Food of life - Com Tam

Story written by: Nyugen Ngoc Thanh Mai

“Com tam” is a very popular dish in Saigon, usually taken at breakfast as it is widely believed that a good plate of com tan is the best way to kickstart a long work day. “Com tam” which means ‘broken rice’ is usually complimented by a generous serving of grilled pork called “suon”, thinly shredded pork mixed with cooked and thinly shredded pork skin called “bi”, or grilled chopped pork with egg called “cha trung”. All of the choices are served with fish sauce or “nuoc mam”, which could smell quite discomforting at the first sniff. Southerners prefer a fish sauce that is slightly sweet, while the Northerners like theirs more salty.

Historically, “com tam” (broken rice) was prepared as an alternative to full grained rice, especially for the lower income people. Today, “com tam” has evolved to become a symbol of Vietnamese tradition that you can find in most restaurants and at almost anytime of the day. And if you are visiting Saigon for the first time, we recommend the following places.



MOC COM TAM
Branch 1: 85 Ly Tu Trong Street, Dist 1
+848 3824 8561
Branch 2: 48 Le Thanh Ton Street, Dist 1
+848 3825 1665
info@comtammoc.com
http://www.comtammoc.com

Moc is a professional restaurant which specializes in “Com tam”. With “moc”, which means wood or representing something simple as its theme, “Moc Com Tam” brings across the Southern Vietnamese soul into its environment through its dishes and decorated space. Not surprisingly, the com tam served here is as authentically Southern as you would find anywhere in Vietnam.

As you enter the doors of the restaurant, you would expect to pay an arm and a leg for s good meal here. Contrary to that, a “Moc” dish starts from just VND26,000 (approx. 1.50USD). And if you own HSBC or ANZ Visa or Master Card, you will enjoy 10% off in Moc Com Tam, definitely a value for money establishment to try out.