Buzz
The distinctive taste of the Western region leaves diners longing for an extra bowl.
Savor the True Essence of Western Vietnam in the Heart of Saigon's Chinatown Flower Market
Bun Mam is a renowned specialty from the Southwestern region with its roots tracing back to Cambodia. The noodle dish, accompanied by its fragrant fish sauce, offers diners a simple yet rich experience.
Amidst the culinary hub of Pho Co Dieu (formerly known as Thiec Market, District 11), among a myriad of distinctive Chinese food stalls, stands a Bun Mam stall with Western origins, garnering favor from many enthusiasts.
The owner, Mrs. Thuy, shared that she learned the art of preparing Bun Mam from her mother, who hails from the Western region. The restaurant, open for six years, attracts many Chinese customers daily, providing a change from their traditional dishes.
The original broth is crafted from 'bồ hóc' fish sauce from Cambodia. When brought to our country, it is often substituted with catfish or snakehead fish, abundant in the Western region. The broth used to drench the vermicelli bowl has a rich aroma, deep brown color, and a natural sweetness derived from the fish.
At Sister Thuy's eatery, you can choose from a variety of ingredients, including fish, shrimp, chicken, pork, Vietnamese pork sausage, and more. As the vermicelli bowl is served, guests are captivated by vibrant red shrimp with dark thread-like markings on their backs, accompanied by enticing pieces of sausage or tender white snakehead fish.
The owner also adds Vietnamese pork sausage as a side dish to diversify the flavors of the dish. Despite the absence of spicy peppers stuffed with meat or fish sausage, as commonly seen, diners can still savor the complete taste of the dish by dipping each ingredient into the rich and flavorful tamarind sauce.
The Bun Mam is served with fresh vegetables such as split water spinach, finely chopped banana flowers, bean sprouts, or fish mint. Additionally, there is a bowl of sweet and sour tamarind sauce to enhance the richness of the vermicelli bowl. A standard bowl of authentic Mekong Delta Bun Mam is priced at 30,000 VND, suitable for both breakfast and lunch at this market.
Source: Linh Sea/ Vnexpress
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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour
MytourDecember 28, 2018
