Among different Vietnamese foods, the Vietnamese bun stands out as one of the most popular, tasty, and diverse dishes. You can find it in any corner of Vietnam with both traditional and more creative variations. Below are the 10 best bun dishes to make your food tour in Vietnam unforgettable.
1. The origin of Vietnamese bun
Bun has been present in Vietnam since the time of the Hung Kings thousands of years ago. It has been mixed with various ingredients to become a famous and delicious dish in Vietnam. Throughout the country, there are many different bun variations, contributing to the unique and diverse culinary culture of Vietnam.
Vietnamese bun uses main ingredients such as rice vermicelli, broth, vegetables, herbs, and various types of meat. Different Vietnamese bun dishes can feature different ingredients.
For example, bun dau mam tom consists of fried tofu, spring rolls, boiled pork, and a rich shrimp paste dipping sauce. Bun cha includes grilled meat patties, served with a sweet and tangy fish sauce and pickled vegetables. Bun bo Hue is immersed in a flavorful broth made from beef bones, accompanied by various cuts of beef, pork hocks, etc.
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2. 10 variations of Vietnamese bun that you must try at least once
2.1. Vietnamese bun dau mam tom
Bun dau mam tom is a delicious dish that no one can overlook when visiting Hanoi. It traditionally consists of rice vermicelli served with fried tofu, shrimp paste, and a selection of fragrant herbs. Over time, additional ingredients such as fried pork sausage, boiled pork, and pork intestines have been added, making the dish more complete and diverse.
2.2. Vietnamese bun rieu
Bun rieu cua, or crab noodle soup, involves an enticing combination of the sweetness of freshwater crab, the tanginess of tamarind, and most importantly, the soft crab meat patties. Served with a plate of fresh green herbs, Vietnamese bun rieu is often enjoyed with a touch of shrimp paste to enhance its savory and alluring taste.
2.3. Vietnamese bun thang
Bun thang is an exquisite and refined dish that showcases the elegance of Hanoi's cuisine. Originating from the idea of utilizing leftover ingredients after the Lunar New Year, bun thang is typically made with dried shrimp, shredded chicken, pork sausage, fried eggs, pickled radish, salted eggs, and, of course, the delicate rice vermicelli. Accompanying it is a clear, rich, and subtly sweet broth made from chicken or pork bones.
2.4. Vietnamese bun ca
As a country blessed with beautiful coastal regions and a rich seafood supply, among the various types of Vietnamese bun, bun ca, or fish noodle soup, boasts the most diverse variations. The basic bun ca consists of a fragrant and savory broth simmered from sweet fish bones, firm and fresh fish meat, and a variety of accompanying vegetables. The difference lies in the seasoning and fish preparation methods.
2.5. Vietnamese bun doc mung
Bun doc mung features crispy "doc mung", thinly sliced pork, meatballs, and pork feet. The flavor of this dish is refreshing and delicate. The bone broth is simmered for hours and continuously skimmed to achieve a pristine taste, enhancing the other ingredients. A bowl of bun doc mung on a hot summer day will surely bring a cool and refreshing sensation.
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2.6. Vietnamese bun cha (Vietnamese rice vermicelli with grilled pork)
Bun cha is one of the most famous and iconic dishes of Vietnam. As the name suggests, this dish consists of rice vermicelli served with grilled pork and a bowl of dipping sauce. Carefully selected fresh meat creates perfectly moist patties that are grilled over charcoal, exuding a tantalizing aroma and natural sweetness. Accompanying the dish is a perfectly balanced dipping sauce with a harmonious blend of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors.
2.7. Vietnamese bun oc
For a long time, bun oc (snail vermicelli soup) has become a popular rustic dish, cherished by many. A bowl of bun oc is a perfect combination of flavorful broth, soft vermicelli, and delicious snail meat. The broth is infused with rice vinegar and stir-fried tomatoes, bringing a balance of sweetness and tanginess. The snails are boiled to perfection, preserving their distinctive flavor.
2.8. Vietnamese bun oc nguoi
In addition to bun oc, cold snail vermicelli soup, or Vietnamese bun oc nguoi, is also a delicious and distinctive dish of Hanoi. It only consists of three simple ingredients: rice vermicelli, snails, and rice vinegar. Bun oc nguoi has a refreshing and subtle flavor, accompanied by a mild sourness from the rice vinegar, combined with a hint of spiciness from infused chili.
2.9. Vietnamese bun bo Hue
Bun bo Hue is a must-try dish for anyone visiting Hue. It is not just a culinary delight but also a representation of the rich heritage of the ancient capital city. The key ingredients of this dish include thick and slightly chewy rice vermicelli, fresh beef, crab sausage, and flavorful broth.
Particularly, the broth for bun bo Hue is simmered from various bones, enhanced with a touch of shrimp paste and lemongrass, creating an unforgettable aroma and delightful taste. The combination of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors truly captivates the hearts of diners.
2.10. Vietnamese bun mam
Bun mam is a variation of the famous fish sauce hotpot in the Mekong Delta region, known for its delicious and distinctive flavor. The broth of this delectable dish is cooked from various types of fish found only in the Mekong Delta. A complete bowl of Vietnamese bun mam consists of thick rice vermicelli, shrimp, squid, fish cake with chili, roasted pork, accompanied by a few slices of ripe eggplant, and fresh aromatic herbs sprinkled on top.
For the best Vietnam travel experience, besides Vietnamese bun, you can try other delicious specialties such as Vietnamese spring rolls, Vietnamese broken rice, Vietnamese bread, Vietnamese fish cake, Vietnamese sticky rice, Vietnamese summer rolls, Vietnamese fried rice, etc. These dishes can be found in many renowned tourist destinations in Vietnam, such as Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Da Nang, and Ha Long Bay.
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Vietnamese bun is an integral part of the vibrant culinary culture of Vietnam. Whether it is the iconic bun cha, the comforting bun bo Hue, or the unique bun mam, each variation offers a delightful combination of textures, flavors, and aromas that captivate the senses. Indulging in different Vietnamese bun dishes is an immersive experience that allows you to savor the essence of Vietnamese cuisine, an adventure you definitely do not want to miss.
