Food & Receipts

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Bun Dau Ca in Ba Dinh: A Culinary Adventure Down Hong Phuc Street

Embark on a culinary adventure with us as we delve into the unique flavors of Hong Phuc's Bun Dau Ca, a hidden gem nestled in Ba Dinh. This elusive dish is a rare find, and we're here to uncover the secrets that make it so special. With every slurp and bite, you'll be transported to a world of exquisite tastes and aromas. So, get ready to explore the magic within each bowl and uncover why this dish is a must-try!

Administrator

4 July, 2024

For foodies in Hanoi, there’s one spot that’s a must-visit: Chị Luyến’s Bún Đầu Cá (Sister Luyến’s Fish Head Vermicelli). With its unique flavor and recipe, this modest eatery has won over the hearts (and stomachs) of discerning diners after just one taste. Join us as we explore this hidden gem!

1Introducing Bún Cá Luyến, Hồng Phúc, Hanoi

Chị Luyến’s Bún Đầu Cá

Restaurant Quality: 4.4/5 (Google Review)
Address: 42 Hàng Đậu, Nguyễn Trung Trực, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Usually busy from 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM)

Price Range: 40,000 – 200,000 VND

Phone Number: 0934382772

Facebook: Luyến Bún Cá – 42 Hàng Đậu

Delivery: Available (Shopee Food, Grab Food)

Menu Highlights: Bún cá chả, bánh đa cá chả, bún cá chả lòng, bánh đa cá chả lòng, bún 2 mảnh đầu, bún 2 mảnh đầu và lòng, lòng xào dưa, trứng sốt cà chua, etc.

Signature Dish: Bún cá chả (Around 40,000 VND)

Pros: Delicious flavors, spacious and clean ambiance, affordable prices.

Cons: Occasionally, fish bones may not be completely removed.

Chị Luyến’s Bún Đầu Cá is not just about mouthwatering flavors, it’s an experience. The aroma and taste of the dishes are truly one-of-a-kind, and it’s a rare delicacy that few restaurants offer. This spot has captivated locals and tourists alike, luring them in with the promise of a unique culinary adventure.

2What Makes Bún Cá Luyến So Enticing?

A Rare and Delicious Recipe

A Unique and Hard-to-Find Recipe

While bún cá (fish vermicelli) is a beloved dish across Vietnam, it’s only in Hanoi that diners can indulge in the unique treat of bún đầu cá (fish head vermicelli).

According to Chị Luyến, the owner and chef, this signature dish is her own creation, stemming from her early days in the culinary business. Having learned the art of cooking bún cá in her hometown, she brought her skills to Hanoi, where she tweaked the traditional recipe to make it even better.

Crispy and Delicious Fish Heads

In the early days of her business, Chị Luyến noticed that fish heads, often considered a waste product, were going unused. So, she decided to fry them up as a complimentary side dish for her customers. She recalls, “At first, I just fried the fish heads as a free extra. Back then, we only sold about 10kg of fish a day, a fraction of what we sell now. But soon, word spread, and people started coming specifically for the fish heads. These days, the fish heads are the main attraction, with the vermicelli almost like a side dish.”

Meticulously Cleaned and Prepared Fish Heads

Any change to a traditional dish is bound to invite some controversy, and Chị Luyến’s innovation was no exception. Some early diners expressed their dislike for fish heads, citing concerns about bones, toughness, and fishy odors. However, Chị Luyến addressed these worries head-on with her meticulous preparation, ensuring that the fish heads are thoroughly cleaned and deboned, leaving a delicious, bone-free, and odor-free treat.

A Bowl of Deliciousness: Bún Đầu Cá

The Delicious Appeal of Bún Đầu Cá

Each bowl of bún đầu cá at Chị Luyến’s is a culinary masterpiece, featuring vermicelli, broth, fish innards, and half a fish head. Diners can enhance their experience by ordering additional items like fish meat, fish eggs, or more innards and fish heads.

