Vietnamese chicken porridge (chao ga): Warm your soul with the best flavor

Vietnam travel is not only famous for its history and culture but also for its culinary treasures. One dish that stands out among the various Vietnamese foods is Vietnamese chicken porridge, affectionately known as "chao ga." With each steaming bowl of chao ga, you are not just tasting a dish, you are immersing yourself in a tradition that unites families and communities.

1. About Vietnamese chicken porridge ingredients

Vietnamese chicken porridge is undoubtedly a source of precious nutrition. If you are seeking a dish suitable for both adults and children, this is an option you shouldn't overlook. What makes this dish unique is the harmonious combination of tender chicken and pure rice grains, which create a distinctively enticing flavor. To prepare a delicious bowl of Vietnamese chicken porridge, the following ingredients are needed:

• Chicken: You should choose a fresh and nutritious chicken with tender meat.
• Rice: Sticky rice is recommended because this type of rice creates a smooth texture and distinctive flavor for the porridge.
• Spring onions: Spring onions add a fresh taste to Vietnamese chicken porridge.
• Vietnamese coriander: Vietnamese coriander imparts a unique flavor to the dish.
• Seasonings: You can include salt, sugar, rock sugar, pepper, bouillon cubes, MSG, and fish sauce.
• Other common Vietnamese chicken porridge ingredients such as cilantro, ginger, garlic, shallots, turmeric, etc. can be added based on personal preferences.

Here are some cooking tips for Vietnamese chicken porridge:

• Before cooking, carefully inspect the chicken and remove any fat deposits.
• Boiling the chicken in warm water (around 50°C) prevents the porridge from becoming gamy and keeps the chicken skin from cracking. Boiling the chicken with its back facing up ensures that thick meat portions like the breast and thighs are submerged, allowing them to cook evenly without skin cracking.
• To achieve a tender texture and prevent the bones from turning red, soak the chicken in cool water after boiling.
• Use chicken fat or vegetable oil to stir-fry the rice before cooking Vietnamese chicken rice porridge. Stir-frying enhances the aroma of the rice, allowing the grains to expand without turning mushy, ensuring the porridge retains its texture.

>>> Explore other delicious dishes through our Vietnam food list!

2. How to make Vietnamese chicken porridge? - 3 suggested recipes

2.1. Vietnamese chicken porridge with green beans

Ingredients:

• 500g of chicken meat
• 100g of peeled green beans
• 1 cup of jasmine rice
• A handful of glutinous rice
• Spring onions, dried shallots, basil leaves, cilantro
• Spices: salt, fish sauce, MSG, seasoning powder, chicken broth powder, pepper, cooking oil

Instructions:

• Step 1: Clean the rice and green beans thoroughly. Soak the mixed jasmine rice and glutinous rice in water for an hour until the grains are soft.
• Step 2: Wash the chicken meat with salt to remove impurities. Marinate the chicken with seasoning powder and chicken broth powder. Cook the chicken in a pot with three dried shallots until tender. Once cooked, let the chicken cool, then cut it into small pieces.
• Step 3: Boil the chicken broth, then add the soaked green beans and rice. Add a pinch of salt and water. Simmer until the ingredients are soft. Put the shredded chicken back into the pot, adjust the seasoning, and let it simmer a bit more. Serve the porridge hot. Garnished with pepper, spring onions, and cilantro for an enriched flavor.

2.2. Vietnamese chicken porridge with mushrooms

Ingredients:

• 200g of white rice
• 1.2kg of chicken meat
• 400g of straw mushrooms
• 3 sprigs of spring onions
• 5 cloves of garlic
• 3 tablespoons of cooking oil
• Spices: salt, sugar, chicken broth powder, seasoning powder, pepper

Instructions:

• Step 1: Clean the chicken thoroughly, rubbing it with salt to remove impurities and odors. Rinse the straw mushrooms and cut them in half. Peel and mince the garlic. Wash the spring onions and chop finely.
• Step 2: Boil 1.5 liters of water with 3 tablespoons of chicken broth powder and 1 tablespoon of seasoning powder. Add the chicken and cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes or until the chicken is tender. Remove the chicken, let it cool, and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
• Step 3: Heat 3 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add the mushrooms and season with 1 teaspoon of chicken broth powder, 1/2 tablespoon of seasoning powder, 1/3 tablespoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1/2 tablespoon of fish sauce. Stir-fry over low heat for about 5 minutes until the mushrooms are tender. Remove and transfer to a bowl.
• Step 4: Wash the rice thoroughly and remove any impurities. Toast the rice in a pan over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until it slightly puffs up.
• Step 5: Cook the toasted rice in the chicken broth until soft. Add the sautéed mushrooms and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Finally, add the chopped spring onions, adjust the seasoning, and turn off the heat. Serve the porridge hot, garnish with black pepper, and top with fried garlic.

