Vietnamese Food Bun Bo Hue (Bún Bò Huế) 

“Vietnamese Food Bun Bo Hue” is a celebrated dish that has won over food enthusiasts with its bold flavors and deep cultural importance. This spicy beef noodle soup, originating from the imperial city of Hue, is cherished for its unique combination of lemongrass-infused broth, tender slices of beef, and thick, round rice noodles. The dish has gained international fame, attracting food enthusiasts and celebrities alike, including the famous chef Anthony Bourdain. He once described Bun Bo Hue as “a powerful and spicy favorite,” praising its complexity and depth of flavor. For Vietnamese people, Bun Bo Hue is not just a meal; it’s a symbol of their culinary heritage and pride, representing the royal elegance and the bold, fiery spirit of Central Vietnam.

Vietnamese Bun Bo Hue Recipe:

Ingredients (serves 4):

• Beef bones: 1 kg
• Beef shank: 500g, thinly sliced
• Pork leg: 500g, cut into chunks
• Lemongrass: 4 stalks, bruised
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Shallots: 4, minced
• Ginger: 1 small piece, sliced
• Chili paste: 2 tablespoons
• Fish sauce: 4 tablespoons
• Shrimp paste: 1 tablespoon (optional)
• Thick rice noodles: 400g
• Fresh herbs (cilantro, mint, Thai basil): 100g
• Bean sprouts: 100g
• Lime wedges: for serving
• Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons

Instructions:

1. Prepare the broth: Boil the beef bones, pork leg, and beef shank in a large pot with enough water to cover. Remove any foam or debris that floats to the top. Add lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and shallots, and simmer for 2-3 hours to extract the flavors.
2. Season the broth: Add fish sauce, shrimp paste (if using), and chili paste to the broth. Adjust the seasoning to taste, balancing the saltiness, spiciness, and umami flavors.
3. Cook the noodles: Boil the thick rice noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
4. Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked noodles into bowls. Add slices of beef shank and chunks of pork leg, then ladle the hot, flavorful broth over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime slices.

Dipping Sauce:

• Types:
  • Sa Tế (Chili oil with lemongrass)
  • Tương Đen (Black bean sauce)
  • Garlic, chili, and lemongrass pickled in vinegar

These sauces add an extra layer of flavor, allowing each person to customize the spice level and taste according to their preference.

Ingredients for Bun Bo Hue can be found at Asian supermarkets or Vietnamese markets in the U.S., such as H Mart or Ranch 99.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Vietnamese Food Bun Bo Hue

• Advantages: Bun Bo Hue is a hearty, flavorful dish packed with protein and nutrients. Its spicy, aromatic broth is comforting and satisfying, making it a perfect meal for any time of day.
• Disadvantages: The preparation of Bun Bo Hue is time-consuming, requiring several hours to make the broth. The complexity of the dish may be challenging for beginners.

5 Famous Vietnamese Food Bun Bo Hue Spots in the U.S.

1. Bun Bo Hue An Nam – San Jose, CA
   • Address: 740 Story Rd #3, San Jose, CA 95122
2. Dong Thap Noodles – Seattle, WA
   • Address: 303 12th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144
3. Bun Bo Hue Quy Nhon – Houston, TX
   • Address: 11830 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77072
4. Hue Ky Mi Gia – Los Angeles, CA
   • Address: 4644 El Monte Ave, Temple City, CA 91780
5. Bun Bo Hue Co Do – Westminster, CA
   • Address: 15041 Moran St, Westminster, CA 92683

Enjoying Bun Bo Hue in Vietnam

If you have the opportunity to visit Vietnam, don’t miss out on these famous spots to enjoy Bun Bo Hue:

Saigon:

1. Bun Bo Hue Dong Ba – 110A Nguyen Du, District 1
2. Bun Bo Hue Chu Ha – 300 Vo Van Tan, District 3
3. Bun Bo Hue Xua – 22 Dang Dung, District 1
4. Bun Bo Hue Dac Biet – 103 Calmette, District 1
5. Bun Bo Hue O Xuan – 28B Cao Thang, District 3

Hanoi:

1. Bun Bo Hue O Lien – 18 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem
2. Bun Bo Hue Co Dieu – 15 Hang Dieu, Hoan Kiem
3. Bun Bo Hue Truong Tien – 14B Le Thanh Tong, Hoan Kiem
4. Bun Bo Hue Pho Hue – 24A Pho Hue, Hai Ba Trung
5. Bun Bo Hue Xuan Dieu – 31 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Vietnamese Food Bun Bo Hue

1. Where does Bun Bo Hue originate from?
   • Bun Bo Hue originates from the city of Hue in Central Vietnam, known for its spicy and flavorful cuisine.
2. Is Bun Bo Hue very spicy?
   • Bun Bo Hue is traditionally spicy, but the level of spiciness can be adjusted according to personal preference.
3. Can Bun Bo Hue be made with chicken instead of beef?
   • Yes, some variations of Bun Bo Hue use chicken, although the traditional recipe calls for beef.
4. How long does it take to prepare Bun Bo Hue?
   • Preparing Bun Bo Hue typically takes around 3-4 hours due to the time needed to simmer the broth.
5. What is usually served with Bun Bo Hue?
   • Bun Bo Hue is usually served with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sometimes a side of shrimp paste.

Conclusion about Vietnamese Food Bun Bo Hue

“Vietnamese Food Bun Bo Hue” is a rich, flavorful dish that captures the essence of Central Vietnam’s culinary heritage. With its spicy broth, tender meat, and fresh herbs, each bowl offers a satisfying and unforgettable experience. While the preparation may be time-consuming, the result is a deeply comforting meal that reflects the bold and vibrant flavors of Vietnam. Try making “Bun Bo Hue” at home to immerse yourself in the authentic taste of Vietnamese cuisine.

Read more here!

Banh Mi Viet: The Ultimate Vietnamese Street Food Experience

Summer Rolls: Light, Refreshing, and Deliciously Vietnamese