Bun bo Hue has been officially recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. This event marks an important milestone, honoring the hundreds of years of formation and development of Bun bo Hue, from a rustic dish in the hearts of Hue people to a specialty known and loved by international friends.
For diners to fully enjoy the essence of the original Hue beef noodle dish, feel the original flavor that has made the reputation of this National Intangible Cultural Heritage, it would be a mistake not to visit these addresses, which are highly appreciated by many locals and gourmet tourists for their quality and traditional flavor.
Mrs. Thu's Hue beef noodle shop
Nestled in the heart of the ancient capital of Hue, Chi Lang Street, a street bearing the historical imprint of the 19th century, is not only a place to preserve old memories but also a paradise for culinary enthusiasts, especially those who are passionate about the famous Hue beef noodle dish. Dozens of large and small beef noodle shops, from rustic street vendors to popular eateries, are located close together, creating a lively culinary picture, attracting a large number of diners every day.
A bowl of "standard" Hue beef noodle soup is a combination of a variety of ingredients with beef, pork leg, crab cake, pig's blood and raw vegetables served with it.
On this bustling street, a familiar address has become a meeting place for many generations of Hue people: the beef noodle shop of Mrs. Nguyen Thi Thu, 65 years old, at 237 Chi Lang Street. Although not ostentatious in terms of space with only a few simple tables and chairs, Mrs. Thu's shop is always bustling with customers coming and going from early morning until noon.
Mrs. Thu has been involved in this profession for more than half of her life.
To make a pot of "standard" beef noodle soup that captivates many diners, Mrs. Thu has been attached to the profession for more than half of her life, along with a carefully preserved family secret. Every day, from 2 a.m., she diligently goes to the market to choose the freshest beef. Then, the elaborate preparation process begins with stewing beef bones for many hours continuously, combined with shrimp paste, lemongrass, and chili. Mrs. Thu shared: "The broth must be simmered from beef bones for many hours to have a natural sweetness, not just sweetness from the spices."
However, the true soul of Bun Bo Hue, the element that creates the "unmistakable" flavor, lies in the Hue shrimp paste. Mrs. Thu skillfully seasoned the shrimp paste, just enough to create a distinctive strong aroma without being fishy or too salty. This perfect balance made her bowl of Bun Bo Hue different and memorable.
Address: No. 237 Chi Lang Street, Hue City
Me Keo Beef Noodle Soup
Me Keo beef noodle soup is famous throughout the ancient capital as a symbol of time and flavor. Not only loved for its nearly century-old age, Me Keo beef noodle soup also conquers diners with its very own style, very Hue, completely different from the familiar bowls of beef noodle soup.
Just a simple bowl of beef noodle soup, but Me Keo beef noodle shop attracts countless beef noodle soup lovers.
What makes Me Keo beef noodle soup special is the broth. Although rich in the flavor of shrimp paste and lemongrass, the indispensable essence of Hue beef noodle soup, the broth here makes a strong impression because of its surprisingly clearness, with a mild spiciness just enough to awaken all the senses without being harsh. The secret lies in the way Me Keo prepares it: all the tendons, blood, sausage, and pig's feet are cooked together from the beginning, blending into the broth. This process not only gives the broth a natural, deep sweetness from the bones and meat, but also brings out the characteristic aroma of each ingredient, creating an unforgettable symphony of taste.
However, the most unique point that makes Me Keo famous and different is that the bowl of noodles does not have beef. Among a "forest" of Hue beef noodles everywhere, Me Keo chose to go its own way, replacing the beef with thinly sliced pork belly, soft boiled pork blood and delicious crab cakes. This choice does not reduce the appeal but on the contrary, creates a completely new culinary experience, making diners both surprised and delighted. The characteristic spicy taste, slightly salty broth and the strong smell of lemongrass still retain the essence of Hue beef noodles, but the change in the main ingredients has turned Me Keo's bowl of noodles into an unforgettable mark.
Address: 20 Bach Dang, Phu Cat, Hue City
Quynh Anh Hue Beef Noodle Soup
Located on To Huu Street, Quynh Anh Hue beef noodle soup is a beef noodle soup restaurant chosen by many local diners for their meals. Not only that, this place is also a must-visit place for tourists from far away. Quynh Anh Hue beef noodle soup is famous for its rich, delicious broth, the most special thing here is the unforgettable crab cake topping.
Address: 9 To Huu, Phu Nhuan, Hue City
Mrs. Nga's Beef Noodle Soup
Known as the cheapest and most crowded beef noodle soup in the inner city, Ba Nga beef noodle soup has long been an unmissable address for both local diners and tourists from far away. Ba Nga beef noodle soup serves dishes such as Beef, Ham, Crab, each bowl costs 30,000 VND and the special bowl has prices ranging from 40,000 VND to 50,000 VND.
The beef noodle dish here is rated by many diners as delicious, tasty and authentic.
Address: 62 Nguyen Chi Dieu, Phu Hau, Hue City
