Bun Dau Mam Tom is a quintessential dish of Vietnamese cuisine, particularly beloved in Hanoi. With its perfect blend of fermented shrimp paste, rice vermicelli, protein ingredients, and fresh herbs, this dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds. If you find yourself traveling to Vietnam, make sure to indulge in this unique and flavorful delicacy.
What Makes Bun Dau Mam Tom Special?
Bun Dau Mam Tom is one of the most famous dishes in Vietnamese cuisine. As the name suggests, it consists of vermicelli noodles, deep-fried tofu, and fermented shrimp paste. Traditionally, this dish features soft, tangled rice vermicelli from Phu Do and the finest tofu from Mo Village. Nowadays, you can enjoy various toppings, including boiled pig’s leg, pork belly, pig offal, green rice, pork nuggets, and fried spring rolls.
The dish is accompanied by fresh herbs and vegetables such as fish mint, perilla leaves, basil, and cucumber. The star of the show is the dipping sauce—mắm tôm—which has a distinct pungent taste that pairs perfectly with all the toppings. For those who are not accustomed to the flavor of shrimp paste, fish sauce mixed with chili and lemon can be used as an alternative.
To enjoy, simply take a piece of vermicelli or another ingredient with chopsticks and dip it into the shrimp paste. After your meal, you’ll often be offered chewing gum to help remove any lingering odors from your mouth.
Hanoi – Where to Find Authentic Bun Dau Mam Tom ?
Bun Dau Mam Tom has evolved from being a common street food to a traditional Vietnamese dish that reflects the country’s culinary heritage. If you’re looking for the best Bun Dau Mam Tom in Hanoi, here are some must-visit places:
Bun Dau Mam Tom Co Tuyen
- Address: No. 31, Hang Khay Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi (Google Map)
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Price Range: 40,000 – 80,000 VND
Bun Dau Mam Tom Co Tuyen is one of the most famous vendors in Hanoi, located in the Old Quarter. This place is extremely busy, especially on weekends. The bun is served on banana leaves, enhancing its visual appeal. The standout feature here is the boiled meat, which is delicious and tender without being fatty.
Bun Dau Trung Huong
- Address: No. 49, Phat Loc Alley, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi (Google map)
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Price Range: 60,000 VND
Bun Dau Trung Huong is a must-visit for anyone craving exquisite Bun Dau Mam Tom. The shrimp paste dipping sauce here is imported from Thanh Hoa province, known for its high-quality shrimp paste. Every customer who visits will remember the special delicious shrimp sauce, widely regarded as the soul of the dish.
Bun Dau Doan Tran Nghiep
- Address: No. 42, Doan Tran Nghiep Street, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi (Google Map)
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM
- Price Range: 20,000 – 40,000 VND
The highlight of Bun Dau Doan Tran Nghiep is the fried pork sausage (doi ran). While most places serve boiled pork sausage, here the sausage is deep-fried to a beautiful golden color. If you want to try this unique dish, be sure to visit Bun Dau Doan Tran Nghiep during your trip to Hanoi.
Bun Dau Met Phuc Dau
- Address: No. B20, Nghia Tan Street, Cau Giay District, Hanoi (Google map)
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Price Range: 35,000 – 55,000 VND
Bun Dau Nghia Tan is well-known among street food enthusiasts in Cau Giay district. Unlike the previously mentioned shops, this one is larger, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dish of Bun Dau Mam Tom while chatting with friends without worrying about disturbing other diners.
Bun Dau Ngo Gach
- Address: No. 04, Gach Alley, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi (google map)
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Price Range: 25,000 – 50,000 VND
Despite being a sidewalk vendor, Bun Dau Mam Tom Ngo Gach (also known as Bun Dau Goc Da) is always a top choice for locals. The place is clean, and the service is excellent, ensuring satisfaction even for the most discerning customers.
Bun Dau Mam Tom Co Hoa
- Address: 25, Au Trieu, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi (Google map)
- Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 22:00 PM
- Price Range: 35,000 – 50,000 VND
Cô Hoa’s Bun Dau restaurant is famous for its delicious bun dau mam tom, which is both fragrant and appealing. The restaurant’s space is a bit cramped but cozy, creating a warm atmosphere for diners. The shrimp paste here is perfectly seasoned, harmonizing beautifully with the fresh vermicelli and crispy fried tofu. The restaurant offers a variety of drinks, including beer, lime tea, and Red Bull, catering to a wide range of tastes.
Bun Dau Mam Tom is more than just a simple street food; it embodies the rich culinary culture of Hanoi. Be sure to experience this delightful dish and savor the unique flavors of Vietnam!
