Beef DishComfort FoodNoodle Soup

    Hue Spicy Beef Noodle Soup

    Bún Bò Huế

    4.840,000-80,000 VNDCommonly eaten all day in Hanoi, though it is especially satisfying for breakfast or lunch
    Overview

    Hue-style spicy beef noodle soup

    A central Vietnamese noodle soup with a fragrant lemongrass broth, rice vermicelli, beef, pork, and chili oil, usually topped with herbs, lime, and bean sprouts.
    Gallery

    Photos

    What's in it

    • Rice vermicelli
    • Beef broth
    • Beef shank or brisket
    • Pork knuckle
    • Lemongrass
    • Shrimp paste
    • Chili oil
    • Herbs
    • Lime
    When to eat

    Best moments to enjoy it

    BreakfastLunchDinner

    Commonly eaten all day in Hanoi, though it is especially satisfying for breakfast or lunch

    The story

    Origin & history

    Bún bò Huế comes from Huế, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, and is known for its bold, spicy broth and layered flavors. In Hanoi, it is commonly served as a regional specialty alongside the city’s more delicate northern noodle soups.

    At the stall

    How to order & pay

    Ordering

    For a solo meal, ask for a small bowl if available, or say 'ít bún' for less noodles and 'không cay' if you want it mild. If you want the classic version, ask for 'bún bò Huế đầy đủ'.

    Paying

    Cash is still the safest option at small noodle shops, so carry small bills like 20,000-100,000 VND. Many casual places now accept QR or bank transfer, but do not assume card payment is available.

    Good to know

    Allergens, nutrition & health

    Allergens

    Contains beef, pork, shrimp paste, and fish sauce; may contain shellfish and soy-based condiments

    Nutrition & benefits

    Provides protein, broth-based hydration, and herbs that add freshness and micronutrients

    Health notes

    The broth can be quite spicy and salty, so go easy on chili oil if you have a sensitive stomach. If you avoid shellfish, ask whether the broth contains shrimp paste before ordering.

    How to eat it

    Add lime, herbs, and bean sprouts to taste, then stir gently. Use chopsticks for the noodles and a spoon for the broth. If the bowl is large, eat the noodles first while the broth stays hot.

    Where to eat it

    Best spots in Hanoi

    • Bún Bò Huế Cô Ly

      4.1

      20 P. Quán Sứ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

      Hours
      6 AM–8 PM
      View on map

    • Bún Bò Huế Ngự Uyển

      4.8

      101C4 P. Lương Định Của, Đông Tác, Kim Liên, Hà Nội, Vietnam

      Hours
      6 AM–10:30 PM
      View on map

    • Bún Bò Huế O Hà

      4.3

      86 Đ. Võ Chí Công, Nghĩa Đô, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam

      Hours
      5:30 AM–10 PM
      View on map

    • Bún Bò Huế 86

      2.8

      3P3M+8G6, Đ. Cầu Diễn, Nhổn, Xuân Phương, Hà Nội, Vietnam

      Hours
      6 AM - 9 PM
      View on map
    From the Journal

    Stories about Hanoi