Bún chả is a pork and noodle dish that is intricately connected to Hanoi, where it is believed to have originated. The dish combines three elements: a bowl of grilled pork meatballs served in a cold broth, a plate of rice noodles, and a combination of various fresh greens such as perilla leaves, lettuce, coriander, and morning glory.

Although bún chả or similar varieties can be found in other parts of Vietnam, the local Hanoi version is held in high regard. Not much is known about its history or origin, but the dish became internationally recognized in 2016 when it was featured on the show Parts Unknown – in which the host Anthony Bourdain enjoyed bún chả together with the former president Barack Obama.

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.

This colorful noodle soup is a local specialty hailing from Hai Phong. It consists of pork-based broth that is topped with a variety of ingredients such as crab meat, fresh herbs, pork balls, chả lụa sausage, or ground meat wrapped with betel leaves (bò lá lốt).

The ingredients may vary, but each bowl needs to have a serving of locally made noodles (bánh đa) that are characterized by their light red hue. Lime wedges, lettuce, perilla leaves, or sliced chili peppers are usually served on the side.