How to make Com Tam

Why cooks start here

Com Tam is cooked the way Saigon broken-rice shops cooks it — salt judged by hand, fat used generously, and the table set for sharing. This is the home version, written down the way a vietnamese family cook actually puts it on the table.

Com Tam, a beloved dish from the bustling streets of Saigon, is a quintessential Vietnamese meal enjoyed at any time of the day. It's traditionally served at broken-rice shops, where the art of balancing flavors and textures is mastered. This home adaptation allows you to recreate the authentic experience, capturing the spirit of a Vietnamese family meal where salt is judged by hand and fat is used with a generous hand. Expect a delightful interplay of textures: tender pork chops, fluffy broken rice, and a rich egg fried to perfection. The dish is enlivened with scallion oil and a tangy nuoc cham, bringing a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and sour. Pickles add a refreshing contrast, while a final touch of fine sea salt and black pepper rounds out each bite with a gentle seasoning.