"Hanoi's lunchtime institution: charcoal-grilled pork in a sweet-sour fish sauce broth. Barack Obama and Anthony Bourdain ate it here in 2016. The restaurant has been full ever since."
About Bún Chả
Hanoi's lunchtime institution — grilled pork patties and pork belly grilled over charcoal until caramelised and smoky, served in a bowl of sweet-sour fish sauce broth with sliced green papaya, herbs and garlic; accompanied by a plate of bún (thin vermicelli) and a mountain of herb salad; Barack Obama and Anthony Bourdain ate this in Hanoi in 2016 and the restaurant has been full ever since.
Bún Chả — a staple of Vietnam's cuisine
Grilled pork patties and pork belly charcoal-grilled until caramelised and smoky, served in a bowl of sweet-sour fish sauce broth with sliced green papaya, herbs and garlic. Accompanied by a plate of bún (thin vermicelli) and a mountain of herb salad — lettuce, perilla, mint, coriander.
Barack Obama and Anthony Bourdain ate bún chả at Bún Chả Hương Liên in Hanoi in May 2016 on Bourdain's Parts Unknown. The restaurant still displays the table, the chairs and the bill.
What to Expect
At Bún Chả Hương Liên the bowl of broth arrives with the pork already in it. You dip the bún vermicelli and a handful of herbs into the bowl and eat from the same bowl. The smoke of the charcoal is present in the meat.
Why Try It
Bún chả tells you about Hanoi's lunchtime culture — the street stalls at noon, the charcoal smoke and the unhurried midday pace are all part of the dish.
Insider Tips
Bún Chả Hương Liên on Lê Văn Hưu (the Obama restaurant) is the essential address.
The herbs are not a side salad — they go into the bowl and are eaten with every bite.
Arrive at noon — bún chả sells out at the best Hanoi stalls by 1 p.m.