Delicious Sides: Fish Innards and Eggs

The fish heads are the star of the show, deep-fried to perfection in a hot wok until the outside is crispy and golden brown, and the bones are soft and the meat is tender. Other components, like fish cakes, innards, and meat, are also meticulously prepared to ensure a truly flavorful experience.

The Secret to the Delicious Broth

The broth is another key element that keeps customers coming back. Chị Luyến’s secret? A combination of fish bones and pig bones, creating a perfectly balanced sweet broth. She also adds a touch of natural sourness from tamarind and tomatoes, resulting in a flavorful, aromatic broth without the need for heavy seasoning.

From Street Stall to Bustling Restaurant

From Street Stall to Successful Restaurant

Chị Luyến’s humble beginnings started as a street stall, with a small space on the sidewalk. However, the irresistible flavors of her dishes quickly attracted a loyal following, allowing her to expand into a more spacious and comfortable restaurant.

Despite this growth, prices have remained affordable, with a bowl of bún đầu cá costing around 40,000 VND. Only when additional items are ordered do the prices increase, with some customers splurging up to 150,000 – 200,000 VND for a hearty meal.

A Small Restaurant with a Big Reputation

Chị Luyến shares, “I sell around 300-500 bowls a day, using about two tons of carp. We go through a lot more fish than vermicelli—only about 20kg of noodles are sold daily. We’re busiest during the weekdays, with weekends being a bit quieter.”

The attention to detail that Chị Luyến puts into her dishes extends beyond the food itself. The restaurant also offers generous portions of fresh herbs, fragrant beer, and attentive service, all of which contribute to a delightful dining experience that keeps customers coming back for more.

There you have it—a glimpse into the wonderful world of Chị Luyến’s Bún Đầu Cá on Hanoi’s Hồng Phúc Street. Don’t miss out on this unique culinary experience the next time you’re in the city!

Frequently asked questions

Bún đậu cá is a traditional Vietnamese dish originating from Hanoi. It consists of rice vermicelli (‘bún’), fried tofu (‘đậu’), and grilled fish (‘cá’). The best place to enjoy this delicacy is in the Ba Dinh district of Hanoi, particularly along Hong Phuc Street. This area is renowned for its culinary delights, offering a variety of restaurants and street food stalls serving up delicious and authentic Bún đậu cá.

Hong Phuc Street in Ba Dinh district is a food lover’s paradise. Beyond being the go-to place for the ultimate Bún đậu cá experience, the street offers a diverse range of culinary delights. You’ll find everything from traditional Vietnamese cuisine to modern fusion dishes. The street is lined with restaurants, cafes, and street food vendors, each offering their unique take on Vietnamese flavors. It’s the perfect place to embark on a culinary adventure and discover the rich tastes of Hanoi.

Yes, there are a few notable restaurants and stalls on Hong Phuc Street that are renowned for their Bún đậu cá. One such place is ‘Quan Bun Dau Ca Huong Sen’, a modest yet beloved eatery that has been serving this dish for decades. Another popular spot is ‘Bun Dau Ca Ba Duc’, known for its high-quality ingredients and generous portions. For a more modern take on the dish, ‘House of Bún Chả’ offers an innovative fusion version that combines traditional flavors with a contemporary twist.

The secret to the deliciousness of Bún đậu cá lies in the combination of fresh ingredients and balanced flavors. The dish typically includes vermicelli noodles, which are soft and absorbent, perfect for soaking up the flavors of the dish. The fried tofu adds a crispy texture and a savory taste, while the grilled fish contributes a smoky aroma and a delicate flavor. The dish is often served with a variety of herbs, vegetables, and a dipping sauce, enhancing the overall freshness and taste experience.

Absolutely! Hong Phuc Street caters to a variety of dietary preferences and restrictions. You can easily find vegetarian and vegan options for Bún đậu cá. Many restaurants and stalls offer tofu-based dishes, and some even provide vegan-friendly versions of traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Simply inquire about vegetarian options, and you’ll be guided to delicious plant-based alternatives.