(Source: VnExpress International) Bun Cha (grilled pork noodle), a dish rooted in Hanoi’s culinary identity, gained international fame in 2016 when former U.S. President Barack Obama and chef Anthony Bourdain dined at Bun Cha Huong Lien. The moment, captured in “Parts Unknown,” turned the dish into a global symbol of Vietnamese cuisine and continues to attract food lovers from around the world, according to the Michelin Guide.

The dish’s appeal lies in two key components: slices of grilled pork belly and minced pork patties, both charcoal-grilled to a golden caramel hue. The pork belly remains tender and sweet, while the patties are juicy and rich in flavor.

Singaporean chef Chris Fong notes, “The magic of bun cha comes from the burnt caramelization of the grilled pork, which diffuses into the fish sauce. Hanoi’s chefs extensively grill the pork, letting its smoky depth enhance every bite.”

Here are 5 bun cha spots in Hanoi recommended by the Michelin Guide:

1. Bun Cha Ta – Nguyen Huu Huan Street

Address: 21 Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Ly Thai To Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. 

For over 30 years, Bun Cha Ta has been a go-to for lovers of Hanoi bun cha. The dish here features grilled pork, pork patties, rice noodles, herbs, and a well-balanced sweet-sour dipping sauce. According to owner Pham Thu Hoai, precision is key.

“The ground pork must come from pork belly to ensure the right balance of lean and fat, which gives the patties their juicy texture. The charcoal must be at the perfect temperature to cook the meat without drying it out,” she shared.

This eatery is listed in the 2024 Bib Gourmand category of the Michelin Guide, which highlights quality food at reasonable prices.

Image: Bun Cha Ta serves noodle with big pork patties.

2. Bun Cha Chan

Address: 114 Mai Hac De Street, Le Dai Hanh Ward, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi. 

A twist on the traditional dish, Bun Cha Chan features grilled pork and noodles submerged in a hot broth made from pork bones. The broth carries the sweetness of grilled meat and a touch of smoky aroma, offering a flavor that is both familiar and new.

Owner Nguyen Xuan Thanh describes the dipping sauce as the soul of the dish, a mix of fish sauce, sugar, water, and vinegar, achieving a balance of sweet, sour, and umami. Some diners enjoy the broth so much, they drink it straight from the bowl.

This restaurant is also included in Michelin Vietnam’s Bib Gourmand list for 2024.

Image: Bun Cha Chan offers bun cha served in steaming pork bone broth. 

3. Bun Cha Huong Lien

Address: 24 Le Van Huu Street, Phan Chu Trinh Ward, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi.

Perhaps the most internationally recognized bun cha restaurant, Huong Lien gained fame after hosting President Obama. Photos of the visit alongside Anthony Bourdain still hang on the walls, and many diners order the now-iconic “Obama Combo”, featuring bun cha, a crab spring roll, and a bottle of beer.

Image: U.S. President Barack Obama and Anthony Bourdain at Bun chan Huong Lien in 2016.

Image: Bun cha Huong Lien. 

Run by a local family, the restaurant is tucked away in a neighborhood with French colonial charm. It appears in the Michelin Guide’s recommended list for 2024.

4. Bun Cha Dac Kim

Address: 1 Hang Manh Street, Hang Gai Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. 

This restaurant is known for its selection of pork cuts. Thin slices of shoulder are grilled over charcoal, while the pork patties are made from a mix of lean and fatty belly, seasoned overnight. The dish is complemented by a sweet chili fish sauce and slices of pickled green papaya.

Image: Signature pork patties wrapped in betel leaves at Bun Cha Dac Kim.

5. Tuyet Bun Cha 34

Address: 34 Hang Than Street, Nguyen Trung Truc Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi. 

Also featured in the 2024 Bib Gourmand list, this eatery opens from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., often with every seat filled and diners spilling onto the sidewalk. The grilled pork and dipping sauce here is praised for its balance, which guests can customize with garlic and chili.

The standout feature is the pork itself, marinated with a blend of spices that add a distinctive aroma to the experience.

Image: The delicious “Bun cha”. 

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