The Best Vietnamese Breakfast Recipes You Can Try at Home

Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, and breakfast is no exception. The first meal of the day in Vietnam is often a delightful spread of textures and tastes that can be easily recreated at home. Here are some of the best Vietnamese breakfast recipes you can try.

1. Phở Bò (Beef Noodle Soup)

Phở is perhaps the most famous Vietnamese dish, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike for breakfast. This aromatic beef noodle soup is made with a flavorful broth, rice noodles, fresh herbs, and thinly sliced beef.

Ingredients: Rice noodles, beef brisket, ginger, star anise, cloves, cinnamon, onion, lime juice, fresh herbs (basil, cilantro, mint), bean sprouts, and chili peppers.
Instructions: First, simmer beef bones with ginger and spices to create a rich broth. Strain and return to heat, adding the rice noodles and sliced beef until cooked. Serve garnished with herbs, bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime.

2. Bánh Mì (Vietnamese Sandwich)

Bánh mì is a delicious sandwich that brings together French and Vietnamese flavors. It typically features a crusty baguette filled with a combination of meats, vegetables, and flavorful sauces.

Ingredients: Baguette, pork (or tofu for a vegetarian option), pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber, cilantro, and mayonnaise or chili sauce.
Instructions: Slice the baguette lengthwise and lightly toast it. Fill with your choice of meat, top with pickled vegetables, fresh cucumber, and cilantro. Spread mayonnaise or chili sauce inside for extra flavor.

3. Xôi (Sticky Rice)

Xôi is a popular breakfast dish in Vietnam, made from glutinous rice and topped with a variety of ingredients. It can be sweet or savory, making it versatile for breakfast options.

Ingredients: Glutinous rice, mung beans, coconut milk (for sweet xôi), fried shallots, shredded chicken, or pork (for savory xôi).
Instructions: Soak glutinous rice overnight, then steam it until soft. For savory xôi, mix with fried shallots and protein toppings. For sweet xôi, combine with coconut milk and serve with sugar.

4. Chả Giò (Vietnamese Spring Rolls)

These crispy spring rolls are often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack. Made with a mix of ground meat and vegetables, they are wrapped and fried until golden brown.

Ingredients: Rice paper, ground pork, shrimp, carrots, mushrooms, and vermicelli noodles.
Instructions: Mix the filling ingredients and wrap them in rice paper. Fry until crispy and serve with a dipping sauce like nước chấm (fish sauce) for a delightful breakfast experience.

5. Bánh Cuốn (Vietnamese Steamed Rice Rolls)

Bánh cuốn are delicate steamed rice rolls often filled with ground pork and mushrooms. They’re light yet satisfying and typically served with a side of dipping sauce.

Ingredients: Rice flour, ground pork, diced mushrooms, shallots, and fish sauce.
Instructions: Make a thin batter with rice flour and water, then steam it to create thin sheets. Fill with sautéed pork and mushrooms, roll up, and serve with nước chấm.

6. Cà Phê Sữa Đá (Vietnamese Iced Coffee)

No Vietnamese breakfast is complete without a cup of cà phê sữa đá. This strong, sweet coffee is brewed traditionally and served over ice with condensed milk.

Ingredients: Vietnamese coffee grounds, condensed milk, and ice.
Instructions: Brew the coffee using a drip filter, allowing it to mix with condensed milk at the bottom of the glass. Pour over ice and stir before enjoying this refreshing beverage.

These Vietnamese breakfast recipes not only deliver authentic flavors but also offer a glimpse into the rich culinary heritage of Vietnam. From hearty bowls of phở to colorful bánh mì, each dish promises to satisfy your morning cravings and