Com tam, or broken rice, is an everyday meal made from broken rice grains. Once considered “poor people’s rice,” farmers would collect the fractured rice grains that broke during the milling and sell it for cheap. But over the years, the Saigonese became rather fond of the broken rice grains and today, it’s eaten all around Ho Chi Minh City.

Com Tam Sai Gon (Saigon-style broken rice) is usually served with a caramelized pork chop, a bed of pickled vegetables, steamed egg cake (called trung hap), pork skin and garlic chive oil.  However, most establishments will give you the option of customizing your order.

Sometimes, soy sauce or sesame oil is added when grilling meat to make amazing smell and saffron color. Additionally, a small bowl of sauce along with a small bowl of soup broth is provided to serve with the dish.  Day after day, the aromatic flavors of com tam, of grilled pork threads their way through each street corner, each alley, whetting many curious passersby’s appetite.

Broken rice is eaten as a normal lunch and dinner entree. It will hold you over and give you the energy you need to take on a long day. Just make sure to keep hydrated while you’re eating com tam because especially on a hot day in Saigon, the heavy intake of sodium will heighten the risk of dehydration.

Com Tam Ba Ghien (Cơm Tấm Ba Ghiền) is a well-known restaurant, probably the most famous place to eat Com Tam in Ho Chi Minh city.

Suggested address:

Restaurant’s name: Com Tam Ba Ghien

Price: ~40.000 – 50.000 VND

Opening time: From 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Address: 84 Dang Van Ngu, Phu Nhuan District