Discover 5 incredibly cheap yet mouthwatering breakfast dishes that will leave you craving for more, especially the second one – a truly memorable treat!
1. Boiled Corn – A Simple Yet Nutritious Breakfast

For just 5,000 to 7,000 VND, you can enjoy a hot, freshly boiled corn cob with a delightful rustic aroma. It’s a great source of fiber and starch, and will keep you full until lunchtime.
Whether it’s the sticky sweetness of waxy corn or the soft, buttery texture of sweet corn, each variety offers a unique taste that appeals to both adults and children.
2. Boiled Sweet Potato – Gets Better as it Cools
Boiled sweet potato is not only an incredibly affordable breakfast option at just 5,000 to 8,000 VND per potato, but it’s also extremely healthy. Sweet potatoes are packed with slow-release starch, which helps you stay full for longer, aids digestion, and supports weight loss.
What’s more, as the sweet potato cools down, it becomes even sweeter, softer, and more delicious. Starting your day with this nutritious root vegetable ensures a light stomach and keeps you alert, preventing that midday slump.
3. Bánh Giò – A Hearty and Affordable Breakfast
“Bánh giò” is a traditional Vietnamese steamed rice cake, and at just 10,000 to 12,000 VND, it’s a fantastic option for students, workers, and anyone on a budget. Filled with a delicious mix of meat, wood ear mushrooms, and quail eggs, and served with pickled vegetables or chili sauce, it’s a hearty and satisfying breakfast.
Easy to eat and conveniently portable, “bánh giò” is the perfect choice for those busy mornings when you’re on the go.
4. Peanut Sticky Rice – A Nostalgic Treat

For a mere 5,000 to 7,000 VND, you can enjoy a packet of peanut sticky rice, a humble yet energizing breakfast. This nostalgic treat, often sold at school gates and alley entrances, takes you back to your childhood with its simple yet irresistible combination of sticky rice and roasted peanuts.
5. White Porridge – A Gentle and Comforting Breakfast
White porridge, or “cháo trắng,” is a favorite among the elderly, especially when paired with salted eggs, century eggs, or pickled vegetables. Its mild flavor and easy digestion make it perfect for days when you want a light breakfast. For just 6,000 to 10,000 VND, you get a warm and nourishing meal that’s easy on both your stomach and wallet.
There’s no need to spend a fortune on breakfast every day. With just 5,000 to 10,000 VND, you can indulge in these delicious, nutritious, and familiar Vietnamese breakfast options. Sweet potato, our second featured dish, stands out for its incredible health benefits, keeping you full and satisfied for longer, all at a very modest price.
Starting your day with these humble yet delicious dishes embodies the Vietnamese philosophy of “ngon, bổ, rẻ” – prioritizing taste, nutrition, and affordability. It’s a wonderful way to begin your day, feeling both satisfied and financially prudent.