• 08 Thg 08, 2025

Best breakfast in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): a local’s guide

There’s something magical about mornings in Saigon. The streets hum with the sound of motorbikes, the air carries the scent of fresh herbs and sizzling meat, and the city somehow feels both sleepy and alive. If you ask me, there’s no better way to fall in love with this city than through breakfast.

Whether you’re after a steaming bowl of noodles at a plastic street-side table or a sunlit brunch spot with great coffee, Saigon delivers. Here’s my friendly, slightly indulgent guide to the best breakfast in Ho Chi Minh City — tried, tested, and loved.

1. Cơm tấm – Saigon’s soul food

Photo credit: MICHELIN Guide

If Saigon had to pick one breakfast to represent itself, cơm tấm (broken rice) would win hands down. It’s hearty, smoky, and always comes with a little bit of everything — grilled pork, pickled veggies, a fried egg, and a drizzle of sweet fish sauce.

• Where to try: Cơm Tấm Ba Ghiền is legendary. Even Michelin took notice, and once you’ve tasted their pork chops, you’ll understand why.

• Pro tip: Go early. The grill aroma is unbeatable in the morning, and the pork is freshest before the rush.

2. Bánh mì – the perfect on-the-go breakfast

Photo credit: Tạp chí Sở hữu Trí tuệ và Sáng tạo

Sure, you’ve probably had a banh mi somewhere else, but in Saigon, it’s a whole different story. Imagine a crusty baguette filled with pate, cold cuts, pickled carrots, cucumber, fresh herbs, and a dash of chili sauce. It’s fast, cheap, and ridiculously satisfying.

• Where to try: Bánh Mì Hòa Mã serves a “banh mi op la” with sunny-side-up eggs and sizzling meats — perfect if you want to sit down and enjoy the smell of fresh bread. For a quick grab-and-go, Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa is the city’s worst-kept secret, famous for its generous fillings.

• Pro tip: Always say yes to extra chili if you can handle the heat — it balances the richness beautifully.

3. Phở – comfort in a bowl

Photo credit: Guidebold

Pho for breakfast is the Vietnamese equivalent of a warm hug. Clear broth, tender beef or chicken, and silky rice noodles — it’s gentle yet full of flavor.

• Where to try: Phở Hòa Pasteur has been around since 1968, and they know their craft. The broth is rich without being heavy, and the herbs are always bright and fragrant.

• Pro tip: Add a squeeze of lime before stirring in chili — it makes the broth sing.

4. Hủ tiếu – light, fragrant, and underrated

Photo credit: VnExpress

Hủ tiếu is the quieter cousin of pho, often served with a lighter broth and a mix of pork and seafood toppings. It’s a breakfast dish you can eat and still feel ready for a morning of exploring.

• Where to try: Hủ Tiếu Mỹ Tho Thanh Xuân — a locals’ favorite, with a broth so clear you can see the noodles shimmering underneath.

• Pro tip: Try hủ tiếu khô (dry-style) for a richer flavor kick — the noodles are tossed in a savory sauce, with the broth served on the side.

5. Brunch cafés for the slow morning crowd

Photo credit: Vibrantly Vietnam

Sometimes you just want to linger over coffee and pancakes, and Saigon’s café scene knows how to do that well.

• Where to try:

◦ The Vintage Emporium – All-day brunch, beautiful interiors, and a playlist that makes you want to stay longer.

◦ Au Parc – Middle Eastern twist to brunch, plus great fresh juices.

◦ Godmother Bake & Brunch – Playful menu, great for those Instagram shots.

• Pro tip: Many brunch cafés open around 8 am, so if you’re an early riser, start with a quick street food bite and then move on to a café for your second breakfast (yes, that’s a thing).

6. Breakfast at Kin Hotels – comfort meets local flavor

If you’re staying at a Kin hotel, mornings become a little easier — and a lot tastier. Each property serves breakfast with a balance of convenience, freshness, and variety, so you can start your day well-fed before hitting the streets.

• Kin Hotel Thi Sach – Hearty buffet of Asian and European flavors, from fresh fruit and pastries to rich, savory dishes.

• Kin Hotel Ly Tu Trong – A buffet that feels like a mini food tour, mixing Vietnamese favorites with continental classics in a cozy setting.

• Kin Hotel Thai Van Lung – Continental and à la carte breakfasts for anything from a light bite to a made-to-order start.

• Kin Hotel Dong Du – Refined selection of fresh, flavorful continental dishes.

• Kin Hotel Central Park – East meets West in a buffet of phở, bún, salads, bread, and seasonal sweets.

🛎️ Book your stay with Kin Hotel

Making the most of your breakfast in Saigon

Breakfast here isn’t just the first meal of the day — it’s a window into the city’s rhythm. From the quiet hum of early-morning noodle stalls to the lively chatter in bustling cafés, Saigon mornings are full of little moments worth savoring. Keep these simple tips in mind to enjoy them like a local:

• Go early – Street food stalls sell out fast, and you’ll beat the midday heat.

• Cash is king – Many local spots don’t take cards, so bring small bills.

• Be curious – If you see a long line, join it. In Saigon, queues are almost always worth it.

• Mix and match – Have a light local breakfast, then follow it up with coffee and pastries at a café.

A final bite

The best breakfast in Ho Chi Minh City isn’t just about the food — it’s the atmosphere, the chatter of the street, the clink of iced coffee glasses, and the mix of locals and travelers sharing tables. Whether you stick to one favorite or try something new every morning, breakfast in Saigon will leave you both full and curious for more.

So tomorrow morning, follow your nose, your appetite, or this guide. Either way, you’re in for a delicious start.

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Love discovering places like this? We share even more hidden corners, cafes, and city gems over at @kinhotel. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for your daily dose of Saigon charm.

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