Top 11 Places to Eat Bun Bo Hue in Ho Chi Minh City: Authentic Hue Beef Noodle Soup

Finding the best bun bo hue in Ho Chi Minh City is a culinary adventure into the heart of Central Vietnamese cuisine. This iconic spicy beef noodle soup, originating from the former imperial city of Hue, is a complex masterpiece of flavors, and Saigon's food scene offers countless interpretations. This GTrip guide is your definitive map to uncovering the most authentic and delicious bowls in the city. Forget endlessly searching we've compiled the ultimate list that covers everything from legendary street-side stalls to established restaurants celebrated by locals and travelers alike. We will explore the unique characteristics of each location, detailing their signature flavors, famous toppings, and what makes them a must-visit. Get ready to dive into rich, lemongrass-infused broths topped with tender beef, hearty pork, and all the classic accompaniments.

1. Bun Bo Hue Duyen Mai

• Address:
  • 132 Ben Van Don, Xom Chieu Ward (former District 4), Ho Chi Minh City
  • E0.03, Lot M8, The Peak, Midtown, Phu My Hung area, Tan My Ward (former District 7), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
• Price range: 50,000 - 95,000 VND ($1.92 - 3.64). Stone bowl: 175,000 VND ($6.70)

For a modern yet authentic bun bo hue experience, Duyen Mai is a standout choice. The restaurant prides itself on a clean and comfortable dining environment, making it a great option for those who want to escape the city's hustle. What truly sets them apart is their signature stone bowl bun bo hue, which arrives at your table still bubbling, ensuring every bite is piping hot from start to finish. The broth is carefully balanced, with a fragrant lemongrass aroma and a moderate spice level that appeals to a wide audience. Each bowl is generously filled with quality ingredients, including tender sliced beef, crab cakes, and pork hock. Their commitment to freshness is evident in the vibrant platter of herbs, including mint, banana blossom, and bean sprouts. This is a fantastic place to introduce a friend to the world of Hue cuisine.

Duyen Mai offers a modern, authentic bun bo experience with bubbling stone bowls, fragrant broth, and fresh, quality ingredients in a clean, comfortable setting

2. Bun Bo Hue Kim Huong

• Address: multiple branches
  • 568 Dien Bien Phu, Thanh My Tay Ward (former Binh Thanh District), Ho Chi Minh City
  • 172 Nguyen Xi, Binh Thanh Ward (former Binh Thanh District), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 6:30 AM - 10:30 PM
• Price range: 50,000 - 70,000 VND (~$1.92 - 2.68)

Bun Bo Hue Kim Huong is a household name in Ho Chi Minh City, operating as a reliable and well-established chain. If you’re looking for consistency and convenience, Kim Huong is an excellent pick. Their success is built on a recipe that has been perfected over the years, delivering a broth that is both rich and flavorful without being overwhelmingly spicy. The flavor profile leans towards the Southern Vietnamese palate, with a slightly sweeter undertone. A standard bowl here is packed with a variety of toppings, including tender beef shank, flavorful pork patties and cubes of coagulated pig's blood. With multiple branches scattered across the city and long opening hours, Kim Huong makes it incredibly easy to satisfy your bun bo craving at almost any time of the day.

3. Bun Bo Hue 170B

• Address: 170B Tran Nhan Ton, Vuon Lai Ward (former District 10), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 12:30 PM
• Price range: About 50,000 VND (~$1.92)

Bun Bo Hue 170B is a cherished local spot that captures the essence of authentic, no-frills street food. This eatery is famous among residents for its powerful and intensely flavorful dark broth, which boasts a deep, savory profile from hours of simmering bones. The aroma of lemongrass and shrimp paste is prominent, signaling a truly traditional Hue-style soup. This is not a place for timid eaters; the broth has a definite spicy kick that aficionados of the dish will appreciate. The noodles are thick and chewy, perfectly complementing the rich soup. Toppings are generous, with a hearty mix of beef, pork, and the essential blood cake. This spot prioritizes flavor over aesthetics, offering a raw and genuine street food experience. It’s the perfect choice for a quick, affordable, and incredibly satisfying breakfast or lunch.

