Bun Rieu – A special dish of Hanoi: Tours & Food

Crab paste vermicelli soup, or “bun rieu” as it is known in Vietnamese, is a gift from the countryside that entices diners with its rustic but delicious flavor in the middle of the bustling city. More than just a meal, crab paste vermicelli soup is a delectable variation of Vietnamese cuisine deeply rooted in rural life and culture.

Bun Rieu

The origin of “bun rieu”

“Bun rieu" is a Northern countryside meal that originated in the Red River Delta, particularly in Hanoi. It has strong flavors. Historical accounts state that “bun rieu" first occurred in connection with the lives of laborers beside rivers sometime in the eighteenth century. Originating from basic, readily available ingredients such as copper crab, tomato, batch, herbs, etc., “Bun rieu" progressively gained popularity due to its delectable and dreamy flavor. This dish is now a staple of Vietnamese cuisine, having garnered immense popularity across the nation. In addition to its distinct flavor, “bun rieu" draws customers in with its variety of processing methods. Every location cooks “bun rieu" in a different way, giving it its own distinct flavors. However, regardless of the variation, “bun rieu" still retains its traditional flavor, imbued with Vietnamese culinary culture. 

When it comes to the name’s origin, “bun rieu" is split into two parts: “bun" is a rice-based item. “Rieu" is a word with multiple meanings. Crab bricks and meat are referred to as “rieu" when they are steamed or fried until golden and flavorful, then chopped into bite-sized pieces. Another way to think of “rieu" is as a soup made with chicken, pork bones, shrimp paste, or copper crab. Typically, crab crab broth is fatty, thick, and sweet. Furthermore, it’s possible that the term “rieu" originated from the word “lieu," which describes tiny crabs. Consequently, “bun rieu" can be understood as a meal of noodles made with a little crab.

What is attractive in a bowl of “bun rieu”? 

“Bun rieu" entices guests with its harmonious blend of taste, color, and nutritional content. The orange-red hue of tomatoes, the pale white of vermicelli, the bright green of raw vegetables, and the golden color of crab moss will immediately impress you. The sweet broth made from pork or chicken bones complements the sour taste of tomatoes, the rich flavor of shrimp paste, and the oily flavor of crab moss, as well as the freshness of raw vegetables. Each component appears basic, yet it all contributes to the unique flavor of “bun rieu". 

Popular addresses to savor “bun rieu” in Hanoi

Co Dao Bun Rieu is well-known in Long Bien Market, particularly the “bun rieu" with beef tendons. The broth here is incredibly fragrant and sweet; you can even modify the spices on the table to your liking. The crab paste ingredients are soft and fragrant, and they are served with a basket of finely chopped raw veggies to taste. 

Co Dao Bun Rieu

Address: No.189, Hong Ha Street, Phuc Xa Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Huyen Thu Bun Rieu

The most notable features of Huyen Thu diner are its cleanliness, spaciousness, airiness, and abundance of seating. Huyen Thu Bun Rieu, with its 30 years of experience making “bun rieu", has also become a popular place for individuals who enjoy this delicacy. When you visit Huyen Thu Bun Rieu, you will have a bowl of “bun rieu" with a slight sweet and sour broth. If you add a little shrimp paste, it will be really rich and pungent. Although the price of a bowl of “bun rieu" here is slightly higher than the normal level, the service is well worth the money. 

Huyen Thu Bun Rieu

Address: No.2F, Quang Trung Street, Tran Hung Dao Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Be Be Bun Rieu (Peacock Mantis Shrimp “bun rieu”)

When you visit the “bun rieu" with peacock mantis in Tay Ho, you will be served by a diligent proprietor, and it also has cool air conditioning to avoid heat from outside. This diner’s “bun rieu" dish consists of slight sweet and sour broth, peacock mantis shrimp, cartilage rolls, beef, and fried tofu, in addition to delicious fried dough sticks.

Address: No.608, Lac Long Quan Street, Tay Ho Ward, Tay Ho District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Tien Huan Peacock Mantis Shrimp Bun Rieu

Tien Huan Peacock Mantis Shrimp Bun Rieu serves up fresh bowls of “bun rieu" packed with rich ingredients like crab paste, squid, peacock mantis shrimp, fish, etc,. Although the inside space is small, it provides a homey atmosphere, and you will be served your favorite dish swiftly, along with a complimentary glass of iced tea.

Tien Huan Peacock Mantis Shrimp Bun Rieu

Address: No.A19, Lane 66, Dich Vong Hau Street, Dich Vong Hau Ward, Cau Giay District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Co Hoa Bun Rieu

“Bun rieu" at this address has numerous toppings to select from, such as fat, fried beans, rolled rare beef shank, pork cartilage, peacock mantis, brawn, duck eggs, ribs, etc., all skillfully made with a tempting harmonious flavor, providing you with an unforgettable culinary experience. 

