Vietnamese Breakfast Classics: 8 Dishes To Wake Up Your Taste Buds

Vietnamese breakfast is a significant and aromatic meal taken by the locals at street stalls, markets, and tiny restaurants. It typically consists of fresh herbs, strong spices, and a mix of textures that give an enjoyable start to the day. The choice of dishes represents Vietnam's geographical diversity, from the north to the south, each region provides distinct flavours and ingredients. Following are eight of the most well-known Vietnamese breakfast foods that reflect the richness of Vietnam's food culture and should be tried by anyone traveling or looking to taste real Vietnamese food.

Phở is Vietnam's best-known noodle soup and a breakfast favourite, particularly in the north. It includes flat rice noodles served in a clear, aromatic broth prepared by simmering beef or chicken bones with spices such as star anise, cinnamon, and cloves for hours. Thinly sliced beef or chicken is included, along with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime, and chilli. It is comforting and flavourful and provides an excellent balance of savoury, sweet, and spicy flavours. It's usually consumed early in the morning by the people and tourists as well.

Bánh mì is a French-inspired Vietnamese sandwich. It consists of a light, crispy baguette filled with ingredients like grilled pork, pâté, pickled carrots and daikon, fresh cucumber, cilantro, and chilli. The crunchy bread, savoury meat, tangy pickles, and spicy sauces of bánh mì make it a favourite instant breakfast. It is readily available at bakeries and street stalls, making it convenient to have on the move.

Xôi is a pan-fiat sticky rice which can either be sweet or savoury and hence widely enjoyed as a breakfast throughout Vietnam. Sticky rice is steamed until it becomes soft and sticky, then garnished with ingredients such as shredded chicken, Chinese sausage, pork floss, or fried shallots for the savoury varieties. Coconut milk, mung beans, or crushed peanuts are some of the possible sweet varieties. Xôi is satisfying, delicious, and inexpensive, and is usually served wrapped in banana leaves or paper for take-out.

Bánh cuốn are a thin sheet of rice flour rolled with minced pork and wood ear mushroom stuffing. The rolls are steamed and finished with crispy fried shallots and fresh herbs on top. They are served with nước chấm, a classic fish sauce-based dipping sauce that provides a tangy, salty taste. This breakfast is light but filling, ideal for those preferring a less heavy meal. It is particularly favoured in northern Vietnam, including Hanoi.

Cháo is a rice porridge like congee, usually served for breakfast or when one is not feeling well. It is prepared by boiling rice in plenty of water or broth until it disintegrates into a heavy, creamy texture. Meat such as chicken, pork, or fish is typically included for taste. The meal is typically topped with pepper, scallions, fresh herbs, and occasionally fried dough sticks known as quẩy. It's easy to consume, healthy, and normally shared by Vietnamese families.

Hủ tiếu is light and slightly sweeter southern Vietnamese noodle soup compared to phở. It is made of translucent broth, rice noodle, and combination of meats including pork, shrimp, and the occasional squid. The soup can be served dry with the broth served on the side or as noodle soup. It is garnished with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and fried shallots. Hủ tiếu is a full but mellow dish that shows southern Vietnam's sweet palate.

Bánh bao is a steamed Chinese-style baozi. The soft, airy bun is stuffed with spiced ground pork, mushrooms, a bit of boiled egg, and occasionally Chinese sausage. It is easy to eat on the run because it is convenient and portable, hence its popularity as a street food breakfast. The mild sweetness of the bun balanced with the flavour of the filling is a pleasure for many.

Bún riêu is a Vietnamese noodle soup with a tomato broth and crab paste. The rich and sour broth is seasoned with tomatoes, tofu, and occasionally pig's blood pudding. It is accompanied with thin rice vermicelli noodles and fresh herbs such as perilla and shredded banana flower. Bún riêu is found in central and northern Vietnam and has a distinctive sour and savoury flavour that is distinct from other noodle soups.