The Ultimate Guide to Vietnamese Breakfast Recipes

Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its exquisite flavors and fresh ingredients, and breakfast is no exception. This guide highlights some of the most popular and delectable Vietnamese breakfast recipes that you can easily recreate at home.

1. Pho Ga (Chicken Noodle Soup)

Pho Ga is a fragrant chicken noodle soup that is a staple in Vietnamese households. To prepare this dish, start with a flavorful chicken broth, infused with aromatic herbs like star anise, cinnamon, and ginger. Add rice noodles, tender chicken breast, and garnish with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime for a refreshing finish.

Ingredients:

  • Chicken (preferably a whole chicken)
  • Rice noodles
  • Onion
  • Ginger
  • Star anise and cinnamon sticks
  • Herbs (basil, cilantro, etc.)
  • Lime

Instructions:

  1. Boil the chicken to make the broth.
  2. Add onion, ginger, and spices for flavor.
  3. Cook rice noodles separately.
  4. Assemble the bowl by adding noodles, broth, and chicken, then top with herbs and lime.

2. Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwich)

Banh Mi is a delightful Vietnamese sandwich that merges French and Vietnamese flavors. It consists of a baguette filled with various ingredients such as grilled meats, pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, and mayonnaise.

Ingredients:

  • French baguette
  • Grilled pork, chicken, or tofu
  • Pickled carrots and daikon
  • Cilantro
  • Mayonnaise

Instructions:

  1. Slice the baguette and spread a layer of mayonnaise.
  2. Add your choice of meat or tofu.
  3. Top with pickled vegetables and fresh cilantro.
  4. Close the sandwich and enjoy!

3. Xoi (Sticky Rice)

Xoi is a traditional sticky rice dish that can be sweet or savory, often enjoyed in the morning. It can be topped with a variety of ingredients such as mung beans, fried shallots, or shredded coconut.

Ingredients:

  • Glutinous rice
  • Mung beans (optional)
  • Fried shallots
  • Salt and sugar (for sweet or savory versions)

Instructions:

  1. Soak the glutinous rice overnight, then steam it until tender.
  2. If using mung beans, steam them separately until soft.
  3. Serve the sticky rice topped with fried shallots or sweetened coconut, depending on your preference.

4. Che (Vietnamese Sweet Soup)

Che is a beloved Vietnamese dessert that can be enjoyed at any time of the day, including breakfast. It consists of a sweet mixture of beans, fruits, and jellies, served in coconut milk or syrup.

Ingredients:

  • Red beans or mung beans
  • Coconut milk
  • Sugar
  • Jelly or fruits (like lychee or mango)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the beans until soft and sweeten with sugar.
  2. Add coconut milk for creaminess.
  3. Mix in jelly or fruits and serve chilled or warm.

5. Viet Omelette (Trứng Chiên)

The Viet Omelette is a simple yet flavorful dish, bursting with fresh ingredients. Typically filled with herbs, vegetables, and sometimes meats, it's a nutritious way to start the day.

Ingredients:

  • Eggs
  • Onions
  • Tomatoes
  • Green onions and fresh herbs
  • Any preferred meat, such as shrimp or pork