“Cơm Tấm” (Broken Rice)

“Cơm tấm” (broken rice) is a traditional Vietnamese dish that's typically sold as street food. It has its origin in southern Vietnam and is considered one of the most popular breakfast dishes of the southerners. Nowadays, “cơm tấm” is also present in the middle and the north of Vietnam, or even abroad.

The main ingredient consists of broken and imperfect rice grains that were traditionally chucked away after the milling process. That’s the reason why “cơm tấm” used to be considered a dish for poor people but today it’s not only become a popular dish of people from all walks of life but also a signature dish in Vietnam.

“Cơm tấm” is usually served with grilled pork, thinly shredded pork mixed with cooked and thinly shredded pork skin, steamed egg or fried egg, fresh cucumber, tomato, and some pickled vegetables. Besides, an important ingredient to make it perfect is seasoned fish sauce, which mainly affects the taste of “cơm tấm”. In big cities like Ho Chi Minh City, “cơm tấm” has become a characteristic of its culture, you can find them at any time and anywhere, from roadside stalls to luxurious restaurants.