There is a general consensus that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, often reinforced by doctors’ advice. In this vein, we tend to ensure that our breakfast is hearty and filling, setting a positive tone for the rest of the day. Around the world, different cultures have their own breakfast traditions, with iconic dishes that reflect their unique culinary heritage.

Take, for instance, the English breakfast, an assortment of proteins and carbs with beans and hash, or the American breakfast, typically consisting of pancakes, bacon, and omelets. Singaporeans might start their day with kaya toast and runny eggs, while a traditional Vietnamese breakfast often features noodle soup (phở) or the world-famous baguette (bánh mì). These are just a few examples of the diverse and flavorful ways people begin their day around the globe.

However, there’s another way to start your day in Vietnam that is both hearty and delicious but remains somewhat under the radar among tourists and foreigners – the underrated beef steak and eggs, locally known as bò né (Vietnamese beefsteak). This dish, famous throughout Vietnam, is the country’s answer to the classic American brunch, offering a savory and satisfying meal that is perfect for kicking off your day.

One of the unique aspects of bò né is the experience of eating it. Given the sizzling plate’s hot nature, oil splatters and possibly even a few blisters are unavoidable when feasting on this dish. While some might see this as a risky way to start the day, it’s precisely this element of “danger” that adds to the appeal of this savory breakfast.

According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, the port city of Vung Tau is credited with being the origin of this breakfast. The dish’s creation was largely influenced by the availability of ingredients—smaller beef cuts, often paired with meatballs (xíu mại), pâté, shallots, tomato slices, and sunny-side-up eggs, all served with a freshly baked plain baguette. Today, bò né has become a beloved breakfast option across Vietnam, including in Da Nang City, where a local gem of a restaurant serves this hearty meal.

Popular among Da Nang locals and Vietnamese tourists alike, I had the pleasure of enjoying this amazing breakfast at Bò Né Khanh. Situated at the intersection of Hoàng Văn Thụ and Cô Giang, this family-run restaurant occupies an unassuming corner spot that might be easy to overlook if you’re not paying attention. However, once you step inside, you’ll find a bustling eatery that’s always packed with customers eager to get their hands on a sizzling plate of bò né.

The restaurant’s outdoor seating spills onto the sidewalk, creating a lively and informal atmosphere that feels undeniably Vietnamese. The workers are efficient and direct, guiding you to a seat and taking your order almost immediately after you sit down. The menu at Bò Né Khanh is equally straightforward, consisting of six unique offerings: Bò né đặc biệt (special beefsteak), bò né bình thường (normal beefsteak), nhỏ (small serving beefsteak), bánh mì ốp la 2 trứng (2 fried eggs baguette), bánh mì ốp la xíu mại (fried egg and meatball baguette), and bánh mì cá hộp (fish baguette). Prices range from 25,000 VND (about 1 USD) to 95,000 VND (about 4 USD), making it an affordable option for a hearty breakfast.

I opted for the normal beefsteak, which arrived quickly, sizzling hot, and undeniably aromatic. The dish’s name, which translates to “dodging beef” in English, initially amused me, but after the first bite, I realized there was no chance I’d be dodging this breakfast special anytime soon.

The beef, while not as thick as a traditional steak, is cut to give you a substantial and satisfying mouthfeel. The thin slices are tender, chewy, and juicy, cooked to perfection on the hot iron plate alongside a meatball and sunny-side-up egg. These components meld together to create a savory sauce that can be customized with the spices provided at the table, such as salt, black pepper, and the ubiquitous Vietnamese soy sauce.

As a fan of pepper, I sprinkled a few dashes on my bò né and added soy sauce for extra flavor before mixing everything together. The runny egg yolk smothered the meatball and beef slices, which I cut into smaller pieces for easier eating. The fresh baguette, served on the side, was perfect for dipping into the rich, savory mixture. Some diners around me chose to fill their baguettes with the toppings, eating them like a hotdog, but I preferred to enjoy the bread piece by piece, savoring each bite. The beauty of bò né lies in its versatility—there’s no right or wrong way to enjoy this dish.

Each restaurant has its own approach to preparing and presenting bò né. Some might drizzle the meal with a special sauce before serving or add other ingredients like butter, sausage, or corn. At Bò Né Khanh, the focus is on simplicity and letting the diner take control. You can adjust the saltiness or spiciness to your liking, make a filled baguette, or simply dip the bread in the mixture of runny yolk, homemade meatball, and marinated beef slices.

Bò Né Khanh is open daily from 5:00 AM to 1:30 PM, making it an ideal spot for early risers looking for a filling breakfast before starting their day. The restaurant’s long hours also accommodate those who prefer a late breakfast or brunch.

I will certainly find my way back to this spot because I have yet to try the special bò né, which I believe is even richer and heartier than the regular one. All in all, Bò Né Khanh is a perfect spot to start the day. Their classic bò né is sure to satisfy our breakfast needs and supplement us for a day’s work.

So, if you’re ever in Da Nang and looking for an authentic and satisfying breakfast experience, make your way to Bò Né Khanh. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this humble eatery offers a delicious slice of Vietnamese breakfast culture that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re dodging splatters of oil or savoring the perfectly cooked beef, one thing is certain—Bò Né Khanh is a breakfast experience you won’t want to miss.

Bò Né Khanh
Address: 41 Hoang Van Thu, Da Nang
Opening: 5:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Tel: 02363897405