Buzz
Put aside the usual recommendations for tourists visiting Hanoi and try a serving of budget-friendly, delicious bun cha at these spots!
Explore 5 Bun Cha Joints Unlisted in Any Hanoi Travel Guide, Yet a Must-Try!
As the weather cools down, thoughts drift to a bowl of bun cha with a side of tangy pickled papaya. The grilled meat patties, served with fresh vermicelli noodles, raw herbs, and pickled chili peppers, offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Hanoi is home to numerous bun cha eateries, catering to those seeking a quick meal or a culinary adventure. Some target tourists while others cater to locals with discerning tastes. The choices are abundant.
However, it must be acknowledged that not all eateries recommended by travel guides or popular online reviews retain the authentic flavors of the past. The surge in patrons often leads to commercialization. Meanwhile, new establishments emerge rapidly, each with its own recipe and secret, producing unexpectedly delicious dishes at even more affordable prices.
Today, let's temporarily set aside the long-established bun cha establishments. Instead, explore these lesser-known spots, where quality and prices rival those of the older, more renowned eateries. In fact, Hanoians are increasingly frequenting these newer establishments over the age-old favorites.
Cửa Đông Bun Cha
It might sound exaggerated, but Cửa Đông Bun Cha is considered the most addictive spot by many. The standout feature of Cửa Đông Bun Cha is its grilled meat, not only cooked plainly but also wrapped in fragrant betel leaves, adding an irresistible aroma. A serving here is generously loaded with meat, to the extent that some finish the noodles and still find a significant amount of dipping sauce left in the bowl. For 50,000 VND, you'll get to savor the incredibly delicious and fragrant bun cha at Cửa Đông!
Hàng Quạt Bun Cha
Hàng Quạt Bun Cha is no stranger to anyone. Despite its small size and tucked-away location in the Old Quarter, with only a few tables and chairs lining the alley, it's always bustling. The bun cha here is renowned as one of the best in Hanoi.
The meatballs at Hàng Quạt Bun Cha receive plenty of praise. They're round, firm, with just the right amount of fat, slightly crumbly but still tender inside, and bursting with flavor thanks to meticulous marination. It's the irresistible aroma of the grilled meat that leads people to discover this alley for the first time!
Hàng Than Bun Cha
Another delightful bun cha spot in the Old Quarter is Hàng Than Bun Cha. The bustling scene of customers at this bun cha spot is probably familiar to locals in the area. At 35,000 VND for a plate full of meat, it has often surprised people for being... too cheap for a restaurant with such a reputation in the Old Quarter.
Both the noodles and the grilled meat are plentiful, ensuring you'll have a satisfying lunch. The quick and efficient service style is a major plus alongside the delicious flavor of Hàng Than Bun Cha.
Phất Lộc Bun Cha
Phất Lộc Bun Cha, also known as bamboo stick bun cha, offers carefully selected meat by the experienced owner with 30 years of selling experience. The meat, thickly sliced, half lean and half fatty, is marinated with a variety of spices before being grilled. Even without being plated, the sight of skewers full of meat over charcoal stoves is enough to make anyone crave it!
Bạch Mai Bun Cha
Yet another bamboo stick bun cha spot in Bạch Mai is rumored to be very delicious. What makes it special is that the restaurant opens at 2 p.m., a rather odd hour, and the owner is quite... snobbish. Perhaps that's why it's also known as the fancy bun cha spot. But because of its good reputation, people still eagerly wait to dine here.
Meals here consist of noodles, grilled meat, dipping sauce, fresh vegetables, all served separately (unlike other places). The dipping sauce may not be outstanding, but the grilled meat is exceptional. The pieces of meat are fragrant and tender, each bite bursting with flavor. Perhaps that's why, despite being located in an alley, and priced at 40-50,000 VND per serving, Bạch Mai Bun Cha is always bustling with customers.
According to Trí Thức Trẻ
***
Reference: Mytour Travel Guide
MytourSeptember 14, 2016
