Bun Bo Hue: A Hidden Vietnamese Gem

How to Bun Bo Hue: Hidden Vietnamese Gem - Kopi Thyme

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The History of Bún Bò Huế: A Hidden Vietnamese Gem 🍜

Bún Bò Huế, the famous Vietnamese Spicy Beef Noodle Soup, originated from Van Cu village, a quaint town nestled near the ancient city of Hue, once the imperial capital during the Nguyen dynasty, the last royal family of Vietnam. Renowned for its distinct cuisine, which was historically perfected to cater to the royal family and high-ranking officials. The flavour profiles of Hue’s dishes are considered to be some of the most refined and complex in Vietnam.

Bún Bò Huế is thought to have been created during the 16th century, during the rule of the Nguyen lords, making it one of the oldest and most iconic noodle soups in Vietnam. The story goes that the dish was first crafted in the royal kitchens of Hue, where the unique blend of spices and herbs was carefully designed to cater to the tastes of the nobility. The royal chefs perfected the art of balancing bold flavours, and over time, the dish spread beyond the royal court to the common folk, becoming an essential part of central Vietnamese cuisine.

The Flavours of Hue: Bold and Spicy

What sets Bún Bò Huế apart from other Vietnamese noodle soups is its spicy and robust flavour. Unlike the milder Phở, Bún Bò Huế features a bold, fiery kick, thanks to the inclusion of chili paste. This spicy flavour is balanced by a rich, aromatic broth made with beef bones, lemongrass, and shrimp paste, which gives the soup a depth of flavour that can be both comforting and energizing.

The soup itself is made with thick vermicelli rice noodles, and the toppings often include sliced beef shank, oxtail, pig’s knuckles, and sometimes even congealed pig’s blood, ingredients that reflect Hue's royal and authentic roots. A perfect bowl of Bún Bò Huế is also garnished with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and banana flower, along with a squeeze of lime to enhance the freshness of the dish.

Bún Bò Huế: From Royalty to the Streets

Over time, Bún Bò Huế made its way from the royal kitchens to the street food stalls and homes across central Vietnam, where it became a beloved comfort food. The dish has grown in popularity, not just in Vietnam but also in other parts of the world, where it’s often served as a hearty, spicy meal to warm up on cold days.

As the years have passed, the recipe for Bún Bò Huế has seen some variations, but it remains a quintessential dish of central Vietnam. Today, it is not only a symbol of Hue’s rich culinary tradition but also a dish that brings people together. It is enjoyed during special occasions and gatherings, making it a dish of both celebration and comfort.

Sara’s Connection to Bún Bò Huế

For Sara, Bún Bò Huế holds a special place in her heart. She was first introduced to the dish while working in her very first kitchen during her university days. Back then, she worked in a Vietnamese/Chinese restaurant, and there was always a pot of pho simmering on the stove. But it was Bún Bò Huế that became her favourite dish to prepare, particularly during her long shifts. The dish was quick to assemble, flavourful, and always satisfying after a busy day. It allowed her to enjoy a delicious, fulfilling meal in minutes by simply adding the paste to hot broth and noodles.

Sara’s love for Bún Bò Huế grew as she appreciated the complexities and speed with which it could be made. Her favourite way to enjoy it was with beef balls and sliced meats, which added to the richness of the broth and made it a perfect meal after a hectic day in the kitchen.

GET FIRED UP! 🔥

Ready to level up your noodle soup game? With Kopi Thyme’s Bún Bò Huế soup base, creating this deliciously spicy Vietnamese classic at home is simple and fast! Whether you want to enhance your instant noodles or craft an entire pot of aromatic broth, this paste makes it all easy and mouthwatering.

Now, with Kopi Thyme this is made simple!

Directions for Use

Option A: Quick & Easy Bowl of Bún Bò Huế

Want to add some serious flavour to your noodles?

Simply add Kopi Thyme's Bun Bo Hue to your bowl of noodle soup, or even instant noodles!
Mix to your desired level of heat, and enjoy!

Option B: Traditional Bún Bò Huế Broth

For an authentic, rich bowl of Bún Bò Huế, follow these steps:

Step 1: Make your broth

Choose your broth: beef, chicken, pork, or vegetable.
Add Kopi Thyme's Bun Bo Hue and season with salt, dark soy sauce, and fish sauce to taste.

Step 2: Assemble your bowl

Rice noodles: Choose thick vermicelli noodles for the classic texture.
Toppings: Thinly sliced marinated beef shank, chunks of oxtail, pig's knuckles (optional), and even congealed pig blood cubes (optional). Don’t forget chả Huế (Vietnamese sausage)!
Garnishing: Fresh herbs, bean sprouts, banana flour, and a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of freshness.