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Discover Bun Cha Khoi and Trinh Cong Son walking street in Tay Ho, Hanoi, Vietnam
Savoring Tradition with a Twist on Trinh Cong Son Walking Street
November 7, 2024 In Bun Cha Khoi No Comment Read More

Hanoi’s Tay Ho district is renowned for its picturesque lakeside views and serene ambiance, but there’s a hidden gem that’s stirring up the local food scene – Trinh Cong Son Walking Street. Named after the beloved Vietnamese songwriter, this vibrant street has become a cultural and culinary hotspot, especially with the advent of Bún Chả Khói, a restaurant that’s turning heads with its innovative approach to the traditional Vietnamese dish, Bun Cha.
Discover Bun Cha Khoi and Trinh Cong Son walking street in Tay Ho, Hanoi, Vietnam

A Fusion of Flavors: Bún Chả Khói

Bún Chả Khói isn’t your ordinary bun cha restaurant. It’s where the smoky, succulent flavors of BBQ from Barbaros restaurant meet the fresh, zesty elements of Vietnamese bun cha. Located on Trinh Cong Son Walking Street, this eatery has quickly become a must-visit for both locals and tourists looking for a unique culinary experience.
  • The Concept: Bún Chả Khói takes the beloved Vietnamese dish and infuses it with the BBQ smoking technique. This results in pork that’s not just grilled but infused with layers of smoky flavor, elevating the traditional bun cha to new heights
  • The Atmosphere: Set against the backdrop of the lively walking street, Bún Chả Khói offers an ambiance that’s both cozy and vibrant. The open kitchen concept allows diners to watch as their meal is prepared, adding an element of live entertainment to dining
  • The Experience: Here, dining isn’t just about eating; it’s about experiencing Vietnamese culture through food. The staff at Bún Chả Khói are keen on sharing stories about the origins of bun cha, the significance of Trinh Cong Son, and how this restaurant brings a fresh perspective to Hanoi’s food narrative

Bun Cha Khoi table presentation in Tay Ho, Hanoi.

Why Visit Trinh Cong Son Walking Street?

  • Cultural Melting Pot: The street is a testament to Hanoi’s evolving culture, blending old with new, where music, art, and food intersect
  • Nightlife: As evening falls, the street transforms. Artists, musicians, and food vendors give life to the area, making it a perfect spot for evening strolls and casual dining
  • Bún Chả Khói: Your culinary journey isn’t complete without tasting the signature dish at Bun Cha Khoi for lunch. It’s not just food; it’s a conversation starter, a blend of heritage and modernity, all served on one plate

Discover Bun Cha Khoi and Trinh Cong Son walking street in Tay Ho, Hanoi, Vietnam

Tips for Visiting:

  • Best Time to Visit: Early evening when the street starts to wake up with performers and the air fills with the aroma of various street foods
  • What to Try: Besides the innovative bun cha, don’t miss out on trying their seasonal BBQ specials which incorporate local and seasonal ingredients
  • For Travelers: If you’re exploring Hanoi, a visit to Trinh Cong Son Walking Street and Bún Chả Khói is a snapshot of how traditional Vietnamese cuisine is evolving, making your food adventure memorable
Trinh Cong Son Walking Street and Bún Chả Khói represent the dynamic blend of tradition and innovation in Hanoi’s food culture. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, a traveler eager to explore Vietnamese culture, or simply looking for a unique dining experience, this spot promises an unforgettable journey of flavors.
Come for the Bún Chả, stay for the experience. Book your table now!

Bun Cha meal representation at Bun Cha Khoi, Tay Ho, Hanoi.
The Essence of Hanoi: A Deep Dive into Traditional Bún Chả
October 22, 2024 In Bun Cha Khoi No Comment Read More

When one thinks of Vietnamese cuisine, phở often takes the spotlight, but there’s another dish, originating from the bustling streets of Hanoi, that deserves equal attention – Bún Chả. This dish is not just food; it’s a sensory experience, a beloved tradition, and a perfect example of Vietnamese culinary art.
Bun Cha meal in Hanoi, Vietnam.

What is Bún Chả?

