Buzz
While Hanoi boasts its pho and bún thang, and Hai Phong is renowned for its bánh đa cua and spicy bánh mì, Saigon is celebrated for its diverse culinary scene featuring delicacies like bánh tráng trộn, hủ tiếu, and the irresistible bún mắm. Join us as we explore what makes Saigon's bún mắm so special and appealing to everyone!
Exploring the Richness of Saigon's Bún Mắm
Unveiling the Essence of Bún Mắm
Originating from Cambodia and later adopted in the Mekong Delta, Bún Mắm has become a specialty of the region, widely enjoyed across the South. In Vietnam, Bún Mắm is prepared using Linh or Sặc fish sauce instead of Bù Hốc fish sauce, giving it a unique taste that reflects the essence of the Mekong Delta.
Bún Mắm Nêm in Ho Chi Minh City – A Culinary Gem of Saigon
The broth, simmered slowly from Linh and Sặc fish, showcases the distinct flavors of these two fish varieties found exclusively in the Western provinces. Cooks skillfully season the broth to match the preferences and palates of diners.
Linh and Sặc Fish: The Heart of Saigon's Bún Mắm
In the past, bún mắm was prepared simply and modestly for quick meals. Fermented fish was drained, its liquid essence extracted, seasoned with a touch of salt, sugar, and lemongrass, boiled until fragrant, and skimmed to achieve the clearest and most aromatic broth. However, in response to the demand for diverse culinary experiences, additional ingredients such as fish, shrimp, squid, or roast pork were introduced, creating bún mắm bowls with vibrant and enticing flavors.
The Visual Feast of Bún Mắm: A Symphony of Colors
Bún mắm is also served with fresh greens such as water spinach, finely sliced banana flowers, bean sprouts, or Vietnamese coriander.
Bún Mắm of the Mekong Delta: Accompanied by Fresh Greens
A Delicious Recipe for Authentic Bún Mắm from the Mekong Delta
Firstly, to prepare a bowl of bún mắm, you need to make the fish sauce. This is the crucial step for a flavorful bowl of bún.
Use around 300g of whole fermented fish or Linh and Sặc fish, cut into pieces. Cook with about 1 liter of water until the fish is tender and strain through a fine cloth.
Guide to Cooking Saigon's Bún Mắm
Next, prepare the pork bone broth by using 1kg of pork bones with approximately 3.5 liters of water, 100g of sliced ginger, 5 stalks of lemongrass pounded, and about 100g of grilled shallots. Simmer over low heat, continuously skimming off the foam. When there's about 3 liters of liquid left, turn off the heat and strain the bones.
How to Prepare Pork Bone Broth for Bún Dish
Gradually mix fish sauce with the pork bone broth, season with a bit of salt or broth seasoning to achieve a rich and flavorful taste.
To complete the bowl of bún mắm, thinly slice beef, add shrimp or fish pieces, and some scallions for garnish on top of the blanched noodles immersed in boiling water for about 3 seconds. Pour in the broth, add fresh greens, and enjoy. Adjust spiciness or sourness according to personal preference to make the dish even more appealing.
Discovering Delicious Bún Mắm Spots in Saigon
Bún Mắm Cô Ba
Address: 264 Hoa Binh, Hiep Tan Ward, Tan Phu District
Price range: 35,000VND – 55,000VND
Delicious Bún Mắm Restaurants in Saigon
A bowl of bún mắm here captivates diners with its flavor and quality. The broth is fragrant and rich, with the characteristic taste of the Mekong Delta fish sauce, perfectly balanced without being overly salty, leaving first-time diners satisfied. Moreover, the bowl is generously filled and colorful with squid, shrimp, roast meat, fish cake, and pickled eggplant. The large, tender squid, soft roast meat, and crispy fish cake add to the delight. Additionally, there's a piece of snakehead fish and a chili for extra flavor.
Bún Mắm Bạc Liêu
Address: 78 Tran Nhan Tong, District 10
Price: 25,000VND
Delicious Bún Mắm Spot from Bac Lieu in Saigon
Known as one of the most rustic eateries, both in taste and ambiance. The space is clean and airy. The bowl of bún mắm features traditional flavors of fish, shrimp, and fish cake, with a subtly sweet and well-balanced broth to suit every palate. Ingredients are always fresh and piping hot. Note that the eatery only opens from 3 PM to 9 PM.
Bún Mắm Tài – Bà Chiểu Market
Address: Stalls 855 – 856 Dien Hong, Ward 1, Binh Thach District
Price range: 15,000VND – 45,000VND
Delightful Bún Mắm Tài from the Mekong Delta
Although the eatery is situated within the market and the space isn't spacious, it compensates with exceptional taste, earning high praises from customers. The quality of the bún has made Bún Mắm Tài famous. The broth carries a unique flavor that sets it apart, leaving diners nodding in approval with each sip of the fragrant and savory broth. Every piece of squid, shrimp, roast meat, fish cake, and fresh, crunchy pickles adds to the delightful experience. A touch of onions, chili, and pickled vegetables adds an attractive color to this signature bowl of bún mắm.
If you ever visit Saigon or the Mekong Delta, be sure not to miss out on savoring the signature dish of this region, bún mắm. It will undoubtedly be a beautiful experience, and this dish will leave you with a profound longing.
