Breakfast in Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon, is more than just a meal – it’s a way of experiencing the heart of the city. The bustling streets, lively markets, and street food stalls come alive in the morning, serving up a vibrant array of dishes that reflect the culture and traditions of southern Vietnam. Whether you’re a food lover or a casual traveler, the breakfast options in Ho Chi Minh City offer something for everyone.
In this guide, let’s together with Saigon Local Tour explore the best foods for a local breakfast in Ho Chi Minh City, from classic dishes like Pho to hidden gems that only locals know about. If you’re wondering what to eat in Ho Chi Minh City, you’ve come to the right place!
Best 10 Saigon Breakfast Dishes You Must Try
Pho - Vietnam’s National Breakfast Delight
Pho, a classic Vietnamese noodle soup, is one of the most iconic dishes in Ho Chi Minh City. It’s made with aromatic broth, rice noodles, and thinly sliced beef or chicken, topped with fresh herbs and bean sprouts. The flavors are rich yet balanced, making Pho a must-try breakfast dish. Pho stalls can be found all over the city, with each place adding its own unique twist. Whether it's pho bò (beef) or pho gà (chicken), it’s a hearty and flavorful way to start your day.
Where to try Pho:
- Pho Hoa
Address: 260C Pasteur Street, District 3
Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Pho Hoa is a long-standing institution in Saigon, famous for its fragrant broth and generous portions of tender beef. - Pho 2000
Address: 2000 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, District 1
Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Known for its historical significance, Pho 2000 gained international fame after former U.S. President Bill Clinton visited in 2000. The pho here is rich in flavor, offering a perfect start to the day.
Hu Tieu - Southern Vietnamese Noodle Soup
Hu Tieu is another popular noodle soup in Saigon, offering a lighter, yet equally satisfying, breakfast. The soup features clear broth, rice noodles, and a variety of toppings such as shrimp, pork, or beef. Hu Tieu is often served with a side of lime, chili, and herbs, making it a customizable and refreshing breakfast choice. It’s especially popular in the southern regions of Vietnam, where it’s often enjoyed in the morning.
Where to try Hu Tieu:
- Hu tieu Nam Vang Thanh Dat: 34 Co Bac Street, District 1
Hu Tieu Nam Vang Thanh Dat is a go-to destination for both a Saigon food tour and breakfast in the city. It offers dry Cambodian-style hu tieu, topped with flavorful ingredients like minced pork, shrimp, quail egg, and liver. A perfect stop for any time of day or night.
- Hu tieu Quoc Ky: No. 24, Ky Con Street, District 1
Com Tam - Broken Rice with Grilled Pork
Com Tam is a traditional Saigon breakfast dish that’s both delicious and filling. The dish typically consists of broken rice served with grilled pork (often accompanied by fried eggs, pickled vegetables, and sometimes shrimp paste). It's a simple yet flavorful breakfast that reflects the local taste, and you can find Com Tam eateries all over the city, especially in District 1.
Where to try Com Tam:
- Com Tam Ba Ghien
Location: 84 Dang Van Ngu Street, Phu Nhuan District
Opening hours: All day
A local favorite for nearly 30 years, Com Tam Ba Ghien is a must-visit spot in Saigon for Vietnamese broken rice. Known for its delicious grilled pork chops, the dish also comes with eggs, shredded pork rinds, sweet fish sauce, and pickled vegetables. The restaurant has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition.
- Phuc Loc Tho Broken Rice
Location: 236 Dinh Tien Hoang, Da Kao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
64 Ung Van Khiem, Ward 25, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
539 Phan Van Tri, Ward 5, Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon Phuc Loc Tho Broken Rice is a popular spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner among both locals and tourists. The restaurant offers a variety of broken rice dishes, including traditional egg rib rice, meatball rice, chicken rice, braised rib rice, and pork belly rice. Many diners praise the broken rice for its separate, yet soft grains, while the side dishes are flavorful and well-seasoned. The restaurant is spacious, clean, and provides a comfortable dining experience.
