Fragrant broken rice topped with grilled pork chops, fried egg, and tangy pickled vegetables.
Com tam (broken rice) is the everyday rice of central Vietnam, made from rice kernels that break during milling. It's lighter and fluffier than regular rice. Cay refers to the charred, caramelized grilled pork chops that crown the rice — seasoned with lemongrass and cooked until the edges blacken and char. A fried egg, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs complete the plate. It's cheap, delicious, and found at every corner food stall in cities like Da Nang and Hue. Rooted in the everyday cooking of Vietnamese kitchens, Com Tam Cay (Central Vietnamese Broken Rice with Grilled Pork) balances technique and tradition: the pork chops (or pork shoulder steaks), thin is treated with care, drawing on time-honoured ratios that locals have refined across generations. The dish carries an unmistakable sensory signature — aromas that fill the kitchen as it cooks, layered textures that reveal themselves bite by bite, and a depth of flavour that comes from patient seasoning rather than shortcuts. Whether served as a weeknight lunch or as the centrepiece of a celebratory table, it reflects a regional pantry where local produce, seasoning habits and cooking vessels shape the final result. Home cooks who make this dish often note how forgiving it is once the core method is understood, and how a few small choices — the freshness of the pork chops (or pork shoulder steaks), thin, the order of additions, the resting time at the end — separate a good version from a memorable one. This recipe walks through those choices so the dish arrives with the character it has on its home turf.
Serves 2
Mix lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Coat pork chops thoroughly and marinate 15–20 minutes.
Heat a grill or grill pan to high heat. Grill marinated pork 3–4 minutes per side until caramelized and charred at the edges.
If using broken rice, cook in a rice cooker with standard water ratio. It cooks slightly faster than regular rice, about 15 minutes.
Heat a bit of oil in a small pan and fry an egg sunny-side up or over-easy.
Broken rice (com tam) gives a lighter, fluffier result than regular jasmine rice.
The charred edges of the pork are crucial to the flavor — don't avoid the char.
A squeeze of lime and a pinch of chili flakes elevate the dish.
Source the freshest pork chops (or pork shoulder steaks), thin you can find — it is the flavour anchor of the dish.
Season in layers as you go; tasting at each stage prevents a flat or over-salted final result.
Use chicken thighs instead of pork
Top with a grilled fish cake (cha ca)
Add grilled shrimp for extra protein
Vegetarian: replace the main protein with mushrooms, paneer, tofu or hearty beans for a meat-free version.
Spicier: add fresh chilli, a chilli paste or a pinch of cayenne with the aromatics for a warmer profile.
Best served fresh. Cooked rice keeps 3 days refrigerated. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or stock to loosen, or microwave at 60% power covered so it warms without drying. Freezes well for up to 2 months in portioned containers; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Dishes built on dairy or fried elements may shift in texture after freezing — refresh with a crisp garnish.
Com tam became popular in central Vietnam because broken rice was affordable and readily available. It evolved from a thrifty way to use broken rice grains into a beloved street food, particularly in Da Nang and Hue.
Look for 'com tam' at Asian grocery stores. Vietnamese, Thai, and some Chinese stores carry it.
Yes, though the texture and flavor will be slightly different. Jasmine rice is a close substitute.
Yes — most components hold well in the fridge for a day or two. Reheat gently with a splash of liquid to bring it back to life.
If pork chops (or pork shoulder steaks), thin is hard to find, the closest substitutes share its texture and water content. Adjust seasoning slightly since substitutes often carry less character of their own.
Per serving · 2 servings total
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