Bún Chả

Name: Bún Chả (Hanoi)
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Vietnamese

Phở & Bún • Việt Nam

130

kcal

10g

Protein

14g

Carbs

Fat

Data source: VietCalorie

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Về Bún Chả (Hanoi)

Hanoi-style grilled pork with vermicelli, fresh herbs, and sweet fish sauce dip

How to Make Bún Chả (Hanoi) (Traditional & Healthy Version)

Prep: 15 min

Cook: 20 min

2 servings

Medium

Bún Chả (Hanoi) is a beloved Vietnamese noodle dish from the bustling streets of Hanoi, renowned for its grilled pork served over a bed of fresh rice vermicelli (bún), aromatic herbs, and a light, tangy dipping sauce (nước chấm). Each bite offers a harmonious mix of smoky, savory, sweet, and sour flavors, making it a true Vietnamese culinary experience. Traditionally enjoyed as a lunchtime favorite, Bún Chả embodies the vibrant food culture of northern Vietnam, where street-side vendors grill pork patties over charcoal, infusing them with irresistible aroma. This dish is both satisfying and light, making it a wonderful choice for health-conscious eaters. The use of lean pork, an abundance of fresh vegetables, and rice noodles ensures a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. The dipping sauce, made with lime juice, fish sauce, and a touch of natural sweetener, adds layers of flavor without unnecessary calories. By focusing on grilling rather than frying, Bún Chả (Hanoi) delivers authentic taste while remaining a healthy, internationally loved Vietnamese noodle dish.

Diabetic-Friendly Weight Loss Kid-Friendly Vegan Adaptable

Allergens: fish

Ingredients(for 1 bowl with noodles, grilled pork, herbs, and dipping sauce)

150g Rice vermicelli noodles (bún) (dried, thin Vietnamese rice noodles)
200g Lean pork shoulder (sliced thin)
100g Ground pork (for pork patties (chả))
2 cloves Garlic (minced)
1 small Shallot (finely chopped)
3 tbsp Fish sauce (Vietnamese nước mắm)
1 tbsp Sugar (or use coconut sugar)
1/2 tsp Black pepper
1 small Carrot (julienned)
50g Green papaya (optional, thinly sliced) - optional
1 cup Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, perilla (Vietnamese: tía tô))
1 cup Lettuce (shredded)
2 tbsp Lime juice
1 Red chili (sliced, optional for heat) - optional

Instructions

1
Prepare the pork by marinating sliced pork shoulder and ground pork separately with minced garlic, chopped shallot, 1.5 tbsp fish sauce, 1/2 tbsp sugar, and black pepper. Mix well and let rest for 10 minutes.
10 minutes
Marinate longer for deeper flavor; overnight is best if time permits.
2
Shape the ground pork into small, flat patties, about 2 inches in diameter.
3 minutes
Keep hands slightly wet to prevent sticking.
3
Grill the pork slices and patties over a charcoal grill or non-stick pan until cooked through and slightly charred on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side).
8 minutes
Use high heat for a smoky flavor, but avoid overcooking to keep pork juicy.
4
Cook rice vermicelli noodles according to package instructions, drain, and rinse with cold water.
4 minutes
Rinsing prevents noodles from sticking together.

Why This Dish is Healthy

This healthy Bún Chả (Hanoi) recipe is a great choice for calorie tracking and weight management. It features lean cuts of pork, minimal oil, and plenty of fresh greens, making it low in saturated fat and high in nutrients. The inclusion of herbs and raw vegetables adds flavor without extra calories, making it suitable for a balanced, heart-healthy diet. The use of rice noodles ensures the dish is gluten-free and easily digestible.

Bún Chả (Hanoi) offers a balance of lean protein from pork, complex carbohydrates from rice noodles, and fiber-rich fresh vegetables and herbs. The use of fresh ingredients boosts vitamin C, K, and antioxidants, especially from herbs like mint and perilla. Grilling the pork reduces fat content compared to frying, and the light dipping sauce keeps sodium and sugar levels manageable. This dish provides a wholesome meal that supports muscle health, digestion, and immune function.

Pro Tips

💡Use charcoal grilling for authentic smoky flavor.
💡Marinate pork overnight for deeper taste.
💡Serve dipping sauce at room temperature for best flavor balance.

Storage & Serving

Store grilled pork, noodles, and vegetables separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat pork gently before serving. Fresh herbs are best consumed the same day.

Best served: Lunch