Dec - 04 - 2025
Breakfast in Ho Chi Minh City is a journey into the heart of Vietnamese culture, where every morning starts with an explosion of flavor. Forget simple toast and coffee, Saigon’s breakfast scene is a vibrant tapestry of steaming noodle soups, savory rice dishes, and world-famous sandwiches sold from bustling street-side stalls and decades-old family restaurants. This GTrip guide is your ultimate resource for navigating the city's incredible morning food culture, ensuring you don’t miss a single delicious bite.
1. Com tam - A famous breakfast in Ho Chi Minh City
Com Tam has long been an indispensable culinary symbol for the people of Saigon. A plate of hot, fragrant broken rice, paired with a giant, perfectly marinated and grilled pork chop, is sure to awaken all your senses. The dish’s name comes from the fractured rice grains, which were traditionally a cheaper byproduct, but are now prized for their fluffy texture and ability to soak up sauces. A full plate is a masterpiece of components, including the sweet and savory pork chop, savory shredded pork skin, a luscious steamed egg meatloaf, and often a sunny-side-up egg. The sweetness of the meat, saltiness of pork skin, richness of egg, and tangy pickles, balanced with special fish sauce, create unforgettable flavors. This is a filling breakfast and a distinctive cultural and culinary experience of Saigon, offering a complete and satisfying start to any day of exploration.
Recommended com tam stalls in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Com tam Ba Ghien: 84 Dang Van Ngu Street, Phu Nhuan Ward (former Phu Nhuan District), Ho Chi Minh City
- Com tam Tuyet Cay Go: 933 Hong Bang Street, Binh Tay Ward (former District 6), Ho Chi Minh City
Com Tam is Saigon’s iconic broken rice dish, served with grilled pork, shredded pork skin, steamed egg, and tangy pickles for a flavorful, satisfying meal
2. Pho
Pho is Vietnam's "national soul food" and a popular breakfast choice in Saigon that needs no introduction. This iconic noodle soup is beloved for its complex yet clean flavors. A steaming bowl of pho features a clear, sweet broth simmered for hours from beef or chicken bones along with spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cloves. This aromatic broth is poured over soft yet chewy rice noodles and thinly sliced meats most commonly beef or chicken. A plate of fresh accompaniments is always served alongside, including Thai basil, sawtooth coriander, bean sprouts, and lime wedges, allowing you to customize the flavor to your liking. The sweetness of the broth, the savory aroma of the meat, and the fresh burst from the herbs create a delicate and captivating flavor that is both comforting and invigorating. Starting your day with a bowl of Pho is a quintessential Vietnamese experience.
Recommended pho stall in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Pho Hoa Pasteur: 260C Pasteur Street, Xuan Hoa Ward (former District 3), Ho Chi Minh City
- Pho Le: 413 - 415 Nguyen Trai Street, An Dong Ward (former District 5), Ho Chi Minh City
3. Banh mi
Saigon's Banh Mi is one of the most famous street foods in the world, a perfect fusion of French colonial influence and Vietnamese culinary ingenuity. The foundation is a light, airy baguette with a crackling-thin crust, a legacy of French baking. This warm, crispy vessel is then generously filled with a vibrant array of ingredients. Standard fillings include several types of cold cuts like Vietnamese pork sausage, head cheese, and cured pork, all layered over a generous smear of rich, savory pate. The baguette is then brightened with tangy pickled carrots and daikon, fresh cilantro, crisp cucumber slices, and a kick of spicy chili. The harmonious combination of the creamy pate, savory meat, sour pickles, and spicy chili creates a truly unique and captivating flavor profile that hits every note.
