Bún Chả restaurants are everywhere in the capital city, from curbside restaurants to big restaurants – but which one is the best of them all?
A group of students introduced me to “Bún Chả” the first time I visited Hà Nội in 2016, and it was love at first bite!
I’ve seen numerous articles and reviews about this all over the internet, but I wanted to directly ask people who actually live in Vietnam – both locals and expats.
Almost 100 Bún Chả lovers, of which 40% are Vietnamese and the rest are expats, have voiced out their chosen restaurant and they’ve also enthusiastically shared the reason why their choice stands out among others in Hà Nội.
Respondents were free to suggest their go-to Bún Chả place so I ended up with such a crazy list!
Hence, I narrowed it down to the top 3 most recommended and top 3 “convincing” reasons.
1. Quán Nem – Nem Cua Biển & Bún Chả
“Served on top of a grill stove”
Also known as “Bún Chả CNN”. I was first intrigued upon reading that this Hanoian dish is being sold at 80,000 VND, but when Laticha, an expat from Thailand said that the meat is served on the top of the grill stove, I had to check it out!
It’s not the restaurant that you’ll always go to for its price, but why not give it a go?
Their fried crab spring rolls are also a must-try!
- Location: 106K1 Giảng Võ Quận Đống Đa
- Price: 80,000 VND
- Opening Hours: 9:30am – 9:30pm
2. Thiên Trà Đạo – Artisan Tea & Vegan Food
“Tastiest Vegan Bún Chả”
Vegans and vegetarians will get a chance to try this meaty dish!
I’ve once tried a vegan Bún Chả in Đà Nẵng city and it was quite horrible! But according to Dyfan, an expat from Wales, this restaurant in Đống Đa district serves the TASTIEST vegan of this famous Vietnamese cuisine.
Could he be right?
They also serve vegan versions of other traditional Vietnamese dishes like Phở, nem lụi, and mỳ vằn thắn.
- Location: 29 Ngõ 26 Võ Văn Dũng, Đống Đa
- Price: 60,000 VND
- Opening hours: 9:00am – 9:00pm
3. “The Bún Chả Mommas”
“If you know, you know”
Here’s his detailed explanation of the Irish expat, “The Bun Cha Panda”, on why this one is the best place to get your bún chả in town.
“The amazing thing about the Bun Cha Mommas is their co-ordination, they’re like a well-oiled Honda Dream, they might be past their sell-by date but they get the job done. Each mama serves at a station, she has worked that station for half a century.”
“The ‘Grill Momma’ understands how to cook the pork to perfection while balancing on a two-legged stool all the while controlling the heat being applied to the nem with a stare. The ‘Tra Da Momma’ must have a degree in chemistry with the cha da she is banging out. The ‘Final Momma’ has a duel role. She delivers the Bun Cha by spinning the bowls on chopsticks while with her free hand works the till.”
Are you convinced?
- Location: Đội Cấn, Ba Đình. The specific location shall remain unknown according to “The Bun Cha Panda”. Anyone knows where this is?
- Price: 40,000 – 45,000 VND
The most recommended restaurants are located in Hoàn Kiếm and Ba Đình districts. Many people are opting for places that serve juicy and flavourful meat!
1. Bún Chả Hàng Quạt
Tucked in a small alley, definitely a must-try street food experience. 12% of the respondents recommended this restaurant – mostly locals.
One local said that this restaurant fits all criteria, and most of the respondents backed this!
They said that this restaurant’s bún chả is not only reasonably priced, but their meat is also flavourful, they serve good portions, and the staff is friendly!
An expat from the USA, Ethan Blonder, said the reason why he thinks that this is the best Bun Cha is because of its smoky broth and insanely delicious meat.
- Location: 74 Hàng Quạt, Hoàn Kiếm
- Price: 25,000 – 40,000 VND
- Opening hours: 10:00am – 2:00pm
2. Bún Chả Cửa Đông
This small sidewalk restaurant in the old quarter simply known as “Bún Chả 41” is recommended by 15% of the participants.
The majority gushed about how satisfied you’ll get after eating this bún chả for its huge portions and savory meat wrapped in betel leaves.
“The meat is the tastiest I’ve had in a bun cha, grilled to perfection and very lean! Also, Big +++ for the meatballs wrapped in betel leaf!” an expat from Manchester said.
Another expat who is apparently from a country with the best food said “Proper meat and perfectly cooked, huge portion. Good nems (fried spring rolls)”
Don’t forget to also try their crispy fried spring rolls to enjoy with your bún chả!
- Location: 41 Cửa Đông, Hoàn Kiếm
- Price: 20,000 – 30,000 VND
- Opening hours: 10:30am – 9:00pm
Lastly, the one that stood out the most recommended by 27% of the Bún Chả lovers is…
3. Bún Chả Tuyết 34
“It’s famous with the locals and not the tourists lol, no advertising needed.” remarked by Khanh, a local from Saigon.
Some say that whenever they come here it’s brutally crowded but they’re willing to wait to get a taste of Bún Chả 34’s savory meat wrapped in betel leaves and tasty fried spring rolls. Their vermicelli noodles and fresh herbs were also praised by some of them too!
“Their patties and bacon are grilled and smoked to perfection, and they have cha la lot (pork wrapped in leaves) in the mix as well. Vegetables are always fresh and crisp, and the Nems are crunchy and tasty. They also serve soy milk, tea, soda, on the side. The place is also conveniently located near a coconut ice cream place which makes it an even better destination for bun cha. Can’t really ask for more.” shared by Rodney, an expat from the Philippines.
A Hanoian also commend their meat patties, “Flavorful chả viên which most of bún chả restaurants cannot make”.
I’m totally convinced!
- Location: 34 Hang Than, Ba Dinh
- Price: 35,000 – 55,000 VND
- Opening hours: 7:00am – 5:00pm
Some of you may disagree, but this is what the locals and expat community have voiced out. One thing is for sure though, you can definitely find numerous quality Bún Chả in Hà Nội!
Xin Cám Ơn!