Đệ Nhất Cơm Canh Thịt Lợn occupies a specific niche in Thao Dien's dining landscape: honest Vietnamese comfort food at a price point that has nothing to do with the neighborhood's expatriate restaurant strip. The menu centers on three things — grilled chicken, bamboo-tube sticky rice, and crispy fried buns — with nearly every order built around some combination of the three.
The bamboo-tube rice stands out. Glutinous rice infused with pandan leaf is steamed inside natural bamboo tubes, arriving fragrant and slightly caramelized at the edges — a preparation more common in the highlands than on an urban Thủ Đức side street. Paired with a half or whole grilled chicken whose skin crisps properly without drying out the meat, it makes a complete meal. The fried steamed buns — five or ten pieces depending on the combo chosen — add textural contrast: a thin crisp shell giving way to a soft meat filling.
The combo structure is practical and generous. Two-chicken combinations with bamboo rice and buns feed four to six people without complicated ordering. A bottle of the house dipping sauce — chili-forward, balanced with sugar — ties the plate together and can be ordered separately for an extra portion.
The split-service hours (10 AM to 2 PM, 4 PM to 9:30 PM) follow a traditional Vietnamese restaurant rhythm, and the crowd reflects that: local families at lunch, mixed tables in the evening. With 503 reviews averaging 4.6 on Google, the kitchen delivers consistently on its focused menu. In a neighborhood where many restaurants chase expat attention with fusion menus and weekend brunches, this one runs on repeat Vietnamese customers who know exactly what they're coming for.
Combo 2 Chicken + 10 Fried Steamed Buns + 2 Bamboo Tube Rice
522k VND
Crispy Chicken, Fragrant Fried Buns, Sweet Bamboo Rice, Completely Delicious....
Combo 2 Chicken + 4 Bamboo Tube Rice
522k VND
Fragrant Tender Chicken, Sticky Bamboo Rice, Blending The Distinctive Flavors Of Vietnam...
Combo 2 Chicken + 20 Fried Steamed Buns
522k VND
Crispy chicken, golden fried buns, a harmonious blend of delicious flavors...
Combo 2 Chicken.
438k VND
Crispy Chicken, Tender, Rich Sauce, Irresistibly Delicious....
Combo Whole Chicken + 7 Fried Buns + 1 Bamboo Tube Rice
299k VND
Full menu below · prices in VND.
Cơm Canh Lòng Thịt was hearty and comforting. The broth was rich, slightly milky. The pork and intestines were clean, tender, and not overly chewy. Mì Lạnh Trộn Cay was a great contrast. Refreshing, chewy noodles coated in a spicy, tangy sauce. It was flavorful without being overwhelming, and the fresh toppings added a nice crunch. Overall, great flavors, generous portions, and a casual, comfortable vibe. I’d definitely come back to try more dishes. Highly recommend if you’re in Thảo Điền.
I will add a review later, but this place is superb, thanks in large part to the owners, who are always there greeting customers so politely. I lived in Japan and ate out frequently, so I can tell you that their hospitality and dedication are unparalleled - rarely seen!
Very friendly manager/owner. Food arrived quickly. Big portions and reasonable prices. I would say it’s up to personal taste for the pork soups, but the steamed dumplings were absolutely amazing and I would definitely come back just for those!
Great place; they nailed the meats and the intestines. The side dishes are excellent, especially the Kimchi. The broth is light, but to my taste, it feels bland. I understand they keep it low season by design so diners can add their own seasonings. However, because of that, the broth lacks a hearty or rich flavor (this is, of course, highly subjective based on my experience). For 200,000 VND, I think they did a great job. I highly recommend the place, and I definitely see myself returning.
Probably one of the most authentic Korean diners in HCMC Food: Huge portion, the banchan is super delicious Service: fast, professional and friendly Atmosphere: Super authentic
Menu starts from: 5k VND, based on 21 priced items on the public menu.
Reservations: Call +84 865 200 060 to book — recommended for weekend dining.
Best for: family dinner, group meals, casual lunch, weeknight dining.
Delivery: Listed on GrabFood.
A close-up of a dish consisting of sliced pork belly and rolled meat on a black plate with garnishes such as green onions, likely served hot.
Various Korean side dishes
Various Korean dishes
Kimchi Jjigae
Kimchi Jeonbok
A bowl of noodle soup with a boiled egg on top and garnished with vegetables
Ramen
A selection of Korean banchan
The image shows an interior view of a casual dining restaurant in Thao Dien, Saigon. The decor includes wooden slatted ceilings and walls with white p
The image depicts an indoor dining area in a restaurant or cafe setting. The interior features wooden slatted ceilings and tiled flooring, with variou
A menu stand displaying various food items and their prices in Vietnamese dong at a restaurant named 'COSAM'. The background shows part of the dining
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