National Dish Vietnam: Xoi Man (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Xoi Man, one of Vietnam’s most comforting savoury treats! This hearty bowl pairs steamed sticky rice with tender, well-seasoned meat, fragrant fresh herbs and a scattering of crunchy toppings. Often enjoyed as a quick breakfast or a satisfying snack, it captures the warmth and generosity of the Vietnamese table in a single mouthful. Bring the lively flavours of a Saigon street stall straight into your own kitchen.
About Xoi Man
Xoi Man is a traditional Vietnamese dish that has won the hearts of food lovers across the country. This savoury rice dish is most often enjoyed at breakfast or as a snack, offering a perfect balance of flavours and textures. The base is soft, steamed sticky rice, usually served with various kinds of meat, aromatic herbs and crisp toppings such as fried shallots or peanuts. Every bite is an experience and a lovely way to explore the rich culinary culture of Vietnam.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g glutinous (sticky) rice
- 100 g chicken breast or pork
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Fresh herbs (e.g. coriander, mint)
- 5 g fried shallots
- 1 teaspoon peanuts, chopped
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for Xoi Man, it is well worth paying attention to quality. Glutinous rice is the main ingredient and should be fresh to achieve the right consistency. Chicken breast or pork can be varied to suit your taste, though it is best to choose the freshest meat you can find. The fresh herbs, fried shallots and peanuts give the dish its distinctive character and should also be bought fresh for the very best aroma.
Preparing the dish
Preparing Xoi Man begins with soaking the glutinous rice. The rice should ideally be soaked in water for at least 4 hours, or better still overnight, to reach the perfect texture. After soaking, it is important to rinse the rice thoroughly to wash away the excess starch. Meanwhile, the meat can be marinated by mixing it with soy sauce, salt and sugar to make it more flavoursome.
Step-by-step instructions
- Place the soaked sticky rice in a steamer basket and steam for 20–30 minutes until cooked through.
- While the rice steams, fry the marinated meat in a pan until it is cooked all the way through.
- Arrange the finished rice on a plate and lay the fried meat on top.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, fried shallots and chopped peanuts, then serve straight away.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Xoi Man is naturally gluten-free, provided you are careful with the soy sauce. There are gluten-free soy sauce alternatives that work perfectly well here. The original recipe also contains no dairy, so it can be prepared as both gluten-free and lactose-free. Take care to choose your ingredients thoughtfully so the dish keeps the qualities you are after.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Xoi Man is easy to adapt for vegans and vegetarians by swapping the meat for plant-based alternatives. Tofu or seitan are excellent options that bring both flavour and a pleasing texture to the dish. The soy sauce should also be replaced with a vegan version. To deepen the flavours, add a range of spices and extra vegetables to broaden the dish even further — much like the meat-free approach in this Banh Bao Chay.
More tips and tricks
A handy trick when making Xoi Man is to prepare larger quantities of rice, which can then be portioned out and used for quick meals throughout the week. The rice can also be cooked with extra flavour by using aromatic water or stock for the steaming. Take care to adjust the textures and consistency to get the best possible result. Experiment with additional toppings for more flavour and variety.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The wonderful thing about Xoi Man is just how flexible the recipe is. It is perfect for catering to personal preferences, whether through your choice of meat or the spices you use. You might add new vegetables, such as peppers or carrots, to make the dish more colourful. The herbs can also be varied according to the season and what is available, which makes the dish all the more interesting.
Ingredient substitutions
If certain ingredients are not to hand, they are easy to swap out. Instead of chicken or pork, you could use beef or fish. Brown or basmati rice can also stand in for the glutinous rice, even though this does change the traditional method. For vegan options you might add lentils or chickpeas, which are rich in protein. The same hearty, savoury rice toppings also shine in dishes like Com Chien Ca Man.
Drink pairing ideas
A range of drinks pairs beautifully with Xoi Man to round off the experience. Green tea is a traditional choice, refreshing the palate with its mild flavour. Fresh coconut water can also make a wonderfully cooling option. If you prefer something sweet, a Vietnamese coffee drink such as Ca Phe Trung complements the savoury notes of the dish perfectly.
Serving and presentation ideas
The presentation of Xoi Man can be lifted with a little artful arranging. Serve the rice in a bowl and arrange the toppings attractively on top so they are clearly visible. Fresh herbs make a lovely garnish, adding colour and freshness to the dish. Choose attractive tableware that brings out the colours of the food, and the meal will look even more inviting.
A bit of history
Xoi Man is one of Vietnam’s oldest traditional dishes and has a long history that is woven deeply into the culture of the country. It is often served on special occasions and is seen as a symbol of togetherness and hospitality. The variety of ingredients reflects the regional differences within Vietnamese cuisine and shows just how creative and versatile this dish can be. It is not simply a meal, but a piece of Vietnamese culture in every bite.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Xoi Man
Xoi Man is a unique and flavoursome dish that brings together the tastes and textures of Vietnamese cooking to perfection. With its wide range of possible ingredients and adaptations, it suits meat lovers and vegans alike. Whether enjoyed as breakfast, a snack or a main course, Xoi Man offers an authentic taste experience that delights every palate. Let the many variations inspire you and enjoy a piece of Vietnam on your plate!
