Bún bò Huế: the spicy lemongrass beef noodle soup
Phở whispers; bún bò Huế shouts. It’s bolder, spicier and more fragrant – and many Vietnamese will tell you it’s their favourite noodle soup.
Bún bò Huế is the imperial city’s famous noodle soup: thick round rice noodles in a beef-and-pork broth flavoured with lemongrass and fermented shrimp paste, topped with beef shank, pork knuckle and chilli oil. It usually costs 35,000–60,000 VND. Order with “Cho tôi một tô bún bò”.
At a glance
How to order
“Cho tôi một tô bún bò.”
One bowl of bún bò. Say không lấy huyết if you’d rather skip the cubes of congealed pig’s blood, or ít cay for less spicy.
Bún bò Huế vs phở
Phở uses flat noodles and a clear, spiced beef broth. Bún bò Huế uses thick round noodles and a cloudier, spicier broth with lemongrass and shrimp paste. Add banana flower, herbs, lime and more chilli from the plate.
When to go
Breakfast is traditional in Huế, but you can find a bowl at almost any time of day.
Questions travellers ask
Is bún bò Huế spicy?
It has more heat than most Vietnamese soups, mainly from chilli oil. Ask for “ít cay” for a milder bowl.
How much does bún bò Huế cost?
Around 35,000–60,000 VND a bowl.
What is the red oil on top?
Chilli oil flavoured with lemongrass – it gives the soup its colour and kick.
Does bún bò Huế contain blood?
Often, yes: cubes of congealed pig’s blood (huyết). Ask for “không lấy huyết” to leave them out.
Prices are typical ranges we’ve seen and change often; tourist areas can charge more. Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we’ll fix it. Last updated 2026-09-30.
