Broken rice with grilled pork

🥢 Broken Rice with Grilled Pork – The Heart of Vietnamese Comfort Food

When it comes to authentic Vietnamese street food, Broken rice with grilled pork (Cơm Tấm Sườn Nướng) stands among the country’s most beloved dishes. Simple, flavorful, and deeply satisfying, this meal perfectly represents southern Vietnam’s culinary culture — especially in bustling Saigon, where it’s enjoyed from sunrise to late night.

🌾 What Is Broken Rice?

Broken rice refers to small, fractured grains of rice that were once considered imperfect leftovers from the milling process. These grains, however, cook into soft, slightly chewy rice that absorbs flavor beautifully. Over time, what began as a humble meal for farmers became one of Vietnam’s most iconic comfort foods.

Today, Broken rice with grilled pork is a proud symbol of Vietnamese cuisine — a dish that captures balance, aroma, and everyday joy in every bite.

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🍖 The Star: Grilled Pork (Sườn Nướng)

The highlight of this dish is the marinated grilled pork chop. It’s typically soaked in a savory-sweet mixture of fish sauce, sugar, garlic, lemongrass, soy sauce, and honey, then grilled over charcoal. The result: smoky, caramelized edges with tender, juicy meat inside.

This flavor combination — salty, sweet, and aromatic — is what gives Vietnamese grilled pork its unforgettable taste. Every bite pairs beautifully with the mild, fluffy broken rice underneath.

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🍳 The Perfect Companions

A traditional plate of Broken rice with grilled pork always comes with a few delicious side items:

• Fried egg (trứng ốp la) – usually cooked sunny-side-up, with a soft yolk that blends into the rice.

• Pickled vegetables (đồ chua) – thinly sliced carrots and daikon in light vinegar.

• Cucumber and tomato slices – adding freshness and balance.

• Nước mắm chấm – a signature fish sauce dressing made from fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, chili, and garlic.

These accompaniments create a complete harmony of flavors — smoky, salty, sweet, sour, and spicy — all on one plate.

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🧂 Ingredients for Broken Rice with Grilled Pork

For the pork marinade:

• 2–3 pork chops

• 2 tbsp fish sauce

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 stalk lemongrass, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp cooking oil

For the rice and sides:

• 2 cups broken rice

• 1–2 eggs (for frying)

• Pickled carrot and daikon

• Fresh cucumber, tomato, and herbs

• Fish sauce dressing (nước mắm chấm)

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🔥 How to Make It

1. Marinate the pork for 1–2 hours or overnight for the best flavor.

2. Cook the broken rice until tender and fluffy.

3. Grill the pork over charcoal or in a pan until golden brown and slightly caramelized.

4. Fry the eggs sunny-side-up.

5. Prepare the dipping sauce: mix fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, minced garlic, and chili.

6. Assemble the plate: serve rice first, top with grilled pork and fried egg, add pickles and drizzle with fish sauce.

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❤️ Why People Love Broken Rice with Grilled Pork

This dish embodies everything Vietnamese food stands for — balance, freshness, and soul. The smoky pork, warm rice, crispy egg edges, and tangy fish sauce create a perfectly layered meal that delights both locals and travelers.

It’s affordable, filling, and available everywhere — from street corners to modern restaurants — making it a must-try for anyone visiting Vietnam.

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🥗 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

💡 Tip: To make a lighter version, use lean pork, grill without oil, and reduce fish sauce or sugar in the marinade.

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🇻🇳 A Taste of Phu Quoc in Every Bite

Whether you enjoy it from a Phu Quoc street stall or recreate it at home, Broken rice with grilled pork is more than a meal — it’s a symbol of Vietnam’s warmth, tradition, and culinary creativity.

With its perfect mix of textures, aromas, and flavors, this humble dish continues to win hearts across the world — one delicious plate at a time.