Do you think Vietnamese cuisine begins and ends with pho? Think again! Vietnam is a treasure trove of delectable noodle dishes that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. From the fiery flavors of bún bò Huế to the vibrant textures of cao lầu, let’s take a journey through the vibrant world of Vietnamese noodles.
Bún Bò Huế: The Fiery Delight from Huế
Originating in the ancient imperial capital of Vietnam, Huế, bún bò Huế is a noodle dish that showcases the fearless creativity of local cooks. Huế is famous for its spicy dishes, and this flavorful noodle soup is no exception. The rich and red broth is created by layering flavors of boiled pork and beef bones, lemongrass, chili, fermented shrimp paste, and fish sauce. Nestled in this aromatic broth are thick rice noodles (bún), topped with thinly sliced boiled beef shank and crab balls. For an extra kick, squeeze some lime, add a dollop of chili paste, and drizzle shallot vinegar over your bowl of bún bò Huế.
TRY IT: Bun bo Hue Ba Tuyet, 37 Nguyen Cong Tru Street, Huế
Cao Lầu: The Taste of Privilege from Hội An
Cao lầu, meaning ‘high floor,’ is a dish that was originally served to wealthy businessmen who dined on the higher floors of restaurants in Hội An, overlooking their shops and workers. Inspired by Japanese udon noodles, cao lầu stands out with its chewy texture. Served with tender char siu pork, fresh crispy greens, and crunchy crushed crackling, cao lầu gets its subtle taste from a lemongrass-infused broth. Fortunately, you no longer need deep pockets to savor this exquisite dish. Cao lầu can now be found all over Ancient Town, from ground floor eateries to higher-level establishments.
TRY IT: Trung Bac Restaurant, 87 Tran Phu Street, Hội An
Bún Chả: Hà Nội’s Sweet and Smoky Delight
Hà Nội’s second most famous dish after pho is the humble dipping noodle called bún chả. This dish, consisting of rice noodles (bún) and grilled pork (chả), boasts a secret weapon: its sauce. A combination of vinegar, diluted fish sauce, sugar, and German turnip creates a mild sweet-and-sour dipping medium that perfectly complements the smoky aroma of chargrilled pork. The best bún chả is always cooked on-site, with juicy pork belly sizzling on the grill just moments before it reaches your plate. If you catch a whiff of grilled meat and see smoke rising on the sidewalks of Hà Nội, chances are you’re just around the corner from a delicious portion of bún chả.
TRY IT: Bun cha Cua Dong, 41 Cua Dong Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hà Nội
Bún Thang: Hà Nội’s Delicate Delight
For lovers of delicate flavors, bún thang is a must-try. This soup is the epitome of Hà Nội’s sophisticated cuisine, featuring a savory broth made with chicken stock and mushrooms. With over 20 ingredients, including tender chicken, golden eggs, Vietnamese ham, and dried shrimps, all shredded and beautifully arranged on top of round rice noodles, bún thang is a visual delight. Despite its complexity, the soup remains light and refreshing. Skimmed constantly during cooking, the broth becomes clear and aromatic, with sweet notes of shrimp and mushroom. Add a dash of fermented shrimp paste (mắm tôm) for an extra burst of flavor.
TRY IT: Bun thang Ba Duc, 48 Cau Go Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hà Nội
Hủ Tiếu: A Flavorful Journey in the Mekong Delta
Hailing from the fertile farms and rivers of the Mekong Delta, hủ tiếu harmoniously blends the finest ingredients this region has to offer. In this noodle dish, fresh shrimp, minced pork, quail eggs, and liver swim in a piping hot broth, accompanied by clear rice noodles. Sautéed garlic infused in pork bone broth gives hủ tiếu its distinctive zing. This dish has numerous variants across the country, reflecting the warm and welcoming nature of the people of the Mekong Delta. If you can’t experience the original hủ tiếu in the Delta, fear not, as every bowl you encounter on your culinary journey will be a rewarding experience in itself.
TRY IT: Hu tieu Ba Hoang, 56 Vo Van Tan Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
As you dive into Vietnam’s diverse noodle culture, be prepared for a whirlwind of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Expand your culinary horizons and discover the rich tapestry of Vietnamese cuisine – one delicious bowl of noodles at a time.
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