mr hotsia Breakfast at Saigon Ho Chi Minh Vietnam

Early morning in Saigon with mr.hotsia's breakfast

When talking about a city lively in the morning in Vietnam, the name Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon must definitely be at the top of the list. Of course, mr.hotsia did not miss the chance to experience the atmosphere and eating culture of Saigon locals in the morning, which is considered the most bustling and charming time of the city.

The breakfast that impressed me the most has to be atCom Tam 77which is located in the Pham Ngu Lao area, considered the heart of backpackers and foreign tourists. I remember every morning I would walk from my accommodation to this restaurant around seven o'clock, and found that the place opens from early dawn with Vietnamese locals and tourists lining up continuously.

The signature dish that mr.hotsia highly recommends without hesitation is “Com Tam” or “Broken Rice with Pham Ngu Lao Pork,” which is slightly chilled jasmine rice served with crispy pork braised in a flavorful stew. The aroma of spices and sauce absorbed into the pork makes the taste incredibly rich and balanced. I was captivated by the tenderness and fragrance of the braised crispy pork and ended up ordering it almost every day.

Besides the braised crispy pork, I also ordered stuffed squid as a side dish. To be honest, the squid was a bit tough and not quite to my liking, but for those who enjoy a crispy and chewy texture, it might be appealing.

Morning atmosphere and lifestyle at Pham Ngu Lao

Pham Ngu Lao is not only famous for its breakfast spots but also a gathering point for travelers from around the world. I noticed this from the various languages I heard and the people passing by, both Vietnamese locals and foreign tourists either just leaving their accommodations or preparing for tours.

For tourists planning to visit the Cu Chi tunnels or Cao Dai temple, most tours depart around 8:30 AM. Therefore, buying breakfast at Com Tam 77 before heading out is a great idea because not only will you enjoy a delicious meal, but it also energizes you for the day's adventure.

I myself have experienced the mistake of not eating enough breakfast and had to endure hunger during the day because the tour's lunch options were often expensive and not very satisfying. Eating breakfast here is truly a worthwhile investment.

Travel and accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City

Getting to the Pham Ngu Lao area is very easy. I usually choose to stay in this zone because it is close to food spots and convenient transportation options, including taxis, motorbike taxis, and even public buses. Most importantly, the atmosphere here is lively at all times.

For those interested in traveling from other provinces to Ho Chi Minh City or learning about Vietnamese lifestyles from different perspectives, I have also written aboutVinh Long Bus Stationwhich is an important connection point in southern Vietnam to provide a clearer picture of travel in southern Vietnam.

Summary of impressions from a morning in Saigon

Early morning in Saigon with breakfast at Com Tam 77 is not just about taste but about experiencing the true lifestyle and culture of Vietnamese people through the aroma of rice, braised pork, and the lively conversations of people in the Pham Ngu Lao area.

For mr.hotsia, this breakfast fills both energy and good stories for each day's journey. If anyone has the chance to visit Ho Chi Minh City, don't forget to try the broken rice with pork here, and you will realize how impressive starting a day in Vietnam can be.