Com Tam, also known as “broken rice,” is a beloved Vietnamese food that has captivated locals and tourists. Originating from Southern Vietnam, especially Saigon, this dish turns ordinary rice grains that were once considered inferior into a culinary delight
Quintessence of Vietnamese cuisine: Com Tam
One plate of Com Tam includes broken rice grains, rice grains smaller than 1/2 of sticky rice, combined with different toppings such as
▪ Grilled pork
▪ Fried egg
▪ Egg rolls
▪ Grilled sausage
▪ Pork skin
▪ Spring onion oil
▪ Pickled vegetables
▪ Fish sauce
Ingredients of Com Tam
Com Tam's Global Popularity
Com Tam is the national dish of the Vietnamese people because it is sold in street food and luxury restaurants. That is the specialness of the Com Tam dish, which locals and foreigners living here prioritize because of its versatility and uniqueness. Each topping brings a different but bold flavour to southern Vietnamese cuisine.
Com Tam has spread to countries worldwide, where the Vietnamese community lives and operates restaurants. Its appeal lies not only in its taste but also in the comfort and familiarity it brings - a reminder of home for many Vietnamese expatriates.
A Culinary Experience
In conclusion, Com Tam is Vietnam's national food. Therefore, it provides a culinary experience and shows the country's culture and people. Even if you are living and working abroad, Com Tam is always your priority for Vietnamese food.
The Combination of Ingredients Creates The Dish Com Tam
The ingredients to cook Com Tam are simple, but the chef must be skilled in bringing out the traditional flavour. The dish offers insight into Vietnam's rich culinary cultural heritage.
Chefs need to have experience in each step of preparation and cooking. The delicious dish combines steamed broken rice grains and grilled ribs with a thin, caramelized crust; inside, the meat is soft and succulent. The technique to marinate such ribs requires quantities of garlic, sugar, and fish sauce. The soul of the Com Tam dish cannot be ignored with green onion oil, which enhances the flavour of grilled pork.
We must mention pickled cabbage and sweet and sour fish sauce to distinguish the Com Tam dish from the traditional taste. Pickled mustard greens, often a mixture of carrots, white radishes, and water spinach, provide a fragrant crunch that helps balance the meal. Meanwhile, the dipping sauce combines sweet, salty, and mildly spicy flavours