What Is Com Tam Thien Huong?
Cơm Tấm Thiên Hương serves Southern Vietnamese cuisine, with broken rice as its main specialty. The restaurant appeals to diners who enjoy grilled meat, fragrant rice, savory sauces, and classic Vietnamese accompaniments.
The term cơm tấm refers to broken rice grains, a traditional ingredient widely used in Southern Vietnam. A standard plate may feature grilled pork, shredded pork skin, steamed egg meatloaf, pickled vegetables, and fish sauce.
Customers can select different meat combinations according to their preferences. Chicken and beef provide alternatives to pork, while Vietnamese noodle soups and appetizers offer additional variety.
Com Tam Thien Huong Menu
The menu features rice plates, pho, appetizers, and sweet snacks. Rice dishes allow customers to choose combinations of meat, eggs, and traditional toppings.
| Menu item | Description | Listed price |
|---|---|---|
| Chả Giò | Vietnamese egg rolls, three per order | $8.00 |
| Bánh Kẹp Lá Dứa | Pandan waffle | $3.00 |
| Phở Đặc Biệt | Beef noodle soup with assorted beef cuts | $13.95 |
| Phở Bò Viên | Beef meatball noodle soup | $13.95 |
| Phở Không Thịt | Meat-free noodle soup | $9.00 |
Prices may change, and availability can vary. Check the current menu for updated prices and rice-plate options.
Popular Com Tam Dishes
Broken rice meals offer several combinations of grilled meats and traditional toppings. Diners can select a familiar combination or order a plate that suits their tastes.
- Cơm tấm sườn: Broken rice served with grilled pork chop.
- Cơm tấm bì: Broken rice topped with shredded pork skin.
- Cơm tấm chả: Rice served with Vietnamese steamed egg meatloaf.
- Cơm tấm gà: Broken rice with chicken.
- Cơm tấm bò: Rice served with beef.
- Mixed topping plates: A combination of meats, egg, and other accompaniments.
Grilled pork remains a classic pairing for cơm tấm. Its savory marinade and charred edges complement soft rice, pickled vegetables, and fish sauce.
What Makes Vietnamese Broken Rice Special?
Broken rice has a distinctive place in Southern Vietnamese cooking. Its small grains create a different texture from many standard long-grain rice dishes, while the toppings supply much of the meal’s flavor.
A traditional broken rice plate may feature:
- Grilled pork seasoned with garlic, sugar, and fish sauce.
- Bì, a mixture of thinly shredded pork and pork skin.
- Chả trứng, a savory steamed egg and pork dish.
- Pickled carrots and daikon for a tangy contrast.
- Scallion oil for added aroma.
- Fish sauce served on the side or poured over the meal.
The combination of savory meat, tender rice, fresh vegetables, and tangy sauce makes this meal a popular choice for lunch or dinner.
Pho and Other Menu Options
Customers who prefer noodles can order pho, a Vietnamese soup served with rice noodles and broth. The menu offers beef combinations with different cuts, such as brisket, flank, tendon, and meatballs.
Selections listed on the restaurant’s menu include:
- Phở Đặc Biệt
- Phở Bò Viên
- Phở Tái
- Phở Chín
- Phở Không Thịt
The ingredients vary by selection. Customers with food allergies or dietary restrictions should confirm ingredients and preparation methods directly with restaurant staff.
Com Tam Thien Huong Locations in San Jose
Cơm Tấm Thiên Hương has two listed locations in San Jose, California.
| Location | Address | Published hours | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capitol Expressway | 1759 E Capitol Expy, San Jose, CA 95121 | 10:00 a.m.–2:45 p.m.; 4:00–7:45 p.m. daily | 408-274-8188 |
| Story Road | 909 Story Rd, Unit 100, San Jose, CA 95122 | 10:00 a.m.–2:45 p.m.; 4:00–7:45 p.m. daily | 408-275-6650 |
Hours and contact details may change, so check the latest information before visiting.
Online Ordering and Takeout
Com Tam Thien Huong offers online ordering for customers who prefer to enjoy Vietnamese meals at home or at work. Takeout provides a convenient option for lunch, family dinner, or a meal shared with friends.
Customers can visit the restaurant’s official website to review the menu and access ordering services. Available dishes and ordering options may vary by location and service time.
Catering and Group Dining
The restaurant also advertises catering and group dining services. These options may suit family gatherings, workplace lunches, celebrations, and other social occasions.
Customers arranging a larger order can contact the restaurant to confirm menu selections, serving quantities, pricing, and pickup arrangements. Advance planning can help accommodate the needs of a group.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
A few simple suggestions can help make the dining experience easier:
- Order grilled pork with broken rice for a classic Vietnamese meal.
- Add egg meatloaf or shredded pork skin for traditional toppings.
- Choose pho for a warm noodle soup option.
- Review the menu online before visiting.
- Check the location’s hours before leaving.
- Ask staff about ingredients, sauces, and possible food allergens.
Is Com Tam Thien Huong Worth Visiting?
Com Tam Thien Huong offers a convenient option for diners interested in Vietnamese broken rice and traditional noodle soup in San Jose. Its menu combines grilled meat plates with familiar Vietnamese sides, while online ordering and catering provide additional convenience.
The restaurant may appeal to Vietnamese food lovers, families, and anyone looking for a hearty rice meal. First-time diners can start with a grilled pork plate, then try other toppings or pho on a later visit.
Final Thoughts
Com Tam Thien Huong brings Southern Vietnamese flavors to San Jose through its broken rice specialties, pho selections, and traditional accompaniments. Its two listed locations, online ordering, and catering options give customers several ways to enjoy the menu. For a first visit, a grilled pork rice plate offers a straightforward introduction to the restaurant’s signature cuisine.
What type of food does Com Tam Thien Huong serve?
The restaurant serves Vietnamese cuisine, with broken rice plates as its main specialty. Its menu also features pho and appetizers.
Where is Com Tam Thien Huong located?
The restaurant has two listed locations in San Jose: one on East Capitol Expressway and another on Story Road.
Does Com Tam Thien Huong offer pho?
Yes. The menu features several beef pho selections, beef meatball soup, and a meat-free noodle soup.
Can customers order food online?
Yes. Customers can access online ordering through the restaurant’s official website.
Does Com Tam Thien Huong offer catering?
Yes. The restaurant advertises catering and group dining services. Contact the restaurant for current arrangements and pricing.
What is cơm tấm?
Cơm tấm is Vietnamese broken rice, commonly served with grilled pork, egg-based toppings, pickled vegetables, and fish sauce.