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Uncover the Flavors of Vietnam: A Guide to Bun Bo Hue and Pho

Two Beloved Noodle Soups, One Delicious Heritage

When it comes to Vietnamese cuisine, two noodle soups stand out from the rest: pho and bun bo hue. While both are brothy, packed with noodles, and garnished with fresh herbs, they have distinct differences in terms of ingredients, origins, and flavor profiles.

Pho: The National Dish of Vietnam

Pho, a traditional peasant noodle soup, has gained worldwide recognition for its rich, fragrant broth and customizable toppings. The broth is typically made by simmering beef bones for hours, infused with aromatics like garlic, star anise, clove, and cinnamon. This hearty soup is then assembled with fresh banh pho noodles, sliced beef or chicken, and garnished with bean sprouts, Thai basil, lime, and chili.

A Dish with a Rich History

Pho originated in Hanoi and spread throughout Vietnam, adapting to regional flavors and influences. Today, you can find authentic pho restaurants in major cities worldwide, thanks to the Vietnamese diaspora.

Bun Bo Hue: The Spicy Cousin

Bun bo hue, hailing from Hue in central Vietnam, is another popular Vietnamese noodle soup. Its broth is made by simmering beef or pork bones, seasoned with lemongrass, fermented shrimp paste, sugar, and chili oil, giving it a spicy kick. This flavorful soup is topped with thinly sliced beef or pork, fresh herbs, lime wedges, and onion, as well as thicker rice noodles and cubes of congealed pig’s blood.

A Balanced Flavor Profile

Less is known about bun bo hue’s origins, but its unique balance of sweet, salty, spicy, and umami flavors has earned it a loyal following. This dish requires patience and time to develop a rich, flavorful broth.

Try Your Hand at Making These Delicious Soups

If you’re inspired to try making pho or bun bo hue, we’ve got you covered. Check out our easy recipes below:

• Easy Chicken Pho: A quick and healthy meal perfect for a cold night.
• Instant Pot Bun Bo Hue: A balanced and delicious recipe adapted for the Instant Pot.

Get ready to embark on a flavorful journey through Vietnam’s culinary landscape!