Dish

Bún chả

Grilled Pork with Noodles

Bún chả is made by marinating pork in a mixture of fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and lemongrass. The pork is then grilled until it is tender and juicy. The dish is served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, and chili peppers. Bún chả is a popular street food in Vietnam and is often sold by vendors on the side of the road.

Asian cuisine› Southeast Asian cuisine› Vietnamese cuisine

Meat Dish› Pork Dish

Origins and history

Bún chả is a traditional Vietnamese dish that has been around for centuries. It is believed to have originated in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. The dish is now popular throughout the country and is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

Dietary considerations

Bún chả is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans as it contains pork. It is also not suitable for those who are allergic to fish sauce or chili peppers.

Variations

There are many variations of bún chả, including those that use different types of meat such as chicken or beef. Some variations also use different dipping sauces or herbs to give the dish a unique flavor.

Presentation and garnishing

Bún chả is typically served in a bowl with a bed of rice noodles, grilled pork, and fresh herbs. The dish is garnished with a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, and chili peppers.

Tips & Tricks

To ensure that the pork is tender and juicy, it is important to marinate it for at least 2 hours before grilling. It is also important to grill the pork over high heat to ensure that it is cooked through and has a nice char on the outside.

Side-dishes

Fresh herbs such as mint, cilantro, and basil are the perfect side dish for bún chả as they help to balance out the flavors of the dish. Other side dishes that pair well with bún chả include pickled vegetables and spring rolls.

Drink pairings

A cold beer or a glass of white wine pairs well with bún chả. The beer helps to cut through the richness of the pork while the wine complements the flavors of the dish.