Bún Chả consists of grilled pork (chả) served with white rice noodles (bún), a basket of fresh herbs, and a bowl of dipping sauce. Here’s a breakdown of its components:
  • Grilled Pork: There are usually two types – Chả Miếng (pork slices) and Chả Viên (minced pork patties). Both are marinated in a mixture that might include fish sauce, sugar, honey, garlic, shallots, and lemongrass, then grilled to perfection over charcoal, giving it a distinctive smoky flavor.
  • Vermicelli Noodles (Bún): These are thin, soft, and served at room temperature, providing a neutral base that balances the rich flavors of the pork.
  • Dipping Sauce: A delicate concoction of fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, water, lime, and chili. It’s where the magic happens, with each bite of pork or noodle dunked in this sauce, enriching the taste.
  • Herbs and Greens: A crucial part of Vietnamese cuisine, these often include lettuce, coriander, mint, perilla, and sometimes banana flower. They add freshness and a crunch that contrasts with the meat.

The Cultural Significance

Bún Chả is more than a dish; it’s a cultural institution in Hanoi. It embodies the Vietnamese philosophy of balance in flavors – sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. Eating Bún Chả is also a communal experience, often enjoyed with friends or family, gathered around small tables on the sidewalks of Hanoi.
Bun Cha Khoi table presentation in Tay Ho, Hanoi.

Where to Find the Best Bún Chả?

While Bún Chả can be found across Vietnam, its heart lies in Hanoi. Here are some iconic places where you can taste authentic Bún Chả:
  • Bún Chả Hàng Mành: One of the oldest spots, known for its traditional flavors
  • Bún Chả Đắc Kim: Famous among locals and tourists for its generous portions and flavorful meat
  • Bún Chả Khói: A new take that mixes the traditional flavors with the original smoked bbq style from Barbaros
  • Street Food Tours: Often, the best Bún Chả experiences come from following locals or joining a street food tour where hidden gems are revealed

Making Bún Chả at Home

For those unable to travel to Hanoi, recreating Bún Chả at home can be a delightful project. Ingredients are generally accessible, and while the charcoal grilling might be hard to replicate, a good grill pan can suffice. The key is in the marinade and balancing the dipping sauce.

Conclusion

Bún Chả isn’t just a meal; it’s an entry point into understanding Vietnamese culture and cuisine. Its blend of flavors, the freshness of its ingredients, and the communal way it’s enjoyed all contribute to its cherished place in Hanoi’s culinary scene. Whether you’re dining on a bustling street corner in Hanoi or trying your hand at making it at home, Bún Chả offers a taste of Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage.
If you visit Hanoi and want to enjoy Bún Chả, don’t miss the opportunity to try the new take that offers Bún Chả Khói, but we advise you to book a table with time!

The Grand Opening of Bún Chả Khói is here!
October 11, 2024 In Bun Cha Khoi No Comment Read More

We are glad to announce that Bún Chả Khói is officially open for weekends at Barbaros restaurant location during the weekends from 10:00 to 14:30! Being able to provide the traditional Bún Chả with the original smoked bbq style from Barbaros is really special for us. We have designed a menu that goes around Bún Chả but offers more options for these that look for more than just the “normal”.

Menu for Bun Cha meal and banh mi in Bun Cha Khoi, located in 27 Trinh Cong Son, Tay Ho, Hanoi, Vietnam.

Apart of our special Bún Chả, we offer a brand new Bánh Mì Thịt Nướng and a yummy Jasmine Tofu dessert. All of them can be accompanied with a selection of drinks from coffee, tea, juices and local and German beer.

Don’t miss the chance to try it and book a table now.


Bún Chả Khói opens with a soft opening this weekend
October 4, 2024 In Bun Cha Khoi Events No Comment Read More

We are happy to announce Bún Chả Khói soft opening this weekend at Barbaros location in 27 Trinh Cong Son, Tay Ho, Hanoi. After a summer preparing our new concept and doing tests with friends now everyone can enjoy our new approach to the traditional Bún Chả dish from Hanoi.

People enjoying Bun Cha in Bun Cha Khoi, in 27 Trinh Cong Son, Tay Ho, Hanoi

From now, Bún Chả Khói will be open only during weekends (Friday to Sunday) in the opeining hours from 10:00 to 14:30. So, if you want to try our special smoked bbq grilled meat with Barbaros style book a table now.