The city of Hanoi is famous for its rich history, french colonial architecture and the crazy traffic, that shocks everyone in the first 5 minutes after arrival.
Am I right?
Let’s kick off the food part of this site with some things we tried out and can definitely recommend.
Because if there’s one thing that leaves a lasting impression on those who visit, it’s Hanoi’s rich food culture. Nestled amidst Hanoi’s busy streets, there’s an lot of culinary delights to find, that will tantalize your taste buds. Among them, one dish stands out for its unique combination of flavors and its deep cultural significance – the Bun Cha (or correctly Bún chả in Vietnamese).
What is Bun Cha?
The traditional north Vietnamese dish Bun Cha is a real symphony of flavors and textures. It is an ensemble of grilled pork, rice vermicelli (bún), and a medley of fresh herbs, served with a side of tangy, sweet, and sour sauce (there’s always fish sauce as a part of that, but you know that already, don’t you?). The name ‘Bun Cha’ translates to ‘grilled pork with rice vermicelli,’ reflecting the simplicity of this classic dish.
In general there are two main ways you can get your grilled pork done – it’s either small pieces of fatty cut grilled pork or it’s tiny little meat balls or better squished meat balls like the german Frikadelle. Or you can get your bún (the noodles) with both types at once. It doesn’t matter which version you will get, the meat will always be the “chả” part of the name.
I really like the combination of both. Yummy.
The rice vermicelli (bún) tend to be different in the north and in the south of Vietnam. In the north you get really really thin ones. Those I like more, but there is nothing wrong with the bún, if you get those a little bit thicker. Not as thick as spagetti, but close. That thicker variant is served mostly in the middle of Vietnam or in the south in dishes like Bun Rieu or Bun Bo Hue.
Some History of Bun Cha
The roots of Bun Cha can are thought to be in Hanoi, where it is believed to have originated. It is a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of the Vietnamese people, who, despite the limitations of ingredients and resources, managed to create a dish that is satisfying and delicious. Despite it’s probable origin in Hanoi, you may find it to be available and really popular all around the northern part of Vietnam.
The Art of Making Bun Cha
The preparation of Bun Cha begins with the marination of the pork. The meat is typically marinated in a mixture of fish sauce, sugar, black pepper, and minced garlic. It is then grilled over charcoal to perfection, resulting in a slightly charred and incredibly flavorful piece of pork.
The noodles, on the other hand, are served cold, providing a delightful contrast to the hot, grilled meat. They are soft, yet firm, acting as a blank canvas that absorbs the flavors of the meat, sauce and the herbs you get together with them.
The magic of Bun Cha, however, lies in the dipping sauce. This sauce, known as ‘Nuoc Cham’, is a unique blend of fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, and water, balanced perfectly to create a harmony of sweet, sour, and salty flavors. Each vendor swears his sauce is the best, but often gives you some extra limes and garlic to adapt it to your liking. This sauce, along with fresh herbs like mint, basil, and cilantro, completes the whole Bun Cha experience.
How to eat Bun Cha?
Bun Cha is one of those dishes, you can share and eat together with your friends of family, while having a nice little chat. It won’t surprise you, that chopstics and a spoon is involved and will always be somewhere around on your table.
The meat is served separately from the noodles and herbs, with the former often already immersed in the dipping sauce. In general savoring this dish involves using your chopsticks to pick up some of the noodles (not always easy as the tend to stick, but don’t give up!), dipping them into the sauce, and combining them with the meat and herbs before eating. Alternatively, one may opt to place noodles, lettuce, and herbs in a serving bowl, ladle the sauce and meatballs over them, and then consume.
Where to have a good Bún chả in Hanoi?
There is not much you can do wrong with just going to a well visited Bun Cha place you find in any of the bustling streets of the old town and simply order it.
Bun Cha Nem Cu Be
47C Mai Hac De, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
The first I tried in a place, where I was the only non local. I did not understand, how to order, they did only understand I wanted the food they prepared on a grill in front the entrance and sent me to floor above. After a few seconds waiting, I got an amazing dish and recommendation do squeze a lime into the dipping sauce to make it even better. How did they recommend that? Easy: pantomime. And it worked. Open from 9:20 till 15:00, it’s not a place you go too late.
Bun Cha Chien Loan, 25 Gia Ngu Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
One very traditional place where you will definitely get the little juicy meatballs. Not far away from Hoan Kiem. Check the opening times on Google maps. Tha last time we visited, it was open only from 10:00-17:00. But things change so quickly in this city, it could be even just 10:00 to 14:00.
Quan An Ngon, 218 Phan Boi Chau, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
This if far from a local restaurant visited by locals only, but if you want to try as many vietnamese dishes in one evening as you can and if you want to be sure the quality is a given, go in here. If even the Czech prime minister was sent there to try out some real vietnamese cuisine, it could hint, that you won’t be disappointed.
I will add more places I tried and loved here, if you want to be really sure, you will get what you ordered.
In conclusion…
Whether you’re a food enthusiast on a culinary journey, or just someone who enjoys a good meal, Bun Cha is a dish that you should not miss. It’s a taste of Hanoi that you can savor, and an experience that will leave you longing for more. So the next time you find yourself in Hanoi, make sure to try the city’s Bun Cha. It’s a culinary experience that will stay with you long after you’ve left the bustling streets of this vibrant city.
