Bun Bo Hue (Vietnamese Spicy Beef Noodle Soup): A Taste of Imperial Vietnam

November 21, 2023 Camie Ha Vietnam Cuisine 0

Although it is not as well-known as Pho, the Vietnamese Spicy beef noodle soup – Bun Bo Hue is nevertheless worth trying! The broth of this genuine Bun Bo Hue is hearty, flavorful, and spicy. Bun Bo Hue is a dish you should try if you enjoy spicy foods and Pho.

Vietnamese Spicy Beef Noodle Soup or Bún Bò Huế, is one of popular Vietnamese Food recipes which contains rice noodle and beef. The dish is greatly admired for its balance of spicy, sour, salty and sweet flavors and the predominant flavor is that of lemon grass. And it would not be surprising to say that foreign tourists are also eager to find traditional dishes with an endless passion.
 
This kind of noodle originated in Hue, a former capital of Vietnam. Outside the city of Hue and some parts of Central Vietnam, it is called bún bò Huế (Beef noodle soup Hue style) to denote its origin. Within Hue and surrounding cities, it is known simply as bún bò (beef noodle soup). The broth is prepared by simmering beef bones and beef shank with lemongrass and then seasoned with fermented shrimp sauce and sugar for taste. Very spicy chili oil is added later during the cooking process.
 
Hue beef noodle soup usually includes thin slices of marinated and boiled beef shank, chunks of oxtail, and pig’s knuckles. It can also include cubes of congealed pig blood, which has a color between dark brown and maroon, and a texture resembling firm tofu.
 
It is commonly served with lime wedges, cilantro sprigs, diced green onions, raw sliced onions, chili sauce, thinly sliced banana blossom, water spinach, mint, basil, perilla, persicaria odorata or Vietnamese coriander (rau răm), saw tooth herb (ngò gai) and sometimes mung bean sprouts. Fish sauce and shrimp sauce is added to the soup according to taste. Ingredients might be varied by regions due to their availability.
Hue beef noodle soup usually includes thin slices of marinated and boiled beef shank, chunks of oxtail, and pig's knuckles

It’s not exaggerating to describe bún bò Huế as a timeless delicacy which connects the past and the present. Huế used to be famous for its typical cooking style of the royal court; however, as time goes by, bún bò Huế has changed and adapted itself to Vietnamese modern society. Nowadays, it is quite popular not only in Huế but also in every part of the country, not to mention other regions in the world by following the steps of Vietnamese immigrants. People may change but culture stays, and the culture lying deep within this dish is unforgettable. Till now, bún bò Huế has been among preferred choices for breakfast and lunch in Vietnam.

Recommended eateries/restaurants:

The city of Hue in Vietnam is widely regarded as the best place to eat Bun Bo Hue, as it is the birthplace of the dish. Here are a few of the most popular and highly-rated Bun Bo Hue restaurants in Hue:

  • Bun Bo Hue O Cuong – Chu Diep: No.6 Tran Thuc Nhan st, Vinh Ninh, Hue City
  • Bun Bo Hue O Phuong: No. 24 Nguyen Khuyen st, P. Phu Nhuan,  Hue city
  • Bun Bo Mệ Kéo: No.20 Bach Dang st, Phu Cat ward, Hue city
  • Quan Cam – Bun Bo Hue: No. 45 Le Loi st, Phu Hoi ward, Hue city
  • Bun Bo O Phung – chu Vong: No.14 Nguyen Du st, Phu Cat ward, Hue city

These restaurants are known for their flavorful broths, tender meats, and fresh ingredients. They also offer a variety of toppings and condiments to customize your bowl of Bun Bo Hue to your liking.

If you are unable to travel to Hue to try Bun Bo Hue at the source, there are also many excellent Bun Bo Hue restaurants in other parts of Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Here are a few of the most popular and highly-rated Bun Bo Hue restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City:

  • BÚN BÒ HUẾ ĐÔNG BA – Since 1998: No. 207B  Nguyen Van Thu st, Da Kao ward, District 1
  • Bun Bo Hue Huong Giang: No. 164 Ni Su Huynh Lien, ward 10, Tan Binh district.
  • Bún bò Huế – Gia Hội: No. 209/38 Ton That Thuyet, ward 3, District 4, TP. HCM 

These restaurants offer authentic Bun Bo Hue dishes made with fresh ingredients and traditional recipes.

No matter where you choose to eat Bun Bo Hue in Vietnam, you are sure to enjoy this delicious and iconic dish. So why dont you book the trip to Vietnam to enjoy the authentic Bun Bo Hue as well as many delicious Vietnamese food.

Plan your trip right now and do not forget to obtain the Visa if you are required. Vietnam Amazing recommend you to use our experience and reliable Visa service at https://www.vietnam-evisa.org/ . Let’s prepare your trip to Vietnam at the very first step!

*This above information is for reference purpose only

Source: vietnamtourism.org.vn