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According to Taste Atlas, bun cha is a pork and rice noodle dish closely associated with Hanoi. While bun cha or similar variations can be found in other parts of Vietnam, the Hanoi version is considered the best.
According to this website, the dish became widely known around the world in 2016 when it appeared on the show Parts Unknown, where chef Anthony Bourdain enjoyed bun cha with former President Barack Obama.
According to the prestigious food website Taste Atlas, Vietnamese bun cha has been honored to be ranked 32nd in the list of the 100 best pork dishes in the world.
Bun cha - A Hanoi specialty that captivates the hearts of many.
Bun cha is a signature dish of Hanoi that attracts diners with its harmonious and refined flavors. This dish consists of three main parts: dipping sauce, grilled pork patties, and rice noodles.
The dipping sauce plays a crucial role in determining the flavor of the dish. The sauce is meticulously prepared, balancing the tangy sourness of vinegar, the rich saltiness of fish sauce, the subtle sweetness of sugar, and the pungent spiciness of chili and minced garlic. Prominent in the dipping sauce are green papaya and carrots, adding a refreshing and crunchy touch.
Bun cha is a signature dish of Hanoi that attracts diners with its harmonious and refined flavors.
Grilled pork patties are the heart of the dish. Seasoned pork is grilled over charcoal until evenly cooked and fragrant. There are two types of grilled pork patties: meatballs and sliced patties. Meatballs are made from finely ground meat, shaped into small balls, and then grilled. Sliced patties are made from thinly sliced pork belly, seasoned, and grilled over charcoal.
Bun cha is a simple dish, yet it embodies the refined flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. Each ingredient blends together to create a unique and unforgettable taste.
There are many variations of bun cha in Hanoi, for example, bun cha served on bamboo skewers.
5 authentic bun cha restaurants recommended by Taste Atlas
Hanoi boasts numerous restaurants and eateries famous for its bun cha (grilled pork with vermicelli). Below are some addresses suggested by Taste Atlas where you can enjoy authentic Vietnamese bun cha.
Tuyet 34 Bun Cha
Address: 34 Hang Than Street, Hanoi
Nestled modestly on the bustling Hang Than street, Bun Cha Tuyet 34 has become a familiar destination for Hanoi residents and international tourists alike. It attracts visitors not only with its delicious and flavorful bun cha but also with the prestigious recognition from Michelin – the world's leading culinary magazine.
As soon as you step onto Hang Than street, diners can feel the rich aroma of charcoal mingling with the smell of grilled meat emanating from Tuyet 34 Bun Cha. The secret to the restaurant's appeal lies in its dipping sauce, prepared according to a family recipe, with a refreshing sourness, saltiness, sweetness, and a hint of spiciness from ground pepper. The restaurant's special feature is the variety of grilled pork patties. Diners can enjoy three delicious types: minced pork patties, sliced pork patties, and pork patties wrapped in betel leaves and Piper sarmentosum leaves. The golden-brown, charcoal-grilled pork, emitting an irresistible aroma, is served with fresh vegetables such as lettuce, perilla, and mint, creating a perfect symphony of flavors.
Tuyet 34 Bun Cha has become a familiar destination for Hanoi residents and international tourists.
Bun Cha Dac Kim
Address: 1 Hang Manh Street, Hanoi
Located right at the beginning of Hang Manh Street, Dac Kim Bun Cha has long been a familiar destination for international tourists wanting to enjoy the authentic taste of Hanoi's bun cha. The name "Dac Kim" comes from the restaurant's first owners in 1965. Through many ups and downs, the restaurant has now been passed down through generations of the family, preserving and promoting the traditional Hanoi bun cha flavor.
Each serving of bun cha here offers diners a complete and satisfying culinary experience. It begins with the noodles, the pristine white, chewy strands evenly coated in a rich dipping sauce. Next comes the perfectly marinated grilled pork, cooked over charcoal until tender and fragrant. The meat is soft, sweet, and succulent, combined with a touch of aromatic fried shallots, creating an irresistible flavor.
Dac Kim's bun cha (grilled pork with vermicelli) has long been a familiar destination for international tourists wanting to enjoy the authentic taste of Hanoi's bun cha.
Huong Lien Bun Cha
Address: 24 Le Van Huu Street, Hanoi
For residents living around the Thi Sach - Le Van Huu - Ngo Thi Nham neighborhood, Huong Lien Bun Cha is an indispensable part of their childhood memories. Having been located on this street for 20 years, the restaurant has become a familiar destination for countless generations, preserving the delicious and rich flavor of Hanoi's bun cha.
This Hanoi bun cha restaurant, once visited by US President Barack Obama, has a simple yet spacious and clean atmosphere. The bun cha here features delicious grilled pork, generous portions of patties, flavorful dipping sauce, fresh noodles, and clean vegetables. The restaurant is also famous for its crab spring rolls and seafood spring rolls.
This Hanoi bun cha restaurant was once visited by US President Barack Obama.
Bun cha Ta
Address: 21 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hanoi
Bun Cha Ta is an ideal destination for foreign tourists who want to experience Vietnamese culinary culture in an elegant and sophisticated setting. The highlight of the restaurant is its bun cha (grilled pork with vermicelli), with its distinctive flavor. The pork is marinated with rich spices, grilled over charcoal, creating a naturally sweet and stimulating taste. The dipping sauce, made with a unique recipe, offers a harmonious balance of sweet and sour flavors, combined with the spicy kick of chili and garlic, creating an irresistible appeal.
What makes this restaurant even more special is its pickled green papaya. In particular, this green papaya pickle is a favorite among Korean tourists because its flavor is quite similar to their familiar kimchi.
Bun Cha Ta is the ideal destination for foreign tourists who want to experience Vietnamese culinary culture in an elegant and sophisticated setting.
Era Restaurant
Address: 48 Ma May Street, Hanoi
Nestled on the bustling Ma May street, Era Restaurant is like a "precious gem," attracting diners with its exquisite cuisine and professional service. The restaurant's interior is decorated in a modern and luxurious style, yet retains its inherent elegance.
The restaurant boasts a diverse menu featuring signature Vietnamese dishes. From delicate appetizers like spring rolls and fermented pork rolls to hearty main courses such as bun cha (grilled pork with vermicelli), pho bo (beef noodle soup), and braised fish in clay pot, each dish offers a unique and irresistible flavor. Importantly, all dishes are prepared using fresh, high-quality ingredients and adhere to strict food safety and hygiene standards. Era Restaurant is the ideal destination for those who love Vietnamese cuisine and want to experience delicious meals in a luxurious setting.
Era Restaurant is like a "precious gem," attracting diners with its exquisite cuisine and professional service.
