A visually appealing bowl of bún riêu, brimming with toppings such as crab roe, snails, fried tofu, tomatoes, beef, and Vietnamese pork roll, sends up an irresistible steam mingled with the signature fragrance of fried shallots. It's the kind of dish that makes it hard to walk away. On a crisp autumn day in Hanoi, take a seat and savor this deliciously enticing meal.

Recently, CNN recognized Vietnamese bún as one of the finest noodle dishes in Asia, a must-try for any traveler. Among them is the mouthwatering and flavorful bún riêu.
Bún riêu originates from the North of Vietnam, prepared with a meticulous process that suits the refined nature of Northern people.
A delicious bowl of bún riêu features white noodles, pinkish crab roe, ripe tomatoes, green onions, a touch of shrimp paste to enhance the flavor, fragrant fried shallots, fried tofu, and slices of Vietnamese pork roll. It's often served with fresh herbs like Vietnamese balm, lettuce, cilantro, or banana blossom shoots. For an extra kick, squeeze in some lime and add chili to intensify the aroma and taste.
The key to making a truly authentic bowl of bún riêu lies in selecting small, fresh field crabs with golden meat. These live crabs, full of rich sweetness, are cleaned, de-shelled, and pounded by hand in a stone mortar. The resulting paste is then simmered over low heat, allowing the crab meat to form firm cakes that float on the surface. The crab roe is set aside, and the clear broth is used as the base for the soup.
In the cool autumn and winter days of Hanoi, there's nothing better than enjoying a steaming bowl of bún riêu. Packed with nutrients, it'll give you the energy you need to explore the streets of the city.
Here are some well-known and longstanding bún riêu spots in Hanoi that you can visit to indulge in this delicious dish:
Bún Riêu Cô Thanh - Ly Quoc Su Street, Hoan Kiem District.

With 30 years of experience, Cô Thanh's bun rieu has become a well-known spot for bun rieu enthusiasts in Hanoi. Located in a narrow alley, the place is always bustling with customers coming and going. The distinctive feature of Cô Thanh's bun rieu lies in its rich broth, perfectly balanced with a sourness from the vinegar and the fragrant taste of tomatoes, making it unforgettable for anyone who tries it.
Bun Rieu at Hong Phuc Alley – Hong Phuc Alley, Hoan Kiem District
Situated in the heart of the old quarter of Hanoi, this small but tidy bun rieu shop attracts a lot of customers. The majority of visitors are food connoisseurs who come for the distinctive taste of bun rieu, known for its sweet and sour broth, along with the spicy and pungent flavor of shrimp paste. The dish is complemented with chewy noodles, crispy fried dough sticks, and fresh herbs. The price for a bowl here is reasonably affordable, ranging from 30,000-50,000 VND for a complete bowl of bun rieu.
Bun Rieu Thanh Hong – Nguyen Thi Dinh Street, Thanh Xuan District

With over 20 years of history, Bun Rieu Thanh Hong is renowned for its traditional bun rieu, which later added fried tofu, beef, sausage, fried dough sticks, and fish cakes. The restaurant’s bun rieu bowl is enticing, full of color, fragrance, and rich flavors, always leaving customers satisfied and coming back for more.
When visiting Hanoi on a breezy day, enjoying a steaming, flavorful bowl of bun rieu will undoubtedly be an experience you shouldn’t miss on your journey. If you're planning a trip to Hanoi in the near future, don’t forget to contact Mytour.vn via the hotline 1900 2083 to book the best-priced flight tickets for your trip!
T.Hai, 31st October 2022, 15:31