Vietnamese Broken Rice | Saigon’s Must-Try Dish

Vietnamese broken rice, or Com Tam, is a must-try for any visitor to Vietnam. From savory grilled pork to tangy pickles, this dish has it all. Join me on a culinary adventure as we explore the magic of Com Tam!

1. What is Vietnamese broken rice (Com Tam)?

Vietnamese broken rice – “Cơm Tấm” is a super popular Vietnamese dish, especially in Saigon, and it’s made with broken rice grains. These are just rice grains that get a little bumped and bruised during their journey from the field to your plate. This makes them soak up flavors like a sponge and cook faster – perfect for those yummy toppings.

Com Tam is a super popular Vietnamese dish. | Source: Collected.

Typically, you’ll find Com Tam served with grilled pork chops, shredded pork skin, or a savory pork loaf. And don’t forget the “nuoc mam” (a type of fish sauce) – a tangy, dipping sauce that brings all the flavors together.

2. What Does Vietnamese Broken Rice (Cơm Tấm) Taste Like?

Vietnamese broken rice, or Cơm Tấm, is a beloved dish that offers a unique taste experience. While it may resemble regular rice, its shorter grains create a distinct texture that’s soft and fluffy. This makes it the perfect base for a variety of savory toppings.

Broken rice is one of the dishes that Southern people, especially Saigon people, love very much. | Source: Collected.

Cơm Tấm is often served with grilled pork chops, shredded pork skin, and pickled vegetables. The combination of these flavors and textures, along with a drizzle of fish sauce, creates a harmonious and satisfying meal. The dish’s versatility and deliciousness have made it a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.

3. A Taste of Saigon: Exploring Vietnamese Broken Rice

If you’re looking to delve into the heart of Saigon’s culinary scene, Cơm Tấm (Vietnamese Broken Rice) is a must-try. This beloved dish offers a unique and satisfying dining experience that’s both comforting and flavorful.

What Makes Saigon’s Cơm Tấm Special?

Cơm Tấm’s unique appeal stems from its traditional preparation and diverse toppings. Traditionally cooked over a wood fire in a clay pot, the rice gains a distinctive smoky flavor and a soft, fluffy texture. 

Saigon’s Vietnamese Broken Rice. | Source: Collected.

The versatility of Com Tam shines through its various toppings, ranging from tender grilled pork chops and crispy pork skin to tangy pickled vegetables and fragrant scallion oil. The harmonious blend of these savory elements, complemented by a sweet and sour fish sauce, creates a truly satisfying culinary experience. 

Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a first-time visitor, Com Tam is a must-try in Saigon.

Types of Vietnamese broken rice dishes in Saigon

Here are a few must-tries to get you started:

1. Com Tam Suon (Broken rice with grilled pork chop): This is the classic one. Picture tender, juicy grilled pork chops marinated to perfection.
2. Com Tam bi (Broken rice with shredded pork skin): This dish features thin strips of boiled pork skin mixed with roasted rice powder and spices. It adds a delightful chewy texture and savory punch to your broken rice.
3. Com Tam cha (Broken rice with egg meatloaf): This is a real treat! The egg meatloaf is a delicious blend of ground pork, vermicelli noodles, mushrooms, and eggs. It’s like a savory, fluffy cloud on top of your rice. 

Com Tam Suon – Bi – Cha. | Source: collected.

***Pro tip: Don’t forget the “nước chấm” (dipping sauce). This tangy, sweet, and spicy concoction ties all the flavors together. Just drizzle it over your Com Tam and get ready for a flavor explosion. 

4. Must-try Vietnamese broken rice restaurants in Saigon

Com Tam Ba Ghien

• Address: 84 Dang Van Ngu Street, Ward 10, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Rating: 4.0
• Open hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

This iconic broken rice restaurant has been a local favorite for nearly 30 years and even earned recognition in the Michelin Guide. Renowned for its massive pork chop served alongside perfectly cooked broken rice, it’s a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts. The generous portions and authentic flavors make it a standout experience in Saigon’s culinary scene.

Ba Ghien Vietnamese Broken Rice. | Source: Annie.

Do Phu Cafe – Com Tam Dai Han 

• Address: 

1.   287/72 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
2.   145 Tran Quang Khai Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
3.   113A Dang Dung Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

• Rating: 4.5
• Open hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Stepping into Do Phu Cafe is like taking a trip back in time. Imagine yourself enjoying a plate of flavorful Com Tam and a cup of cà phê sữa đá in the Saigon in 1964 – pretty cool, right?

Do Phu Cafe – Com Tam Dai Han. | Source: Collected. 

Com Tam Phuc Loc Tho

• Address: 

1.   236 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
2.   524 Nguyen Thi Thap Street, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City

• Rating: 3.9
• Open hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

This place is all about keeping it real, from the flavors to the vibes. Their signature dish? “Com Tam suon bi cha” – fragrant broken rice topped with juicy grilled pork ribs, tender steamed pork sausage, and crispy pork skin that’ll have you crunching with joy. Trust me, it’s a flavor explosion in your mouth!

Phuc Loc Tho – Vietnamese Broken Rice. | Source: Phuc Loc Tho.

Phuc Loc Tho not only serves amazing food, but they also care about the environment. Your takeaway “Com Tam” comes in a handy paper box – eco-friendly and delicious! Plus, the restaurant has a super friendly atmosphere, making you feel right at home.

Com Tam Moc

• Address: 

1.   85 Ly Tu Trong Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
2.   B3 Floor, Vincom Dong Khoi Shopping Center, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
3.   B2 Floor, Takashimaya Shopping Center, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
4.   4th Floor, Thiso Mall Sala Shopping Center, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City

• Rating: 3.7
• Open hours: 9:00 AM – 20:30 PM

For an authentic taste of Saigon, Com Tam Moc is a must-visit. Known for its flavorful and expertly prepared broken rice, this restaurant delivers a true culinary experience. Beyond the food, the spacious and airy setting, paired with nostalgic decor, creates a welcoming atmosphere that adds to the charm of your visit.

Com Tam Moc

Com Tam Cali

• Address: 

1.   236 Le Thanh Ton Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
2.   82 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City
3.   125 Nguyen Chi Thanh, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City

• Rating: 3.9
• Open hours: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM

This popular restaurant chain offers a delightful variety of Com Tam options to tantalize your taste buds. From the classic “Com Tam suon cot let” (broken rice with grilled pork chop) to the flavorful “Cam Tam ba roi nuong” (broken rice with grilled pork belly), and their signature “Cam Tam suon gio Cali” (broken rice with pork chop and Cali-style pork roll), each dish is crafted with passion and expertise.

Com Tam Cali

What sets Com Tam Cali apart is their commitment to quality and flavor. Each bite is an explosion of savory, sweet, and tangy notes, thanks to their special marinades and sauces. Don’t forget to try their signature fish sauce – it’s the perfect complement to the dish!

So there you have it! 

Vietnamese broken rice, or Com Tam, is a true culinary gem that deserves a spot on every foodie’s bucket list. From the fluffy texture of the rice to the savory grilled pork and the tangy pickled veggies, it’s an explosion of flavors that’ll leave you wanting more. 

If you’re looking for an adventurous way to explore Saigon and discover even more hidden culinary gems, why not hop on a Saigon motorbike food tour with us at KissTour? We’ll zip through the bustling streets, taking you to local favorites and showing you the city like a true insider. Until then, happy eating!