Vermicelli noodles, a familiar and close-to-heart dish in Vietnamese cuisine, are not only a daily meal but also a distinctive cultural culinary symbol of the nation. From street food stalls to luxurious restaurants, vermicelli is always on the menu with countless appealing variations. Let’s explore with “Discovery Around The World” the list of the top 20 most delicious vermicelli dishes in Vietnam, where traditional flavors blend with unique creativity, offering an unforgettable culinary experience.
Bun Rieu Cua – Rustic Flavor of the Countryside
Bún riêu cua (Crab Noodle Soup) is one of the most iconic and beloved dishes in Vietnamese cuisine. The broth is rich with the natural sweetness of field crabs, combined with flavorful crab roe, fresh tomatoes, and a hint of distinctive shrimp paste, creating an irresistible taste. Bun rieu cua is usually served with fresh herbs such as perilla, kinh giới (Vietnamese balm), lettuce, bean sprouts, and green banana slices.
To have delicious bun rieu cua, the most important thing is to choose fresh crabs with firm meat and flavorful roe. The broth needs to be simmered thoroughly from bones and crabs to have a natural sweetness.
Bun rieu cua is not only delicious but also nutritious, providing protein, calcium, and essential vitamins for the body.
Bun Bo Hue – Quintessence of Hue Royal Cuisine
Bowl of Bun Bo Hue, Vietnamese Spicy Beef Noodle Soup
Speaking of Hue, one cannot miss Bun Bo Hue (Hue Spicy Beef Noodle Soup), a famous dish that has captivated many diners. Bun bo Hue is famous for its rich, spicy broth, characterized by fermented shrimp paste, lemongrass, and chili. Thick, chewy vermicelli noodles combined with beef shank, pork knuckles, crab patties, and blood cubes create a hearty and appealing bowl of noodles.
The secret to cooking delicious bun bo Hue lies in the preparation of ingredients and seasoning. Fermented shrimp paste must be carefully simmered to remove sediment, and lemongrass and chili are stir-fried to create a distinctive aroma. The broth needs to be simmered from beef and pork bones for many hours to achieve a natural sweetness.
Bun bo Hue is not only a delicious dish but also a cultural symbol of the ancient capital.
Bun Gio Heo – Heartwarming on Rainy Days
Bun gio heo (Pork Knuckle Vermicelli Soup) is a rustic, familiar dish of Vietnamese people. The broth is clear and sweet from pork bones simmered thoroughly, combined with tender and delicious pork knuckles, crispy skin, and flavorful dried bamboo shoots, creating an appealing and heartwarming bowl of noodles.
To have delicious bun gio heo, the most important thing is to choose fresh pork knuckles that are not smelly. Pork knuckles need to be thoroughly boiled, shaved clean, and cut into bite-sized pieces. Dried bamboo shoots need to be soaked and boiled many times to remove toxins.
Bun gio heo is often served with fresh herbs such as lettuce, bean sprouts, fragrant herbs, and a little shrimp paste.
Bun Mam – Bold Flavor of the Mekong Delta
Bowl of Bun Mam, Vietnamese Fermented Fish Noodle Soup
Bun mam (Fermented Fish Noodle Soup) is a famous specialty of the Mekong Delta region, carrying the bold, distinctive flavor of linh fish sauce and sac fish sauce. The broth of bun mam is cooked from fish sauce, combined with shrimp, squid, basa fish, roasted pork, and fresh vegetables, creating a unique and unforgettable taste.
Bun mam is usually served with fresh herbs such as water lilies, water spinach, kèo nèo (rice paddy herb), bitter vegetables, and bean sprouts.
If you have the opportunity to visit the Mekong Delta, don’t forget to enjoy this famous bun mam dish.
Bun Ca Chau Doc – Delicacy in Every Strand of Vermicelli
Bun ca Chau Doc (Chau Doc Fish Noodle Soup) is a specialty of An Giang province, famous for the delicious, rich flavor of snakehead fish and a smooth, golden broth. Snakehead fish is boiled, filleted, and stir-fried with fresh turmeric to create an attractive color and distinctive flavor.
Bun ca Chau Doc is often served with fresh herbs such as điên điển flowers (sesbania sesban flower), water spinach, bean sprouts, and banana flower.
