Vietnamese cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its rich flavors, balance and texture and aromatic ingredients. Among the plethora of delectable dishes that have emerged from the vibrant Vietnamese culinary tradition, Bun bo Hue stands out as a beloved and iconic specialty. Originating from the ancient imperial city of Hue in central Vietnam, this hearty and aromatic noodle soup reflects the region’s unique history and cultural diversity. Bún bò Huế is a hidden Vietnamese gem that has yet to “make it” in mainstream American cuisine. It’s a rich and spicy soup with deep layers of flavor. This Central Vietnamese soup is paired with tender slices of beef and pork, then topped with lots of fresh herbs.

 

 

 

Get along with VietnamStay to embark on a journey of culinary discovery as we delve into the rich history and intricate flavors that make Bun bo Hue a true masterpiece.

Bun bo Hue, Vietnamese Spicy Beef Noodle Soup,  is the name to distinguish beef noodle soup from Hue and from other provinces; it originated from Van Cu village, a small town close to the beautiful ancient Hue city. Hue was the center of Vietnam during the time of the Nguyen dynasty – the last royal family of Vietnam. The city is famous for producing vermicelli, which is rice noodles. Legend has it that this mouth-watering noodle soup has been around since the first Nguyen lords ruled Vietnam during the 16th century. During this period, the city experienced significant cultural and culinary influences, giving rise to the distinct cuisine known for its complexity and refined tastes.

 

It’s not exaggerating to describe Bun bo Hue as a timeless delicacy which connects the past and the present. Hue used to be famous for its typical cooking style of the royal court; however, as time goes by, Bun bo Hue has changed and adapted itself to Vietnamese modern society.

Although the major components are also rice vermicelli and beef, what makes the dish distinctive is the perfect balance of its spicy, sour, salty and sweet flavors. Nonetheless, the predominant flavor sometimes comes from lemon grass, one of the indispensable ingredients to create a superb bowl of Bun bo Hue. Let’s find out why it’s so different with the other Vietnamese noodles soup.

 

 

At the heart of the The "soul" of Hue beef noodle soup is the broth. The broth will be sweet, clear, and light if the beef bones are stewed properly.

 

In addition to traditional spices, Hue fish sauce is indispensable. The smell of fish sauce mixed with the aroma of essential oils from the product when simmering makes the aroma of the beef noodle bowl become more tender and sweet. This is the "fascinating" thing that makes up the typical flavor of the ancient capital of Bun Bo Hue.

 

The steaming bowl of beef noodle soup radiates a faint fragrance with the orange color of cashew oil, the brown color of beef and the green color of scallions, laksa leaves, less spicy, and a cool bean sprouts, and the dish is immediately available. enough pungent, mild sweetness from the bone will surely "seduce" every diners.

Bun bo Hue typically features slices of tender beef shank, brisket, and pork hock, which are added to the soup before serving. Each piece of meat must be skillfully sliced by the chef so that the meat is not too thick, it will be tough, neither too thin to enjoy the sweetness of the meat. The pork hock has to be baked for hours to make it tender and juicy. These meats add a hearty element to the dish and complement the flavorful broth perfectly. 

Hue beef noodle soup was born in the reign of Lord Nguyen Hoang ,about the 16th century. Legend has it that in the past, there was a beautiful, talented and skilled vermicelli-making lady. In Van Cu village, now in Huong Tra town, Thua Thien Hue province, Ms. Bun invented a new way of preparing a dish. Hue noodles are made from rice flour mixed with filtered flour , which was made from cassava in a certain ratio so that the noodles have moderate toughness, the size of Hue noodles is also much larger than that of other noodles.To have big noodles, Hue people use 3cm nails to punch holes in the vermicelli mold, this make the noodle much more fragrant and chewy.

An authentic component of Bun bo Hue is cubes of congealed pork blood. You coagulate it by sitting fresh blood in a container, then boiling with salt to solidify it. It’s kinda dense, slightly chewy and holds its shape when bitten. A perfect bowl of bun bo Hue is normally accompanied by a basket full of fresh herb, Thai basil, mint, perilla leaves, which provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory broth. Lime wedges, thinly sliced banana blossoms, and bean sprouts are also served alongside, adding crunch and zesty flavor to the dish. 

Bun bo Hue not only serves as a culinary delight but also carries significant cultural tradition in Vietnamese society. The dish is often associated with family gatherings and special occasions, bringing loved ones together to enjoy a warm and satisfying meal. Its historical connection to the imperial court also lends an air of elegance and sophistication to the dining experience, making it a symbol of Vietnam's royal past.

 

Furthermore, Bun bo Hue is deeply intertwined with the city of Hue itself, reflecting the region’s culinary heritage and its people ‘s resilience through time of war and change. The delightful dish’s popularity extends beyond the borders of Hue, with Vietnamese communities worldwide embracing it as a cherished part of their cultural identity.

