Hanoi Bun Cha – Crafting the Rich Traditional Flavor

Hanoi Bun Cha is a renowned and beloved dish in the capital city. Not only cherished by locals but also sought after by tourists, both domestic and international, when visiting Hanoi. In today's article, Mytour Blog introduces the recipe for delicious and authentically traditional bun cha, along with addresses of some famous bun eateries in the capital highly rated. 

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A glimpse into Hanoi bun cha 

Bun cha originates from Northern Vietnam and is believed to have existed since the 18th century. Initially served on small streets and in small eateries, it has now become a popular and widespread delicacy in Hanoi and throughout the country.

This Hanoi specialty boasts a distinctive flavor profile. Each serving includes soft vermicelli, crispy and fragrant grilled pork, flavorful fatty spring rolls, and sweet-savory dipping sauce. Typically accompanied by fresh herbs such as basil, coriander, raw vegetables, chili, and lime to enhance the overall taste.

Thanks to the creative combination of ingredients and delightful aromas, Hanoi bun cha has become an integral part of Vietnamese cuisine and a must-try for tourists exploring the capital.

Ingredients for preparing bun cha 

One of the secrets to creating a delicious dish with the authentic taste of Hanoi is ensuring you have all the necessary ingredients. Here's a list of components to prepare before making tasty and flavorful bun cha Hanoi: 

• Pork: Pork is the main ingredient, crucial for the delicious flavor of the dish. Choose pork from the shoulder and belly with the right amount of fat to prevent it from drying out when grilled. Slice the meat into bite-sized pieces before marinating.
• Vermicelli: Use white, soft, and chewy vermicelli. Cook the vermicelli until done, then rinse with cold water and drain.
• Raw Vegetables: Various fresh herbs make the dish more appealing and less overwhelming. Suitable greens for this dish include water spinach, basil, coriander, mint, chili, and lime.
• Spring Rolls: Spring rolls are a side dish made from pork, shrimp, pork fat, vegetables, and mushrooms. The filling is wrapped in rice paper and deep-fried until crispy.
• Dipping Sauce: The dipping sauce is considered the 'soul' of the dish. Therefore, prioritize high-quality fish sauce to ensure the excellent flavor of the bun cha. The ingredients for the dipping sauce include premium fish sauce, sugar, garlic, chili, and lime. The sauce has a sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavor, enhancing the deliciousness of the dish.
• Seasonings: Spices for marinating and seasoning include shallots, garlic, sugar, fish sauce, pepper, and cooking oil. These seasonings are used to marinate the pork before grilling and to enhance the flavor of the dipping sauce.

Traditional Recipe for Cooking Authentic Hanoi-Style Bun Cha 

After preparing all the mentioned ingredients in the right quantities based on the number of servings, cooking traditional Hanoi-style bun cha is not overly complicated. Just follow these steps in sequence:

• Step 1: Cut pork into bite-sized pieces, marinate with finely chopped shallots, minced garlic, fish sauce, sugar, and pepper for at least 2 hours.
• Step 2: Make spring rolls. Chop pork and shrimp, finely chop shiitake mushrooms, and minced shallots. Then, mix all with eggs, fish sauce, sugar, pepper, and MSG. Roll this mixture in rice paper and deep-fry until crispy.
• Step 3: Grill the pork over a charcoal stove or in an oven until the meat is cooked and evenly golden.
• Step 4: Prepare the dipping sauce. Mix fish sauce with sugar and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it cool, then add lime juice, minced chili, and minced garlic to taste. 
• Step 5: Wash the fresh greens, water spinach, basil, coriander, mint, chili, and lime.
• Step 6: Boil the vermicelli in boiling water for about 3-5 minutes, then drain.
• Step 7: Arrange the pork, vermicelli, spring rolls, and fresh greens on a plate. Serve with the dipping sauce in a bowl, and it's ready to enjoy. 

