As a traveler with an adventurous spirit for local food, I stumbled upon Com Tam Ba Ghien in Vietnam, a place famous for serving a dish that has become a national treasure: Com Tam, or broken rice. A stone’s throw away from the bustling heart of Ho Chi Minh City, this unassuming eatery offers something that transcends mere food – it’s an experience, a taste of history and culture packed into a humble rice dish.
A Taste of Tradition
The first thing that struck me as I entered Com Tam Ba Ghien was the warm, inviting atmosphere. A simple, no-frills restaurant, but with a sense of pride in every detail. The friendly staff greeted me, and I was quickly ushered to a table where a steamy plate of Com Tam awaited. The dish, served in a bowl, featured a bed of broken rice that was anything but ordinary. The rice was perfectly cooked, delicate but with a slight chew, a texture that’s just right for soaking up the savory accompaniments.
The Com Tam Itself: A Symphony of Flavors
What truly makes Com Tam Ba Ghien stand out is the combination of flavors and textures that come together in harmony. The plate was topped with a variety of mouthwatering items. The pork chop was grilled to perfection: juicy, tender, and charred with just enough smokiness. The rich, caramelized taste of the pork paired effortlessly with the delicate rice.
But what truly elevated the dish were the accoutrements – a fried egg that was golden and crispy on the edges, its runny yolk providing a luscious sauce when broken. The pickled vegetables added a tangy contrast that balanced out the richness of the pork. The final touch – a sprinkle of crispy pork skin, which provided a crunchy texture and an extra layer of flavor that made each bite feel like an exciting new discovery.
Local Vibes and Heartfelt Hospitality
As I savored the dish, I couldn’t help but notice the local crowd – families, workers, and even fellow travelers, all gathered in this humble spot for one thing: to enjoy a plate of Com Tam Ba Ghien’s exceptional offering. There was something special about sharing the same experience with so many others who had come to appreciate this deeply rooted dish in Vietnamese cuisine. It wasn’t just a meal; it was a communal celebration of food, history, and tradition.
The experience wasn’t just about the food, though. The staff made sure to check in on me, offering friendly smiles and little details that made the meal feel personal. It was as though I was not just a traveler passing through – I was a guest invited to partake in something cherished.
The Verdict: Why You Must Visit
If you’re in Ho Chi Minh City, Com Tam Ba Ghien is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the heart of Vietnamese cuisine. It’s not just about tasting Com Tam; it’s about tasting the soul of Vietnam. The flavors, the ambiance, and the hospitality all come together to create an unforgettable experience.I left Com Tam Ba Ghien with a full belly and a heart content, knowing that this was more than just a meal – it was a part of my journey, a delicious chapter in my travels that I will savor long after the journey has ended.
At Com Tam Ba Ghien, a renowned spot in Vietnam, the journey into the heart of traditional cuisine begins with a plate of broken rice. Known locally as com tam, this dish features tender, slightly crispy rice grains served with an array of savory toppings. The signature of Ba Ghien’s version is the perfectly grilled pork, tender and infused with aromatic herbs, complemented by a crispy fried egg, pickled vegetables, and a drizzle of savory fish sauce. The blend of textures and flavors creates a harmonious experience, inviting both locals and tourists to savor a dish that represents the essence of Vietnamese street food—simple, yet incredibly satisfying.
Vietnamese Beef Broken Rice Bowl
Get ready to savor the rich flavors of Vietnam with this mouthwatering Beef Broken Rice Bowl! Perfectly marinated beef grilled to perfection, paired with savory shredded pork and a delectable drizzling sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe offers a delightful blend of simple, healthy, and customizable ingredients that will delight your taste buds and impress your family. Dive into this authentic dish that’s both affordable and easy to make – a true culinary delight!
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Ingredients
- Marinated Beef
1 1/2 cups beef thinly sliced with some fat
1/4 cup fish sauce
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup chopped shallots
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
8 soaked wooden skewers
- Pork-and-Egg Meatloaf:
12 ounces ground beef
1 ounce cellophane noodles soaked and cut
1/2 ounce wood ear mushrooms chopped
3 large egg whites
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1/2 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped shallots
2 tablespoons sliced scallions
- Shredded Beef:
12 ounces beef halved and shredded
3 1/2 ounces pork skin thawed
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon roasted rice powder
- Broken Rice:
3 cups broken jasmine rice
3 cups water
- Drizzling Sauce:
1/2 cup warm water
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 bird’s eye chile sliced (optional)
- Scallion Oil:
1 1/2 cups scallions green parts only
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon sugar
- To Assemble and Serve:
2 Lebanese cucumbers sliced
2 tomatoes sliced
1 head butter lettuce separated
Pickled carrots and daikon
Pickled leeks
- Alternative Ingredients:
Fish Sauce: Substitute with soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
Pork Skin: Use crispy fried onions as an alternative for added texture.
Roasted Rice Powder: Replace with toasted sesame seeds if unavailable.
Cellophane Noodles: Use glass noodles or thin vermicelli as substitutes.
Lime Juice: Lemon juice can be used in place of lime juice for a similar tang.
Directions
- Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and olive oil until the sugar dissolves. Incorporate diced onions, green onions, minced garlic, and black pepper into the mixture. Add the beef slices, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Grill Beef: Thread the marinated beef onto the soaked skewers. Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan. Once hot, place the skewers on the grill and cook until they develop a light char on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Move the skewers to a cooler part of the grill, continue cooking while basting with remaining marinade until beef is fully cooked, approximately 12-15 minutes. Set aside and keep warm.
- Prepare Meatloaf: Soak cellophane noodles in warm water for 15 minutes, then drain and cut into 1-inch pieces. Soak wood ear mushrooms in warm water for another 15 minutes, drain, and chop finely. In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites until frothy, then mix in fish sauce, sugar, and pepper. Combine ground beef, noodles, mushrooms, shallots, and scallions into the egg mixture. Press the mixture into a lined loaf pan and steam for 25 minutes until firm. Pour beaten egg yolks over the loaf and steam for an additional 5-10 minutes to set. Let cool before slicing.
- Shred Beef: Soak shredded beef in warm water for 15 minutes, then drain and pat dry. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil with salt, add beef, and cook until it reaches 145°F, about 20 minutes. Cool in ice water, then slice into matchsticks. Sear in a hot skillet with vegetable oil until browned. Mix with pork skin, minced garlic, roasted rice powder, and additional salt.
- Cook Rice: Rinse broken jasmine rice until clear. Cook in a rice cooker with 3 cups of water or on the stovetop by boiling, then simmering covered on low heat for 10 minutes. Let sit covered for another 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Make Sauces: Combine warm water, sugar, fish sauce, and lime juice until sugar dissolves. Add chopped garlic and chile if desired. For scallion oil, blend scallions with vegetable oil, salt, and sugar, then heat in the microwave for 60 seconds and mix well.
- Assemble the Bowl: Place a serving of broken rice on each plate. Arrange grilled beef, sliced meatloaf, and shredded beef around the rice. Drizzle with scallion oil and add fresh vegetables. Serve with drizzling sauce and pickled vegetables on the side.
Equipment
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- skewers
- grill
- Rice Cooker
- Mixing Bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
- steamer
- loaf pan
- saucepan
- skillet
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 700kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Potassium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 80g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 30g
- Protein: 35g
- Vitamin A: 15IU
- Vitamin C: 25mg
- Calcium: 200mg
- Iron: 5mg
