Vietnamese Rice Porridge Chao Quay Bắc Kạn

Vietnamese Rice Porridge Chao Quay Bắc Kạn: The flavor I encountered on the northern Vietnam route

When it comes to a breakfast that fuels travelers like me, mr.hotsia, in northern Vietnam, Vietnamese rice porridge, locally calledChao Quay Bắc Kạnhas become my favorite dish that I never miss whenever I have the chance to visit various provinces in this region. Although the provinces I visited are unspecified, the taste and atmosphere of the rice porridge here have a unique charm that must be shared.

I traveled through several cities in northern Vietnam such asLạng Sơn Provincewhere I stayed at Hoang Son Hotel in the heart of Lạng Sơn city. It is a quiet city, not crowded, with the Ky Cung River flowing through. The early morning atmosphere here is perfect for walking around to find delicious breakfast like rice porridge.

Morning market atmosphere with a hot bowl of rice porridge

In many northern Vietnamese cities, morning markets are places I often choose to explore local life and find delicious local food. Vietnamese rice porridge here is clearly different from ours; the rice is cooked until very soft and served with various side dishes such as minced pork, small pieces of grilled pork, pork liver, and sometimes fish balls for extra special flavor.

What I like most is the fragrant broth simmered to a perfect balance—not too salty or overly sweet but comforting, like a breakfast at my mother's home. It’s not just filling but also a true taste of northern Vietnamese food culture.

Traveling and finding the best rice porridge

If you are a traveler who loves to eat like me, finding delicious Vietnamese rice porridge is not difficult, especially in cities with morning markets like Lạng Sơn or nearby towns I have passed through.Vinh Long Bus Stationis a convenient drop-off and pick-up point near markets with many traditional rice porridge stalls.

Traveling in northern Vietnam is quite convenient. I usually choose to use a motorcycle or local taxi, though communication can be a bit tricky as I once experienced a taxi taking the wrong route. Still, it’s a fun experience of truly local travel.

mr.hotsia’s rice porridge eating tips

For me, eating Vietnamese rice porridge doesn’t stop at the first hot spoonful. You have to try adding various condiments provided by the shop such as fresh chili, chili powder, lime juice, and culantro to enhance the flavor. Don’t forget to order Vietnamese bread (Bánh mì) to eat alongside, as it cuts the richness and adds a perfect crispy and soft texture to the breakfast.

I once tried it with Vietnamese grilled button squid, another famous Vietnamese dish with a balanced flavor—slightly salty, a bit sweet, and mildly spicy—that perfectly complemented my eating experience (watch the clipVietnamese Grilled Button Squid)

Connections to other cities in northern Vietnam

If anyone is interested in traveling to other cities, I recommend experiencing the peaceful atmosphere ata Buddhist temple in Đà Lạt cityor if you like good sea air and beautiful views, you can also stop byNha Trang SeaAll of these are destinations I recommend for those who love to travel and truly experience the lifestyle of northern Vietnam.

My impressions of Vietnamese rice porridge

Eating a hot bowl of Vietnamese rice porridge amidst the morning atmosphere of a local market is an experience that mr.hotsia considers the best way to start a day of traveling in northern Vietnam. The balanced flavor, generous side dishes, and the friendliness of people in small shops where we stand and eat warmly are the charms that keep bringing me back.

If you plan to travel to northern Vietnam, don’t forget to wake up early to walk the market and taste Vietnamese rice porridge like this. I guarantee you will get more than just a full stomach but a memory that deeply touches your heart, just like mr.hotsia.

Watch the clipVietnamese Rice Porridge Chao Quay Bắc Kạnto experience the atmosphere and eating style like me.