Popular Hanoi-Style Bun Cha Restaurants 

If you're searching for some well-known addresses for delicious Hanoi-style bun cha, don't miss out on these names below: 

Bun Cha Old Quarter 

• Address: 225 Phan Xich Long, Ward 2, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Opening Hours: 07:00 – 21:15
• Price Range: 35,000 – 40,000 VND.

One renowned bun cha eatery that cannot be overlooked is Bun Cha Old Quarter. A meal here includes all the essentials, from grilled meat to deliciously fragrant and crispy spring rolls. The meat is marinated richly and perfectly mouthwatering. The prices are budget-friendly, attracting many food enthusiasts to frequent this place. 

The restaurant has a relatively small space, primarily catering for takeout orders. The route to the establishment is easy to find, so you don't need to worry about getting lost. 

Bun Cha Hanoi 26

• Address: 8A/9C2 Thai Van Lung, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Opening Hours: 07:00 – 10:30
• Price Range: 30,000 – 44,000 VND.

Bun Cha Hanoi 26 is located right in the center of District 1, making it easily accessible. This is a renowned dining spot, highly praised by many food enthusiasts. Despite being situated in a narrow alley, the restaurant attracts a bustling crowd of customers every day. In addition to the authentic bun cha, the eatery also serves accompanying dishes such as crab vermicelli stir-fry, shrimp cake, Ha Long squid sausage, etc. The fish sauce and grilled meat at the restaurant are excellently prepared, with a perfect balance of flavors. The accompanying vegetables are abundant, fresh, and clean. 

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Bun Cha Ho Guom

• Address: 29 Truong Dinh, Ward Vo Thi Sau, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Opening Hours: 07:00 – 21:00
• Price Range: 40,000 – 45,000 VND

If you're looking for a bun cha restaurant with a spacious and airy atmosphere, suitable for large groups or family outings, then Bun Cha Ho Guom is a sensible suggestion. The most beloved aspect of the place is the perfectly balanced dipping sauce, offering a delightful blend of sour, spicy, and mild sweetness.

The grilled meat at the restaurant is exceptionally tender and fragrant. The spring rolls have a generous filling, pre-cut before serving to patrons, yet they remain hot and crispy. The prices are quite budget-friendly, starting from 40,000 VND, allowing you to enjoy a well-rounded meal.

Quynh Quan 

• Address: CC5 Truong Son, Ward 15, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening Hours: 07:00 – 21:00
• Price Range: 35,000 – 50,000 VND

When it comes to delicious bun cha places, the name Quynh Quan must be mentioned. A portion of bun at the restaurant is quite generous, with flavorful and perfectly seasoned meat. The accompanying fresh and clean vegetables enhance the dining experience. The dipping sauce is expertly crafted, earning praise even from discerning diners. The space is relatively small, mainly for takeout, so you can conveniently order through various delivery apps.

Bun Cha Hanoi in the past 

• Address: 144 Street 79, Tan Quy Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening Hours: 07:00 – 14:00 / 16:00 – 21:00
• Price Range: 80,000 – 85,000 VND

Old Hanoi Bun Cha was popular for its perfectly grilled, round meat, cooked to a tender and delightful perfection. The dipping sauce, praised for its flavorful marinated garlic, adds an extra layer of taste. A serving of bun cha here comes at a reasonable price for the quality of the dish. The restaurant's spacious and airy ambiance makes it an ideal spot to gather with friends on the weekends.

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Xuan Tu Bun Cha

• Address: 91 Hoang Van Thu, Ward 2, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Opening Hours: 08:00 – 21:00
• Price Range: 40,000 – 66,000 VND

This is a relatively budget-friendly eatery with a small but neatly arranged space. The flavors are delightful, offering a generously topped dish at a very affordable price. The well-proportioned meatballs are rich and savory. Due to the limited space, there is no ample parking, so visitors should take care of their belongings and lock their bikes before entering for a meal.

Frequently Asked Questions:

This article has provided you with information on how to make authentic Hanoi bun cha and recommended places to enjoy delicious bun cha. Hopefully, after reading, you will find a restaurant that suits your taste. To discover more dining destinations, don't forget to follow the blog posts on Mytour !