The Saigon broken rice (Cơm Tấm Sài Gòn) is one of the dishes with rich variations that surprises diners when exploring Southern Vietnamese cuisine.
If Pho is a famous specialty of Hanoi in the North, then the most familiar rustic dish in Ho Chi Minh City of the South is broken rice dish. From the main ingredients are broken rice, fish sauce, onion fat, pickled vegetables and salty side dishes; Saigon broken rice has different versions to satisfy the needs and eating preferences of food lovers.
Saigon Broken Rice with Pork Ribs and Sausage
Broken rice with ribs and pork patties is the original broken rice of Saigon people. Rice is served with large rib cutlets, egg rolls and fried eggs.
When eating, people sprinkle on a layer of candied fish sauce, which blends well and has a sweet and spicy flavor that is very delicious for rice. In addition, there are also sour foods on the plate to prevent boredom. Not simply a dish, broken rice also carries the soul of Saigon cuisine and the culinary culture of the people here.
Broken Rice with Ribs and Coconut Milk
The steamed rice with ribs rammed with coconut water is an attractive dish for diners. Instead of grilling, the pork ribs are soaked in coconut milk to make the meat more tender, fragrant and rich in sweetness. This method of cooking is also quicker and more convenient than having to stand and grill ribs and watch over fire for a long time.
Long Xuyen Broken Rice (from Mekong Delta)
Variation from Saigon broken rice, Long Xuyen broken rice has a slightly different way of eating. Instead of having a whole big piece of ribs, the meat served with broken rice is sliced beautifully into thin strips. There is no fried egg, the rice dish is served with braised eggs with rich flavor and is also supplemented with areca nuts. Sometimes a plate of broken rice can add a little sour cabbage, a few roasted shrimps or snakehead fish depending on the person’s preferences.
Broken Rice with Salted Egg Rolls
There are also toppings similar to the rice with rib and pork patties, but the egg rolls in this version of broken rice have salted eggs inside. A very large egg patty, often sold with rice, will be cut into quarters, or some customers will buy half a patty. In addition, this Vietnamese broken rice dish is also served with golden fried fish cakes, indispensable pickles and sweet and spicy chili fish sauce.
Broken Rice with Grilled Chicken
The cooked broken rice with rib is too popular, so diners who want a change of taste can try broken rice with chicken. Usually this version is served with grilled chicken thighs or wings, sprinkled with onion fat, which helps you eat more rice. The broken rice with chicken is also served with pickled vegetables to relieve boredom.
Conclusion for Broken Rice Dish
In the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, the culinary landscape is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, and among the top 10 exciting dishes in HCM City that beckon travelers is the iconic Saigon Broken Rice (Cơm Tấm Sài Gòn). A gastronomic journey through the bustling streets of this dynamic city would be incomplete without savoring the unique textures and tastes that this dish offers. Saigon Broken Rice epitomizes the fusion of simplicity and sophistication, with fragrant broken rice grains accompanied by succulent grilled pork, crispy pork skin or grilled chicken and a medley of fresh herbs. The dish is a testament to Vietnamese popular food, capturing the essence of local flavors. As a travel guide, we highly recommend indulging in this quintessential Saigon experience – it’s not just a meal but a cultural immersion that will linger in your memory long after you leave. Embrace the charm of Saigon Broken Rice and let your taste buds dance to the symphony of Vietnamese cuisine in Ho Chi Minh City.
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