The Absolute BEST Bun Thang in Saigon?! 🍜 #saigondining_monViet
Okay, calling anything "the best" is a bold move, but when it comes to bun thang in Saigon, I think it's justified! Why? Because there are so few places that even *serve* it, making comparisons tough.
A Nostalgic Trip Down Memory Lane
Way back, over a decade ago, "Bun Tan Dinh" was the rare gem serving this dish. Tucked away in an alley on Dinh Cong Trang Street in District 1, it was run by a lovely Northern lady (probably in her 80s now!). I wonder if she's still at it? A friend of mine affectionately calls it "leisurely bun" because it seemed like she opened it out of pure passion.
Bun Thang: A Taste of Hanoi's History
The origin of bun thang is debated, but writer Vu Bang in his book "Mieng ngon Ha Noi" (Hanoi Delights) offers some insight. He wrote: "In the past, *thang* and *cuon* were precious dishes, only enjoyed on anniversaries or during Tet - on the day of burning votive papers."
Ironically, Vu Bang's writing was published in the South in 1960, primarily based on memories from his Hanoi days. I often imagine him strolling down the alley leading to Pho Minh Casino on Pasteur Street (still there, and recently earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2023!). This cinema-esque alley is packed with Northern dishes like *banh cuon*, *banh cam*, and especially, *bun thang*. I wonder if that alley stirred memories of Hanoi for him, or maybe a longing for something lost...
Finding Saigon's Bun Thang Oasis
Recently, bun thang has been popping up more, often in chicken pho (pho ga) restaurants. My personal favorite is Pho Ga Pho Co in District 2. Everything related to chicken there is top-notch, and their bun thang benefits from that quality. It might not be the quintessential Northern Tet version, but for me, it's the best bun thang I've had in Saigon! A bowl costs from 50k to 80k depending on your chicken choice, and it's totally worth it.
The Secret Ingredient? A Touch of Shrimp Paste!
A funny thing about this seemingly light dish is that it NEEDS a tiny bit of shrimp paste to truly shine. Sounds contradictory, right? But it's true! Even better? A few drops of cà cuống (giant water bug essence) for that perfect balance in the broth.
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📍 Pho Ga Pho Co
- 12 Duong so 10, Thao Dien Ward, District 2, Saigon | Hotline: 0843828888
- Open from 6:30 AM to 2:00 PM
- Bun Thang: 50,000 - 80,000 VND/bowl, Chicken gizzard: 50,000 - 70,000 VND/bowl, Quay: 10,000 VND/3 pieces
#SaigonAnuong #SaigonReviews #SaigonDiningGuide #saigondining_quan2
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