Recommended banh mi stalls in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Banh mi Huynh Hoa: 26 Le Thi Rieng Street, Ben Thanh Ward (former District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
- Banh mi Bay Ho: 19 Huynh Khuong Ninh Street, Tan Dinh Ward (former District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon’s Banh Mi is a crispy baguette filled with savory meats, pate, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and chili for a flavorful, iconic street food experience
4. Xoi (Sticky rice)
Xoi is a familiar and beloved breakfast dish in Saigon, offering incredible variety and comfort in a single packet. The most popular version for breakfast is savory sticky rice (xoi man), a hearty combination of glutinous rice topped with an assortment of delicious toppings. These toppings often include Chinese sausage, pork floss, quail eggs, and fragrant fried shallots, all drizzled with a savory soy-based sauce. Other popular options include chicken sticky rice, char siu sticky rice with barbecued pork, and the sweet, creamy custard sticky rice. Each type has its own distinct flavor, but all share the common feature of chewy, fragrant, hot sticky rice combined with rich toppings. Enjoying a warm packet of Xoi in the morning not only fills you up but also brings a warm, familiar feeling that connects you to the local way of life.
Recommended xoi stalls in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Xoi ga Cho Ba Chieu: 318/1 Bui Huu Nghia Street, Gia Dinh Ward (former Binh Thanh District), Ho Chi Minh City
- Xoi che Bui Thi Xuan: 111 Bui Thi Xuan Street, Ben Thanh Ward (former District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
5. Bun bo (Beef noodle soup)
While its full name is bun bo Hue, referencing its origin city of Hue, this spicy beef noodle soup has become a breakfast staple in Ho Chi Minh City. It offers a completely different flavor profile from the more delicate pho. The broth has a distinctive reddish hue from annatto oil and is simmered with beef bones and shank for a deep, meaty flavor. The soup features thick, round rice vermicelli noodles which have more bite than pho noodles. It is loaded with tender slices of beef shank and often includes cubes of congealed pig's blood, as well as a piece of pork hock. A bowl is served with a variety of fresh herbs and vegetables, including lettuce, banana blossom, and mint, which add freshness and crunch. It's a hearty, flavorful, and wonderfully complex soup that will definitely wake up your taste buds.
Recommended bun bo stall in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Bun bo Hue Hanh: 269/10/4 Banh Van Tran Street, Tan Son Nhat Ward (former Tan Binh District), Ho Chi Minh City
- Bun bo Co Mai: 36 Nguyen Trai Street, Ben Thanh Ward (former District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
Bun bo Hue is a spicy beef noodle soup with thick vermicelli, tender beef, pork hock, and fresh herbs, offering a hearty, flavorful breakfast in Ho Chi Minh City
6. Banh canh (Vietnamese thick noodle soup)
Banh canh is a rustic yet delicious breakfast dish known for its uniquely satisfying noodles. Unlike the slender noodles of pho or bun, the noodles in banh canh are thick, round, and delightfully chewy, made from a blend of rice and tapioca flour. The broth is the heart of the dish, typically cooked from pork bones, fresh shrimp, or crab, which imparts a wonderful, natural sweetness. The most popular version is banh canh cua, featuring a rich crab-based broth. A full bowl of banh canh often includes generous toppings like fried fish cakes, tender slices of pork, bouncy shrimp, and sometimes pork blood pudding. Garnished with fresh scallions and cilantro, it's a light yet filling breakfast, perfect for those who enjoy interesting textures and a clean, seafood-forward flavor to start their day.
Recommended banh canh stall in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Banh canh cua Ut Le: 211 To Hien Thanh Street, Hoa Hung Ward (former District 10), Ho Chi Minh City
- Banh canh cua 87: 87 Tran Khac Chan Street, Tan Dinh Ward (former District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
7. Bun moc (Pork and mushroom noodle soup)
Bun moc is a light and delicate breakfast dish originating from Hanoi that has found a loving home in Saigon. It is celebrated for its clean, subtle flavors, making it an ideal choice for a gentle morning meal. A hot bowl of Bun Moc features a crystal-clear, sweet broth made from simmering pork bones, served with thin rice vermicelli noodles. The star of the dish is the "moc", bouncy pork paste and wood ear mushroom balls that are both savory and wonderfully textured. These are accompanied by other high-quality pork elements, such as fragrant cinnamon sausage, lean pork slices, and sometimes tender pork ribs. Garnished with fresh herbs like scallions and cilantro, the final result is a refined, easy-to-eat flavor profile. It lacks the intense spice or funk of other Vietnamese soups, instead helping you start your day in a gentle, refreshing, and deeply satisfying way.
