In asp.net mvc you can use:

```
@Html.DropDownListFor(model => model.Category, ViewBag.Category as IEnumerable<SelectListItem>, "-- SELECT --", new { @class = "form-control" })

```

Using asp.net 5, how do I include the default or null value **(-- SELECT --)** in a taghelper:

```
<select asp-for="Category" asp-items="@ViewBag.Category"  class="form-control"></select>

```