Bun (Bún)

Like pho, bun continues to be a staple in Vietnamese cuisine. Due to its versatile nature, Vietnamese people enjoy bun for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even late-night snacks.

The following are among the most popular dishes featuring bun:

• Bun thang: Bun served with a spiced broth, sliced fried eggs, shredded boiled chicken, sliced green onions, and various garnishes. Bun Thang is renowned for its beautiful presentation.
  Photo: hoidaubepaau.com
• Bun oc: Bun served in a tomato-based broth with snails, fried tofu, shrimp paste, and a mix of fresh herbs. If you’re not allergic to snails, this dish is a must-try.
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• Bun rieu: Bun served with a tomato-based broth featuring crab meat, fried tofu, and a selection of herbs. Given the similarity in ingredients, you often find both bun oc and bun rieu on the same restaurant menu.
  Photo: thucthan.com
• Bun ngan/Bun vit: Bun served with a flavorful broth and duck.
  Photo: pasgo.com
• Bun cha: Bun served with grilled meatballs, a dipping sauce, and fresh greens. A specialty from Hanoi, this dish includes variations such as Bun Thit Nuong—bun with grilled pork skewers.
  Photo: afamly.vn
• Bun bo: There are two notable versions of Bun bo, one from Hue and the other from Southern Vietnam. Bun bo Hue is a spicy noodle soup with pork knuckles, while Bun Bo Nam Bo features bun served with a seasoned fish sauce, sautéed beef, garlic, peanuts, and fresh greens.
  Photo: knorr.com
• Bun ca: A bun soup made with fish. While it may seem unusual, this combination creates a delightful and flavorful dish.
  Photo: beptruong.edu.vn
• Bun dau: Bun served with deep-fried tofu, fresh greens, and either fish sauce or shrimp paste. If you find the strong aroma of shrimp paste challenging, opt for the fish sauce instead. Both provide an authentic taste of common Vietnamese culinary heritage.
  Photo: beptruong.edu.vn