Xoi - Sticky Rice for Breakfast
Xôi is a popular Vietnamese breakfast food, consisting of sticky rice topped with a variety of savory or sweet toppings. Common toppings include shredded pork, fried onions, and mung beans, but Xôi can also be served with sweet fillings like coconut or sugar. It’s a comforting and hearty breakfast that’s perfect for those looking for something filling but easy to enjoy on the go.
Where to try Xoi: :
- Xoi ga Ut Nga: No. 11, Le Hong Phong Street, District 5
- Xoi Binh Tien: No. 88, Minh Phung Street, District 6
Banh Canh - Vietnamese thick noodle soup
Banh Canh is a beloved Vietnamese noodle soup that promises a hearty meal with every bite. With its thick, chewy noodles and a rich, savory broth, this dish offers the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Commonly topped with tender pork, succulent shrimp, and quail eggs, bánh canh is an irresistible comfort food that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Where to try Banh Canh:
- Bánh Canh Ngọc Trinh
Address: 867 Trần Xuân Soạn, Quận 7
Known for its rich and flavorful broth, Bánh Canh Ngọc Trinh serves up generous portions of this classic dish. The combination of fresh ingredients and a perfectly balanced broth makes this spot a must-visit for any Banh Canh enthusiast. - Bánh Canh Út Thảo
Address: 427 Hậu Giang, Quận 6
Another gem, Bánh Canh Út Thảo stands out with its deliciously seasoned broth and mouth watering toppings. The noodles are cooked to perfection, and the dish is served piping hot, offering an authentic taste of traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
Bánh Mì - Vietnamese Breakfast Bread
Bánh Mì is perhaps one of the most popular and Instagrammable breakfast options in Ho Chi Minh City. This delicious sandwich is made with a crispy baguette stuffed with a variety of fillings, including pate, grilled pork, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs. It’s a fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisine, and it’s the perfect handheld breakfast, ideal for those on the move. You can find Bánh Mì vendors across the city, particularly near busy markets and street corners.
Where to try Bánh Mì:
- Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa
Address: 26 Le Thi Rieng Street, District 1
Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
A legendary spot for Bánh Mì in Ho Chi Minh City, Huynh Hoa is known for its generous fillings and perfectly crisp baguettes. - Bánh Mì 37 Nguyen Trai
Address: 37 Nguyen Trai Street, District 1
Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Another popular place for Bánh Mì, this local gem offers fresh, flavorful sandwiches with a variety of fillings, perfect for breakfast on the go. - Banh Mi Bay Ho
Location: 19 Huynh Khuong Ninh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
148 Nguyen Van Thu, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Banh Mi Bay Ho is widely regarded as one of the best Banh mi in Saigon. The bread is packed with generous portions of meat, paired with pickles, onions, and fresh cilantro. The unique aspect of this place is that all ingredients—such as the ham, meat, pate, and bread—are homemade, ensuring top-notch quality. The crispy bread is loaded with flavorful fillings and offered at a reasonable price, making it a go-to breakfast spot for Saigon locals for many years.
Bánh Bao - Steamed Buns
Bánh Bao is a Vietnamese steamed bun filled with a variety of fillings, such as pork, chicken, or even sweet red bean paste. It’s soft, fluffy, and comforting—ideal for a quick breakfast or a mid-morning snack. Bánh Bao is widely available at local breakfast stalls and is often paired with a hot cup of tea or Vietnamese coffee.
Bánh Xèo - Vietnamese Pancakes
Bánh Xèo is a savory Vietnamese pancake made from rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk. The pancake is usually filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, then folded in half and served with fresh herbs and a dipping sauce. Bánh Xèo is often enjoyed as a breakfast treat, especially in the southern regions, where it’s known for its crispy exterior and rich filling.
Start your day the Saigon way! Whether you're craving a bowl of steaming pho, a crusty banh mi, or a hearty plate of com tam, Ho Chi Minh City’s breakfast culture offers a flavorful gateway to local life.
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