Breakfast in Dong Hoi offers countless choices, which often leaves visitors wondering: which dishes are both filling, delicious, and truly representative of local cuisine? Take a look at the list below and save your favorite breakfast options in Dong Hoi to better prepare for your upcoming Quang Binh trip!

Breakfast cuisine in Dong Hoi is diverse and rich, ranging from porridge, glass noodles, and soups to noodles and pho. Each dish comes with its own unique appearance and flavor, clearly reflecting the distinctive culinary identity of Quang Binh—simple yet flavorful, rustic yet unforgettable.

Beyond its breathtaking natural landscapes, Quang Binh also captivates visitors with its tempting and memorable breakfast dishes in Dong Hoi.

1. Must-try breakfast dishes in Phong Nha

Although Quang Binh is influenced by various regional cultures and cuisines, local breakfast dishes have been creatively adapted to suit local tastes, resulting in flavors that are truly one of a kind.

1.1. Snakehead fish rice noodle soup.

Cháo canh (also known as banh canh) is one of the most popular breakfast dishes among Phong Nha locals. Not only is it delicious, but it is also highly nutritious. The noodles are made from white rice or brown rice, offering a soft yet chewy texture, while the broth is simmered from pork bones and meat, giving it a naturally sweet flavor. The firm, fragrant snakehead fish is served with fresh herbs and a touch of chili, making the dish even more appealing.

Price range: 25,000 – 35,000 VND per bowl.

1.2. Eel glass noodle soup & eel soup

When it comes to breakfast in Dong Hoi, eel soup is a dish you simply should not miss. Unlike the northern Vietnamese version, Dong Hoi eel soup uses whole eels that are well-seasoned and stir-fried with chili to eliminate any fishy smell. The soup is typically enjoyed with bread and is a common breakfast choice for locals. In addition, eel porridge and eel glass noodle soup are also popular and flavorful alternatives.

Price range: from 20,000 VND per bowl.

1.3. Veal Pho

While northern Vietnam is famous for beef and chicken pho, Quang Binh is known for its delicious veal pho. Options include rare veal, brisket, mixed toppings, or special bowls, depending on personal preference. The clear, lightly sweet broth combined with tender veal creates a comforting and satisfying breakfast.

Price range: 30,000 – 50,000 VND per bowl.

1.4. Chao canh (rice noodle soup)

Besides snakehead fish chao canh, Phong Nha offers several other variations of this dish. All versions share the same soft, fragrant rice noodles made from refined rice flour. The broth is carefully simmered from pork bones, fish bones, and shrimp, resulting in a naturally rich flavor. Diners can choose from ribs, shrimp, pork rolls, or mixed toppings.

Price range: 20,000 – 30,000 VND per bowl.

1.5. Brown rice noodle soup

Cháo canh bột sát is a unique variation that is especially popular among locals. The noodles are handmade from brown rice flour, giving them a distinctive reddish-brown color and a pleasantly chewy texture. This dish is often served with crispy fried spring rolls (ram cuốn), which are crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside—an irresistible combination for breakfast.

Price range: 20,000 – 30,000 VND per bowl.

1.6. Northern-style pho

Although pho is not originally from Quang Binh, many excellent northern-style pho restaurants can be found in Dong Hoi. The broth is simmered from beef, veal, or chicken, delivering a rich aroma and authentic northern flavor. If you are unsure what to eat for breakfast in Dong Hoi, northern-style pho is always a reliable and tasty option.

Price range: 20,000 – 25,000 VND per bowl.

1.7. Beef noodle soup (Bún Bò Huế)

Similar to northern-style pho, beef noodle soup is not a local specialty but is widely available in Phong Nha. A hot bowl of bún bò with rich, savory broth, tender beef, and juicy pork rolls infused with lemongrass makes for a perfect, energy-boosting breakfast.

Price range: 20,000 – 50,000 VND. 

>>> For more options, check out The CharmCharm Restaurant in Phong Nha.