Saigon’s Best Broken Rice Near the Train Tracks
If you’re searching for a truly local food experience in Saigon, look no further than this hidden breakfast gem tucked away near the train tracks. It’s not just about the food, though the Cơm Tấm here is delicious — it’s about the vibe, the people, and the real energy of the city waking up.
🌅 A Local Morning Ritual
Every morning from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM, Monday through Saturday, a humble food stall sets up right on the sidewalk. The lady and her husband who run it have been serving Cơm Tấm, or broken rice, to locals for years. And trust me — they’ve perfected it.
You’ll see motorbikes zooming past, locals grabbing a quick bite before work, and yes — a train rolling slowly by just meters away. Eating breakfast here feels like stepping into the rhythm of real Saigon life

🍚 What Makes Cơm Tấm So Special?
Cơm Tấm (pronounced “cum tam”) is a Southern Vietnamese staple made from fractured rice grains that were once considered “broken” or lower quality. But over time, they’ve become a beloved base for one of the city’s most iconic dishes.
The broken rice is soft yet slightly chewy, served hot with grilled pork chops (sườn nướng), a fried egg (trứng ốp la), pickled vegetables, and topped with green onion oil and crispy shallots. Don’t forget the signature sweet-savory fish sauce — it brings everything together.
At this stall, I ordered two sunny-side-up eggs and grilled pork. The eggs were fresh and runny, the pork smoky and tender — the kind of food that melts in your mouth. And the price? Just 1.5 USD for a full, satisfying meal!
🚂 Eat Like a Local
What makes this spot even more memorable is the authentic local vibe. There are no fancy signs or tourist crowds — just simple plastic chairs, buzzing scooters, and the occasional passing train. It’s one of those rare places where you can eat, watch the city move around you, and truly feel a part of it.
Right next door, there’s a small open-air coffee stand, where you can enjoy a traditional Vietnamese coffee after breakfast. Sit down, sip slowly, and maybe even strike up a conversation with a local. It’s these moments that make travel feel real.
📍 Know Before You Go
- ⏰ Open: 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM, Monday to Saturday
- 💰 Price: Around 35,000 VND (~1.5 USD)
- 📍 Location: It is next to this coffee shop: Black & White Coffee ( Chậm & Chill ) https://maps.app.goo.gl/cgERBUfyMJbTLrKm9
- 🛵 Best experienced by scooter or walking
✨ Why You Should Go
If you’re tired of touristy spots and want to experience Saigon like a local, this breakfast corner is a must. It’s affordable, authentic, and full of character — the kind of memory that stays with you long after the meal is over.
Whether you’re a food lover, a cultural explorer, or just looking for a great story to tell, this little broken rice spot by the tracks won’t disappoint.
If you have a few minutes, here’s the full video about trying this Broken Rice for the first time
✨If you don’t receive a response, please contact me directly via my WhatsApp number or send me an Email📱 WhatsApp: +84 383 624 632 📧 Email: info@saigontastetours.com 🌐 Website: www.saigontastetours.com
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