Recommended bun moc stall in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Bun moc Thanh Mai: 14 Truong Dinh Street, Ben Thanh Ward (former District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
- Bun moc Rom Map: 457 Vo Van Tan Street, Ban Co Ward (former District 3), Ho Chi Minh City
Bun moc is a light Hanoi-style breakfast soup with clear pork broth, vermicelli, pork and mushroom balls, fresh herbs, and a gentle, savory flavor
8. Banh uot (Steamed thin rice pancake)
Banh uot is a wonderfully light and delicate dish perfect for a gentle start to the day. It's made from thin, gossamer sheets of steamed rice flour batter, which are rolled up and served at room temperature. The texture is incredibly soft, slick, and slightly chewy. Traditionally, Banh Uot is served simply, topped with a sprinkle of crispy fried shallots, chopped fresh herbs, and sometimes slices of Vietnamese pork sausage. The entire dish is brought to life by the accompanying dipping sauce, a classic sweet and savory nuoc cham made with fish sauce, lime, sugar, and chili. It’s an elegant and simple breakfast that is incredibly easy to eat and digest.
Recommended Banh Uot Stalls in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Banh uot Long Thanh: 29 Thai Van Lung Street, Sai Gon Ward (former District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
- Banh uot Ba Hoai: 85/1 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Xuan Hoa Ward (former District 3), Ho Chi Minh City
9. Banh cuon (Stuffed pancake)
Banh cuon is a close cousin to banh uot, but with an extra layer of savory goodness. These delicate rice rolls are filled with seasoned minced pork and finely chopped wood ear mushrooms. The rolls are incredibly soft and fragrant, practically melting in your mouth. After being filled and rolled, they are topped with a generous amount of crispy fried shallots, which add a crucial textural contrast and aromatic depth. A dipping bowl of sweet and tangy fish sauce completes the dish. This meal is a symphony of soft, savory, and fresh flavors, making it a must-try for anyone exploring the diverse breakfast cuisine of Saigon.
Recommended banh cuon stall in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Banh cuon Thanh Van: 9A Thai Van Lung Street, Sai Gon Ward (former District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
- Banh cuon Ba Hoai: 85/1 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Xuan Hoa Ward (former District 3), Ho Chi Minh City
Banh cuon are delicate rice rolls filled with minced pork and mushrooms, topped with fried shallots, and served with sweet-tangy fish sauce
10. Hu tieu nam vang
Hu Tieu Nam Vang is a complex and flavorful dish of Cambodian-Chinese origin that has become an integral part of Saigon's diverse culinary landscape. The name "Nam Vang" is the Vietnamese term for Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. This dish features chewy, clear rice or egg noodles served in a rich, slightly sweet broth simmered from pork bones and dried squid, which gives it a unique umami depth. What truly sets it apart is its incredible array of toppings. A standard bowl is a feast, loaded with ingredients like savory minced pork, perfectly cooked shrimp, tender pork slices, and a variety of pork offal such as liver, heart, and kidney, all crowned with a delicate quail egg. This dish boasts a rich and complex flavor profile, both sweet and savory, offering a unique and unforgettable culinary experience for the adventurous eater looking for a hearty and multi-layered breakfast.
Recommended hu tieu nam vang stall in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Hu tieu Nam Vang Nhan Quan: There are many branches, but the most prominent one is the branch at 27Q Au Co Street, Phu Tho Ward (former District 11), Ho Chi Minh City.
- Hu tieu Nam Vang Thanh Dat: There are many branches, but the most prominent one is the branch at 6 - 18 - 20 Ly Thai To Street, Ban Co Ward (former District 3), Ho Chi Minh City
11. Banh bao (Baozi)
Banh bao is the ultimate Vietnamese breakfast on the go. These fluffy steamed buns feature soft white dough encasing a savory filling, commonly sold warm on street corners in the morning. The classic filling includes minced pork, wood ear mushrooms, vermicelli, and a hidden quail or chicken egg. The bun itself is slightly sweet, which perfectly complements the savory, umami-rich filling. They are soft, fluffy, and substantial enough to serve as a complete and satisfying meal. Grabbing a hot Banh Bao from a street vendor is a quintessential Saigon morning ritual, perfect for a quick and delicious breakfast or a hearty snack to enjoy while exploring the city.
