The secret of the best bun cha restaurants in Hanoi

Although the exact origins of bun cha remain unclear, many say that a chef in Hanoi in the late 19th or early 20th century created bun cha, a grilled pork dish served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs and a sweet and sour fish sauce that has long captivated the palates of many.

A classic bowl of bun cha consists of three components - a bowl of smoky grilled pork belly and/or tender minced pork smothered in a mildly sour sauce; a plate of soft rice noodles; and a basket of fresh herbs such as lettuce, perilla leaves, and coriander.

A portion of Hanoi vermicelli with grilled pork

PHOTO: MICHELIN GUIDE

Once cooked over charcoal, bun cha continues to be a beloved lunchtime staple in Hanoi, its enticing aroma attracting diners from all walks of life. Reflecting the city’s culinary sensibilities, the bun cha dish also adapts to the seasons – the broth is served chilled in summer to provide a refreshing contrast to the smoked pork, and gently heated in winter, infusing each bite with a pleasant warmth.

Bun cha gained international recognition in 2016 when former US President Barack Obama and the late superstar chef Anthony Bourdain shared a simple dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien. The encounter, chronicled in Bourdain’s Parts Unknown, propelled the dish into the global spotlight, inspiring food lovers to seek out the authentic flavors of Hanoi.

What makes bun cha special?

At the heart of Bun Cha are two types of grilled pork: sliced ​​pork belly and minced meatballs. Both are meticulously marinated and grilled over charcoal until golden brown. The pork belly remains tender with a natural sweetness, while the meatballs are succulent, seasoned, and grilled to perfection.

Iconic moment of Hanoi cuisine, super chef Anthony Bourdain and Mr. Barack Obama drinking beer and enjoying bun cha together at Bun cha Huong Lien

PHOTO: CNN

According to Ms. Pham Thu Hoai, owner of Bun Cha Ta (Nguyen Huu Huan Street), who received the Bib Gourmand award in the Michelin Guide Vietnam 2024, precision is key. "The minced pork must be made from pork belly to ensure the balance between lean meat and fat, creating a succulent texture. The charcoal must be at the perfect temperature to grill the meat evenly while still retaining the moisture of the meat."

However, some believe the secret lies in the dipping sauce. Nguyen Xuan Thanh, owner of the Bib Gourmand-winning Bun Cha Chan, is convinced that the dipping sauce is the soul of the dish. "This golden broth, a blend of fish sauce, sugar, water and vinegar, brings all the ingredients together with the perfect balance of sweet, sour... Many diners even take a sip straight from the bowl."

Foreign chefs are also captivated by bun cha. Chris Fong, the Singaporean founder of Michelin-starred restaurant Oryz, was so captivated by the dish's flavour that he even added it to his restaurant's Vietnamese menu. "The magic of bun cha comes from the charred texture of the grilled pork, which soaks into the fish sauce. Hanoi chefs grill the pork very carefully, allowing the smoky depth to add flavour to every bite."

PHOTO: MICHELIN GUIDE

Where to find bun cha in Hanoi?

Bun Cha Chan

Listed in Bib Gourmand, Michelin Guide Vietnam 2024

Specializing in two variations: “bun cha cham” (dipping style) and “bun cha chan” (soup style), the restaurant offers a unique take on the Hanoi classic, attracting locals and visitors alike. “Bun cha chan” is a heartier alternative to the original, with vermicelli noodles and grilled pork smothered in a fragrant, piping hot bone broth. The broth, enriched with the essence of grilled meat, carries a slight smokiness that adds depth to each spoonful, bringing a pleasing flavor to this Hanoi favorite.

Bun Cha Ta (Nguyen Huu Huan Street)

Listed in Bib Gourmand, Michelin Guide Vietnam 2024.

For over 30 years, Bun Cha Ta has been a favorite destination for authentic Hanoi bun cha. The classic bun cha features tender smoky grilled pork, marinated meatballs, fluffy rice noodles, hand-picked fresh herbs and a delicately balanced sweet and sour dipping sauce.

PHOTO: MICHELIN GUIDE

Huong Lien vermicelli with grilled pork

Michelin Guide Vietnam 2024 introduction.

This family-run eatery in Hanoi's Old Quarter is known as "Bun Cha Obama," where Barack Obama and superstar chef Anthony Bourdain shared their iconic $6 meal. The restaurant offers the Obama Combo - a set meal consisting of a portion of crab spring rolls, a bowl of signature bun cha, and a glass of Hanoi beer.

Dac Kim vermicelli with grilled pork

In the Bib Gourmand list, Michelin Guide Vietnam 2024.

What sets the restaurant apart is the meticulous selection of meat. The pork shoulder is marinated, thinly sliced ​​and grilled over charcoal, while the meatballs – made from a balanced combination of lean and fatty pork belly – are marinated overnight for a rich flavour. The dish is complemented perfectly with sweet chilli fish sauce and thinly sliced ​​pickled green mango, adding flavour to every bite.

PHOTO: MICHELIN GUIDE

Snow Bun Cha 34

Bib Gourmand List, Michelin Guide Vietnam 2024.

Open from 11am to 3pm, the eatery is always packed with customers, seating all six tables and even spilling out onto the sidewalk, enjoying bun cha on plastic stools. The dish features smoky charcoal-grilled pork and a light dipping sauce, allowing diners to customize with garlic, chili and spices. The highlight here is the unique grilled pork marinated with mustard flowers, adding a fragrant twist to the classic flavor.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bi-quyet-cua-nhung-quan-bun-cha-ngon-nhat-ha-noi-185250428024740009.htm