Bun Cha is becoming more and more popular around the world (except America I guess). In Seoul, you have to wait an hour to eat it at Bun Cha Ra Boon. Obama said it’s a killer. Can’t we call it a phenomenon?
Bun Cha Is a Grilled Pork with Vermicelli Noodle that Comes with a Dipping Sauce
BTW, what the hell is Bun Cha? It is Vietnamese dish with grilled pork and vermicelli noodles and a dipping sauce. You can read more about it right here if you want to know more about what Bun Cha is.
Now, we all know what bun cha is and why it’s so special. So, before you struggle to find the best one that serves bun cha, let me list all the top Bun Ch Restaurants below.
Top 5 Bun Cha Restaurants in Vietnam (Hanoi + Ho Chi Minh City)
Huong Lien (Hanoi)
Huong Lien became popular among expats and tourists after Obama and Anthony Bourdain stopped by to have their first Bun Cha. It is where Obama says “it is an excellent dish.”
You will see pictures of Obama everywhere in the restaurant. Because of it’s popularity, they opened a second branch near financial district. Just because Obama went doesn’t mean it will be a fancy restaurant. It only cost 30,000 VDN (1.5 dollars) to have one meal here.
There is no fancy interior or air conditioners, and they only serve bun cha and spring rolls.
Addy: 24 Lê Văn Hưu, Phạm Đình Hồ, Hai Bà Trưng, Hà Nội
RELATED: THESE ARE THE TIPS I WISHED I HAVE KNOWN BEFORE GOING TO VIETNAM
Marvel Restaurant (Hanoi)
Marvel Restaurant is a Vietnamese restaurant on the roof of marvel hotel. Most of the bun chas’ on the street is excellent. But I am including Marvel restaurant because the portion is huge and nicely presented. It comes in a hot stone, so the grilled pork doesn’t get cold. The restaurant is fully air-conditioned and has a nice view(?) of the city. You can also have your glass of wine here. It cost around 100,000 VDN (4 dollars) for a Bun Cha.
Addy: No.55 Đường Thành street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Do Nuong Trung Hoa (Hanoi)
This is a street food restaurant. It is totally open and has that local vibe. Personally, it was one of the best bun cha I had in Ha Noi. The lady gave me extra meat for free as well (May be that is why i’m biased).
At night, there will be no seats. They are also known for the BBQ as well.
Addy: SHàng Bông, 69 Hàng Bông, SHàng Bông, Hà Nội
Bun Cha 145 (Ho Chi Minh City)
Are you only going to Saigon, but still want to try Bun Cha? Where should you be going for Bun Cha in Ho Chi Minh City. Bun Cha 145 is probably the only good Bun Cha restaurant in HCMC (Saigon).
We have tried few others in Ho Chi Minh City, but none of them were as good as Bun Cha 145. Bun Cha 145 is in the backpacker’s district in Saigon district 1. If you are looking for pho in HCMC check out my blog post here. Or if you are looking for the best restaurants other than pho click here!
It has less then 10 seats and sometimes you have to wait on line. Also, they will just close when they are out of stock, so don’t go too late. It also doesn’t have an air-conditioner, but has a cute deco in the restaurant.
Addy: 145 Bùi Viện, Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh
Bun Cha Back Mei (HANOI)
This is place where you need to plan to go. They only open from 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM. But the reason you should try it is that the Cha (grilled pork) appears on a bamboo stick.The cha is perfectly grilled and the aroma is going to make you hungry after one dish. It costs 40,000 VDN (2 dollars).
Addy: Lane 213 Bach Mei Street, Hai Ba Trung District, HANOI
Pretty Much Any Street Vendors
Yes, I don’t think I had any bad bun cha on a street vendor. Just walk around find a place that looks busy with the locals. You can’t go wrong from there.
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