The sweetness of the fish, the aroma of turmeric, and the coolness of fresh herbs blend together to create an irresistible dish.
Bun Oc – Old Hanoi Flavor
Bowl of Bun Oc, Vietnamese Snail Noodle Soup
Bun oc (Snail Noodle Soup) is a typical dish of Hanoi cuisine, famous for the sour and tangy flavor of rice vinegar, the spiciness of chili, and the fragrant aroma of fried shallots. Snails are boiled, extracted, and stir-fried with tomatoes to create an attractive color and rich flavor.
Bun oc is often served with fresh herbs such as perilla, kinh giới, lettuce, and scallions.
On chilly days, enjoying a hot bowl of bun oc is a wonderful experience.
Brown Rice Vermicelli – Healthy Choice for Health
Brown rice vermicelli is a dish made from whole grain brown rice, rich in fiber and vitamins, which is very good for health. Brown rice vermicelli has a delicious, chewy taste and is often combined with fresh vegetables, creating a light and nutritious dish.
Brown rice vermicelli can be processed into many different dishes such as mixed brown rice vermicelli, stir-fried brown rice vermicelli, brown rice vermicelli rolls, and vegetarian brown rice vermicelli soup.
This is a great choice for those who want to eat delicious food while staying in shape.
Bun Ca – Harmony of Countryside Flavors
Bowl of Bun Ca, Vietnamese Fish Noodle Soup
Bun ca (Fish Noodle Soup) is a rustic, familiar dish of Vietnamese people, especially popular in the Mekong Delta provinces. The broth of bun ca is cooked from fish bones and vegetables, with a natural sweetness. Fish is deep-fried until crispy or cooked until tender, served with fresh herbs and fresh vermicelli noodles.
Bun ca has many variations such as bun ca ro dong (field carp fish noodle soup), bun ca loc (snakehead fish noodle soup), bun ca dieu hong (tilapia fish noodle soup).
This is a delicious, nutritious, and easy-to-make dish at home.
Bun Cha Ca – Central Vietnam Specialty
Bun cha ca (Grilled Fish Cake Noodle Soup) is a specialty of the coastal region of Central Vietnam, famous for the delicious, rich flavor of fried fish cakes and a clear, sweet broth. Fish cakes are made from fresh fish, minced and pounded, then deep-fried until golden brown.
Bun cha ca is often served with fresh herbs such as lettuce, bean sprouts, fragrant herbs, and chili fish sauce.
This is a must-try dish when visiting coastal cities in Central Vietnam such as Nha Trang, Da Nang, and Quy Nhon.
Bun Nuoc Leo – Refreshing Mekong Delta Flavor
Bowl of Bun Nuoc Leo, Vietnamese Fish and Seafood Noodle Soup
Bun nuoc leo (Nuoc Leo Noodle Soup) is a specialty of the Mekong Delta region, famous for the refreshing, delicious flavor of the broth cooked from prahok fish sauce, snakehead fish, and vegetables. Bun nuoc leo is often served with shrimp, roasted pork, spring rolls, and fresh herbs such as water lilies, water spinach, and bean sprouts.
This is a delicious, nutritious dish that carries the distinct flavor of the Mekong Delta region.
Bun Moc – Northern Vietnam Culinary Elegance
Bun moc (Pork Ball Noodle Soup) is a traditional dish of Northern Vietnam, famous for the light, delicate flavor of the broth simmered from pork bones and moc (pork paste balls). Moc is made from minced pork shoulder, mixed with wood ear mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, and spices, then rolled into balls and boiled.
Bun moc is often served with pork ribs, dried bamboo shoots, shiitake mushrooms, fragrant herbs, and scallions.
This is a delicious, nutritious dish that is often used in family meals.
Bun Thang – Hanoi Culinary Masterpiece
Bowl of Bun Thang, Hanoi Mixed Chicken Noodle Soup
Bun thang (Thang Noodle Soup) is an elaborate, sophisticated dish of Hanoi cuisine, famous for its meticulous preparation and delicate, unique flavor. The broth of bun thang is simmered from chicken bones and dried shrimp, with a natural sweetness. Accompaniments for bun thang include thinly sliced egg crepe, thinly sliced gio lua (Vietnamese sausage), shredded poached chicken, roasted shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, pickled radish, and rau ram (Vietnamese coriander).
