A bun rieu eatery in Da Lat with over 20 years of experience sells 500 bowls a day.

On regular days, Mrs. Lan's eatery serves 200 bowls, but during peak tourist seasons, they sell over 500 bowls in just 6 hours.

A bun rieu eatery in Da Lat with over 20 years of experience sells 500 bowls a day.

Bun rieu, a less common dish in the city of thousands of flowers, still captivates passersby on Nguyen Van Troi Street in Ward 1. Some are intrigued by the quality of this uncommon delicacy in the mountainous area, while others reminisce about the flavors from the nearly 30-year-old establishment.

The owner of the bun rieu eatery is Mrs. Pham Thi Lan. On average, the shop sells about 60 kilograms of noodles per day. But during the tourist season, this number steadily increases, with some weekend days seeing a shortage of supply.

“On regular days, I sell over 200 bowls, but during peak tourist seasons like summer or holidays, there are days when we sell around 500 bowls,” Mrs. Lan stated.

This eatery offers only one dish, bun rieu, characterized by simple yet vibrant ingredients.

Mrs. Lan mentioned that she and her family go to the market in the morning to procure ingredients and complete the preparation process.

The highlight of the bun rieu bowl is the expertly cooked large crab cake, boasting a rich and flavorful taste. The meal also includes a few pieces of coagulated pig blood and pork bones. The ripe tomatoes add a characteristic sourness, enhancing the overall taste without overwhelming. Customers can choose between a regular bowl priced at 25,000 dong or a special bowl for an additional 5,000 dong.

Bun rieu in Da Lat is served with various types of fresh vegetables. Da Lat, known as the 'vegetable kingdom,' provides an abundant source of fresh ingredients. Clean and finely chopped vegetables are served separately on a small plate. Additionally, there are shrimp paste, lime, and chili on the table for customers to adjust according to their taste preferences.

Despite its small space, this establishment feels airy as it is located right on the roadside. Customers dine on low tables and chairs neatly arranged. The eatery opens at 2 p.m. and closes at 8 p.m., usually filling up around 4 - 5 p.m.

Yen Nhi, a traveler from Ho Chi Minh City, mentioned knowing Mrs. Lan's establishment for many years. 'Every time I visit Da Lat, I come here to relish the unique flavors that are hard to find elsewhere. Enjoying a hot bowl of bun rieu on a rainy day in Da Lat is simply unbeatable,' Nhi shared.

Currently residing and working in Da Lat, Tuan rarely indulges in bun rieu as it's not his favorite dish. However, if he does decide to have some, he would head to Mrs. Lan's eatery. The dish perfectly suits his palate, Tuan remarked.

The flavor of Mrs. Lan's bun rieu may not satisfy everyone's taste buds, but the eatery still attracts a steady stream of customers for nearly three decades. Not only does it fill your stomach, but a steaming bowl of bun rieu also brings people closer together on rainy afternoons in Da Lat.

Source: Di Vy/Vnexpress

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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour