Ho Chi Minh City, commonly known as Saigon, is a vibrant metropolis with a rich culinary landscape. Among the many meals that locals and visitors cherish, breakfast in Saigon stands out as a delightful experience filled with flavors, aromas, and textures that reflect the city’s culinary heritage. This guide will take you through some of the best breakfast in Saigon, showcasing traditional dishes that are not only delicious but also steeped in history and culture.
Why Do Vietnamese People Often Eat Breakfast So Early?
Vietnamese people often have the habit of eating breakfast early for several cultural and practical reasons. Firstly, breakfast is considered an essential part of Vietnamese culinary culture. Many believe that starting the day with a nutritious meal not only kickstarts their morning but also provides the energy and focus needed to tackle the challenges ahead.
Secondly, the work schedules of Vietnamese individuals are often busy and begin early. Eating breakfast early allows them to refuel before heading to their workplaces or classes, ensuring they can perform effectively right from the start of the day.
Finally, Vietnam is renowned for its vibrant street food culture, with many vendors opening their stalls early to cater to the breakfast crowd. This accessibility enables people to quickly enjoy delicious dishes like pho, banh mi, or sticky rice on their way to work or school, creating a delightful and convenient dining experience.
Must- try breakfast dishes in Saigon
Pho – The quintessential Vietnamese breakfast
Best Breakfast in Saigon
No discussion about breakfast in Saigon would be complete without mentioning Phở. This iconic Vietnamese noodle soup is a staple for many locals and is often enjoyed at any time of the day, but it holds a special place in the hearts of Saigonese for breakfast.
Phở consists of flat rice noodles served in a savory broth, typically made from beef or chicken. The dish is garnished with Vietnamese fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime, allowing each diner to customize their bowl to their liking.
Recommended restaurants:
- Pho Dau: Located at Alley 288 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, District 3, this restaurant is known for its Northern-style Pho, featuring a rich broth and tender beef.
- Pho Hoa: Situated at 260C Pasteur, Ward 8, District 3, this spot is famous for its flavorful beef broth and generous portions.
Price range: Expect to pay around 40,000 to 70,000 VND (approximately 2 to 3 USD) for a bowl of Pho.
Banh Mi – The Vietnamese sandwich delight
Best Breakfast in Saigon
Another must-try breakfast in Saigon is Banh Mi, a Vietnamese sandwich that has gained international fame. This delicious treat combines a crispy baguette with a variety of fillings, making it a perfect on-the-go breakfast option.
Banh Mi typically includes meats such as pork, chicken, or beef, along with pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and a spread of mayonnaise or pâté. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a satisfying meal.
Recommended restaurant:
- Banh Mi Hoa Ma: Located at 53 Cao Thang, District 3, this shop serves Banh Mi Chao, where the ingredients are served in a hot pan, allowing you to dip the crunchy baguette into the delicious mix.
- Banh Mi 37 Nguyen Trai: A popular spot known for its generous fillings and flavorful sauces, located at 37 Nguyen Trai, District 1.
- Banh Mi Phuong: Famous for its variety of fillings and fresh ingredients, this shop is located at 2B Phan Chu Trinh, District 1.
- Street Vendors: You can also find delicious Banh Mi at various street vendors throughout the city. These vendors offer a quick and affordable way to enjoy this iconic sandwich, often with unique local twists.
Price range: A Banh Mi here will cost you around 30,000 to 50,000 VND (approximately 1.50 to 2.50 USD).
Bun Moc – A hearty noodle soup
Best Breakfast in Saigon
For those who enjoy a lighter noodle soup, Bun Moc is an excellent choice. This dish features a clear broth made from pork and mushrooms, offering a comforting start to the day.
Bun Moc consists of rice vermicelli noodles, pork meat, and pork balls, topped with crispy fried shallots and fresh herbs. The broth is light yet flavorful, making it a perfect breakfast option.
Recommended restaurant:
- Bun Moc Thanh Mai: Located at 14 Trương Đinh, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, this family-run shop has been serving authentic Bun Moc for over 40 years.
Price range: A bowl of Bun Moc typically costs around 35,000 to 60,000 VND (approximately 1.50 to 2.50 USD).
Com Tam – Broken rice delight
Best Breakfast in Saigon
Cơm Tam, or broken rice, is a beloved breakfast dish in Saigon. Originally considered a meal for the lower class, it has now become a popular choice for everyone.
Cơm Tam consists of broken rice grains topped with grilled pork, pickled vegetables, and a drizzle of sweet fish sauce. It’s often served with a side of fried egg or steamed egg cake.
Recommended restaurant:
- Cơm Tam Ba Ghien: Located at 84 Tran Hung Đao, District 1, this restaurant is known for its flavorful grilled pork and signature fish sauce.
Price range: Expect to pay around 40,000 to 70,000 VND (approximately 2 to 3 USD) for a plate of Cơm Tam.
Bun Bo Hue – Vietnamese Spicy Beef Noodle Soup
Best Breakfast in Saigon
Bun Bo Hue is a flavorful and aromatic breakfast option that is both hearty and satisfying. It is often enjoyed by those looking for a more robust meal to start their day.
Bun Bo Hue is made with rice noodles and a rich broth flavored with lemongrass, chili, and various spices. It typically includes beef, and can be garnished with fresh herbs, lime, and bean sprouts for added freshness.
