Meaning
Meal typically eaten by office workers.
Cultural Background
In Hanoi, cơm văn phòng often features more subtle seasoning and a mandatory bowl of 'canh rau muống' (morning glory soup) with 'cà pháo' (pickled eggplant). In Saigon, the portions are often slightly sweeter, and 'cơm tấm' (broken rice) is a very frequent choice for an office lunch. It is common for one person to order for the whole group to save on delivery fees. This person is often the youngest or the 'intern'. After eating 'cơm văn phòng', the 'trà đá' (iced tea) or 'cà phê sữa đá' (iced milk coffee) session is where the real socializing happens.
Check the 'Canh'
Always check if the 'canh' (soup) is included. A good 'cơm văn phòng' place is often judged by the quality of its free soup!
Peak Hours
Between 12:00 and 12:30, 'cơm văn phòng' places are extremely crowded. Order before 11:15 to avoid long waits.
Meaning
Meal typically eaten by office workers.
Check the 'Canh'
Always check if the 'canh' (soup) is included. A good 'cơm văn phòng' place is often judged by the quality of its free soup!
Peak Hours
Between 12:00 and 12:30, 'cơm văn phòng' places are extremely crowded. Order before 11:15 to avoid long waits.
The Iced Tea
Don't forget to order 'trà đá'. It is the unofficial partner of every office lunch.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the sentence.
Trưa nay tôi không ra ngoài, tôi sẽ đặt cơm ___.
'Cơm văn phòng' is the standard term for ordering lunch to the office.
Which classifier is most appropriate for 'cơm văn phòng'?
Cho tôi hai ___ cơm văn phòng.
'Suất' or 'phần' are used for portions of food.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: Cơm văn phòng ở đây thế nào? B: ___________
The question asks for an opinion on the food quality/price.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You want to invite your colleague to eat the standard office lunch.
This is the most direct and natural invitation for this specific meal.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Components of Cơm Văn Phòng
Main
- • Thịt kho
- • Cá kho
- • Gà chiên
Fiber
- • Rau muống
- • Bắp cải
- • Salad
Liquid
- • Canh bí
- • Canh chua
- • Canh rau
Base
- • Cơm trắng
- • Cơm lứt
Practice Bank
4 exercisesTrưa nay tôi không ra ngoài, tôi sẽ đặt cơm ___.
'Cơm văn phòng' is the standard term for ordering lunch to the office.
Cho tôi hai ___ cơm văn phòng.
'Suất' or 'phần' are used for portions of food.
A: Cơm văn phòng ở đây thế nào? B: ___________
The question asks for an opinion on the food quality/price.
You want to invite your colleague to eat the standard office lunch.
This is the most direct and natural invitation for this specific meal.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsGenerally yes, as it includes a balance of carbs, protein, and fiber. However, some places use a lot of oil in stir-fries.
In major cities, it typically ranges from 35,000 to 70,000 VND ($1.50 - $3.00).
Yes, look for 'Cơm chay văn phòng'. It's very popular, especially on the 1st and 15th of the lunar month.
'Cơm suất' is a more generic term for any portioned meal, while 'cơm văn phòng' specifically implies the office worker's lunch style.
Many urban workers do, though some alternate with noodles or bringing food from home to save money.
No, if you eat at the restaurant, it's usually served on a plate or a tray (cơm khay).
Sườn xào chua ngọt (sweet and sour ribs), cá kho (braised fish), and thịt kho tàu (braised pork with eggs).
Absolutely, it is designed as an individual portion.
Usually no. Chili and fish sauce are served on the side so you can adjust to your taste.
In Vietnamese, 'cơm' often refers to the whole meal, as rice is the essential base.
Related Phrases
cơm hộp
similarBoxed rice
cơm bụi
contrastStreet rice
cơm tấm
specialized formBroken rice
ăn trưa
builds onTo eat lunch
nghỉ trưa
similarLunch break
