Bun cha

Vietnamese dish of grilled pork and noodle

Bún ch_ is a traditional Vietnamese dish that originates from Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. It is a popular street food that consists of grilled pork served with rice noodles and a variety of fresh herbs. The dish is known for its harmonious combination of flavors and textures, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Ingredients

Bún ch_ is typically made with the following ingredients:

• Grilled Pork: The pork is usually marinated in a mixture of fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and shallots before being grilled over charcoal. There are two types of pork used in bún ch_: ch_ viên (ground pork patties) and ch_ mi_ng (sliced pork belly).

• Rice Noodles: Known as bún, these are thin, round rice noodles that are served at room temperature.

• Herbs and Vegetables: A variety of fresh herbs such as coriander, mint, and perilla are served alongside the dish. Additionally, sliced cucumber, pickled green papaya, and lettuce are common accompaniments.

• Dipping Sauce: The dish is served with a dipping sauce called n__c ch_m, which is a blend of fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, lime juice, garlic, and chili.

Preparation

The preparation of bún ch_ involves several steps:

1. Marinating the Pork: The pork is marinated for several hours to absorb the flavors of the marinade.

2. Grilling: The marinated pork is grilled over a charcoal fire, which imparts a smoky flavor to the meat. The grilling process is crucial as it enhances the taste and texture of the pork.

3. Preparing the Noodles and Herbs: The rice noodles are boiled and then rinsed with cold water to stop the cooking process. The herbs and vegetables are washed and prepared for serving.

4. Making the Dipping Sauce: The ingredients for the dipping sauce are mixed together until the sugar is dissolved, creating a balanced sweet, sour, and salty flavor.

Serving

Bún ch_ is typically served as a deconstructed dish, allowing diners to combine the ingredients to their liking. A common way to enjoy bún ch_ is to dip the grilled pork and noodles into the dipping sauce, along with the herbs and vegetables.

A serving of bún ch_ with grilled pork, rice noodles, and herbs.

Cultural Significance

Bún ch_ holds a special place in Vietnamese cuisine, particularly in Hanoi where it is considered a local specialty. It is often enjoyed as a lunch dish and is a staple in many street food stalls and local eateries. The dish gained international attention when former U.S. President Barack Obama dined on bún ch_ during his visit to Vietnam in 2016.

Related pages

• Vietnamese cuisine
• Pho
• Banh mi
• Spring roll