Image by Vy Huynh

Bun bo Hue

As a connoisseur of Vietnamese cuisine, I cannot overstate the scrumptiousness of Bun bo Hue. This mighty dish originated in the ancient city of Hue, located in central Vietnam, and consists of a savory broth that is spiced to perfection with a balance of lemongrass and chili paste. The base of the soup is rice vermicelli, topped with a generous helping of thinly sliced beef shank and pork knuckle. If you’re lucky enough to find it, there may even be an additional topping of beef blood cubes, or sanguine slices as some call it.

Bun bo Hue


The flavors of Bun bo Hue burst out of the bowl like a tidal wave, beginning with the tartness of lemongrass and the subtle sweetness of fresh herbs. Once your palate adjusts, you’ll find the perfect balance between the heat of the chili paste and the subtle richness of the beef and pork. The combination of textures is just right too. The slippery vermicelli provides a pleasant contrast to the more robust bites of the protein, while the additional toppings provide crunchy pops of flavor.

No wonder this beloved dish has been captivating hearts and stomachs for centuries. One spoonful induces a wave of nostalgia and comfort, thanks to its complex flavors and layers of texture. It’s the kind of dish that knows no boundaries, melting cultural differences away with every bite. Whether you’re in the middle of Vietnam or half a world away, Bun bo Hue is sure to hit the spot.

The origin of Bun bo Hue

When one thinks of the savory, spicy Vietnamese noodle soup dish known as Bun Bo Hue, they may not realize the incredible history behind it. This beloved soup is steeped in centuries of culture, tradition, and flavor.

Hailing from the city of Hue in central Vietnam, Bun Bo Hue was first created during the early 19th century by the Vietnamese Royal Court. It is believed that the soup was created to please the Emperor of the time, who cravings a robust mixture of ingredients that combined a variety of flavors. Its recipe for success at the time was the use of beef stock, annatto oil, and lemongrass – all ingredients dripping with flavor and laden with complexity.

As the years progressed, Bun Bo Hue was elevated from a simple dish to one of national pride and attention. In fact, in the mid-1960s Bun Bo Hue began to be seen as an expression of individual freedom and became a symbol of the anti-government sentiment that had been growing in Vietnam. This gave the soup a newfound purpose and identity, becoming a meal of solidarity that brought strength to a new era.

Nowadays, Bun Bo Hue is enjoyed around the globe for its intense aroma, delightful composition of ingredients, and comforting soul-warming properties. From its humble beginnings as a royal feast to its current status as a beloved staple of Vietnamese cuisine, Bun Bo Hue has truly evolved into something special and is sure to wreak its deliciousness for years to come.

FAQs about Bun bo Hue

Is Bun Bo Hue good?

Yes, Bun Bo Hue is a delicious and popular Vietnamese dish. It is a spicy noodle soup made with beef or pork, lemongrass and chili peppers. It is a great choice for a flavorful and hearty meal.


What does Bun Bo taste like?

Bun Bo is a Vietnamese noodle dish with a variety of meats, herbs, and spices. It features a savory and spicy flavor, with sweet and sour notes coming from the fish sauce and lime juice. The different textures of the noodles, meats, and herbs create a unique and flavorful experience.


What is Bun Bo Hue vs Pho?

Bun Bo Hue and Pho are both Vietnamese noodle soups. The main difference between the two is the type of noodles used. Bun Bo Hue is made with thick, round rice vermicelli noodles, while Pho is made with flat or ribbon-like rice noodle. Bun Bo Hue also features a spicier soup compared to Pho which has a lighter, milder broth. Bun Bo Hue includes pork blood and lemongrass for added flavor, while Pho does not.


What is the meaning of Bun Bo Hue?

Bun Bo Hue is a type of Vietnamese soup. The name translates to "Hue beef noodle soup" and it is made with thick rice noodles in an intensely flavored broth, often with beef shank and pork blood cubes, as well as herbs and spices. It is popular throughout Vietnam and is considered the region's signature dish.


Types of Bun bo Hue

If you’re looking for a colorful, zesty dish that's big on flavor, look no further than Bun Bo Hue. This exotic Vietnamese soup packs all the complexity of a character-driven novel with an intriguing balance of tastes, textures and spices.

A classic one-pot meal, Bun Bo Hue consists of a highly-seasoned beef broth boiled with lemongrass, shrimp paste and chili peppers. Slivers of pork, beef, ham hocks and congealed pig’s blood are then added along with chunks of fish cake, deep-fried tofu and a melange of vegetables like cabbage and carrots. The signature soup is then served with a medley of herbs, fresh bean sprouts and a wedge of lime.

While variations exist, the two main categories of Bun Bo Hue fall into either the central or northern style. Central-style is heavily influenced by French culinary traditions and often includes ingredients such as tomato paste and pork bone marrow, resulting in a richer, slightly sweeter flavor. Northern-style is more piquant with a stronger lemongrass flavor and a spicier kick from fermented shrimp paste.

No matter which style you prefer, Bun Bo Hue is sure to satiate your taste buds. Those looking for a lighter version can opt for the dry-style rendition, where the soup is served without broth and enjoyed as more of a noodle salad. The more traditional version of this hearty soup is a fan favorite among adventurous eaters and can often be found at street vendors, specialty restaurants, and even food courts.

So the next time you’re looking to explore Vietnamese cuisine, make sure to give Bun Bo Hue a try – your taste buds will be sure to thank you!