How to Make Traditional Vietnamese Breakfast Foods at Home

Vietnamese breakfast foods are renowned for their fresh flavors and nutritious ingredients. Making these dishes at home can bring a taste of Vietnam to your morning routine. Here are some traditional Vietnamese breakfast foods you can easily prepare in your kitchen.

1. Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup)

Pho is perhaps the most iconic Vietnamese breakfast dish. It’s a fragrant soup made with beef or chicken, rice noodles, and a delicious broth.

Ingredients: Rice noodles, beef/chicken, ginger, onion, star anise, fish sauce, fresh herbs (basil, cilantro), lime, bean sprouts.

Instructions:

Start by making the broth. Simmer beef bones or chicken with garlic, onion, ginger, and spices for several hours.
Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and divide into bowls.
Add thinly sliced beef or chicken over the noodles.
Pour the hot broth over the meat and noodles.
Garnish with fresh herbs, lime wedges, and bean sprouts before serving.

2. Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwich)

Banh Mi is a delicious Vietnamese sandwich that combines crispy baguette, savory proteins, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.

Ingredients: Baguette, pork (grilled or cold cuts), pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber, cilantro, mayonnaise, chili.

Instructions:

Slice the baguette open and spread a layer of mayonnaise on one side.
Add your choice of grilled pork or cold cuts.
Top with pickled carrots and daikon, sliced cucumber, and fresh cilantro.
For a kick, add slices of chili pepper. Serve immediately.

3. Xoi (Sticky Rice)

Xoi, or sticky rice, is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed sweet or savory, often served with a range of toppings.

Ingredients: Glutinous rice, coconut milk, mung beans, fried shallots, herbs.

Instructions:

Soak glutinous rice in water for a few hours, then drain.
Steam the rice for about 30 minutes until tender.
If making sweet xoi, mix the cooked rice with coconut milk and sugar.
If making savory xoi, top with cooked mung beans and fried shallots before serving.

4. Chao (Rice Porridge)

Chao is a comforting rice porridge often filled with chicken or seafood, primarily enjoyed for breakfast.

Ingredients: Rice, chicken (or seafood), ginger, scallions, fish sauce, cilantro.

Instructions:

Cook rice in a large pot of water until it breaks down and turns porridge-like (about 1-2 hours).
Add shredded chicken or seafood and simmer until cooked through.
Season with ginger, fish sauce, and garnish with scallions and cilantro before serving.

5. Banh Cuon (Vietnamese Steamed Rice Rolls)

Banh Cuon are delicate rice flour rolls filled with minced pork and mushrooms, served with a side of nuoc cham (fish sauce).

Ingredients: Rice flour, minced pork, mushrooms, shallots, fish sauce, herbs.

Instructions:

Make a batter using rice flour and water, then steam it in a pan or on a cloth for thin rice sheets.
Fry shallots and mix with minced pork and mushrooms for the filling.
Fill each rice sheet with the mixture, roll them up, and serve with nuoc cham.

These delicious Vietnamese breakfast dishes are not only easy to prepare but also provide a wonderful way to experience Vietnamese culture from the comfort of your home. Enjoy making and savoring these delightful recipes!