Recommended restaurant:
- Bun Bo Hue Dong Ba: Located at 20 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1, this eatery is famous for its delicious Bun Bo Hue and accompanying dishes.
Price range: A bowl of Bun Bo Hue typically costs around 30,000 to 60,000 VND (approximately 1.25 to 2.50 USD).
Smoothie Bowls – A modern breakfast choice
Best Breakfast in Saigon
In recent years, smoothie bowls have become a popular choice for health enthusiasts in Saigon. These bowls are packed with fruits, nuts, and seeds, making them a nutritious breakfast option.
Smoothie bowls consist of a blended smoothie served in a bowl and topped with various ingredients like granola, fresh fruits, and shredded coconut. They are a visually appealing and nourishing way to start the day.
Recommended restaurant:
- Smoothie Lab: Located at 155 Hoang Sa, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1, this place is known for its diverse and nutritious smoothie bowls.
Price range: Expect to pay around 60,000 to 100,000 VND (approximately 2.50 to 4.50 USD) for a smoothie bowl.
Vietnamese Coffee – An Essential Part of Breakfast
Best Breakfast in Saigon
No breakfast in Saigon is complete without a cup of Vietnamese coffee. Renowned for its strong flavor and unique brewing method, this is a must-try for coffee lovers.
Vietnamese coffee is typically brewed using a small metal drip filter, resulting in a rich and robust flavor. It can be enjoyed black or with sweetened condensed milk, known as Ca Phe Sua.
Recommended restaurant:
- Ca Phe Sua Đa: Located at 45 Le Van Sy, District 3, this café is famous for its aromatic and strong iced coffee.
- Cafe Giang: Known for its traditional egg coffee, this café is located at 39 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem, and offers a cozy atmosphere to enjoy your coffee.
- The Workshop: Located at 27 Ngo Duc Ke, District 1, this café is popular for its specialty coffee and modern vibe, perfect for coffee enthusiasts looking to explore different brewing methods.
- Cafe Trung Nguyen: A well-known chain with multiple locations, it offers a variety of Vietnamese coffee blends and is a great place to experience local flavors.
- Street Vendors: You can also find delicious Vietnamese coffee at various street vendors throughout the city, where you can enjoy a quick and authentic cup at an affordable price.
Price range: A cup of coffee will cost you around 20,000 to 40,000 VND (approximately 1 to 2 USD).
Mi Quang – A regional specialty
Best Breakfast in Saigon
Although not a typical breakfast dish, Mi Quang is worth mentioning. Originating from Quang Nam province, this noodle dish is gaining popularity in Saigon.
Mi Quang features wide rice noodles served with a small amount of broth, usually made from chicken, pork, or shrimp, and garnished with fresh herbs, peanuts, and crispy rice crackers.
Recommended Restaurant:
- Mi Quang Ech: Located at 123 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1, this restaurant is known for its flavorful frog noodle dish and rich broth.
- Mi Quang Ba Mua: Located at 19 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1, this spot is famous for its Mi Quang Sườn and Mi Quang Thịt Nướng, offering a delicious and authentic experience.
- Mi Quang 85: Situated at 85 Le Lai, District 1, this restaurant serves a variety of Mi Quang dishes, including Mi Quang Tôm and Mi Quang Gà (chicken), all made with fresh ingredients.
- Mi Quang 1A: Located at 1A Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1, this eatery is known for its generous portions and flavorful broth, with options for both meat and seafood.
Price range: A bowl of Mi Quang typically costs around 50,000 to 80,000 VND (approximately 2 to 3.50 USD).
Xoi – Sticky Rice Delights
Best Breakfast in Saigon
Xoi, or sticky rice, is another popular breakfast option in Saigon. It can be served sweet or savory, making it a versatile choice for various tastes.
Xoi is made from glutinous rice and can be topped with a variety of ingredients, including mung beans, fried shallots, chicken, or even coconut milk for a sweet version.
Recommended restaurant:
- Xoi Ga Ba Chieu: Located at 15 Ba Chieu, Binh Thanh District, this shop is famous for its chicken sticky rice and signature fish sauce.
Price range: A serving of Xoi usually costs around 25,000 to 50,000 VND (approximately 1 to 2.50 USD).
Banh Cuon – Traditional Rice Rolls
Best Breakfast in Saigon
Banh Cuon features thin, soft rice sheets that create a perfect base for the savory filling. They are typically garnished with fried shallots and served with fresh herbs, making for a light yet satisfying breakfast.
Recommended restaurant:
- Banh Cuon Tay Ho: Located at 25 Tran Quoc Thao, District 3, this restaurant is known for its hot and fresh rice rolls and sweet-sour dipping sauce.
Price range: A serving of Banh Cuon costs around 30,000 to 50,000 VND (approximately 1.50 to 2.50 USD).
Enjoy a flavorful breakfast journey in Saigon!
Breakfast in Saigon is an exciting exploration of flavors, textures, and culinary traditions. From Pho and Banh Mi Chao to modern smoothie bowls, the city offers a wide array of options to satisfy every palate. Whether you are a local or a visitor, indulging in these breakfast dishes is an essential part of experiencing the vibrant culinary culture of Saigon. Enjoy the culinary adventure that awaits you and savor every bite on your breakfast journey through this bustling city.
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