Bún Bò Huế (Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup)

Vegetarian central Vietnamese hot and spicy soup with a pair of chop sticks, Bun Bo Hue chay

Bún bò Huế, a vibrant Vietnamese noodle soup, is beloved for its balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors. Though the predominant flavor is lemongrass, the broth gets spicier and more nuanced with every sip, thanks to red pepper powder, fresh chilies, and ground annatto seed, which gives the dish its signature red hue. Needless to say, Bún bò Huế is a must-try dish in Vietnam.

Where Did Bún bò Huế Originate?

The soup originated in Van Cu Village, located near the spectacular ancient Hue city. Hue city was the center of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945), the country’s last royal family. Legend has it that Bún bò Huế existed ever since the first generation of Nguyens ruled Vietnam in the 16th century.

What’s the Difference Between Bún bò Huế and Phở?

Bún bò Huế differs from phở in a few distinct ways. Whereas Bún bò Huế uses pork broth, phở is made with beef or chicken stock. Moreover, Bún bò Huế uses round, thick, vermicelli rice noodles for a more intentional mouthfeel, while phở uses flat rice noodles. In general, the ingredients in Bún bò Huế make it slightly saltier and spicier.

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