Bun Bo Hue: One of the Best Soups in Vietnam

Bun bo hue is widely considered one of the best soups in Vietnam. Hailing from the central city of Huế, bun bo hue (#bunbohue, #vietnamesefood) is a beef noodle soup that showcases the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. Its complex broth is crafted from an assortment of aromatic ingredients like lemongrass, shrimp paste, pineapple, and fresh herbs.

A Richly Flavored Broth

At the heart of any good bun bo hue is the broth. Traditionally, it's made by simmering pork bones, beef, and shrimp paste over low heat for hours. This long simmering process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. The end result is an intensely savory yet nuanced broth with hints of seafood. Lemongrass, garlic, and shallots are often added during the last stage of cooking to impart a refreshing herbal aroma.

A Balance of Spices and Fresh Toppings

While the broth lays the flavor foundation, it's the accompanying toppings that make bun bo hue such a well-rounded meal. Rice noodles and thin slices of raw beef are commonly served in each bowl for texture and protein. But bun bo hue is also all about balance - a sprinkle of fresh herbs like Thai basil and water spinach pair perfectly with the rich broth. Tart lime juice and spicy pickled vegetables like carrots and daikon radish provide welcome bursts of acidity and heat.

A Bowl of Comfort in Hue

No trip to Hue is complete without trying bun bo hue at a local restaurant. The dish is deeply ingrained in Huế's cuisine and culture. Walk into any busy bun bo hue shop and you'll find residents and visitors alike enjoying large steaming bowls of the iconic soup. It's easy to see why bun bo hue has such a dedicated following - with a complex yet harmonious blend of textures and flavors, each sip is comforting, satisfying and uniquely Vietnamese.

FAQs

What is the main ingredient in bun bo hue broth?

The bun bo hue broth is crafted from pork bones, beef, lemongrass, garlic, shallots and fermented shrimp paste.

What toppings are commonly served with bun bo hue?

Typical toppings include rice noodles, raw beef slices, herbs like Thai basil and water spinach, pickled vegetables, and fresh lime juice.

Where did bun bo hue originate from?

Bun bo hue hails from the city of Huế in central Vietnam. It's considered one of the iconic dishes of Huế cuisine.

Is bun bo hue spicy?

The bun bo hue broth itself is generally not too spicy. However, pickled carrots and daikon radish served on the side can add heat to each bowl.

How much does bun bo hue typically cost in Vietnam?

In Hue, an average bowl of bun bo hue will set you back around 60,000 VND, or approximately $2.50 USD.