Top 10 Must-Try Places for The Best Broken Rice Ho Chi Minh City

Com tam, or broken rice, is a must-try for anyone craving authentic Southern Vietnamese flavors. It’s typically served with grilled pork chops, shredded pork skin, steamed egg meatloaf, and finished with scallion oil and a drizzle of sweet-savory fish sauce. In this guide, we unveil the top 10 best broken rice Ho Chi Minh spots, where every plate is a hearty, unforgettable taste of local culture.

1. Com Tam Muc (District 1)

Com Tam Muc makes a strong first impression with its humble name “Muc” means “to scoop”, evoking the comforting image of family meals in a Vietnamese home. The restaurant boasts a sleek yet nostalgic design, with wooden furniture arranged in a way that resembles traditional sidewalk cafés, blending modern elegance with local charm. Though relatively new to the Saigon food scene, Com Tam Muc quickly earned a loyal following thanks to its attention to detail and commitment to quality. The pork used here comes from Vinh Tan Foods, a trusted supplier with over 20 years in farming, ensuring both freshness and food safety.

The menu features a wide range of pork cuts such as pork chops, pork ribs, shoulder, belly, and the standout “nac nong” (pork jowl) for a tender, low-fat option. A typical combo includes a generous grilled pork chop, shredded pork skin, steamed egg meatloaf, and a sunny-side-up egg. Diners can also add options like meatballs or vegetables. Well-balanced flavors and attractive presentation make Com Tam Muc a favorite among office workers and food lovers alike.

The restaurant features a modern interior with wooden furniture, evoking the charm of a traditional tea shop in the heart of the city (Source: Internet)

The broken rice here stands out with tender, flavorful pork jowl, perfectly paired with egg meatloaf, shredded pork skin, and a runny fried egg (Source: Internet)

2. Com Tam Ba Ha (District 8)

With over 50 years of history, Com Tam Ba Ha isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a treasured memory for generations of Saigon locals. The space is simple and unpretentious, reflecting the warm, genuine hospitality of the owner. While it may lack flashy decor, its homey atmosphere has made it a lasting favorite.

The true stars of the menu are the two legendary types of egg meatloaf: fish-paste egg loaf and salted egg loaf, both handmade daily by Ba Ha herself. The fish loaf is served hot, crispy on the outside and chewy inside, while the salted egg version is rich, bold, and impressively large, often selling out early. Other popular items include grilled pork chops, lap xuong (Chinese sausage), braised pork, and bitter melon soup. Each dish is well-seasoned and satisfying, making this humble eatery a timeless go-to for Saigon’s food lovers.

The eatery has a humble, familiar vibe, deeply rooted in the memories of Saigon locals for over 50 years (Source: Internet)

The two signature meatloafs, fried fish paste and salted egg pork loaf, are the standout dishes that define this spot’s reputation (Source: Internet)

3. Tiem Com 67 Tam (District 3)

Tucked away in a quiet alley in District 3, Tiem Com 67 Tam offers a vintage-style dining experience that feels both nostalgic and comforting. The space features low wooden tables and stools, airy seating arrangements, and a choice between breezy outdoor areas or air-conditioned indoor spaces. Everything is kept spotless, from utensils to surfaces, ensuring a pleasant and hygienic meal. Notably, in both 2024 and 2025, the restaurant was recognized by Restaurant Guru as one of the top culinary experiences, an honor rare for a humble broken rice joint.

The menu is diverse and reasonably priced, starting at just VND 49,000. Customer favorites include Long Xuyen-style broken rice, lap xuong rice, and the classic grilled pork with shredded pork skin and egg meatloaf. The fish sauce here is thick and flavorful, served fresh with each plate rather than left on the table, showing thoughtfulness in service. The grilled pork is tender and evenly cooked, while the pickled vegetables have a distinct tang. Together, these elements create a well-rounded, flavorful cơm tấm experience that’s both refined and rooted in tradition.

The breezy outdoor space features a vintage-style decor with low tables and chairs, offering a relaxed and cozy vibe (Source: Internet)

The Long Xuyen-style broken rice is known for its thick fish sauce, tender grilled pork, and uniquely flavored pickles (Source: Internet)

4. Com Tam Sa Bi Chuong – Tran Binh Trong (District 5)

As a viral social media favorite, Com Tam Sa Bi Chuong stands out with its playful branding and fresh take on traditional cơm tấm. The spacious dining area is modern and airy, featuring warm tones, minimalist décor, and well-organized furnishings that create a clean, cozy atmosphere. Diners can choose between air-conditioned indoor seating or breezy outdoor tables. The youthful vibe attracts students and working professionals alike, making it a lively and welcoming spot for groups and families.

