Traditional Vietnamese Breakfast - Top 10 Best Vietnamese Breakfast Dishes
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Food & drink
Are you wondering what to eat for breakfast in Vietnam during your trip? The Vietnamese breakfast is a true celebration of flavors, combining simplicity, freshness, and local traditions. Whether you're in the bustling streets of Hanoi or along the peaceful Mekong River, the options are varied and delicious. But what do Vietnamese people eat for breakfast? Often, they choose a traditional Vietnamese breakfast such as phở, xôi, or bánh mì. If you're not sure what to eat for breakfast in Vietnam, this article offers a selection of the best Vietnamese breakfast dishes to start your day right and discover the country’s rich culinary culture.
Top 10 Best Vietnamese Breakfast Dishes
I. Why is the Vietnamese breakfast unique?
The Vietnamese breakfast stands out for its culinary richness, regional diversity, and important role in daily life. More than just a morning meal, it reflects the spirit of a nation - blending tradition, ancestral know-how, and a love for good food. If you're wondering what to eat for breakfast in Vietnam, there's no single answer: Vietnamese people have a true breakfast culture passed down through generations.
Unlike in some countries where breakfast is light and sweet, in Vietnam, it is often savory, hearty, and hot. From the famous phở soup to steamed rice rolls (bánh cuốn), sticky rice (xôi), or even beef stew (bò kho), the Vietnamese breakfast dishes are varied, flavorful, and sometimes surprising for visitors. So, what do Vietnamese people eat for breakfast? It depends on the region, the season, and local habits. But one thing is certain: each dish combines freshness, nutritional balance, and an explosion of flavors.
Exploring the best Vietnamese breakfast dishes also means experiencing a way of life: early morning markets, street vendors, and families gathered around steaming bowls. That’s why, when asking what to eat for breakfast in Vietnam, it’s really about immersing yourself in the culture. A traditional Vietnamese breakfast is not just a meal - it’s a complete experience.
II. Vietnamese breakfast by region
1. Breakfast in Northern Vietnam
The Vietnamese breakfast in the North is typically warm, savory, and light. Phở is the most famous dish - a noodle soup with beef or chicken, served with fresh herbs. It’s a quintessential traditional Vietnamese breakfast, especially in Hanoi.
Another popular option is bánh cuốn, steamed rice rolls filled with minced pork and mushrooms, served with fish sauce. Finally, xôi (sticky rice) is a quick and filling choice, often topped with mung beans, fried shallots, or meat.
2. Breakfast in Central Vietnam
Central Vietnam is known for its spicy flavors. The most iconic dish is bún bò Huế, a rich, spicy beef noodle soup made with lemongrass and chili. It’s considered one of the best Vietnamese breakfast dishes.
Another regional favorite is mì Quảng, a noodle dish from Đà Nẵng with pork, shrimp, herbs, and peanuts. Bánh xèo, a crispy turmeric pancake with shrimp and pork, is also sometimes enjoyed in the morning.
3. Breakfast in Southern Vietnam
Southern Vietnamese breakfast dishes are generally more filling. Cơm tấm is a staple: broken rice with grilled pork, fried egg, and pickled vegetables. It’s very common in Ho Chi Minh City.
Bò kho, a fragrant beef stew, is usually served with bread. Hủ tiếu, a noodle soup with pork or shrimp, comes in both dry and soup versions and is popular in the morning throughout the South.
III. Top 10 Vietnamese Breakfast Dishes
1. Pho
Phở is perhaps the most famous Vietnamese breakfast. This warm rice noodle soup with beef or chicken and fresh herbs is popular nationwide. It’s balanced and comforting. If you're wondering what to eat for breakfast in Vietnam, pho is an excellent answer. It ranks among the best Vietnamese breakfast dishes for its unique taste and availability everywhere, especially in the North.
2. Bánh cuốn
Bánh cuốn is a classic Northern traditional Vietnamese breakfast. These fine steamed rice rolls are filled with pork and mushrooms, served with herbs and fish sauce. Light but nutritious, it’s a frequent choice for those asking what to eat for breakfast in Vietnam, especially in Hanoi. Easy to digest and flavorful, bánh cuốn remains a morning favorite.
3. Xôi xéo
Xôi xéo is a popular version of sticky rice in the North. This Vietnamese breakfast dish features yellow sticky rice (turmeric-colored), topped with mung bean puree and fried onions. It’s a soup-free, grab-and-go option. For anyone asking what do Vietnamese eat in the morning besides soups, xôi xéo is a solid alternative. Affordable and filling, it's one of the best Vietnamese breakfast dishes for busy people.
4. Bún bò Huế
From Hue, bún bò Huế is a spicy beef noodle soup flavored with lemongrass. Spicier than pho, it’s often considered a traditional Vietnamese breakfast in the Central region. The rich broth and thick noodles offer a different texture. If you're wondering what to eat for breakfast in Vietnam in central areas, this dish is a typical and delicious option.
