You might be familiar with pho when it comes to Vietnamese noodle dishes, but bun bo Hue offers a distinct and exciting twist. This rich, aromatic beef noodle soup from the historic city of Hue is celebrated for its bold flavours. It features tender beef, pork, and noodles in a spicy, savoury broth, enhanced with lemongrass, shrimp paste, and chilli. The dish presents a perfect balance of spicy, sour, and umami tastes, topped with fresh herbs and lime.
In the MICHELIN Guide Vietnam 2024, only two restaurants are highlighted for their exceptional bun bo Hue. Dive into this flavourful culinary experience and discover why it’s a must-try at the recently added Bib Gourmand spot in the MICHELIN Guide.
Bún Bò Huế 14B is situated in District 4 in Ho Chi Minh City. (© Mervin Lee/ MICHELIN Guide Vietnam)
Two friends, one dream
Founded by two college friends, Nguyễn Hoàng Vũ and Nguyễn Thái Châu, driven by their mutual love for bun bo Hue (Hue-style beef noodle soup) from their university days, the rich aroma of the broth, the fiery hit of chilli, and the perfect harmony of flavours captured their hearts so deeply that they decided to open a bun bo Hue joint together.Embracing Saigon’s vibrant startup spirit, these two mates dove into the culinary scene, setting up shop to bring a taste of Vũ's mum’s hometown, Hue, to the heart of Saigon. Armed with family recipes and local know-how, they perfected a Hue beef noodle soup that strikes a chord with Saigon's diners, no matter where in Vietnam they hail from. In June 2018, Bún Bò Huế 14B proudly opened its doors at 14B Street 46, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City.
The secret to bun bo Hue delicacy is in the broth. (© Mervin Lee/ MICHELIN Guide Vietnam)
In search of the perfect broth
If Vietnam's national dish, pho, is akin to a traditional Vietnamese lady, exuding delicate and sophisticated flavours, then bun bo Hue can be compared to a modern girl, bursting with surprises and bold flavours that excite the palate.For months, Vũ and Châu experimented with various recipes, debating whether to stick with the authentic taste of Hue-style beef noodle soup or tweak it to suit the Saigonese palate, which leans towards richer and sweeter flavours. Eventually, they perfected their recipe for Bún Bò Huế 14B, achieving a perfect balance with a moderately spicy broth and a uniquely delectable taste.
According to Vũ, the secret to their signature bowl is the unique fish sauce flavour infused in the broth. Carefully selected, the fish sauce adds a rich aroma without being overly salty, blending perfectly with ingredients like lemongrass and pineapple. Lemongrass brings a balancing aroma, while pineapple imparts a distinctive sweetness. The broth is simmered for hours with beef bones, meticulously seasoned and adjusted to perfection.
What sets Bún Bò Huế 14B’s beef noodle bowl apart is the impressive variety and quality of its toppings. (© Mervin Lee/ MICHELIN Guide Vietnam)
What to order?
The standout feature of Bún Bò Huế 14B’s beef noodle bowl is the variety and quality of its toppings. Fresh beef is tenderly stewed, offering a sweet, natural flavour. Diners can customise their bowls with an array of toppings, including beef balls, tendons, pork trotters, fish fillets, and beef patties.A highlight is the flavourful Hue-style pork patties, made from an original recipe from Hue. For an extra kick, diners can enhance their bowls with the stall’s homemade chilli satay, bringing them closer to an authentic Hue experience.
This stall specialises in noodle soup topped with sliced beef, beef tendon, and fish fillet. (© Mervin Lee/ MICHELIN Guide Vietnam)
From online to offline
With hundreds of orders dispatched daily, Bún Bò Huế 14B has established itself as a rising star in the online food delivery scene. However, enjoying a bowl at their stall requires a touch of luck.Their space is cosy, with only a few tables inside and on the sidewalk, accommodating about ten diners at a time. Vũ notes that most patrons are locals, but with their newfound recognition on the Bib Gourmand list, they are considering expanding their dining area.
A harmonious blend of traditional flavours and contemporary culinary style, a bowl of Bún Bò Huế 14B evokes nostalgia with its rich, spicy broth and an array of unique toppings. Despite the excellent quality, prices remain affordable, with bowls ranging from 45,000 VND to a special portion for 60,000 VND—great value for a delicious bowl of bun bo Hue in the heart of Saigon.
Illustration image: © Mervin Lee/ MICHELIN Guide Vietnam
