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What To Eat In Vietnam? Top Must-Try Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodles

Are you planning a trip to Vietnam? Are you wondering what to eat in Vietnam? Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and diverse dishes, with vermicelli noodles standing out as a must-try specialty. Whether you’re exploring bustling city streets or quaint countryside markets, you'll find an array of delicious vermicelli noodle dishes that are integral to the local food culture. From the delicious smokiness of grilled meats to the fragrant freshness of herbs, these dishes truly capture the essence of Vietnam's culinary tradition. Here's a comprehensive guide to the top must-try Vietnamese vermicelli noodle dishes (Bun cha, Bun bo Hue, Bun thang,...) that will tantalize your taste buds and provide an authentic and unforgettable dining experience in Vietnam.

1. Bun dau mam tom (vermicelli with shrimp paste and fried tofu)

Bun dau mam tom (vermicelli with shrimp paste and fried tofu) is a celebrated dish in Vietnamese cuisine, especially in Hanoi. As the name suggests, it includes vermicelli, deep-fried tofu, and fermented shrimp paste. Traditionally, it featured soft tangled rice vermicelli and high-quality tofu from Mo Village. These days, a variety of toppings are available, including fried spring rolls, green rice, boiled pig's leg, pork belly, and pig offal.

Accompanying this dish are fresh herbs and vegetables like fish mint, perilla leaf, basil, oregano, and cucumber. The distinctive feature of bun dau mam tom is its dipping sauce, mam tom, known for its strong, pungent flavor that complements all the toppings. For those unfamiliar with shrimp paste, fish sauce with chili and lemon can serve as an alternative.

Bun dau mam tom is a versatile dish enjoyed throughout the day, whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It's a must-try for anyone looking to explore Vietnamese culinary culture, showcasing the unique flavors of the country. While the shrimp paste dipping sauce may be challenging initially, it's a taste that grows on you, explaining its popularity among locals.

Bun dau mam tom, originating from Northern Vietnam, is a traditional dish beloved by people of all ages throughout the country. Today, you can find this delicacy served in numerous cities across Vietnam, including its birthplace, Hanoi. Here are some suggestions:

• Address: 129 Dai La, Truong Dinh, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
• Opening hour: 9:00 a.m- 23:00 p.m
• Phone: +84 942 460 286
• Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2ZgJuUoGwabQoAvTA

• Address: 04 Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening hour: 9:00 a.m- 23:00 p.m
• Phone: +84 949 505 735
• Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LA8ujeXFJs5ytqoY7

2. Bun cha or bun thit nuong (vermicelli with grilled pork)

What to eat in Vietnam? Bun cha or bun thit nuong, a popular Vietnamese dish, is loved by food fans everywhere. It features juicy grilled marinated pork served with soft vermicelli noodles, creating a delicious blend of flavors. Diners often dip the pork and noodles in fish sauce, which is sometimes mixed with lemon juice, water, and sugar for extra flavor.

Bun thit nuong (bun cha) is a popular choice during the summer months, offering a refreshing way to beat the heat. The chilled vermicelli complements the warm grilled pork, accompanied by fresh herbs and lettuce. A touch of tangy fish sauce enhances the harmony of flavors in this delightful dish.

This Vietnamese traditional dish is adored by nearly everyone, including notable figures like President Obama of the United States and renowned chefs who have savored it during their visits to Vietnam. If you visit Vietnam, be sure to try bun cha.

Suggested places to enjoy bun cha or bun thit nuong:

- Bún chả Hương Liên

• Address: 24 Le Van Huu, Phan Chu Trinh, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
• Price: 40.000 VND/ bowl
• Phone: +84 243 943 4106
• Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/otGUW8YWBCqaSDtH9

• Address: 1 Hang Manh, Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
• Price: 50.000 - 60.000 VND/bowl
• Phone: +84 243 828 7060
• Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EccCSXTVXijVNmix6

3. Bun rieu cua (vermicelli with sour crab broth)

Bun rieu cua (vermicelli with sour crab broth) was once highlighted by CNN Tourism as one of the top rice noodle dishes in Asia. Comparable to Thailand's Pad Thai and Malaysia's Char kway teow, bun rieu cua is a beloved Vietnamese noodle dish featuring a rich broth made from crab and tomatoes. Served over rice vermicelli noodles and garnished with beef, tofu, and herbs, it offers a delightful option for seafood lovers seeking a unique culinary experience. This dish is commonly found in Vietnamese restaurants and street food stalls, making it a must-try for food enthusiasts visiting the country.

