Anthony Bourdain's favorite soup, Bún bò Huế, is considered the "greatest soup in the world" due to its complex and harmonious balance of flavors and textures. This Vietnamese beef noodle soup originated in the city of Huế and stands out for several reasons.
- Broth: A rich, flavorful broth made by simmering beef and pork bones for hours, then enhanced with lemongrass, onion, shrimp paste, and annatto for added depth and color.
- Ingredients: A variety of key ingredients, including:
- Thicker rice noodles, unlike the thin strips found in pho
- Tender beef shank, slow-cooked to perfection
- Crab meat dumplings, adding seafood richness
- Pig trotters and blood cake, providing a depth of flavor and texture
- Fresh herbs, such as lime wedges, cilantro, and scallions, adding brightness and crunch
- Spice level: A spicy kick from chili oil and chili sauce, balanced by the sweetness of the broth and other ingredients
- Regional influence: Bún bò Huế reflects the culinary philosophy of Vietnam, emphasizing balance and harmony in its flavors and textures
- Cultural significance: This soup is a staple in Huế, where it was once reserved for the royal palace, and is now a beloved breakfast dish for locals and travelers alike
Bourdain praised bún bò Huế for its bold, balanced, and unapologetically meaty flavors, making it a standout dish in Vietnamese cuisine
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famously declared Bún bò Huế to be the "greatest soup in the world". While filming Parts Unknown, he placed it at the absolute top of his "hierarchy of delicious, slurpy stuff in a bowl," praising it as a sophisticated masterpiece on par with high-end French cuisine.
What is Bún bò Huế?
Originating from Huế, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, this dish is a bold and complex noodle soup known for its vibrant red, spicy broth. It is distinct from the more famous Pho due to its thicker, cylindrical rice noodles and a punchier flavor profile driven by lemongrass and fermented shrimp paste.
- The Broth: A rich, slow-simmered concoction of beef and pork bones, heavily scented with lemongrass, chili oil, and fermented shrimp paste (mắm ruốc).
- The Proteins: Typically includes tender beef shank, pork hocks, oxtail, crabmeat dumplings, and cubes of congealed pig's blood (huyết).
- The Garnishes: Served with a fresh array of shredded banana blossoms, bean sprouts, lime, cilantro, and Vietnamese mint.
Where to Experience it Like Bourdain
If you want the exact experience Bourdain had, you can find it at these locations in Vietnam:
- Bún Bò Huế Kim Chau: Located in the iconic Dong Ba Market in Huế. This is where Bourdain filmed the Parts Unknown segment and marveled at the soup's complexity.
- : Bourdain also famously visited Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh, whose rotating menu includes a legendary version of Bún bò Huế.
- Street Food Tours: For a guided experience, you can join the Super Niche Walking Street Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City, which includes an original-taste version of the soup.
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