Vietnamese Beef Stew with Bread

A Flavorful Taste of Vietnam in Every Bite

Bò kho bánh mì — Vietnamese beef stew with bread — is a beloved comfort dish that captures the heart of Vietnam’s cuisine. Rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying, it blends the warmth of slow-cooked beef with the fragrance of lemongrass, star anise, and cinnamon, served alongside a crisp Vietnamese baguette. This dish is a perfect example of how Vietnamese cooking balances East and West, boldness and subtlety, tradition and innovation.

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What is Bò Kho?

In Vietnamese, “bò kho” literally means “braised beef” or “beef stew.” It’s a dish inspired partly by French colonial influence, yet transformed with local herbs and spices to become uniquely Vietnamese. Unlike Western-style beef stew, bò kho is lighter, more aromatic, and layered with the distinct flavors of lemongrass, fish sauce, and vibrant herbs.

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Key Ingredients

What makes bò kho special is its combination of aromatic spices and local ingredients:

• Beef shank or brisket – slow-cooked until tender and juicy

• Carrots – add sweetness and color

• Lemongrass – gives the stew a fresh, citrusy aroma

• Garlic, shallots, and ginger – create a flavorful base

• Star anise and cinnamon – add warmth and depth

• Fish sauce and soy sauce – balance saltiness and umami

• Chili and black pepper – provide gentle heat

• Tomato paste or annatto oil – for rich color and flavor

Everything is simmered slowly, allowing the meat to absorb the spices and release its natural flavor into the broth.

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How It’s Served

While bò kho can be enjoyed in different ways, one of the most popular pairings is with Vietnamese baguette (bánh mì). The bread is light and crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside — perfect for dipping into the flavorful stew.

Other serving options include:

• Bò kho with noodles (hủ tiếu or mì egg noodles)

• Bò kho with rice (cơm) for a heartier meal

But bánh mì bò kho remains the top choice, especially for breakfast or brunch in Vietnam.

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Taste and Experience

Imagine dipping a warm, crunchy piece of bread into a bowl of fragrant, reddish-brown broth — the rich aroma of lemongrass and cinnamon rising with the steam. Each bite of tender beef melts in your mouth, perfectly balanced by the freshness of herbs like basil, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. It’s a sensory experience that feels both homey and exotic at once.

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Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving)

• Calories: 480 kcal

• Protein: 35g

• Fat: 22g

• Carbohydrates: 35g

• Sodium: 980mg

It’s a protein-rich dish with balanced nutrition, especially when paired with fresh herbs and vegetables.

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Final Thoughts

Bò kho bánh mì is more than just a meal — it’s a story of Vietnam’s culinary heritage. A dish that bridges cultures and generations, combining the slow-cooked comfort of a stew with the lightness and vibrancy of Vietnamese ingredients. Whether you’re enjoying it at a street corner in Saigon or making it at home, each spoonful tells a tale of warmth, tradition, and love for good food.