5. Mì Quảng
Mì Quảng originates from Quang Nam. It’s a mix of yellow noodles, pork, shrimp, peanuts, fresh herbs, and a small amount of broth. This Vietnamese breakfast is loved for its lightness and varied textures. It perfectly reflects Central region flavors. For those exploring the best Vietnamese breakfast dishes, mì Quảng is a must-try in Da Nang or Hoi An.
6. Cơm tấm
Cơm tấm is a staple in the South. It includes broken rice, grilled pork, a fried egg, pickled vegetables, and sometimes a meat patty. This dish is one of the best Vietnamese breakfast dishes, especially in Ho Chi Minh City. If you're curious what Vietnamese eat in the morning in the South, cơm tấm is a hearty and delicious choice.
7. Bò kho
Bò kho is a lemongrass-spiced beef stew served with bread or sometimes noodles. Rich and hearty, it makes an ideal Vietnamese breakfast for starting a busy day. Often prepared at home on weekends, bò kho shows what to eat for breakfast in Vietnam when seeking a warm, nourishing dish.
8. Hủ tiếu
Hủ tiếu is a popular Southern noodle soup made with fine noodles, pork, shrimp, and clear broth. A “dry” version without broth exists, served with a flavored sauce. This is a much-loved Vietnamese breakfast dish, especially in Ho Chi Minh City. If you wonder what to eat for breakfast in Vietnam in the South, hủ tiếu is flavorful and easy to find.
9. Cháo (Rice Porridge)
Cháo is a rice porridge often made with chicken (cháo gà), pork, or fish. Easy to digest, it’s a traditional Vietnamese breakfast recommended for children, seniors, or anyone wanting a light meal. Ginger, scallions, or herbs are often added. If you’re seeking what to eat for breakfast in Vietnam that’s simple yet nourishing, cháo is ideal.
10. Bánh mì
Bánh mì is a baguette filled with pâté, ham, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and spicy sauce. It's the quickest and most convenient Vietnamese breakfast. Very popular in cities, it’s sold everywhere on the street. If you're unsure what to eat for breakfast in Vietnam and in a hurry, bánh mì is perfect. Affordable, portable, and tasty, it's loved by locals and travelers.
IV. Other Popular Morning Accompaniments
1. Vietnamese Coffee
Vietnamese coffee (cà phê sữa đá or egg coffee) is a must-have with breakfast. Strong coffee with sweetened condensed milk (iced or hot) or creamy egg versions are common. Drinking coffee is a deep-rooted habit. For those asking what Vietnamese eat in the morning, coffee often accompanies savory dishes like bánh mì or xôi.
2. Sugarcane Juice and Green Tea
Sugarcane juice (nước mía) is a refreshing, natural-energy drink enjoyed in the morning. It’s often served with lemon or kumquat. Green tea, hot or warm, pairs well with a traditional Vietnamese breakfast, especially in households. These light beverages complement the best Vietnamese breakfast dishes and provide vitality to start the day.
3. Traditional Rice Cakes
Some traditional rice cakes like bánh giò (pyramid rice dumpling with meat) or mini bánh chưng are eaten early in the morning. Easy to carry and filling, these cakes are popular at local markets or bus stations. For those wondering what to eat for breakfast in Vietnam, these rice cakes are a quick, tasty, and authentic part of everyday Vietnamese cuisine.
For more details, feel free to contact Autour Asia, Vietnam Travel Agency.
In summary, the Vietnamese breakfast offers a wide variety of tasty, balanced dishes that suit all preferences. Whether it's a hot soup like phở, sticky rice like xôi, or a quick bánh mì to-go, there are plenty of options when wondering what to eat for breakfast in Vietnam. By exploring the best Vietnamese breakfast dishes, travelers can also discover the richness of local culture. Each region has its own traditional Vietnamese breakfast, reflecting local habits and culinary tastes. So if you're curious about what to eat for breakfast in Vietnam, this guide offers authentic and delicious ideas to start your day right.
Beverly A.
5.0
Excellent
Are there vegetarian traditional Vietnamese breakfast dishes?
Yes, there are several vegetarian options such as xôi (sticky rice with mung beans), vegetarian cháo (rice porridge), and some types of bánh chay (sweet rice cakes). These dishes are simple, light, and part of the traditional Vietnamese breakfast, especially during religious holidays.
Luna K.
5.0
Excellent
What to eat for breakfast in Vietnam if you're in a hurry?
Bánh mì is the ideal option if you're short on time. This stuffed baguette is quick to grab, delicious, and available everywhere. It’s a common answer to the question what to eat for breakfast in Vietnam when you're on the go.
William S.
5.0
Excellent
What is the most popular Vietnamese breakfast?
Phở is undoubtedly the most popular Vietnamese breakfast. This noodle soup, served with beef or chicken, is enjoyed all over the country, especially in the North. It perfectly represents the essence of a traditional Vietnamese breakfast.
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