The menu stays true to its roots with traditional items like grilled pork chops, shredded pork skin, steamed egg meatloaf, and sunny-side-up eggs. What sets it apart are the generous combo meals, beautifully presented and perfectly balanced. The most popular is the double pork combo, featuring both pork chop and pork rib, ideal for diners who want to try a bit of everything. The meat is tender and well-marinated, paired with fluffy broken rice and rich, flavorful fish sauce. A side of sour soup or seaweed soup rounds out the meal for a satisfying culinary experience.

The space offers a modern, youthful vibe with warm tones and minimalist furnishings that feel both fresh and welcoming (Source: Internet)

The combo of grilled pork chop and rib, topped with full sides, is a top pick for those wanting the complete broken rice experience (Source: Internet)

5. Com Tam Tu Map (Tan Binh District)

A longtime local favorite, Com Tam Tu Map is known for serving up classic Saigon-style broken rice in a clean, spacious setting. Spread across two floors, the restaurant offers plenty of seating for families, solo diners, and large groups. Its minimalist white-and-wood interior design keeps the space airy and bright, while the well-arranged tables make for a comfortable and uncluttered dining experience, even during peak hours.

Tu Map’s signature grilled pork chops are massive, caramelized to a perfect deep red on the charcoal grill, and bursting with smoky aroma and juicy sweetness. Slightly charred edges only enhance their appeal. Alongside this iconic dish, the menu includes lap xuong (Chinese sausage), braised pork, egg meatloaf, sunny-side-up eggs, and crispy roast pork, all served in generous portions with soft, flavorful rice and well-balanced pickled veggies. For a complete meal, diners can add bitter melon soup or choose from a variety of traditional drinks like herbal tea and soy milk. Delicious, satisfying, and budget-friendly, Tu Map hits all the right notes.

The eatery is spacious and airy with two floors and neatly arranged seating, making it ideal for all kinds of diners (Source: Internet)

Their charcoal-grilled pork chop is juicy and flavorful, with a slight char that adds an irresistible aroma (Source: Internet)

6. Com Tam Thuan Kieu (Multiple Branches)

Established before 1975, Com Tam Thuan Kieu is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic and long-standing cơm tấm institutions. The restaurant features a simple yet clean and airy setting, ideal for those looking for a quick yet satisfying meal. Friendly, down-to-earth service adds to the welcoming vibe, making it a favorite among loyal regulars and newcomers alike.

What truly sets Thuan Kieu apart is its diverse menu featuring 54 side dishes, symbolizing the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam, and showcasing the cultural richness through food. Must-try items include grilled pork chops, caramelized clay pot fish, grilled chicken, braised organ meats, beef steak, and stir-fried shrimp with fermented shrimp paste. Every plate is hearty, with soft, fragrant broken rice and a side of pickled vegetables to balance the flavors. Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning fan, you’ll discover the authentic “Vietnamese broken rice taste” at Thuan Kieu – timeless, comforting, and proudly traditional.

The space is simple and airy, styled traditionally to suit quick and convenient meals (Source: Internet)

The plate is generous with soft, fragrant rice and a variety of sides that reflect authentic Vietnamese flavors (Source: Internet)

7. Com Tam Di Ut (District 1)

Tucked away on a side street in District 1, Com Tam Di Ut is a beloved breakfast stop for locals seeking comfort and authenticity. The tiny eatery exudes vintage Saigon vibes, with mustard-yellow walls, wooden furniture, and warm lighting that recalls the charm of old-school family kitchens. Despite its modest size, the place is impeccably clean, with neatly arranged tables and fast, friendly service that keeps regulars coming back.

What truly sets this spot apart is its “five-spice grilled pork chop”, a customer favorite that sells out almost daily. Each portion features a hefty 300g chop, expertly marinated and grilled over open charcoal flames until slightly charred, locking in a smoky, savory aroma. The broken rice here is fluffy and fragrant, served with a perfectly runny sunny-side-up egg, silky steamed egg meatloaf, crispy pork cracklings, and house-made fish sauce that strikes just the right balance of salty and sweet. Most impressively, Di Ut only uses 100% fresh meat, proudly avoiding frozen ingredients, a rare find in street food culture.

