How to Make Vietnamese Breakfast Foods from Scratch

Breakfast is often considered the most important meal of the day, and in Vietnam, it is a culinary delight that reflects the country's rich traditions. Making Vietnamese breakfast foods from scratch can be a rewarding experience. Here are a few popular dishes you can easily prepare at home.

1. Pho Ga (Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup)

Pho Ga is a classic breakfast dish in Vietnam, known for its aromatic broth and tender chicken pieces. To make pho ga from scratch, follow these steps:

Ingredients: Whole chicken, rice noodles, ginger, onion, fish sauce, star anise, cloves, and fresh herbs.
First, prepare the broth. In a large pot, boil the whole chicken with water, ginger, and onion for about 1 hour.
Remove the chicken and let it cool. Strain the broth to remove solid ingredients and add fish sauce to taste.
Soak rice noodles in hot water until they soften.
Shred the cooled chicken and serve it over the noodles, pouring hot broth on top.
Garnish with fresh herbs, lime, and sliced chili.

2. Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwich)

Banh Mi has gained international fame and is a perfect breakfast on the go. Here’s how to make it at home:

Ingredients: Baguette, pork (or tofu for a vegetarian option), pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber, cilantro, and mayonnaise.
Start by marinating pork in a mix of soy sauce, garlic, and sugar. Grill or pan-fry until cooked.
For pickled vegetables, mix equal parts sugar and vinegar in a bowl, add julienned carrots and daikon, and let them sit for at least 30 minutes.
Slice the baguette lengthwise without cutting through and spread a layer of mayonnaise on each side.
Add grilled pork, pickled vegetables, sliced cucumber, and fresh cilantro.
Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Banh Mi!

3. Xoi (Sticky Rice)

Xoi is a comforting dish that can be enjoyed sweet or savory. Here's a simple recipe for savory sticky rice:

Ingredients: Glutinous rice, mung beans, fried shallots, and sesame seeds.
Soak glutinous rice and mung beans separately overnight.
Steam the rice and mung beans until cooked and fluffy.
Combine them and top with fried shallots and sesame seeds for added flavor.
Consider pairing it with shredded chicken or Vietnamese sausages for a hearty breakfast.

4. Ca Kho To (Braised Fish)

Ca Kho To is a deliciously caramelized fish dish that’s often served with rice. Making this dish is straightforward:

Ingredients: Catfish fillets, fish sauce, sugar, black pepper, and green onion.
In a clay pot, caramelize sugar until golden, then add fish sauce and black pepper.
Add the catfish fillets and simmer until cooked through, turning occasionally.
Garnish with chopped green onion and serve hot with steamed rice.

5. Che (Vietnamese Sweet Dessert)

Che can be a delightful end to your breakfast. Here's a quick method to make Che Ba Mau (Three Color Dessert):

Ingredients: Mung beans, red beans, pandan jelly, coconut milk, and ice.
Cook and mash the mung and red beans separately.
Prepare the pandan jelly according to the package instructions.
In a glass, layer mashed mung beans, red beans, and pandan jelly, adding ice as desired.
Pour coconut milk over it and enjoy this refreshing treat!

Making Vietnamese breakfast foods from scratch not only offers a taste of Vietnam but also allows you to connect with its rich culinary heritage. Try these recipes for a satisfying start to your day!