Recommended banh bao stall in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Banh bao Tho Phat: 80 Nguyen Tri Phuong Street, An Dong Ward (former District 5), Ho Chi Minh City
- Banh bao Co Ba: 12 Le Thi Rieng Street, Ben Thanh Ward (former District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
Banh bao are fluffy steamed buns filled with savory pork, mushrooms, vermicelli, and egg, a popular warm street breakfast in Saigon
12. Bun thit nuong (Grilled pork with rice vermicelli)
Bun thit nuong is a refreshing, flavorful, and easy-to-eat breakfast dish that is loved by many for its perfect balance of textures and tastes. Unlike hot noodle soups, this is a "dry" noodle dish, making it ideal for Saigon's warm climate. A complete bowl features a bed of fresh, cool rice vermicelli noodles topped with caramelized, smoky grilled pork that has been marinated in lemongrass, garlic, and fish sauce. This is accompanied by crispy fried spring rolls, a pile of fresh herbs like lettuce and mint, crunchy pickled carrots, and a sprinkle of roasted peanuts for texture. Everything is then drenched in a well-balanced sweet and sour fish sauce dressing. The mix of hot grilled meat, cool noodles, fresh vegetables, and crunchy toppings makes for a light, flavorful, and fully satisfying breakfast.
Recommended bun thit nuong stall in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Bun thit nuong Chi Tuyen: 175C Co Giang Street, Cau Ong Lanh Ward, (former District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
- Bun thit nuong Quan 339: Alley 339/7-9 To Hien Thanh Street, Hoa Hung Ward (former District 10), Ho Chi Minh City
13. Banh hoi heo quay (Crispy roasted pork with fine rice vermicelli)
Banh hoi heo quay is a fantastic dish that celebrates texture as much as flavor, making for a delightful breakfast or brunch. The star of this dish is the "banh hoi", intricately woven bundles of fine rice vermicelli sheets that are soft, slightly sticky, and incredibly delicate. These noodle sheets are traditionally brushed with scallion oil for added fragrance and flavor. The noodles are served alongside a generous portion of "heo quay," which is crispy roasted pork belly. The pork features an unbelievably crunchy, crackling skin and succulent, juicy meat. This delicious pairing is served with a platter of fresh lettuce, aromatic herbs like mint and perilla, and a side of sweet and tangy fish sauce for dipping. The interactive experience of wrapping the soft noodles and crunchy pork in lettuce leaves and dipping them into the sauce makes it a fun and incredibly flavorful specialty.
Recommended banh hoi heo quay in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Banh hoi Heo Quay Tan Dinh: 48 Hai Ba Trung Street, Tan Dinh Ward (former District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
- Banh hoi Co Ba: 25 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Xuan Hoa Ward (former District 3), Ho Chi Minh City
Banh hoi heo quay pairs delicate rice vermicelli with crispy roasted pork, fresh herbs, and dipping sauce for a flavorful, textural Saigon breakfast
14. Mi vit tiem (Roasted duck soup with egg noodles)
Mi vit tiem is a nourishing and aromatic dish with strong Chinese culinary influences, beloved by many Saigonese for its rich, complex flavors. This hearty soup consists of chewy yellow egg noodles served with a large, slow-braised duck leg that is fall-off-the-bone tender. The duck is simmered in a dark, herbal broth with star anise, goji berries, and shiitake mushrooms, giving it a subtly sweet and savory flavor. The tender duck, fragrant herbs, and rich broth blend into a dish that’s both delicious and deeply restorative. It’s an excellent choice for a substantial and nutritious breakfast, especially on a cooler morning, providing a powerful boost of energy and warmth to start your day right.