Co Hoa Bun Rieu

Address: No.110 B1, Hoang Tich Tri Street, Kim Lien Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi, Vietnam 

Nga Bun Rieu

Nga Bun Rieu in Hai Ba Trung District is a crowded diner, even late at night, because of its rich “bun rieu" bowls, fresh veggies, and generous toppings such as beef patties, beef, duck eggs, tofu, etc. Furthermore, the business provides amenities such as parking and air conditioning, allowing you to enjoy cuisine with peace of mind and comfort.

Nga Bun Rieu

Address: Dinh Dai Lane, Cau Den Ward, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Bun Rieu 54 Bach Mai is open from 1:00 AM to 7:00 AM, accommodating customers who wish to eat late at night or early in the morning. This diner’s dish of “bun rieu" features white and thick vermicelli that contrast with the exquisite and sweet broth. The broth combines with the rich flavor of crab paste and the aromatic perfume of shrimp paste (if desired). Fried tofu is crispy on the outside, soft and smooth on the inside, and has a sweet flavor, making it the ideal combo for the dish. 

Address: No.54, Bach Mai Street, Cau Den Ward, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi, Vietnam 

Thu Ha Bun Rieu

This is the place to go if you want excellent, high-quality meals at a reasonable price. Heirloom cooking secrets at the restaurant provide a distinct, unforgettable flavor from the first bite. The shrimp paste is well combined, and the odor isn’t too overwhelming. With a little shrimp paste, lemon, chile, and raw vegetables, you’ll have a delightful bowl of “bun rieu" that you’ll never forget. 

Address: No.627, Truong Dinh Street, Thinh Liet Ward, Hoang Mai District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Truong Sa Bun Rieu

When we talk about Truong Sa Bun Rieu in Thanh Xuan District, we think of tasty and appealing bowls of “bun rieu" with fish. The diner employs energetic, nimble service staff as well as a cheery proprietor. In addition to “bun rieu," you can enjoy some more rustic cuisine at this establishment.

Truong Sa Bun Rieu

Address: No.218, Nguyen Ngoc Nai Street, Khuong Mai Ward, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Ba Nga Bun Rieu

“Bun rieu" at Ba Nga Diner is appealing due to the abundance of toppings, particularly the good-quality patties that are free of flour and thickly cut. The shrimp paste is well combined and not overpowering. The broth is rich, so all you need to do is add a little shrimp paste, lemon, and chili to make the bowl of “bun rieu" look and taste even better. 

Ba Kieu Bun Rieu

Address: No.8, Mai Chi Tho Street, Giang Bien Ward, Long Bien District, Hanoi, Vietnam 

Hoang Quoc Viet Bun Rieu

When you eat “bun rieu" here, you’ll be impressed by the clear soup and lack of mononatri glutamat flavor. In addition, the side dishes are diverse, including tofu, beef, blood, and so on. Although the price of each bowl of “bun rieu" here is not too expensive, the topping is very filling and provides a complete meal.

Hoang Quoc Viet Bun Rieu

Address: No.1, Lane 106, Hoang Quoc Viet Street, Co Nhue Ward, Bac Tu Liem District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Tran Huu Duc Bun Rieu

This is an excellent choice for individuals who enjoy “bun rieu" in the Nam Tu Liem region. This diner sells “bun rieu" at an inexpensive price, delighting guests with its color, toppings, and flavor, providing you with a nutritious country culinary experience.

Tran Huu Duc Bun Rieu

Address: Kios 7, Don Nguyen 2 CT5 Apartment, Urban Area 2 Tran Huu Duc Street, My Dinh 2 Ward, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi, Vietnam 

Ba Kieu Bun Rieu

Located in Xa La, Hanoi, Ba Kieu Bun Rieu entices guests with its delectable, creamy “bun rieu" flavor. The sweet broth made from simmering bones combines with the sour taste of tomatoes, the rich flavor of shrimp, and the oily taste of crab paste. Fresh raw vegetables served with “bun rieu" help balance the flavors. The diner boasts a large, open room and inexpensive prices, making it ideal for family meals or gatherings with friends. 

Address: 

No.349 Lacasta, Van Phu Street, Phu Dong Ward, Ha Dong District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Kios 10, CT2A Building, Xa La Urban Area, Phuc La Ward, Ha Dong District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Summary

“Bun rieu" emerges as a simple component in Vietnam’s varied culinary landscape. This dish is popular among both youngsters and adults. You may simply prepare “bun rieu" at home or eat it at a popular roadside restaurant to experience the rustic yet rich gift of the Vietnamese countryside.

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