🥢 What is Cơm Tấm?
If Saigon had an official scent, it’d be the smoky aroma of grilled pork chops from a Cơm Tấm stall. This humble broken rice dish has evolved from a working-class staple to an irresistible street food icon - and we’re diving into where to find the best in town.
So what makes Cơm Tấm special? It all started with broken rice, once considered lower quality, now prized for its uniquely soft, slightly chewy texture. A proper plate isn’t just rice, it’s a full blown feast of flavors and textures, typically featuring:
🍚Sườn – Smoky, caramelized grilled pork chop
🍚Bì – Shredded pork skin tossed with roasted rice powder
🍚Chả trứng – Steamed egg meatloaf packed with ground pork and wood ear mushrooms
🍚Trứng ốp la – A crispy fried egg, perfect for extra richness
🍚Đồ chua and Dưa leo - Pickled daikon & carrots and sliced cucumber
🍚Nước mắm – A sweet-savory fish sauce that ties everything together
📖 How to order Cơm Tấm Like a Local?
Ordering Cơm Tấm for the first time? Keep it classic. Some places offer extras like Chinese sausages, century eggs, grilled chicken, or other toppings, but to truly understand the dish, start with the Saigon staple: Cơm Tấm Sườn Bì Chả Trứng. Once you’ve mastered the basics, then it’s time to explore.
🔥 Pro Tips for First-Timers:
Start with the classic - A proper plate of sườn, bì, chả trứng, and trứng ốp la
Order a “ Cơm Tấm Đặc Biệt” - this gets you a little of everything that the restaurant offers. Just ask for the special combo (Cơm Tấm Đặc Biệt)
Pour on the fish sauce – Drizzle nước mắm over everything - it’s the key to unlocking all the flavors.
Don’t skip the scallion oil – If you see a bowl of mỡ hành (scallion oil), pour it on top. It’s liquid gold!
Add a side of đồ chua - The tangy pickled veggies balance the richness perfectly.
📍Where to find the best Cơm Tấm in Saigon?
While Cơm Tấm is sold across Saigon, the best places are not just in District 1, the city center. You’ll find legendary spots hidden in District 3, District 4, District 5, Phu Nhuan, and beyond, where authentic flavors and local traditions are rooted.
A pro tip? Follow the smoke! Some of the best Cơm Tấm spots are found on street corners or alley entrances, where the sizzle of pork chops does all the advertising. If the air is thick with the scent of grilled meat and the place is packed with locals, you’re in the right spot.
📍Must-try Cơm Tấm Spots in the heart of Saigon (District 1 & Nearby)
If you are in District 1 or nearby and craving a solid plate of Cơm Tấm, these spots are easy to reach and guaranteed to hit the spot:
Cơm tấm A Dũng – 50 Cô Bắc, Phường Cầu Ông Lãnh, Quận 1
Famous for their tender, overnight milk-marinated sườn and their syrupy Southern-style fish sauce with a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Cơm tấm Nguyễn Văn Cừ – 74 Nguyễn Văn Cừ, Phường Nguyễn Cư Trinh, Quận 1
A local favorite known for their thick, smoky pork chop that takes up two-third of the plate and their rich, homemade fish sauce. However, the prices seem high for a local eatery so visitors should be aware of it to ensure it aligns with their expectations.
Cơm tấm giá hẹ – 269 Đề Thám, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1
Hidden in a alleyway and if you want to experience sitting down with a trà đá (iced tea) and eating cơm Tấm like a local, this is the spot. The meat was tender and you are recommended to try to pork belly. Keep in mind that their fish sauce is more to savory side so please add in a little by a little to avoid being too salty. The highlight is their pork fat on top and the scallion oil.
Cơm tấm Ba Ghiền – 84 Đặng Văn Ngữ, Phú Nhuận
A legendary spot famous for their oversized, well balanced sweet and savory charred pork chops. If you want to try this spot, bring your empty stomach or else u won’t be able to finish a whole plate. This place is well balance from locals and tourists.
📍Hidden Gems & Local Favorites Worth the Short Ride
These spots are not far from the center, but they offer some of the best old-school, legendary Cơm Tấm, experiences:
Cơm tấm Hồng - Calmette – 134 Hoàng Diệu, Phường 9, Quận 4
Cơm tấm tài Nguyễn Tri Phương – 476 Nguyễn Tri Phương, Phường 9, Quận 10
Cơm tấm 419 – 419 An Dương Vương, Quận 5
Cơm tấm An Dương Vương – 502 An Dương Vương, Phường 4, Quận 5
📍For the True Cơm Tấm Enthusiasts
If you’re serious about your Cơm Tấm Journey and don’t mind traveling a bit further, these places are worth the trip:
Cơm Tấm Cao Bồi – 229 Tùng Thiện Vương, Phường Xóm Củi, Quận 8
Cơm tấm trứng bắc thảo – 153 Xóm Củi, Phường 11, Quận 8
Cơm tấm Ba Há – 389 Hưng Phú, Quận 8
Cơm tấm Tuyết Cây Gõ – 933 Hồng Bàng, Phường 9, Quận 6
Cơm tấm Bà Năm – 34 Tân Canh, Phường 1, Tân Bình
Cơm tấm Huyền – Hẻm 95 Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Phường 3, Quận Bình Thạnh
Cơm Tấm is more than just food - it’s a snapshot of Saigon on a plate, a perfect mix of traditions, flavours, and the city’s unstoppable energy. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite at a street corner or sitting down at a decades-old institution, one thing’s for sure: once you’ve had a great Cơm Tấm, you’ll keep coming back for more.
So, ready to chase down the best spot in town? Let’s eat!