Recommended mi vit tiem stall in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Mi vit tiem Thiem Huy: 455 - 457 Nguyen Trai Street, An Dong Ward (former District 5), Ho Chi Minh City
- Luong Ky Mi Gia: 1 Huynh Man Dat Street, Thanh My Tay Ward, (former Binh Thanh District), Ho Chi Minh City
15. Bo kho (Vietnamese beef stew)
Bo kho is a warm, aromatic, and deeply flavorful beef stew that is a perfect breakfast for a cozy or rainy day. This hearty dish features tender chunks of beef brisket or shank slow-stewed until incredibly soft in a vibrant, reddish-orange broth. The broth is the star, richly infused with a fragrant blend of spices including lemongrass, star anise, cinnamon, and annatto seeds, which provide its signature color and aroma. Carrots are added during the cooking process, becoming tender and absorbing the savory flavors of the stew. Bo Kho is incredibly versatile and is often served with either a crispy, warm baguette for dipping or poured over rice noodles. The sweetness of the beef, the earthiness of the vegetables, and the rich, spice-laden broth create a satisfying and complete breakfast that will warm you to the core.
Recommended bo kho stall in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Bo kho Co Mai: 17C Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Sai Gon Ward (former District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
- Bo Kho Ganh Saigon: Ngo Gia Tu Apartment, Block H/029 Su Van Hanh Street, Vuon Lai Ward (former District 10), Ho Chi Minh City
Bo kho is a fragrant Vietnamese beef stew with tender meat, spiced broth, and carrots, served with baguette or noodles for a hearty breakfast
16. Bun mam (Fermented fish noodle soup)
Bun mam is a bold specialty of the Mekong Delta that holds a special place in the hearts of adventurous Saigonese foodies. This dish is not for the faint of heart, as it has a distinct, pungent aroma from its fermented fish broth, typically made from linh fish or sac fish. However, the flavor is surprisingly complex and not at all difficult to eat once you dive in. The rich, dark broth is surprisingly sweet and savory, balanced by a generous serving of fresh rice vermicelli noodles. A bowl is loaded with an incredible variety of toppings, such as plump shrimp, slices of snakehead fish, crispy roasted pork belly, and tender squid. To cut through the richness, it's served with a mountain of fresh herbs and vegetables like water lily stems, bean sprouts, and banana blossom. It's a unique dish that challenges the palate, but once you try it, you'll find it hard to forget its profound umami depth.
Recommended bun mam stall in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Bun mam 444: 375 Le Quang Dinh Street, Binh Loi Trung Ward (former Binh Thanh District), Ho Chi Minh City
- Bun mam Co Ba: 451 Phan Huy Ich Street, An Hoi Tay Ward (former Go Vap District), Ho Chi Minh City
17. Chao long (Pork offal congee)
Chao long is a humble, rustic, and familiar breakfast for many people in Saigon, renowned for being both incredibly affordable and deeply nourishing. A hot bowl of Chao is traditionally cooked with roasted rice, which gives the congee a uniquely nutty aroma and a slightly heartier texture. The "long" part of the name refers to the star ingredients: a variety of expertly prepared pork offal. A typical serving includes an assortment of boiled innards such as liver, intestines, and heart, which are cleaned meticulously to ensure they are crispy and tender, not chewy. It is often served with savory fried blood sausage, slices of pork tongue, and garnished with fresh ginger, scallions, and black pepper. It's a comforting dish that warms the stomach and provides lasting energy for a long day, showcasing Vietnam's nose-to-tail culinary philosophy.
