A Taste of Hanoi’s Old Quarter: The Evening Bun Thang Ritual

Step into the enchanting Old Quarter of Hanoi and embark on a culinary journey with us as we delve into the renowned delicacy, Bun Thang. With a legacy spanning generations, Bun Thang has become an iconic dish, and none more so than that crafted by the esteemed Mrs. Duc. Prepare to be enticed by a bowl that encapsulates the essence of Hanoi, where each ingredient is meticulously selected and prepared with utmost care. Witness the magic that goes into crafting up to 500 bowls a day, a testament to its enduring popularity.

0
113

Bun Thang Ba Duc is a famous spot in Hanoi, selling over 500 bowls daily. It is the perfect place to enjoy a unique bowl of Bun Thang in the ancient Hanoi streets every afternoon and evening. The Bun Thang here typically consists of fresh rice vermicelli, boiled chicken, eggs, mushrooms, pork rolls, and fresh herbs, creating a refreshing and savory flavor. If you’re in Hanoi, be sure to visit Bun Thang Ba Duc to experience this traditional dish.

1Introduction to Bun Thang Ba Duc

Introduction to Bun Thang Ba Duc

Restaurant Quality: 3.5/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: 48 P. Cau Go, Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi 

Price Range: Approximately 42,000 – 135,000 VND.

Opening Hours: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Usually crowded from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM)

Phone: None

Facebook: Bun Thang Ba Duc 48 Cau Go 

Delivery: None

Menu: Bun Thang, , ,…Signature Dish: Bun Thang (around 60,000 VND)

Pros: Delicious food, fresh ingredients, carefully prepared.

Cons: Slightly higher prices compared to similar restaurants, small space

Bun Thang is a traditional Hanoi dish, originating from the use of leftover foods after the Lunar New Year. This dish demands carefulness and meticulousness in selecting ingredients and preparing them. A standard bowl of Bun Thang requires at least 20 different ingredients.

Bun Thang Ba Duc is located on Cau Go Street, in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. With over 30 years of history, it has become a go-to destination for food enthusiasts. The restaurant operates only in the evening, from 4 PM to 10 PM, and sells approximately 500 bowls of Bun Thang daily. On weekends and holidays, this number can reach 800 bowls. Notably, the restaurant is located near Ho Guom, attracting numerous tourists.

Bun Thang is a traditional Hanoi dish.

2What Makes Bun Thang Ba Duc Special?

Meticulous Preparation

Bun Thang is a special type of vermicelli that requires carefulness and precision in preparing the ingredients. The cooking process is time-consuming and detailed to create a delicious bowl.

Firstly, chicken is boiled and then shredded by hand into small pieces. The chicken skin is also separated and shredded into thin strips. is fried until golden, and and are cut into thin strands. The thinness and uniformity of these strands play a crucial role in making tasty Bun Thang. Additionally, is an indispensable component in the dish.

The owner shared that they are very meticulous in selecting ingredients and suppliers. Chicken, bones, vegetables, and other ingredients must be fresh and used within the day. Every day, the family wakes up early to choose and pre-process the ingredients, as well as to simmer the broth. The broth is cooked from , chicken, and added with , resulting in a sweet and savory taste.

Meticulous Preparation

When a customer arrives, the server dips the in boiling water, then adds chicken and other ingredients to the bowl before pouring in the broth. The broth is clear and shimmering, covering the vermicelli. The noodles are soft and white, with enough elasticity to avoid becoming mushy.

The bowl of Bun Thang is presented hot and appealing, with the yellow color of fried eggs and pork rolls, the red color of and the green hues of and . The is carefully chosen, ensuring tenderness and sweetness.

The chicken is carefully chosen, ensuring tenderness and sweetness.

Attracting Many Diners

With a team of six servers, the restaurant never rests. On average, they sell about 500 bowls of Bun Thang daily, and during peak days like weekends and holidays, this number can reach 800 bowls. The location near Ho Guom, along with dedicated service, has attracted not only tourists but also a loyal customer base.

The dining area of the restaurant is set up on the sidewalk, with around six low tables and chairs. Despite the limited space, the restaurant is always bustling, sometimes even overcrowded, causing some customers to walk about 100 meters into the alley to find a seat. The counter is where the broth pot is placed and the pre-processed ingredients are arranged.

Attracting Many Diners

To enhance the flavor of Bun Thang, diners can add , chili, , , and . If desired, customers can also request to add to their bowl. Besides Bun Thang, the restaurant offers other dishes such as mixed pho, chicken vermicelli, and boiled chicken intestines with eggs.

A bowl of Bun Thang at this restaurant costs 60,000 VND, a higher price compared to other popular Bun Thang spots in Hanoi. Nonetheless, many customers appreciate the quality and find the price reasonable.

This is the information about Bun Thang Ba Duc, a famous restaurant in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, selling over 500 bowls daily. As one of the culinary gems in Hanoi’s ancient streets, Bun Thang Ba Duc is increasingly becoming a popular choice among tourists visiting Hanoi.

Frequently asked questions

Bun Thang is a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup dish that originated in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. It is a delicate and complex dish with a unique blend of ingredients and flavors.

The key ingredients in Bun Thang include rice vermicelli noodles, shredded chicken, pork belly, shrimp, egg, and a variety of vegetables such as bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and herbs. It also includes a special broth made from chicken, pork, and shrimp, slow-cooked for hours to create a rich and flavorful base.

Bun Thang is known for its intricate preparation and presentation. Each ingredient is carefully prepared and arranged, with the noodles, meats, and vegetables artfully displayed in separate sections of the bowl. The dish is then served with a side of broth, which is poured over the ingredients at the table.

Bun Thang is believed to have originated in the early 20th century in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, specifically in the area known as ’36 Streets’. It is said that the dish was created by a talented chef who wanted to create a unique and elegant dish to impress his customers. Over time, Bun Thang became a popular delicacy in Hanoi and a symbol of the city’s rich culinary culture.

Bun Thang is typically served as a hearty meal, often for dinner. It is common to find it served in restaurants and street food stalls throughout Hanoi’s Old Quarter. The dish is usually accompanied by a variety of fresh herbs, chili peppers, and lime wedges, allowing diners to customize the flavor to their taste.