The small yet cozy space, with yellow walls and wooden furniture, captures the vintage spirit of old Saigon (Source: Internet)

The 300g+ five-spice pork chop with charred edges is a mouthwatering favorite among loyal diners (Source: Internet)

8. Com Tam Moc (District 1)

In a city filled with flashy eateries, Com Tam Moc stands out by embracing simplicity, true to its name, which means “rustic”. The restaurant’s décor leans into Vietnamese nostalgia, with wooden furniture, warm lighting, and vintage-style accents that create a cozy, homey vibe. Though deeply traditional in ambiance, the space is still thoughtfully arranged and comfortable for both solo diners and larger groups.

What makes Com Tam Moc special is its unwavering dedication to flavor. The rice is soft and aromatic, each grain fluffy and perfectly cooked. Their grilled pork chop, marinated with a proprietary blend and grilled over hot coals, is golden, tender, and bursting with flavor. The house-made fish sauce strikes a delicate balance of sweet, salty, and spicy. The menu features classic sides like shredded pork skin, steamed egg meatloaf, sunny-side-up eggs, and lap xuong, plus seasonal options like boiled greens or seaweed soup. If you’re looking for an authentic yet refined broken rice experience in Ho Chi Minh City, this is the place to go.

The restaurant’s nostalgic decor, with wooden elements and warm lighting, creates a quiet, vintage ambiance (Source: Internet)

The rice is made from premium broken grains and served with golden grilled pork and well-balanced fish sauce (Source: Internet)

9. Com Tam Ba Ghien (Phu Nhuan District)

Famed as the spot for the biggest pork chops in Saigon, Com Tam Ba Ghien is a legend among locals and foodies alike. Despite its humble, traditional setup, the restaurant is constantly buzzing with customers, from office workers to curious tourists. In 2023, it earned a spot in the Michelin Guide, further cementing its reputation as one of Ho Chi Minh City's best broken rice spots.

The star of the show is the giant grilled pork chop, weighing between 400 - 500 grams per portion. Marinated to perfection and grilled over hot charcoal, the meat remains juicy on the inside while developing a crispy, smoky crust. The side dishes, including shredded pork skin and egg meatloaf, are all homemade, offering that authentic “home-cooked” flavor. While prices may be a bit higher than average, the sheer portion size and flavor quality make every meal well worth it.

The simple and rustic setting is always bustling with guests from morning till night (Source: Internet)

The “extra-large” marinated pork chop with smoky charred edges is the restaurant’s unmistakable signature (Source: Internet)

10. Com Tam Phuc Loc Tho (Multiple Branches)

Com Tam Phuc Loc Tho is one of the most recognizable broken rice chains in Ho Chi Minh City, known for its consistent quality, traditional flavors, and speedy service. With locations spread across both central and suburban districts, it’s a go-to spot for quick lunches, takeout meals, or late-night bites. Each branch features a clean and spacious setup with wooden or rattan furniture, giving the place a cozy, familiar feel.

The standout dish here is the grilled pork chop with shredded pork skin and egg meatloaf. The pork is perfectly seasoned, slightly charred on the outside for crispness, yet tender and juicy on the inside. The rice is fluffy and never dry, complemented by a mildly sweet Southern-style fish sauce. Diners can also add sides like fried shrimp rolls, grilled chicken thighs, or sunny-side-up eggs. With consistent flavors across locations and affordable prices, Phuc Loc Tho is a reliable choice for broken rice lovers on the go.

This citywide chain offers clean, airy spaces with rustic wooden and bamboo furnishings (Source: Internet)

The pork chop, shredded pork, and egg loaf set features juicy grilled meat and lightly sweet fish sauce, true to Southern-style broken rice (Source: Internet)

Each of these local spots brings its own unique touch to the beloved dish, from viral combos that take social media by storm to timeless grilled pork plates that never go out of style. If you’re on the hunt for the best broken rice Ho Chi Minh has to offer, these 10 eateries promise unforgettable flavors and authentic experiences.

For more expert tips, local insights, and must-eat dishes in every Vietnamese city, visit the Vietnam Airlines Travel Guide.