Vietnamese cuisine has captivated food lovers around the world with its balance of flavors and fresh ingredients. Among the many iconic dishes, bun cha holds a special place in the heart of Hanoi’s food culture. Known for its fragrant grilled pork, tangy dipping sauce, and delicate rice noodles, bun cha is a dish that defines northern Vietnamese cuisine. In this article, let’s learn to make bun cha with Xoso66 and recreate the taste of Hanoi right in your own home.
1. What is Bun Cha?
Bun cha is a traditional Vietnamese dish that originated in Hanoi. It is typically served for lunch and consists of three main elements:
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Grilled pork belly and minced pork patties
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Fresh rice vermicelli (bun)
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Sweet-and-sour dipping sauce with pickled green papaya and carrots
To enjoy, diners dip the grilled meat and noodles into the sauce, often accompanied by fresh herbs and vegetables, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
2. Ingredients You’ll Need
To learn to make bun cha with Xoso66, gather the following ingredients:
For the grilled pork:
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300g pork belly (thinly sliced)
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300g pork shoulder (minced or coarsely chopped)
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Garlic, shallots, lemongrass, fish sauce, sugar, pepper, and caramel sauce (nuoc mau)
For the dipping sauce:
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3 tbsp fish sauce
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2 tbsp sugar
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2 tbsp vinegar or lime juice
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Garlic and chili (finely chopped)
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Green papaya and carrot (thinly sliced and pickled)
Others:
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Rice vermicelli (bun)
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Fresh herbs: lettuce, perilla, mint, Vietnamese balm, bean sprouts…
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Making Bun Cha
Step 1: Marinate the meat
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Pork belly: slice thinly and marinate with minced garlic, shallots, fish sauce, sugar, pepper, and caramel sauce. Let sit for at least 30 minutes.
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Minced pork: form into small patties and marinate with the same mixture.
Step 2: Grill the meat
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Grill the pork belly slices and patties over charcoal for authentic flavor or use an air fryer/grill pan.
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Cook until the meat is golden and slightly crispy on the edges, but still juicy inside.
Step 3: Prepare the dipping sauce
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Mix 3 parts fish sauce, 2 parts sugar, 2 parts vinegar/lime juice, and 5 parts water.
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Add chopped garlic, chili, and pickled papaya/carrot for balance.
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Let sit for 15–20 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 4: Assemble and enjoy
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Place the vermicelli and herbs on a plate.
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Serve grilled meat separately or in a bowl with dipping sauce.
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Dip noodles, herbs, and meat into the sauce and enjoy – the Hanoi way!
4. Tips for the Perfect Bun Cha
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Marinate longer: The longer you marinate, the richer the flavor – at least 30–60 minutes is recommended.
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Charcoal grilling is ideal for an authentic smoky aroma.
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Slice papaya thinly and soak in salt water before pickling to retain crunch.
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Adjust sauce balance to your taste – it should be sweet, sour, salty, and spicy in harmony.
5. Why Learn to Make Bun Cha with Xoso66?
Celebrate Vietnamese culinary culture
Xoso66 is not just a trusted online entertainment platform – it’s also passionate about Vietnamese culture, including its rich and diverse cuisine. Sharing recipes like bun cha is a way to connect with tradition and community.
Easy-to-follow instructions
Every cooking guide provided by Xoso66 is simple, practical, and suitable for both beginners and experienced home cooks.
Combine food and fun
Join mini-games, cooking challenges, or culinary events hosted by the Xoso66 community for a chance to win exciting prizes while learning new skills.
6. Conclusion
When you learn to make bun cha with Xoso66, you’re not just learning a recipe – you’re bringing a piece of Hanoi into your own kitchen. With its balance of flavors and satisfying textures, bun cha is more than a meal – it’s a culinary experience that connects generations and cultures.
Join Xoso66 today to discover more delicious recipes, fun community events, and the joy of Vietnamese home cooking!
