Vietnamese Cháo

Vietnamese Cháo is a comforting, savory rice porridge, traditionally made with chicken (cháo gà) or duck (cháo vịt), slow-cooked until the rice grains break down into a thick, creamy consistency. It's typically flavored with ginger, fish sauce, and garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro and scallions, and often served with a side of lime or chili.

🍳 View the full Vietnamese Cháo recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Cháo is a balanced, moderate-calorie dish, providing a good mix of carbohydrates from the rice and protein from the poultry, with key nutrients like B vitamins, iron, and zinc. A typical serving ranges from 300 to 400 calories, depending on the portion size and added ingredients.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	220 kcal
Protein	15 g
Carbs	28 g
Fat	6 g
Fiber	1.5 g
Sugar	1 g
Sodium	480 mg
Iron	2.5 mg
Potassium	320 mg
Phosphorus	180 mg
Niacin (B3)	4.5 mg
Vitamin B6	0.3 mg
Selenium	12 mcg
Zinc	2.0 mg
Magnesium	25 mg

Per 1 bowl (350 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, Cháo is a beloved comfort food in Vietnam, often served for breakfast or as a restorative meal for the sick, highlighting its role in both daily life and traditional wellness practices. Nutritionally, the slow-cooking process makes the nutrients highly digestible, which is why it's considered a gentle, nourishing option for all ages.