Bún chả Hà Nội is a popular dish in Hanoi, the capital of northern Vietnam. It is a dish of char-grilled pork soaked in a sweet and sour nuoc mam (fish sauce)-based sauce and served with rice noodles and fresh vegetables, and is a “mother’s favorite” for the people of Hanoi.
Cooking Composition
Buncher consists of three elements:
Chả – Charcoal-grilled flattened ground pork patties and thin slices of pork belly, grilled over charcoal to a savory aroma. The aroma of the charcoal is appetizing.
Bún – Thin rice-flour noodles. Similar in texture to Japanese somen noodles, but more elastic.
Nước chấm – A sweet and sour sauce made by mixing nước chấm, sugar, vinegar, chili, and garlic in perfect proportions. Each restaurant has its own secret formula.
Eating Culture
People in Hanoi usually eat bun cha in the morning, especially from around 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. The authentic style is to eat at small stalls on the street, sitting on plastic chairs.
Eating it is simple. Take a piece of rice noodle with chopsticks, dip it in the sauce along with the barbecued meat, and then bring it to your mouth along with fresh herbs such as lettuce, shiso, and pak choi. The trick is to enjoy the dish as you dip the ingredients into the sauce, little by little, just like a Japanese nabe dish.
Typical taste of Hanoi
In 2016, former U.S. President Barack Obama also made headlines when he ate Bun Cha during his visit to Hanoi. The restaurant where he dined is still famous today as Obama Bun Cha.
Bun cha is more than just a dish; it is deeply connected to the rhythm of life of the people of Hanoi. Even on the busiest mornings, sitting at a food stall with friends or colleagues and enjoying conversation over a bowl of hot soup is an important part of everyday life for the people of Hanoi.
To the people of Japan
The charm of Bun Cha lies in the complex and profound flavors that come from simple ingredients. The moment the aroma of charcoal fire, sweet and sour sauce, and fresh herbs harmonize in your mouth, you will feel like you are in the streets of Hanoi.
If you have a chance to visit Vietnam, please try Bun Cha in the back alleys of Hanoi. It will surely be an unforgettable taste experience.