What to eat in Vietnam? Known for its rustic appeal, Vietnamese crab noodle soup is recommended for everyone to try. It boasts a rich flavor from the crab paste, balanced by the sweetness of the crab broth. The combination of hot broth, noodles, fried tofu, and spices creates a surprising and satisfying experience. A perfect bowl of crab noodle soup should have a clear broth, vibrant red crab paste, an inviting aroma without any fishy smell, a balance of sweet and slightly sour flavors, and firm crab meat.

Here are some best places to enjoy best bun rieu cua in Hanoi:

- Bún riêu Huyền Thu

• Address: 2F Quang Trung, Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
• Price: 25.000 - 70.000 VND / bowl
• Opening hour: 6:00 a.m- 14:00 p.m
• Phone: +84 393 959 009
• Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/r28cBweqyZcwwZQQ7

• Address: 14 Hang Luoc, Hang Ma, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
• Price: 35.000 - 55.000 VND / bowl
• Opening hour: 6:00 a.m- 13:00 p.m
• Phone: +84 339 184 518
• Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QzkHDUVxUXeiFjq69

4. Bun bo Nam bo (Southern beef noodles)

• Address: 26 Doan Ke Thien, Mai Dich, Cau Giay, Hanoi
• Opening hour: 8:00 a.m- 20:00 p.m
• Phone: +84 392 332 628
• Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AUyuwB69p64zhJV49

• Address: 34 Hoang Cau, Cho Dua, Dong Da, Hanoi, Vietnam
• Opening hour: 9:00 a.m- 22:00 p.m
• Phone: +84 904 626 883
• Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/cHoSg1X1hXQTMZiN6

5. Bun bo Hue (Vietnamese rice noodle (bún) dish with sliced beef)

Bun bo Hue, also known as Hue beef noodle soup, is a beloved Vietnamese spicy beef noodle soup made with rice vermicelli and beef. Originating from Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, it is named "bún bò Huế" to highlight its roots. The broth, created by simmering beef bones with lemongrass, shrimp paste, and a touch of sweet and red pigment, is both flavorful and visually appealing. This dish is renowned for its harmonious balance of spicy, sour, salty, and sweet flavors.

A proper bowl of Bun bo Hue includes thin slices of boiled beef, chunks of oxtail, a piece of pig leg, and a piece of pig blood. It is typically served with lime wedges, cilantro sprigs, thinly sliced banana flower, basil, mint, bean sprouts, and chili sauce. Hue beef noodle soup is a famous specialty from the ancient lands of Hue. If you visit Hue, make sure to take the time to enjoy a bowl of Bun Bo Hue at a local restaurant, where it is authentically prepared by local cooks.

Here are some best places to enjoy best Bun bo Hue near me in Hanoi:

- Bún Bò Huế Ngự Uyển

• Address: My Dinh, Nam Tu Liem, Hanoi, Vietnam
• Opening hour: 6:00 a.m- 20:00 p.m
• Phone: +84 328 384 155
• Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tQTvDfPBngeXm37bA

• Address: 37A Gia Thuong, Ngoc Thuy, Long Bien, Hanoi
• Opening hour: 6:00 a.m- 22:30 p.m
• Phone: +84 985 930 112
• Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/cbgfsW9d2oZTLSqS9

6. Bun thang (Hanoi rice vermicelli noodles with chicken and eggs)

Bun thang, a Hanoi specialty, translates to "ladder noodle soup" due to its meticulously layered ingredients. This festive dish, popular during Lunar New Year, represents abundance and luck. The soup combines shredded chicken, thin egg slices, and an array of vibrant components in a flavorful chicken broth. Fresh herbs, shallots, and a touch of shrimp sauce crown the dish, creating a harmonious blend of tastes and textures that make it a cherished culinary treasure in Hanoi.

Suggested places to enjoy bún thang:

- Phở Gà - Bún thang Lãn ông

• Address: 16 Lan Ong, Hang Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening hour: 6:00 a.m- 22:00 p.m
• Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jADhjYJgAvMdhMtn6

• Address: 37 Cua Nam, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
• Opening hour: 6:00 a.m- 22:30 p.m
• Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/f7nnAcgQFjmuPXDL6

In conclusion, Vietnam is a food lover's paradise, and its vermicelli noodle dishes are a must-try. From the smoky bun cha of Hanoi to the refreshing bun thit nuong, and the flavorful bun rieu cua, these dishes highlight the best of Vietnamese cuisine. Whether you're enjoying street food or dining in local restaurants, these top must-try Vietnamese vermicelli noodles offer a delicious taste of Vietnam. Don't miss out on these top picks when you visit – they are sure to make your trip even more memorable.