Recommended chao long stall in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Chao long 170B Vo Thi Sau: 170B Vo Thi Sau Street, Xuan Hoa Ward (former District 3), Ho Chi Minh City
- Chao long 374: 374 Le Van Sy Street, Tay Son Hoa Ward (former Tan Binh District), Ho Chi Minh City
Chao long is a comforting Saigon breakfast of nutty rice porridge with pork offal, blood sausage, and fresh herbs, hearty and nourishing
18. Mi tron muoi ot (Spicy salt and chili mixed noodles)
Mi tron muoi ot is a modern, addictive street food favorite and a quick, appealing breakfast choice, especially for the younger crowd. This is another "dry" noodle dish, perfect for a fast-paced morning. It features chewy instant noodles, blanched and then tossed in a fiery and savory spicy salt and chili mixture. The magic of this dish lies in the multitude of textures and flavors mixed in. It’s usually topped with crispy pork cracklings, fried shallots, chili paste, and sometimes quail eggs, beef jerky, or meatballs. The dish has a perfectly balanced salty, spicy, and fatty flavor profile that strongly stimulates the taste buds with every bite. This is a unique and punchy breakfast, perfectly suited for those who love bold flavors and want to try something exciting and new in Saigon.
Recommended mi tron muoi ot stall lls in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Mi tron muoi ot Huyen: 38/2 Nguyen Cong Hoan Street, Cau Kieu Ward (former Phu Nhuan District), Ho Chi Minh City
- Mi tron muoi ot Co Co: 13 Tran Ke Xuong Street, Binh Thanh Ward (former Binh Thanh District), Ho Chi Minh City
19. Crab soup (Soup cua)
Vietnamese crab soup is a comforting and flavorful dish known for its light, velvety broth infused with the delicate sweetness of fresh crab meat. The soup typically features a mix of crab, chicken, corn, carrots, peas, mushrooms, and eggs, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. When served, it is often garnished with chopped cilantro, scallions, and a dash of white pepper, adding a fresh, aromatic finish. The broth is gently thickened with tapioca starch, giving it a smooth, slightly creamy consistency without being heavy. Each spoonful delivers a subtle umami from the crab, balanced by the mild sweetness of vegetables and the richness of eggs. Vietnamese crab soup is cherished for its warmth and nourishing qualities, making it a popular choice for special occasions and everyday meals alike.
Recommended crab soup stall lls in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Soup Moc - Le Van Luong: 506 Le Van Luong, Tan Hung Ward (former District 7), Ho Chi Minh City
- Soup cua Ut Tuyen: 162 Nguyen Thi Nho, Phu Tho Ward (former District 11), Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnamese crab soup is a light, velvety crab soup featuring tender crab meat, sweet vegetables, and silky egg in a comforting, gently thickened broth
20. Crab noodle soup (Bun rieu)
Bun rieu is a beloved Vietnamese noodle soup known for its vibrant, tangy, and deeply comforting flavors. The broth is typically made from tomatoes, pork, and freshwater crab, giving it a natural sweetness and a signature reddish hue. A defining feature of the dish is the fluffy, savory crab paste that adds richness and umami to every bite. A bowl of bun rieu often includes vermicelli noodles, tofu, pork, blood pudding, and, depending on the region, snails or beef. It’s served with a generous side of fresh herbs like perilla, bean sprouts, shredded banana blossom, and lime to brighten the flavors. The combination of the slightly sour tomato broth, fragrant herbs, and tender toppings creates a refreshing yet hearty meal perfect for any time of day. Popular across street stalls and restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City, bun rieu remains a comforting favorite for locals and visitors alike.
Recommended bun rieu stall lls in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Bun rieu co Huong Beo: 198 Ta Quang Buu, Chanh Hung Ward (former District 8), Ho Chi Minh City
- Bun rieu cua 470: 470 Le Van Luong, Tan HUnug Ward (former District 7), Ho Chi Minh City
Your culinary exploration of breakfast in Ho Chi Minh City is guaranteed to be one of the highlights of your trip. The sheer diversity is astounding, offering something for every mood and palate. You can start your day with the comforting, complex broth of a world-class Pho, grab a crunchy and globally-renowned Banh Mi on the go, or sit down to a hearty and textural plate of Com Tam. From the bold, funky flavors of Bun Mam to the delicate, subtle notes of Bun Moc, each dish tells a story about Saigon's rich history and vibrant culture. You’ll often find the most authentic and memorable meals when you sit on a tiny plastic stool at a busy street-side eatery. With this GTrip - Vietnam Travel Agency guide, you’re ready to explore the city’s morning food scene and eat like a local.
