This traditional Vietnamese dish consists of rice vermicelli noodles, fried tofu, and fermented shrimp paste. All the elements are served separately, along with a heap of fresh green herbs. The dish is occasionally accompanied by slices of boiled pork, and before serving the shrimp paste is traditionally drizzled with few drops of lemon or kumquat juice.

Bún đậu mắm tôm is mainly associated with Northern Vietnam, and it is especially popular in Hanoi. Although it is served in restaurants, this unique combination is best known as a street food item that is sold by numerous street vendors.