Travel

Taste-Testing District 4’s Famous ‘Bún Suông’: Why the Lines are Worth It!

Introducing one of the most popular bun suong (vermicelli with pork knuckles) restaurants in all of Saigon, located in District 4. With a unique offering and a bustling atmosphere, this eatery has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike. But what makes this humble establishment so special? Join us as we delve into the secrets behind its success and uncover the magic that keeps customers coming back for more.

Administrator

15 July, 2024

For a unique culinary experience in Saigon, look no further than Co Luong’s Bun Suong (Mrs. Luong’s Vermicelli with Sea Worm). This humble street food stall has become a beloved fixture in the city, attracting diners from all walks of life with its mouthwatering dishes and hearty flavors. Located in Ben Van Don, District 4, this modest establishment has earned a reputation for serving up one of the best versions of this traditional Vietnamese delicacy.

1Introducing Mrs. Luong’s Bun Suong in Ben Van Don, District 4

Mrs. Luong’s Bun Suong in Ben Van Don, District 4

Restaurant Quality: 3.7/5 (Rated by Google)
Address: 183/41 Ben Van Don, Ward 6, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City
Price Range: VND 40,000 – 50,000
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Phone: N/A
Delivery: Shopee Food
Menu Highlights: Special Bun Suong, Pork Bun Suong, Rib Bun Suong, and more.
Signature Dish: Special Bun Suong (VND 50,000)
Pros: Rich broth, delicious flavors, attentive service.
Con: Only open in the morning, which may be inconvenient for some diners.

Tucked away in a small alley, Mrs. Luong’s Bun Suong defies its humble setting by attracting a steady stream of diners each day. In fact, it’s not uncommon for her to sell out within a few hours of opening, such is the popularity of her culinary delights.

2What Makes Mrs. Luong’s Bun Suong So Special?

A Small Stall with a Big Following

The small stall is always bustling with customers.

Mrs. Luong’s Bun Suong is not your typical restaurant. It’s a modest street food stall, with a simple setup consisting of a cart, plastic tables, and chairs on the sidewalk. Yet, despite its unassuming appearance, it’s a busy and vibrant spot, and those who arrive late may struggle to find a seat.

The popularity of this small stall is such that within a couple of hours of setting up, Mrs. Luong often has to apologetically turn customers away, letting them know that the “suong” (sea worm) is sold out for the day.

A Treasured Family Legacy

The secret family recipe has been passed down through generations.

For Mrs. Luong, the owner, this humble stall is a cherished family legacy, representing years of hard work and dedication. When asked about the history of her stall, she proudly shares that “It has been in the family for generations. I took over from my mother-in-law when I was just 19 years old, and I’ve been running it ever since.”

Over the years, Mrs. Luong has perfected the art of making “suong”, a signature ingredient in this dish, using a secret family recipe passed down from her mother-in-law. This recipe includes intricate details on preparing the “suong”, as well as nurturing the rich broth and selecting the freshest ingredients to create a truly exceptional dining experience.

A Hearty Bowl of Traditional Delights

A bowl of Bun Suong, packed with flavors and textures.

Bun Suong is a beloved dish in Saigon, and Mrs. Luong’s version stands out for its exceptional taste, quality, and affordability. Each bowl typically costs between VND 40,000 and 50,000, depending on the variety, with the special Bun Suong being the most expensive option.

The dish is a visual delight, featuring a rich, orange-hued broth simmered to perfection with carefully selected spices and ingredients. In each bowl, you’ll find tender vermicelli noodles, , , , , and of course, the star of the show, the “suong”. The dish is often served with , and diners can request to have their vegetables blanched to their liking. To enhance the flavors, each bowl is accompanied by a side of spicy chili paste.

The “suong” is the star of the dish, made from a secret family recipe.

The “suong”, made from , is shaped into long, cylindrical forms resembling coconut worms and boasts a vibrant orange color with a delicately spiced filling. It’s so delicious that many customers order extra portions to satisfy their cravings.

Mrs. Luong’s Bun Suong has become a beloved fixture for many diners, with some having patronized the stall since their school days and continuing to do so even after starting their own families. This is a testament to the consistent quality and delightful flavors that keep customers coming back for more.

If you find yourself in District 4, be sure to pay a visit to Mrs. Luong’s Bun Suong. It’s a culinary experience that will leave a lasting impression!

Frequently asked questions

Bún Chả is a traditional Vietnamese dish originating from Hanoi, specifically renowned in District 4. It consists of grilled pork patties and sliced pork belly, served with rice vermicelli noodles, a basket of fresh herbs, and a side of sweet and tangy dipping sauce.

The secret to a mouthwatering bowl of Bún Chả lies in the harmony of its elements: the char-grilled pork patties and belly slices should be juicy and flavorful, paired with delicate rice vermicelli noodles. The herb platter adds a fresh touch with basil, mint, and lettuce, while the dipping sauce, a balance of sweet, sour, and spicy, ties everything together.

The specific Bún Chả eatery in District 4 mentioned in the article, known for its long lines, has gained fame for its exceptional take on the dish. The restaurant’s reputation for high-quality ingredients, perfectly grilled pork, and a secret family recipe for the dipping sauce makes the wait worthwhile for many locals and tourists alike.

To enhance your Bún Chả dining experience, consider pairing it with some traditional Vietnamese drinks. Fresh beer, known as ‘bia hơi’, is a popular choice, offering a crisp and refreshing taste. Alternatively, you can opt for a glass of sweet and slightly carbonated soda chanh (lemon soda) or a strong and bitter cà phê đá (iced coffee) for a unique flavor contrast.

Unfortunately, the featured restaurant does not offer vegetarian options for Bún Chả. However, vegetarians can explore other delicious vegetarian dishes in District 4, such as bánh cuốn (steamed rice rolls) or bún chay (vegetarian rice vermicelli bowls).