Bun Thang (Rice Vermicelli with Chicken, Egg, Pork)

After the Lunar New Year, many families in Hanoi still have a lot of leftovers. Thus, in order not to waste food, the old Hanoians used all of that material and made it into a very delicious vermicelli dish. That is Bun Thang.

In Chinese, 'Thang' means 'broth'. So 'Bun Thang' simply means a rice vermicelli dish served with juicy broth.

Bun Thang (Rice Vermicelli with Chicken, Egg, Pork)

Ingredients of Bun Thang

Bun Thang has up to 20 ingredients and spices to form a delicious Hanoi authentic dish.

• Chicken, eggs
• Cylindrical shaped sausages labeled as “gio lua” 
• Pork bone
• Microfiber rice vermicelli
• Dried shrimp
• Dried squid beard
• Black tiger shrimp
• Dry onions, scallions, laksa leaves
• Roasted ginger, Shiitake mushroom, dried radish
• Spices: fish sauce, shrimp paste, rock sugar, vinegar, sugar

The clear and flavorful broth is the heart of Bun Thang. It is made by simmering chicken, dried shrimp, and Shiitake mushrooms.

Three ingredients create a broth with so many flavors: savory, sweet, and smooth. The broth is stewed for about 3 to 4 hours. It is very delicate and sophisticated.

Laksa leaves, cilantrogs, shrimps, shredded chicken breast, shredded "gio lua" are spread over white rice vermicelli., thin fried egg

Cooking process of Bun Thang

Bun Thang is the best when it is served hot with some spices like vinegar, chili, garlic, pepper, or a little shrimp paste. Although shrimp paste has a strong smell, it will add flavor to Bun Thang. Traditional Bun Thang should be eaten with pickled radish to harmonize its flavor.

In addition, there is also dry rice vermicelli. The broth is not poured into the bowl and the rice vermicelli is only exposed to hot water. This dish has full of the above ingredients, but no broth to eat with.

Bun Thang is an addictive dish

If you do not know where to taste Bun Thang in Hanoi, let us help you with some suggestions of top 5 best Bun Thang restaurants in Hanoi:

• Bun Thang Ba Duc- 48 Cau Go street, Hoan Kiem district (price: $1.29 - $2.37)
• Bun Thang Ngoc Tuyen- 56 & 58 Dao Tan street, Ba Dinh district (price: $1.51 - $2.58)
• Bun Thang Giang Vo – D2 Giang Vo street, Ba Dinh district(price: $1.29 - $1.72)
• Bun Thang Thuan Ly-33 Hang Hom street, Hoan Kiem District (price: $0.65 - $1.51)
• Bun Thang Hang Hanh – 29 Hang Hanh street, Hoan Kiem district(price: $0.86 - $1.51)

Where to eat best Bun Thang in Hanoi

All in all, Bun Thang represents the true flavor of Hanoi cuisine. If you travel to Hanoi, don't miss this unique dish. 

Image source: Internet