4 Must-Try Breakfast Dishes in Cat Ba Not to Miss

Backpackers waking up in Cat Ba know one thing—this island isn’t just for hiking and boat trips. If you’re hunting for the best breakfast dishes Cat Ba has to offer, you’ve got options beyond stale hotel toast. Whether you’re into Carbonara, smoothie blends, or avocado-loaded toast, the island serves up legit breakfasts that get your day rolling.

Here are four standout dishes from some of Cat Ba’s most popular breakfast spots.

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1. Quiri Pub & Restaurant – Creamy Carbonara

For travelers who want something rich and satisfying in the morning, Quiri Pub & Restaurant offers a surprisingly great Creamy Carbonara. Made with al dente pasta, smoky bacon, garlic, and a silky cream sauce topped with parmesan, it’s the kind of dish that hits the spot after days of rice and pho.

While it’s not a typical breakfast plate, it’s perfect if you’re waking up late or want something heavier to fuel your day. Served fresh from 7:00 AM, it’s one of the few places in Cat Ba where you can get a proper Italian pasta first thing in the morning—no judgment, just flavor.

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2. The Little Leaf – Avocado Toast with Poached Eggs

If your idea of the perfect breakfast leans toward healthy and Western, The Little Leaf should be your go-to. Tucked away from the main road, this cozy vegetarian-friendly café is known for its relaxed vibe and clean plates. Their Avocado Toast with Poached Eggs is a favorite—creamy avocado, perfectly poached eggs, and cracked pepper served on hearty, house-baked bread.

This dish feels familiar but refreshing after weeks of rice and noodles. Add a fruit smoothie or a coconut coffee and you’re set. They usually open around 9:00 AM, so it’s better for late risers or post-morning swim breakfasts.

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3. Secret Garden Café – Vegan Buddha Bowl

Looking for something light, colorful, and refreshing? Secret Garden Café serves a standout Tropical Yogurt Bowl in a peaceful, garden-style setting. This bowl is loaded with creamy yogurt, fresh-cut tropical fruits like mango, banana, and dragon fruit, plus a generous topping of crunchy granola and coconut flakes.

It’s the kind of breakfast that feels like a treat but still fuels you for a full day of exploring. You can pair it with one of their herbal teas or cold brews while enjoying the relaxed, leafy vibe just a short walk from the main street.

The spot is quiet and tucked away in a side alley, making it great for a slow start to the day. It’s ideal if you’re resetting after a few beer-heavy nights or just want something nutritious before exploring Cat Ba National Park.

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4. Casa Bonita – Smoothie Bowl

One of the more unique breakfast dishes in town comes from Casa Bonita, a rooftop restaurant with plenty of plant life and a breezy vibe. Their Smoothie Bowl is vibrant, filling, and perfect for a tropical island morning. It’s made with blended banana and carrot, topped with crunchy granola, fresh fruit, and coconut flakes.

It’s light enough not to weigh you down, but filling enough to fuel a kayaking session or bike ride. Bonus: they open early and serve all day, so you don’t have to rush.

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Where to Start Your Mornings in Cat Ba

Each of these places brings something different to the table. Want something rich and filling? Quiri’s creamy carbonara is a bold way to start the day. Craving a lighter Western-style option? The Little Leaf’s avocado toast is always a hit. For something fresh and healthy, go with Secret Garden’s tropical yogurt bowl or Casa Bonita’s smoothie bowl—both perfect for island mornings.

Staying at Quiri Hotel Cat Ba? Breakfast is included and served from 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM, and yes, you can order that carbonara in the morning. It’s one of the island’s most satisfying comfort meals, served hot before the crowds roll in.