2.3. Vietnamese chicken porridge with lotus seeds

Ingredients:

• 1 chicken thigh
• 2 sets of chicken breast bones
• 1 small bowl of jasmine rice
• 1 handful of glutinous rice
• 1 small bowl of fresh lotus seeds
• Spring onions
• Dried shallots
• 1/2 onion
• Fish sauce, salt, seasoning powder, MSG, black pepper

Instructions:

• Step 1: Clean the chicken thigh and breast bones, then blanch them in boiling water. Remove and rinse them thoroughly. Boil clean water in a pot, add the chicken bones, thigh, and half an onion. Cook until the chicken is tender, then remove the chicken and let it cool. Continue simmering the bones to make the broth.
• Step 2: Rinse the lotus seeds and soak them in water for about 30 minutes. Drain the water and set aside.
• Step 3: Thinly slice the dried shallots and fry them until golden and crispy. Chop the spring onions finely. In a pot, heat some oil and add the sliced shallots. Stir until fragrant, then add the lotus seeds. Season with fish sauce, salt, seasoning powder, MSG, and black pepper. Cook until the lotus seeds are tender. Remove from heat.
• Step 4: Wash the rice and remove impurities. Roast the rice in a pan over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes. Add the roasted rice to the chicken broth and cook over low heat for about 30 minutes or until the rice is soft. Add the cooked lotus seeds and continue cooking for another 5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
• Step 5: Ladle the porridge into a bowl, garnish with chopped spring onions, and top with shredded chicken. Sprinkle some black pepper and add the crispy fried shallots.

>>> Explore other famous Vietnamese foods also! 

3. Which foods are served with Vietnamese chicken porridge?

Vietnamese chicken porridge is typically served with refreshing salads and fresh vegetables, creating a balanced and nutritious meal suitable for lunch or breakfast.

>>> Discover the diverse world of Vietnamese vegetables!

4. Where to eat Vietnamese chicken porridge?

Travelers looking for Vietnamese chicken porridge can enjoy this dish at various tourist destinations in Vietnam. Here are some recommended addresses in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City:

4.1. Chao ga in Hanoi

4.1.1. Tho Nhuom Street

• Address: 6B Tho Nhuom, Hoan Kiem District

This Vietnamese chicken porridge eatery is nestled in the heart of Hanoi's Hoan Kiem District. The late-night aroma of simmered chicken porridge draws locals and tourists alike. Despite its modest setup, this eatery stands out for its authenticity and has been around for a very long time.

4.1.2. Nhat Chao Restaurant

• Addresses:
  • 18 Nguyen Thi Dinh, Cau Giay District
  • 165 Nguyen Khanh Toan, Cau Giay District
  • 16 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Ba Dinh District

Nhat Chao’s specialty, chicken porridge, is a dish skillfully influenced between Taiwanese and Vietnamese cuisine. The restaurant's commitment to quality and innovation makes it a must-visit for food enthusiasts in Hanoi.

4.2. Chao ga in Ho Chi Minh City

4.2.1. Ga Ta Ngon So 1

• Addresses:
  • 45 Ut Tich, Tan Binh District
  • 120 Truong Cong Dinh, Tan Binh District
  • 231 Truong Vinh Ky, Tan Phu District

Ga Ta Ngon So 1 takes pride in its commitment to using 100% free-range chickens, creating dishes that epitomize both purity and flavor. The restaurant offers an array of delightful chicken-based dishes, from traditional Vietnamese chicken rice porridge to exotic delicacies, all prepared with meticulous attention to taste and nutrition.

4.2.2. Ga Ta Van Huong

• Address: 135 Tran Phu, District 5

At Ga Ta Van Huong, diners are treated to an exceptional culinary experience centered around their signature chicken porridge. Crafted from locally sourced tender chicken, fragrant rice, and an assortment of herbs and spices, this dish is a harmonious blend of flavors. Beyond their renowned porridge, the restaurant also offers a diverse menu featuring other delectable chicken-based creations.

4.2.3. Ga Ta Hoi An Anh Tai

• Address: 249G Nguyen Van Luong, District 6

The Vietnamese chicken porridge in this restaurant is prepared with carefully selected fresh chicken, high-quality rice, and an assortment of flavorful herbs, delivering a rich and aromatic taste experience. Beyond their signature porridge, the restaurant's menu showcases a variety of other dishes, all prepared with the same dedication to quality and taste, ensuring every bite is a culinary delight.

>>> Learn more about other restaurants in Vietnam!

Vietnam, a land of diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures, is not only a feast for the eyes but also a paradise for food enthusiasts. Beyond Vietnamese chicken porridge, the country offers a plethora of other culinary delights waiting to be savored. You can embark on a culinary journey as you travel through famous cities of Vietnam such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, and Ha Long.

After a day of culinary adventures in these destinations, consider unwinding in the luxurious embrace of Vinpearl’s resorts and hotels. At Vinpearl, you can experience world-class hospitality and indulge in gourmet delights prepared by skilled chefs. You can also extend your adventure by exploring VinWonders, a system of entertainment complexes where endless excitement awaits.

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Vietnamese chicken porridge, with its diverse recipes, offers a delightful culinary journey through the heart of Vietnam. Whether you prefer the simplicity of chicken and rice or the complexity of ingredients like mushrooms, each variation of “chao ga” promises a unique experience. As you travel through Vietnam, don't miss the opportunity to savor this wholesome dish at local eateries and renowned restaurants!