Walk down a street in Saigon any morning and you’ll hear it: the sharp sizzle of oil on cast iron, the clang of cutlery, and the rich aroma of beef and egg wafting from street corners. This is bò né—a breakfast dish that’s loud, lively, and full of character.
What is Bò Né?
The name bò né, or “dodging beef,” comes from the need to dodge hot oil that sputters as the cast-iron skillet arrives at your table. Served piping hot, the dish features marinated beef slices, sunny-side-up eggs, a slab of pâté, and often sausage or Vietnamese ham. It’s paired with fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and a warm loaf of bánh mì for dipping into the rich sauce and savoring with every bite of tender beef.
Though many call it Vietnam’s localized steak-and-eggs, bò né is distinct. It draws influence from French colonial cuisine, think steak frites and pâté, adapted by Vietnamese cooks using local cuts of meat and spices.
A Bite of History
Culinary historians trace the origins of bò né to Phan Thiết, a coastal city in southern Vietnam where French colonial influence was strong. In the 20th century, Phan Thiết became a French administrative hub. French settlers and soldiers brought with them culinary staples like steak frites, pâté, and crusty baguettes—ingredients once reserved for colonial tables.
Local Vietnamese cooks began to adapt these foreign ingredients, serving them all on sizzling cast-iron pans. The result was bò né: a bold, localized breakfast born from colonial influence, but unmistakably Vietnamese in spirit and flavor.
Where To Find Bò Né In Saigon
From bustling street corners to tiled brunch cafés, bò né is easy to find in Ho Chi Minh City—but some places stand out. Here are the beloved spots:
Bò Né 3 Ngon
A local go-to in District 1, this shop draws morning crowds for its generous beef cuts and thick, buttery house sauce. The pan arrives still sizzling, accompanied by a side of crusty bread and a refreshing salad. Quick service, great value, and a lively street setting make it a go-to spot.
- Address: 38 Đinh Tiên Hoàng, P. Bến Nghé, Q.1
- Open Hours: 6:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Bò Né Bà Nũi
This eatery packs its pans with a variety of toppings. The beef is seared to order, and the bread is toasted just enough for dipping. The laid-back vibe and hearty portions make it a spot for both casual diners and commuters.
- Address: 4 Nguyễn Thái Bình, P. Nguyễn Thái Bình, Q.1
- Open Hours: 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM
How about Hanoi?
When you're in Hanoi, look for bánh mì chảo (bread skillet) instead of bò né if you're craving this sizzling meal. While both dishes share similar ingredients and are served in a hot pan, the regional styles are different.
Bánh mì chảo leans into tomato-based sauces and European-style sausages, often accompanied by fries or cheese. Bò né, in contrast, is simpler and richer, letting the beef, egg, and pâté do the work. Regardless of the name, both are high-protein, pan-sizzling meals that deliver comfort and crunch.
Streets like Dang Van Ngu or Hang Ca are home to many stalls serving bubbling skillets filled with beef, sausage, and eggs, alongside lightly toasted baguettes. Though names differ, the spirit is mostly the same: a hot, hearty start to your day.
Cột Điện Quán
Hidden in a narrow alley off Dang Van Ngu Street, Cột Điện Quán has built a loyal following for one thing: its sizzling bánh mì chảo.
Unlike its southern cousin, bò né, which keeps things minimal, the northern-style skillet at Cột Điện Quán leans into sauciness. Each pan arrives swimming in warm, spiced tomato gravy—perfect for soaking up with bread or mixing with runny yolk.
- Address: 71 Dang Van Ngu, Dong Da, Ha Noi
- Open Hours: 8:30 - 22:00
Banh Mi 25
Tucked into the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Bánh Mì 25 offers a no-fuss, flavor-packed skillet breakfast that’s won over locals and tourists alike. This humble eatery specializes in northern-style bánh mì chảo—sizzling pans of eggs, pâté, char xiu, sausage, and fresh herbs, all topped with a rich house sauce.
A crusty baguette sits on the side, perfect for soaking up every drop. The service is quick and efficient, making it a reliable go-to for a comforting, satisfying breakfast in the heart of Hanoi.
- Address: 25 Hang Ca, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi
- Open hours: (Wednesday - Thursday: 3 PM - 9 PM, Friday - Tuesday: 7 AM - 9 PM)
Bò né may have French roots and regional variations, but it’s fully Vietnamese at heart. Whether you’re watching the oil dance in Saigon or scooping tomato-slicked sausage in Hanoi, each sizzling pan tells the same story: one of flavor, warmth, and shared mornings.
Watch Vietnam Travel Diaries, Episode 1 and discover one of the most bustling Bò Né spots in HCMC.
About Vietnam Travel Diaries
Vietnam Travel Diaries is a part of Flavors Vietnam – a series that brings Vietnam’s vibrant culinary scene and unique culture to life through high-quality, engaging videos designed to connect with and inspire both international and local audiences.
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