Bun Bo Hue 170B is a local favorite, serving bold, spicy, and richly flavored Hue-style soup with thick noodles and generous toppings in a no-frills setting

4. Bun Bo Hue Ben Ngu

• Address: 585 Huynh Tan Phat, Tan Thuan Ward (former Tan Thuan Dong, District 7), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Price range: About 60,000 VND (~$2.30)

Bun Bo Hue Ben Ngu is another gem that faithfully represents the culinary traditions of Hue. The name itself, "Ben Ngu," refers to a famous location in Hue, hinting at the restaurant's commitment to authenticity. The broth here is celebrated for its clarity and refined taste, leaning more towards savory and aromatic than overwhelmingly spicy, though chili is always available on the side. The key feature is the exceptional quality of its toppings, especially the succulent pork hock and tender, thinly sliced beef. The restaurant also serves a fantastic version of Vietnamese sausage (nem). This spot offers a more sit-down, relaxed atmosphere compared to street-side vendors, making it a comfortable place for a leisurely meal. It's a favorite among families and those who appreciate a well-crafted bowl where each ingredient, from the broth to the fresh herbs, is given careful attention.

5. Bun Bo Hue Xua

• Address:
  • 48 Cach Mang Thang Tam, Xuan Hoa Ward (former District 3), Ho Chi Minh City
  • 148 Le Thi Rieng, Ben Thanh Ward (former District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 6:30 AM - 9:00 PM
• Price range: About 40,000 VND (~$1.53)

Bun Bo Hue Xua aims to recreate the nostalgic, traditional flavors of the past. As a popular chain with numerous branches, it has mastered the art of delivering a consistent and highly accessible bowl of bun bo. The flavor profile is designed to please the masses, with a well-rounded broth that balances spice, sweetness, and savoriness. One of its main draws is its incredible affordability, making it one of the most budget-friendly options on this list without compromising on a satisfying meal. The bowls are straightforward but delicious, typically including essential toppings like beef slices and pork. With locations at key intersections, Bun Bo Hue Xua is a go-to spot for quick, affordable Vietnamese meals.

Bun Bo Hue Xua is a popular, budget-friendly chain serving consistently flavorful, well-balanced bowls of traditional bun bo

6. Bun Bo Hue Hanh

• Address: 135 Banh Van Tran, Tan Son Nhat Ward (former Tan Binh District), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 1:30 PM, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
• Price range: 50,000 - 70,000 VND (~$1.92 - 2.68)

Bun Bo Hue Hanh is a beloved institution in Tan Binh, drawing in crowds daily with its reputation for serving a robust and authentic bowl. The star of the show here is undoubtedly the broth, which is simmered for hours to achieve a deep, meaty flavor with a fragrant lemongrass kick. It is known for being rich and slightly fatty, creating a truly decadent soup base. The bowls are packed with a generous assortment of toppings, ensuring a hearty and filling meal. Diners consistently praise the tenderness of the beef and a special, flavorful pork meatball that sets it apart from other vendors. The place operates with a classic street-food energy. For those seeking a powerful and traditional rendition of Bun Bo Hue that doesn't skimp on flavor or portion size, Hanh is a must-visit destination.

7. Bun Bo Hue Nam Giao

• Address: 136/15 Le Thanh Ton, Ben Thanh Ward (former District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
• Price range: About 100,000 VND (~$3.83)

Bun Bo Hue Nam Giao is a hidden gem that caters to those with a discerning palate. This restaurant elevates the humble noodle soup to a more refined experience. While the price is higher than average, it reflects the superior quality of the ingredients and the meticulous preparation. The broth is exceptionally clear yet complex, showcasing a delicate balance of flavors without the heavy-handed use of MSG or spice. The bowl is distinguished by its premium cuts of meat, including perfectly tender beef shank and high-quality cha hue. The presentation is neat, and the dining space, though small, is clean and has a long-standing, respectable reputation. Nam Giao is the ideal choice for food connoisseurs who are willing to pay a premium for a top-tier, expertly crafted bowl of bun bo that honors its imperial Hue origins.

