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When thinking of Vietnamese noodles, Pho is usually the first to spring to one’s mind. However, Bun Rieu is a not well known delicious delicacy that can be found sprawled around the cities of Vietnam, especially Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

I had previously lived in Vietnam for three years and Bun Rieu was regularly on my eating schedule throughout the week. Eating this particular dish is a great excuse to meet up with local friends and to show off your knowledge of Vietnamese culture.

What is Bun Rieu?

Bun Rieu (Bún Riêu) is a Vietnamese crab-based soup noodle dish. There are different variations of this dish but one of the most popular amongst the locals is bun rieu cua, which includes crab, tomatoes, pork, and tofu.

What Ingredients Make up This Dish?

The soup consists of crab paste made from paddy crabs, which add flavour to the broth, as well as stewed tomatoes that gives a natural sweet taste to the stew. Paring the broth with rice vermicelli noodles, sliced meat, crab paste, shrimp paste, chillies, lines and raw vegetables makes this dish not only healthy, but very delicious.

Where can I buy Bun Rieu?

We at YPT recommend Bún Riêu Bà Dú located on Nguyễn Tri Phương in District 10. It’s off the tourist path in District 1, easily reachable by Xe ôm (Motorbike taxi) or Grab. So the money you spend on the transport is the money saved on a legit dish that the price hasn’t been jacked up for. Whilst you’re in District 10 check out the flower market on Ho Thi Ky, incredibly unique and fun to walk around.

When you’re next in Vietnam, be sure not to give this classic dish a miss and sample more of what the incredible Vietnamese cuisine has to offer.