Bun thang is a dish that symbolizes the skill and meticulousness of Hanoians.
Bun Do – Unique Flavor of Buon Ma Thuot
Bun do (Red Noodle Soup) is a specialty of Buon Ma Thuot city, famous for the bright red color of the broth created from cashew seeds and tomatoes. The broth of bun do has a sweet and savory taste and is often served with crab rieu (crab paste), crab patties, quail eggs, crispy pork skin, and fresh herbs.
This is a delicious, nutritious dish that carries the distinct flavor of the Central Highlands.
Bun Sua – Refreshing Flavor of the Sea
Bowl of Bun Sua, Vietnamese Jellyfish Noodle Soup
Bun sua (Jellyfish Noodle Soup) is a specialty of Nha Trang coastal region, famous for the refreshing, crunchy flavor of jellyfish and the broth cooked from mackerel and pork bones. Bun sua is often served with fried fish cakes, mackerel, crispy pork skin, and fresh herbs.
This is a delicious, nutritious dish that is perfect to enjoy on hot summer days.
Vegetarian Stir-fried Vermicelli – Light Choice for Buddhist Days
Vegetarian stir-fried vermicelli is a light, nutritious dish and is very suitable for vegetarians or those who want to detoxify their body. Vegetarian stir-fried vermicelli is made from fresh vermicelli noodles, stir-fried with fresh vegetables such as mushrooms, tofu, carrots, broccoli, and onions.
Bowl of Bun Mang Vit, Vietnamese Duck and Bamboo Shoot Noodle Soup
Vegetarian stir-fried vermicelli has many variations such as mixed vegetarian stir-fried vermicelli, mushroom vegetarian stir-fried vermicelli, and vegetable vegetarian stir-fried vermicelli.
Bun Mang Vit – Perfect Combination
Bun mang vit (Duck and Bamboo Shoot Noodle Soup) is a familiar dish of Southern Vietnamese people, famous for the rich, delicious flavor of the broth cooked from duck bones and dried bamboo shoots. Duck meat is boiled, chopped into bite-sized pieces, and served with fresh vermicelli noodles, dried bamboo shoots, fresh herbs, and ginger fish sauce.
This is a delicious, nutritious dish that is often used in family meals or parties.
Bun Ga – Simple Yet Delicious
Bun ga (Chicken Noodle Soup) is a simple, easy-to-make dish that is both delicious and nutritious. The broth of bun ga is simmered from chicken bones, with a natural sweetness. Chicken meat is boiled, shredded, and served with fresh vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and scallions.
Bun ga has many variations such as boiled chicken noodle soup, shredded chicken noodle soup, and mixed chicken noodle soup.
Bun Suon Chua – Arouse Your Taste Buds
Bowl of Bun Suon Chua, Vietnamese Sour Rib Noodle Soup
Bun suon chua (Sour Rib Noodle Soup) is an appealing dish that awakens the taste buds with the rich sweet and sour flavor of the broth cooked from pork ribs, tomatoes, and pineapple. Pork ribs are simmered until tender, infused with spices, and served with fresh vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and scallions.
This is a delicious, nutritious dish that is perfect to enjoy on chilly days.
Bun Tom – Fresh Seafood Flavor
Bun tom (Shrimp Noodle Soup) is a delicious, nutritious dish that is very easy to make at home. The broth of bun tom is cooked from fresh shrimp, with a natural sweetness. Shrimp is boiled or pan-fried until slightly charred and served with fresh vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and scallions.
This is an ideal dish for seafood lovers.
Bun Doc Mung – Unforgettable Unique Flavor
Bowl of Bun Doc Mung, Vietnamese Taro Stem Noodle Soup
Bun doc mung (Taro Stem Noodle Soup) is a specialty of Northern Vietnam, famous for the refreshing, unique flavor of doc mung (taro stem). Doc mung is carefully processed to remove toxins and itchiness, then boiled and served with fresh vermicelli noodles, pork ribs, cha la lot (betel leaf sausage), and fresh herbs.
This is a delicious, nutritious dish that carries the distinct flavor of the Northern countryside.
With the list of the top 20 most delicious vermicelli dishes in Vietnam, “Discovery Around The World” hopes you will have more suggestions to explore and experience Vietnamese cuisine. Let’s enjoy and spread the unique culinary cultural values of our nation!