What is broken rice Vietnamese?

Broken rice, also known as cargo rice, brewer’s rice, second heads, and broken kernels, refers to fragments of rice grains that have been broken during the milling process. While whole grain rice is highly prized, broken rice is seen as a lower quality product as it tends to dry out and become stale faster. However, broken rice has found an important place in Vietnamese cuisine where it is known as cơm tấm or cơm bể.

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What is broken rice?

Rice grains break during the milling process for several reasons:

Rice varieties with long, slender kernels are more prone to breakage during milling.
Over-drying of rice before milling leads to brittle grains that are easily broken.
Old rice or rice that was not dried properly after harvesting breaks more easily.

Imperfections in the milling equipment can cause excess breakage.

Broken kernels are separated from whole grains after milling. While whole grain rice is polished to remove the bran and germ, broken rice retains more of the nutritious bran layer. As a result, broken rice has a higher fiber content and more nutrients than refined white rice.

Origin of broken rice in Vietnamese cuisine

Broken rice has long been seen as a low-cost food for the poor in most rice-eating cultures. However, it holds a special place in Vietnamese cuisine thanks to historical and economic factors.

From the 15th to 18th centuries, Vietnam was divided between two warring feudal states – the Trinh Lords ruled the north while the Nguyen Lords controlled the south. Broken rice was often the main supply of grain for the northern armies. After defeating the Trinh Lords, the Nguyen Lords imposed heavy taxes on the northern peasants, who resorted to eating broken rice out of poverty.

Later, under French colonial rule in the 19th and 20th centuries, Vietnamese peasants were too poor to afford high quality rice. Broken rice again became a vital part of the local diet, especially among rural and working-class Vietnamese.

Today, broken rice remains an inexpensive, staple food in Vietnamese cuisine. It is especially popular in central and southern Vietnam where it is served with grilled meat and fish dishes.

Names and types of broken rice

Broken rice has several names in Vietnamese:

Cơm tấm – The most common term, used mainly in southern Vietnam.
Cơm bể – Roughly translates to “broken rice”, used in central and northern regions.

Cơm thứ – Means “second-rate rice” or rice of inferior quality.
Nếp vỡ – Refers to broken rice from glutinous or sticky rice.

There are two main grades of broken rice in Vietnam:

Mạch vỡ – Consists of large broken grains that resemble cracked rice in texture.
Tấm – Smaller, irregular broken fragments that are powdery when cooked.

Tấm has a faster cooking time but tends to be drier and less flavorful. Mạch vỡ is preferred for most Vietnamese broken rice dishes.

How is broken rice used in Vietnamese cuisine?

Here are some popular ways broken rice is used in Vietnamese cooking:

Cơm tấm – The signature broken rice dish. Cooked broken rice is served with grilled, barbecued, or fried meat and/or fish, fresh herbs, vegetables, dipping sauce, and broth.
Cơm tấm sườn nướng – Broken rice with grilled pork chops. A southern Vietnamese specialty.

Cơm tấm gà nướng – Broken rice topped with chicken skewers seasoned with lemongrass and fish sauce.
Cơm tấm chả cá – Broken rice served with fried fish cakes.
Cơm tấm bì – Broken rice paired with shredded pork skin.

Cơm tấm thịt nướng – Broken rice served with slices of grilled pork belly or pork shoulder.
Cơm tấm hến – Broken rice topped with baby clams, commonly eaten in central Vietnam.

Broken rice is also used to make:

Congee or rice porridge
Fried rice dishes
Rice noodles and rice paper wrappers

Fermented rice vinegar

Nutritional content of broken rice

Here is a nutritional comparison between brown rice, white rice, and broken rice (per 100g):

Nutrient	Brown Rice	White Rice	Broken Rice
Calories	112	130	120
Protein (g)	2.6	2.7	3.2
Carbs (g)	23.5	28.6	26.3
Fiber (g)	1.8	0.4	1.2

Key points:

Broken rice is lower in calories and carbs compared to white rice.
It has a higher fiber and protein content.
The bran layer gives broken rice more B vitamins, iron, and antioxidants.

It has a lower glycemic index, making it a better choice for diabetics.

Health benefits of broken rice

Here are some of the key health benefits associated with eating broken rice:

Lower risk of diabetes – The fiber and nutrients in broken rice help regulate blood sugar levels.

Reduced cholesterol – Broken rice helps lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol due to its fiber content.
Better heart health – The antioxidants like vitamin E help reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular function.
Aids digestion – The fiber adds bulk to stool and improves digestion.

Prevents gallstones – Eating broken rice lowers the risk of gallstone formation.
Helps manage weight – The fiber provides satiety, while the lower carbs prevent insulin spikes.

Overall, broken rice makes a nutritious substitute for refined white rice for most people.

How to cook broken Vietnamese rice

Here are some tips for cooking great broken rice at home:

Wash and drain the rice well before cooking to remove any dust or debris.
Use a rice cooker for convenient, perfect rice every time. Add rice and water according to rice cooker instructions.

For stovetop cooking, use a 1:1.5 rice to water ratio. After boiling, reduce heat to low, cover and cook for 15 minutes.
Add a few drops of lemon juice to the water to enhance flavor.
Fluff rice with a fork after cooking to prevent grains from sticking.

Garnish cooked rice with roasted onions, scallions or fried shallots.
Serve hot on its own or enjoy with grilled, roasted or fried meats, fish and vegetables.

Where to buy broken rice

Here are some places to buy broken rice:

Asian grocery stores – Most stores like Lotte Mart, 99 Ranch Market, and H Mart sell broken rice in the rice section.
Online stores – Broken rice can be bought online on Amazon, Walmart, or specialty Asian food sites.
Vietnamese markets – Markets in Vietnamese communities sell freshly milled broken rice.

Restaurant supply stores – Broken rice is used in commercial kitchens and can be found at restaurant supply shops.
Big box stores – Some mega-marts like Costco sell large bags of broken rice.

When buying broken rice, look for uniform, large grain fragments. Avoid powdery broken rice grains. White, jasmine and basmati are common broken rice varieties.

How to store broken rice

Follow these tips to store broken rice correctly:

Store in an airtight container or resealable bag.
Keep rice in a cool, dry spot away from heat, moisture and sunlight.

Refrigeration can extend shelf life for up to 6 months.
Freezing broken rice in freezer bags is best for long term storage of over 1 year.
Most broken rice lasts 4-6 months at room temperature when stored properly.

watch for signs of spoilage like off odors, colors, or visible weevils.

With proper storage, broken rice retains its taste and texture for everyday use in the kitchen.

Conclusion

Though once seen as a lowly food, broken rice has become an iconic part of Vietnamese cuisine. Its resilience reflects the resourcefulness of the Vietnamese people. With a nutty, wholesome flavor and chewy texture, broken rice makes for a comforting, hearty meal. It continues to be a staple accompaniment to flavorful grilled and fried Vietnamese dishes enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.