Bún Chả — Hanoi's Signature Dish

Bún Chả is the dish that defines Hanoi — and the one Barack Obama ate with Anthony Bourdain on plastic stools in a street kitchen in 2016. The image went around the world and made Bún Chả internationally famous.

The dish consists of three elements: grilled pork patties (Chả) and belly strips, served in a sweet-sour fish sauce (Nước Chấm) with pickled vegetables. Accompanied by a portion of rice noodles (Bún) and a plate of fresh herbs (mint, perilla, lettuce). You dip the noodles and herbs into the broth with the meat — the combination of smoky, sweet, sour, and fresh is perfect.

Price: 40,000–60,000 VND (1.50–2.20 €). Bún Chả is only available at lunchtime (11 AM–2 PM) — most shops close afterward.