Bun Bo Hue Nam Giao offers a refined, premium take on Bun Bo Hue with clear, complex broth and high-quality meats for discerning diners

8. Bun Bo Hue Song Huong

• Address: 31 Le Van Thinh, Binh Trung Ward (former District 2), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 1:30 PM, 4:30 PM - 10:00 PM
• Price range: About 50,000 VND (~$1.92)

Named after the Perfume River (Song Huong) that flows through Hue, this chain aims to bring the authentic taste of its namesake city to Saigon. Bun Bo Hue Song Huong is well-regarded for its distinctly spicy and aromatic broth, which carries a strong note of chili oil and lemongrass, true to the Hue style. This spot is for those who love a fiery kick in their noodle soup. The broth has a beautiful reddish-orange hue, a testament to the generous amount of chili used. The noodles are satisfyingly thick, and the bowls are filled with a hearty selection of meats, including beef, pork hock, and congealed blood cubes. With branches across the city, Song Huong delivers reliably spicy, authentic Bun Bo Hue.

9. Bun Bo Hue Song Anh

• Address: 28A Ban Co, Ban Co Ward (former District 3), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM
• Price range: About 65,000 VND (~$2.49)

Bun Bo Hue Song Anh is a popular spot that strikes a perfect balance between authentic Hue flavors and the slightly sweeter palate preferred in Southern Vietnam. The result is a broth that is complex, aromatic, and incredibly approachable. It has a noticeable lemongrass fragrance and a mild spiciness that builds gently rather than overpowering the other flavors. The restaurant is particularly praised for its immensely tender stewed beef and its flavorful, well-seasoned crab and pork patties. The portions are generous for the price, making it a great value for a satisfying meal. The dining area is typically clean and spacious, providing a comfortable setting for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Song Anh is a fantastic all-rounder, ideal for anyone looking for a delicious and well-balanced bowl of bun bo that satisfies both traditionalists and newcomers to the dish.

Bun Bo Hue Song Anh serves a balanced, aromatic Hue-style broth with tender meats and generous portions, appealing to both traditional and modern palates

10. Bun Bo Ba Nghi

• Address: 466 Nguyen Tri Phuong, Vuon Lai Ward (former District 10), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
• Price range: 30,000 - 40,000 VND (~$1.15 - 1.53)

For a truly local and budget-friendly experience, Ba Nghi is a legendary destination. This humble eatery has been serving the community for years, earning a loyal following for its cheap yet incredibly tasty bun bo. The focus here is purely on delivering a fast, hot, and flavorful meal. The broth is a classic Southern-style interpretation, leaning towards the sweeter side, but it is still rich and satisfying. Its most notable feature is the unbeatable price, offering one of the most affordable bowls on this list. Despite the low cost, the portions are reasonable, and you get the standard toppings of beef, pork, and cha. Ba Nghi embodies the spirit of Saigon's street food culture: quick service, bustling atmosphere, and delicious, accessible food for everyone. It’s the perfect spot to experience how locals eat on a daily basis.

11. Bun Bo Dong Ba

• Address: 166 Nguyen Son, Phu Tho Ward (former Tan Phu District), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Price range: 45,000 - 55,000 VND (~$1.72 - 2.11)

Bun Bo Dong Ba is another reliable spot that delivers an authentic and flavorful experience. Located in former Tan Phu District, it's a local favorite known for its well-balanced and fragrant broth. The soup here is not overly spicy, allowing the deep, savory notes from the beef bones and the distinct aroma of lemongrass to shine through. A key highlight is the addition of perfectly cooked pork trotters, which are tender and absorb the broth's flavor beautifully. The bowls are consistently good, served with fresh, vibrant herbs and a side of chili paste for those who want to customize the heat level. The stall offers a clean, welcoming spot for a family meal or a satisfying, approachable taste of classic Hue cuisine.

Bun Bo Dong Ba is a local favorite offering fragrant, well-balanced Hue-style broth with tender pork trotters and fresh herbs in a clean, welcoming setting

Your journey to find the perfect bowl of bun bo hue in Ho Chi Minh City is now complete. This guide from GTrip- Vietnam Travel Agency has navigated you through the city's diverse offerings, from the fiery, authentic broths of street-side legends to the refined, high-quality bowls in hidden alleys. Each restaurant tells a story through its unique recipe, showcasing different ingredients and flavor profiles, such as stone bowl presentations, tender pork trotters, and house-made chili oil. You now have all the information needed to explore Saigon’s food scene with confidence.