Get a free quoteFree quote
  1. Home
  2. Vietnam
Vietnam

A Culinary Delight: Exploring the Authentic Flavors of Com Tam Saigon

What com tam is and where to eat the most authentic broken rice in Saigon and Hanoi, including local favourites such as Com Tam Ba Ghien in Phu Nhuan.

16 April 2024 · 5 min read · By Metta Voyage

Get a free itineraryWhatsApp

Share
A Culinary Delight: Exploring the Authentic Flavors of Com Tam Saigon – Ninh Binh | Metta Voyage

1.What is “Com Tam Saigon”?

Com Tam Saigon (Saigon-style broken rice) is not only a delicious meal but also a representation of the vibrant and diverse flavors of Vietnamese cuisine and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in particular. The name “Com Tam” translates to “broken rice” which refers to the fractured rice grains used to make this dish. 

One of the key components of “Com Tam Saigon” is grilled pork, often marinated with a combination of garlic, lemongrass, sugar, and fish sauce. The pork is grilled, resulting in tender and flavorful meat with a slightly charred exterior.

“Com Tam Saigon” is typically served with a variety of toppings, including pickled vegetables (carrots and daikon), cucumber slices, herbals, a fried egg (often sunny-side up or over easy), and occasionally, a small serving of “cha” (Vietnamese pork sausage).

A crucial element that makes the dish more mouth-watering is the “nuoc cham” (dipping sauce). This tangy and savory sauce is made from a blend of fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chili, adding a burst of flavor and moisture to the rice and grilled pork.

What’s new for 2027

  • Since 1 July 2025 Vietnam has a two-tier local government: districts were abolished and wards in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi were merged and renamed. Addresses below keep the street and former district names; your map app may show the new ward name.
  • Opening hours and prices below are indicative and change often; check with the restaurant before you go.

2.WHERE to enjoy the most authentic “Com Tam Saigon” in Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) 

2.1. Com Tam Tu Map (Tu Map Broken rice)

  • Location: 812, Su Van Hanh street, ward 12, district 10, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Opening hours: 07:00 – 14:00 | 17:00 – 21:00;
  • Reference price: 25.000 – 55.000 VND

Com Tam Tu Map offers a spacious atmosphere for patrons to enjoy delicious “Com Tam”. The grilled pork is pretty big, while other dishes are decorated beautifully which is a plus point, luring lots of tourists choosing to eat here.

2.2. Phuc Loc Tho broken rice 

  • Location: No. 236 Dinh Tien Hoang, Da Kao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Opening hours: 6:00 – 22:00;
  • Reference price: From 39.000 VND/person.

The broken rice served here is perfectly cooked. The grilled ribs are seasoned with aromatic spices, making them tender and flavorful. The pork skin is thinly sliced and crispy. The spring rolls are filled with minced pork and deep-fried to a golden brown crispiness. Additionally, the fried eggs have a rich and fatty yolk.

2.3.  Ba Ghien broken rice

  • Location: No. 84 Dang Van Ngu, Ward 10, Phu Nhuan District;
  • Opening hours: 8:00 – 21:00;
  • Reference price: 40.000 – 66.000 VND/person.

Plan your Vietnam trip in 1 minute

Pick your month to see the weather by region, or estimate your budget — then get a private itinerary from our Hanoi team.

Get a free itinerary for this month

Typical seasonal patterns; weather varies year to year. Our team checks your exact dates when we prepare your itinerary.

Signature of Ba Ghien broken rice includes steamed broken rice topped with pork chop marinated in a secret sauce and perfectly grilled over charcoal, along with pickled radish and sweet and sour fish sauce.

2.4. Broken Rice 36 Ha Noi

  • Address: No. 11, Phung Hung Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
  • Opening hours: 10.30 am – 2 pm and 5.30 pm – 9 pm
  • Reference price: 40.000 – 70.000 VND

Located in Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter, this dining spot has been a favorite for locals and visitors for quite some time. It’s particularly bustling around lunchtime, with delivery drivers from Grab, Baemin, and Now often seen eagerly awaiting orders. Here, you can savor aromatic and impeccably prepared broken rice dishes.

2.5. Phuong Anh Broken Rice Restaurant

  • Location:
  • No. 119A6, Tran Huy Lieu, Giang Vo, Ba Dinh District
  • No. 42, Tu Do Lane, Hai Ba Trung District
  • No. 2D, Tong Dan Street, Hoan Kiem District
  • Opening hours: 9.30 am – 2 pm and 5 pm – 9 pm
  • Reference price: VND 40.000 – 75.000

The enticing broken rice platter features high-quality rice that promises a fragrant and satisfying texture. Phuong Anh Broken Rice Restaurant’s menu offers a variety of mouthwatering options, including pork ribs, minced pork cakes, and flavorful shredded pork skin.

If you want to try other specialties in Vietnam, here are your choices: 

Cuisine of Southern Vietnam 5 Days

Vietnam Food Tour – Top List Of Destinations With Attractive Cuisine

Discover Dalat Vietnamese Cuisine Through Top Delicious Dishes Not To Be Missed

BEST RESTAURANTS IN SAPA FOR VIETNAMESE CUISINE LOVERS

4.Conclusion

When you eat “Com Tam”, you are embracing the rich flavors, culinary heritage, and vibrant street food culture of Vietnam. So, don’t miss out on this iconic Vietnamese dish during your culinary adventures in Vietnam! Metta Voyage is ready to give you more details. Do not hesitate to contact us!

Plan this trip

See what a private two-week Vietnam trip costs, or get a free tailor-made itinerary from our team.

Contact us:

Website: mettavoyage.com

Email: [email protected]

Hotline 24/7: + 84 812 247 572

Private tours to consider

Plan a trip like this · free itinerary

Free itinerary in 24 hours

Plan your journey with us

Tell us your dates and who is travelling. A travel designer replies within one working day with a day-by-day plan and one price for the whole trip.

  • No payment before a written quote
  • 30% deposit to confirm, balance 45 days before arrival
  • Private guide in your language (outside Vietnam subject to availability)

WhatsApp +84 812 247 572

    We send your free itinerary here.
    Add hotel level (optional)
    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

    Pay in your currency, to a local account

    Metta Voyage holds company bank accounts in 13 currencies. Pay your deposit by local bank transfer with no fee from us; the account details come with your invoice.

    💳 Card via OnePay: +3.5% processing feeHow to pay →