a significant meal in Vietnam, many of its breakfast foods can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Here’s a list of the best Vietnamese breakfast foods that you can savor whenever you like.

1. Pho
Pho is perhaps the most iconic Vietnamese dish, consisting of aromatic broth, rice noodles, and your choice of protein, typically beef or chicken. The dish is garnished with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime, and chili, offering a warm and satisfying meal. Although traditionally served in the morning, many locals enjoy pho at lunch or dinner.

2. Banh Mi
This delicious Vietnamese sandwich is a perfect fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisine. Banh mi features a crispy baguette stuffed with a variety of ingredients, including grilled meats, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and spicy chili. It’s a portable meal that can be enjoyed at any time of day, making it a popular choice for busy individuals.

3. Com tam (Broken Rice)
Com tam, or broken rice, is a hearty dish typically served with grilled meats, scallions, and a fried egg. It’s often accompanied by a side of pickled vegetables and a tangy fish sauce. While many people indulge in this dish for breakfast, its satisfying nature makes it a go-to option for lunch or dinner as well.

4. Xoi (Sticky Rice)
Xoi is a beloved street food made from glutinous rice that is often served with various toppings such as shredded chicken, mung beans, or pork. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed sweet or savory and makes for a hearty breakfast or snack any time of the day.

5. Hu Tieu
This rice noodle or egg noodle dish is popular in southern Vietnam. Hu tieu can be made with clear broth and topped with an array of ingredients, from shrimp and pork to vegetables. Each bowl can be customized to personal preference, making it a delightful choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

6. Banh Cuon
Banh cuon are steamed rice rolls filled with minced pork, mushrooms, and shallots. Served with a dipping sauce, this dish is light yet flavorful, making it a perfect breakfast option or a refreshing snack throughout the day.

7. Hoa Que (Flower Noodles)
Hoa que, or flower noodles, consist of delicate rice noodles topped with fresh herbs and often accompanied by shrimp or pork. This dish is light and packed with fresh flavors, ideal for those who want a satisfying meal that isn’t too heavy.

8. Chao (Rice Porridge)
Chao, or Vietnamese rice porridge, is a comforting, warm dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast or as a light meal any time. Often served with toppings like shredded chicken or fish and garnished with green onions and herbs, it’s both nourishing and delicious.

9. Goi Cuon (Spring Rolls)
Goi cuon or fresh spring rolls, are rice paper wraps filled with shrimp, pork, or tofu, together with fresh herbs and vermicelli noodles. Served with a peanut sauce or hoisin sauce for dipping, these refreshing rolls are perfect for breakfast or any snack time.

10. Vietnamese Egg Coffee
While not a food, no Vietnamese breakfast experience is complete without a cup of egg coffee. This unique drink features whipped egg yolks mixed with sugar and condensed milk, creating a rich, creamy beverage. Perfect for an energizing start to your day, it can be enjoyed at any hour as a delightful pick-me-up.

Whether you’re waking up or looking for a midday bite, these Vietnamese breakfast foods provide a delicious array of flavors that can be enjoyed any time of the day. Embrace the culinary richness of Vietnam and explore these dishes to satisfy your cravings!