Cơm tấm — broken rice with grilled pork — is the soul food of southern Vietnam. The 'broken rice' comes from rice grains that fractured during milling, traditionally served at breakfast to peasants and factory workers. Today it's a beloved all-day dish: grilled pork chops, shredded pork skin, Vietnamese egg meatloaf (chả trứng), pickled vegetables, and a fish sauce dressing over rice. The textures and flavors pile up — smoky, sweet, sour, fresh.
Thinh An Kitchen & Tofu top-pick
A standout for both meat and vegetarian options. Their Com Tam is consistently excellent — perfectly grilled pork chop with the right char and marinade, fluffy broken rice, and all the traditional accompaniments. Also known for their tofu dishes. Great value, generous contributions, and welcoming service. A Tampa favorite.
Gao Restaurant best-value
Already a top pick for pho and Bun Bo Hue, Gao also excels at Com Tam. Reviewers rave about the broken rice plates — the pork chop is grilled over charcoal, the patties are well-seasoned, and the dipping sauce is perfectly balanced. Prices are very reasonable, and the portions are hearty. A one-stop shop for Vietnamese food.
Viet Haus Taste of Saigon hidden-gem
A newer addition to Tampa's Vietnamese scene that's getting excellent reviews. Their Com Tam is prepared with care — broken rice cooked to fluffy perfection, grilled pork with excellent char and flavor, and house-made dipping sauce that's a cut above. The space is clean and modern. A hidden gem in the Carrollwood area.