It’s fair to say that you haven’t really experienced Vietnamese cuisine until you’ve tried bún bò. This dish, originating from Huế (in the centre of the country), is as quintessentially Vietnamese as nón lá hats, phở and crazy traffic.
For me, it’s the king of noodle soups. It’s a great example of what is great about the food here: balanced, healthy, flavoursome and without eccentricity. It’s an immensely popular and gloriously humdrum meal, best enjoyed on roadside stalls or in quiet alleyways, served by cheery aunties in pyjamas.
Bún Bò 725 Hoàng Sa is a great place to get your bún bò fix. Expect great food and a characteristically jolly atmosphere.
As with a lot of brilliant eateries, this place is well-established. Bún Bò 725 Hoành Sa is run by 2nd-generation owner Danny, a flamboyant and energetic man who took over the reins from his mother 3 years ago. The roadside stall has now been standing for over 20 years.
The broth is one of the best I’ve had. Hearty, rich and full of that meaty flavour that comes from artfully stewed bones. Extremely moreish.
As always, it comes with a hefty helping of bean sprouts, banana blossom and morning glory (tehe). I like to add some lime and a splash of fish sauce (nước mắm) too.
Prices start at 30K VND. For those, like me, who find eating a big slice of pigs foot (giò heo) a little overwhelming, I’d recommend ordering without, or just getting nạm (beef brisket).
You can find it at 725 Hoàng Sa, Phường 07, Quận 3, Hồ Chí Minh. Open around 5-9pm every day.
To view the location, click in the top right and search for ‘Bún bò 725 Hoàng Sa’.