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Bun bo Hue has officially been recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. This event marks an important milestone, honoring the centuries-long journey of Bun bo Hue's formation and development, from a humble dish in the hearts of the people of Hue to a specialty known and loved by international friends.
To fully enjoy the essence of authentic Hue beef noodle soup and experience the original flavor that has made this National Intangible Cultural Heritage famous, it would be a mistake not to visit these establishments, which are highly regarded by locals and discerning tourists for their quality and traditional taste.
Mrs. Thu's Hue-style beef noodle soup restaurant
Nestled in the heart of the ancient city of Hue, Chi Lang Street, steeped in history from the 19th century, is not only a repository of nostalgic memories but also a paradise for food lovers, especially those passionate about the famous Hue beef noodle soup. Dozens of beef noodle soup restaurants, large and small, from rustic street vendors to humble eateries, are clustered together, creating a vibrant culinary scene that attracts a large number of diners every day.
An authentic bowl of Hue-style beef noodle soup combines a variety of ingredients including beef, pork trotters, crab cakes, pork blood, and fresh vegetables as a side dish.
On this bustling street, a familiar address has become a meeting place for generations of Hue residents: the beef noodle soup stall of Mrs. Nguyen Thi Thu, 65 years old, at 237 Chi Lang Street. Despite its unpretentious space with just a few simple tables and chairs, Mrs. Thu's stall is always bustling with customers from early morning until noon.
Ms. Thu has been involved in this profession for more than half her life.
To create the "authentic" beef noodle soup that captivates so many diners, Mrs. Thu has dedicated more than half her life to the craft, carefully preserving her family's secret recipe. Every day, starting at 2 a.m., she diligently goes to the market to select the freshest and finest cuts of beef. Then, the elaborate preparation process begins with simmering beef bones for many hours, combined with shrimp paste, lemongrass, and chili peppers. Mrs. Thu shared: "The broth must be simmered from beef bones for many hours to achieve a naturally sweet flavor, not just from added spices."
However, the true soul of Hue beef noodle soup, the element that creates its unmistakable flavor, lies in Hue shrimp paste. Mrs. Thu seasons the shrimp paste with incredible skill, just enough to create a distinctive, rich aroma without being fishy or overly salty. This perfect balance is what makes her bowl of beef noodle soup unique and unforgettable.
Address: 237 Chi Lang Street, Hue City
Bun Bo Me Keo
Mệ Kéo's beef noodle soup is famous throughout the ancient capital as a symbol of time and flavor. Beloved not only for its nearly century-old history, Mệ Kéo's beef noodle soup also captivates diners with its unique, distinctly Hue style, completely different from other familiar bowls of beef noodle soup.
Just a simple bowl of beef noodle soup like that, yet Mệ Kéo's beef noodle soup restaurant attracts countless beef noodle soup enthusiasts.
What makes Mệ Kéo's beef noodle soup special is its broth. Despite the rich flavors of shrimp paste and lemongrass—essential ingredients of Hue-style beef noodle soup—the broth here impresses with its surprisingly clear consistency and just the right amount of mild spiciness to awaken all the senses without being harsh. The secret lies in Mệ Kéo's preparation method: all the tendons, blood, meatballs, and pork trotters are cooked together from the beginning, blending seamlessly into the broth. This process not only gives the broth a naturally sweet, deep flavor from the bones and meat but also brings out the distinctive aromas of each ingredient, creating an unforgettable symphony of tastes.
However, the most unique feature that makes Mệ Kéo's noodle soup famous and different is the absence of beef. Amidst a "forest" of Hue-style beef noodle soups everywhere, Mệ Kéo chooses its own path, replacing beef with thinly sliced pork belly, tender boiled pig's blood, and delicious crab cakes. This choice doesn't diminish the appeal; on the contrary, it creates a completely new culinary experience, surprising and delighting diners. The characteristic spiciness, slightly salty broth, and pungent aroma of shrimp paste and lemongrass remain the essence of Hue-style beef noodle soup, but the change in main ingredients has transformed Mệ Kéo's bowl of noodles into an unforgettable experience.
Address: 20 Bach Dang Street, Phu Cat Ward, Hue City
Quynh Anh Hue Beef Noodle Soup
Located on To Huu Street, Quynh Anh Hue Beef Noodle Soup is a popular choice for many locals. Furthermore, it's a must-visit destination for tourists from afar. Quynh Anh Hue Beef Noodle Soup is famous for its rich and flavorful broth, and its most distinctive feature is the unforgettable crab cake topping.
Address: 9 To Huu Street, Phu Nhuan District, Hue City
Bun Bo Ba Nga
Known as the cheapest and most popular beef noodle soup restaurant in the city center, Ba Nga's beef noodle soup has long been a must-visit for both locals and tourists. Ba Nga's beef noodle soup serves dishes such as beef, pork sausage, and crab, with each bowl priced at 30,000 VND and special bowls ranging from 40,000 VND to 50,000 VND.
The beef noodle soup here is highly rated by many customers as delicious, flavorful, and authentic.
Address: 62 Nguyen Chi Dieu Street, Phu Hau Ward, Hue City
