Food & Receipts

“The Alluring Beauty of Bun Bo Mo Noi: A Dish Fit for a Queen”

"Bun bo mo noi Co Nhu has become a favorite haunt for many, including beauty queen Thien An. Let's delve into what makes this eatery so intriguing!"

Administrator

14 July, 2024

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If you’re a foodie in Ho Chi Minh City, you’ve likely heard of the unique and mouth-watering bun bo, or beef noodle soup. Nestled in District 3 lies a hidden gem, a bun bo restaurant with a twist – the famous bun bo mo noi, or beef noodle soup with floating fat. This dish has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike, and it’s all thanks to the talented chef, Ms. Nhu. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes this dining establishment so special and why it’s a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.

1Introducing Ms. Nhu’s Bun Bo Hue Restaurant

Ms. Nhu’s Bun Bo Hue Restaurant

Restaurant Quality: 4.4/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: 274/29 Vo Van Tan, Ward 5, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

Price Range: VND 35,000 – 50,000

Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Phone Number: 0937937818

Facebook: N/A

Delivery: Foody, Shopee Food

Menu: Bun bo with assorted meats, beef tendon, beef brisket, beef shank, beef with cartilage, and more.

Signature Dishes: Bun bo with assorted meats, beef brisket, beef with beef shank.

Pros: Affordable prices, friendly and attentive staff, delicious and unique food, hygienic environment.

Cons: Located in an alley, small space.

Tucked away in an unassuming alley, Ms. Nhu’s restaurant stands out with its signature floating fat that graces the surface of their delicious broth. This one-of-a-kind topping has drawn in diners for over 30 years, making it a beloved staple in the vibrant food scene of Saigon. The unique and mouth-watering toppings are just the beginning of what makes this restaurant so special.

While the space may be modest, the atmosphere is cozy, bright, and immaculately clean. The staff, including the parking attendants, are incredibly friendly and attentive. They will promptly take your order and ensure your meal is prepared to perfection within just a few minutes. Ms. Nhu first opened the restaurant in the 1990s, and it is now run by her daughter, Ms. Uyen, and her husband, Mr. Man.

2What Makes Ms. Nhu’s Bun Bo Restaurant So Special?

A Hidden Gem in an Alley

This restaurant is not just known for its exceptional flavors but also for its unique location. Tucked away in an alley across from house number 38 in alley 287, which connects to alley 274 on Vo Van Tan Street in Ward 5, District 3, you’ll discover a bustling eatery that is always full of satisfied customers. It’s not the easiest place to find, hidden as it is in these interconnected alleys, but once you do, the aromatic scent of the beef broth with floating fat will greet you.

Unusual Opening Hours

Unlike most restaurants, this bun bo mo noi spot opens its doors in the afternoon. This is because the nearby market closes around that time, freeing up space for the restaurant to set up. The timing also makes it ideal for those looking for a hearty afternoon snack rather than a full meal. Despite this unconventional schedule, the restaurant still attracts a steady stream of customers, some of whom even skip lunch just to indulge in Ms. Nhu’s delicious beef noodle soup.

Special Ingredients

Here, diners are treated to a variety of beef noodle options, including rare, brisket, cartilage, tendon, and assorted meats, all served with a rich and flavorful broth. The fresh herbs and unique floating fat are what truly set this dish apart.

Special Ingredients

The floating fat is made from a combination of beef and pork fat, each with its own distinct texture and flavor. Pork fat has a chewy, gelatinous texture, while beef fat is softer and melts in your mouth. According to the restaurant owners, the beef fat is their signature ingredient, attracting many diners who crave its unique taste.

The fat adds a rich, savory dimension to the broth, and when combined with the spicy dipping sauce, creates a harmonious blend of flavors that explode in your mouth. Mr. Man, the current owner, shares that their broth is made with a ratio of 7 parts beef fat to 3 parts pork fat, creating the perfect balance of flavors.

Affordable Bun Bo

Despite its long-standing popularity, unique ingredients, and mouth-watering flavors, Ms. Nhu’s bun bo mo noi restaurant maintains affordable prices, ranging from VND 35,000 to 50,000 per bowl. The cost may vary depending on the additional toppings you choose, but the floating fat always comes complimentary.

We hope this article has piqued your curiosity and inspired you to visit Ms. Nhu’s restaurant to indulge in a bowl of their famous bun bo mo noi. It’s a dining experience you won’t soon forget!

Frequently asked questions

Bún Bò Nam Bộ, or Vietnamese Southern-style beef noodle soup, is a popular dish in Vietnam, especially in the southern region. It’s a flavorful and hearty dish that combines tender beef, vermicelli rice noodles, and a rich broth made with a unique blend of spices and herbs. The dish is loved for its balanced flavors, textures, and aromatic qualities.

The secret to the dish’s deliciousness lies in the careful selection and preparation of its key ingredients. Firstly, the beef is carefully chosen and slow-cooked until tender, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The vermicelli rice noodles are fine and delicate, providing a perfect contrast to the hearty beef. The star of the dish, however, is the broth. It’s made with a blend of spices and herbs, including lemongrass, shallots, ginger, and chili, creating a fragrant and slightly spicy base that elevates all the other flavors.

Bún Bò Mô Nội is a variation of Bún Bò Nam Bộ that originates from the Central Highlands of Vietnam. ‘Mô Nội’ refers to the unique cooking technique used to prepare the dish. In this version, the beef is grilled over charcoal before being added to the broth, giving it a subtle smoky flavor. Additionally, the broth tends to be spicier and more aromatic, creating a heartwarming and addictive flavor profile.

The dish has a rich history and cultural significance. It is believed to have originated from the royal courts of the Nguyen Dynasty, where it was a favorite among queens and princesses. Over time, it spread throughout the region, with each area adding its own unique twist. The version from the Central Highlands, with its smoky grilled beef and spicy broth, has captured the hearts of many, becoming a beloved dish fit for royalty.

Preparing Bún Bò Mô Nội at home allows you to recreate this royal delicacy. The process involves marinating and grilling the beef to perfection, preparing the aromatic broth, and assembling the dish with fresh herbs and noodles. While it requires time and attention to detail, the result is a flavorful and elegant meal that will impress your family and friends.