 

It can be said that a dish full of spicy, aromatic, sweet and fatty flavors like Bun bo Hue is representative of the soul of Hue cuisine - a land of kindness, gentleness but hidden values. culture imbued with national identity

Over the years, Bun bo Hue has transcended its cultural origins and earned global  recognition for its delightful flavors and unique combination of ingredients. As Vietnamese cuisine gains popularity worldwide, this dish has become a favorite among food enthusiasts, attracting people from diverse backgrounds to savor its authentic taste. 

 

Moreover, the simplicity of the dish’s core element allows for variations and adaptations to suit different palates, contributing to its widespread appeal. Restaurants and food stalls around the world offer their interpretation of Bun bo Hue, making it accessible to people outside of Vietnam and further enriching the global culinary landscape.

Let’s explore how to eat this delightful dish to the fullest the rich flavor. Savor in the unforgettable experience of taste.

 

It can be enjoyed at any time and is guaranteed to leave you feeling full. When ordering, you can specify the toppings you prefer. Don’t be afraid to go to the food counter and choose the ingredients you want, as it’s not considered offensive. Before eating, it’s recommended to taste the broth to see if it meets your flavor preferences. Locals often season the dish to their liking using the spices available on the table. Adding a little lime juice and lemongrass, saté(spicy chile condiment) can enhance the flavor of the broth, particularly in the North or South. Including green vegetables can help balance the dish’s high protein and starch content.

 

To prepare the dipping sauce, mix 2-3 teaspoons of fish sauce in a small bowl and add some sliced chilies. Order an iced tea to help cool down both the heat from the dish and the weather, and … Bon appetit !!

 

 

We hope you will appreciate bun bo Hue not only as an eating experience but also as an entry in your travel diary in Vietnam with Vietnamstay. You can find bun bo Hue in any city of Vietnam and yet, the best place to enjoy this delicious course is in Hue. There are several renowned restaurants that promise an unforgettable culinary experience. Here are some recommendations for where to savor this traditional dish in the city.

For those seeking a taste of Bun bo Hue at well-established establishments, one cannot miss Bun bo Hue ba Tuyet

 

Located in: no.47 Nguyen Cong Tru, Phu Hoi ward 

Price: 30.000VND - 60.000VND ( 2-4$)

Open: 6:00 to 23:00 everyday.

 

With 23 years experience, the restaurant always satisfies every customer who comes here. Don’t just rush to order only "bun bo"! At Bun Bo Hue Ba Tuyet, a bowl of beef vermicelli is not simply vermicelli and beef or delicious pieces of pork, but diners can freely choose from many types, which come with beef, pork, crab vermicelli, or rare vermicelli… The most special thing in this restaurant is the fragrant broth that is carefully simmered from beef bones and typical spices such as onion, pineapple... for the pot to have a naturally sweet and fragrant taste. 

 

 

Located in: no.14 Nguyen Du, Hue province, Phu Cat 

Price: 30.000- 50.000VND

Open: 15:00 to 18:00 everyday

 

Bun bo Hue O Phuong is also another favorite spot, O Phuong restaurant is considered the best Hue beef noodle shop in Hue. Noodle soup here is highly rated by many visitors.The special broth plus the bar of lemongrass and the pungent taste of chili and soy sauce... always gives people a sense of appetite and never gets bored. From the piece of spring rolls, to the vermicelli and the service style are all highly appreciated. 

 

If you are looking for local experience,  there are plenty of hidden gems that are waiting for you to come and explore it. Follow the local people's direction, you will discover a whole new memorable scent. Bun bo Hue My Tam restaurant, this is a noodle shop that many artists and celebrities from different fields come to Hue for work once to visit. The husband and wife are very enthusiastic and attentive, and the noodles here are hard to resist.

Located in: 5 Tran Cao Van, Vinh Ninh, Hue

Open: 17h – 24h

Price:  25.000 – 40.000 VND

Here are some small eateries and street food stalls that will satisfy you with generations of recipes.

Located in: 40 Nguyen Chi Dieu, Thuan Thanh, Hue

Open: 6h30  – 9h30 

Price: 25.000 – 35.000 VND

Located in: 20 Bach Dang, Phu Cat, Hue

Open: 6h- 10h

Price: 25.000 – 35.000

 

Bun bo Hue is much more than a mere noodle soup; it is a culinary masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of Central Vietnamese culture and history. Its flavor reflects the region’s unique influences and the imperial past, while its global popularity showcases the enduring appeal of Vietnamese cuisine. As we continue to celebrate and savor this iconic dish, we honor the legacy of Hue and its people, preserving the cultural value, the tradition and taste that make Bun bo Hue a treasured symbol of Vietnam’s culinary heritage.

 

You will find vendors specializing in just this one dish as you see so often with food in Vietnam. It’s this specialization that sees every Vietnamese dish perfected.

 

Get ready to get into the fantastic experience, enjoy the authentic taste of Bun bo Hue with VietnamStay in Hue day tours or send request to us to have an unforgettable trip. Looking for more information on food in Vietnam? Join us with the Vietnamstay blog.