A Taste of Vietnam, Grilled With Heart
ABOUT BROKEN RICE
Broken Rice was born from one simple idea: bring the comfort, warmth, and soul of Vietnam’s beloved cÆ¡m tấm to the streets of Austin. It’s food that feels familiar even if you’ve never tried it — bowls built on fire, flavor, and the kind of care you can taste.
Meet Chef Bao Lu
Chef Bao Lu was born and raised in Vietnam, surrounded by the smells of night markets, sidewalk grills, and the everyday magic of Vietnamese home cooking. Some kids grew up on cartoons — Bao grew up on sizzling pork chops, lemongrass marinades, and the smell of cÆ¡m tấm steaming in the kitchen.
​
After moving to the U.S., Bao missed the flavors that shaped him: the smoky pork chops from Saigon street stalls, the bright punch of nÆ°á»›c chấm, and of course, the humble broken rice that ties it all together. He started recreating those dishes for friends, then for pop-ups, and now inside the Broken Rice food trailer — a tiny kitchen serving big, bold Vietnamese flavors.
What Makes Our Bowls Special
At Broken Rice, every bowl starts with gạo tấm — broken rice, prized for its soft, tender texture and ability to soak up flavor. We grill our meats over cherry wood, giving each bite a natural smokiness you can taste before taking a bite.
​
CÆ¡m tấm is comfort food in Vietnam. Here, we’re keeping that comfort real while adding our own twist: fresh ingredients, house-made sauces, and fire-grilled flavor in every bowl.
