Bun cha facts for kids
Bún Chả
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| Place of origin | Vietnam |
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| Region or state | Hanoi |
| Main ingredients | Rice vermicelli, grilled pork, fresh herbs, nước chấm |
Bún chả is a super tasty Vietnamese dish. It features grilled pork and noodles. Many people believe this dish first came from Hanoi, Vietnam.
When you order Bún chả, you get delicious grilled fatty pork. This pork is served with a plate of white rice noodles. You also get fresh herbs and a special dipping sauce. A famous Vietnamese writer, Vu Bang, wrote about Bún chả in 1959. He said Hanoi was "transfixed by bún chả." The very first Bún chả restaurant in Hanoi was on Gia Ngư street. This street is in Hanoi's Old Quarter.
Bún chả started in Hanoi and is still very popular there. Outside of Hanoi, in other parts of Vietnam, you might find a similar dish. It's called bún thịt nướng. It also has rice noodles and grilled meat.
A restaurant called Bún Chả Hương Liên in Hanoi became very famous. This happened after United States President Barack Obama visited. He ate Bún chả there with Chef Anthony Bourdain. This was during his trip to Vietnam in May 2016.
What's in Bún Chả?
Bún chả is made with several important parts. Each part adds to its amazing flavor.
- Meat: The dish uses two kinds of pork. There are small meatballs made from minced pork shoulder. There are also slices of grilled pork belly.
- Rice Vermicelli: These are thin, white rice noodles. They are soft and soak up the flavors of the sauce.
- Dipping Sauce: This special sauce is called nước chấm. It's made from diluted fish sauce. It also has sugar, lemon juice, and vinegar. Crushed garlic and chilli are added for a kick. Sometimes, a little stock is included too.
- Pickled Vegetables: Thinly sliced green papaya is often pickled. Sometimes carrots, onion, or kohlrabi are used instead. These add a nice crunch and tangy taste.
- Fresh Herbs: A variety of fresh herbs come with Bún chả. These can include cabbage, Láng basil, rice paddy herb (ngổ), beansprout, and Vietnamese balm (kinh giới). They add freshness and a unique aroma.
- Side Dishes: You can add more flavor with extra side dishes. These include crushed garlic, crushed chilli, vinegar, and ground pepper. Sliced limes are also often served.
A Special Dish in Hanoi
Bún chả is usually eaten around lunchtime in Hanoi. This is a special part of Hanoi's food culture. It's like a tradition! However, these days, some restaurants sell Bún chả all day long. This means you can enjoy it for dinner too.
