Bun bo cay (chili beef vermicelli)

Unlike bun mam, bun bo or bun cha, etc.,  bun bo cay in Bac Lieu has an unique taste and special hot chili. The method of cooking bun bo cay is still a secret of Bac Lieu’s people. 

The dish, although simple and bucolic, doesn’t easy to cook and requires some expert techniques to pull it off. The smoky bowl of noodle, with the dark and thick broth, is served with basil, lemon, and a plate of chili salt. Eating the spicy beef for breakfast, you will definitely be rocked by the bold yet delicious flavors.

 

The dish is similar to bo kho (beef stew) but the recipe is simpler. Different kinds of beef such as lean beef or beef tendon are cooked with sate, a condiment comprising roasted ground chili and garlic. Fresh chili can also be added, giving the dish an inviting bright red color.

The tender cooked beef is served with bun (rice vermicelli). But unlike bo kho, bun bo cay does not include carrot, potato, sweet potato or onion. The flavor is enhanced with a sauce made from pounded unrefined salt, fresh chili and lemon juice.

The spiciness from chili and the sourness from lemon combine with the beef to give the dish a distinct flavor. The delicacy can be eaten with several kinds of seasoning herbs and aficionados say bun bo cay tastes best when served hot.

 

The spices and the heat make diners perspire profusely, which enthusiasts say is beneficial to health.

The pungent taste of sate makes the dish unique in Bac Lieu and all over the Mekong Delta, where people do not usually fancy spicy food, unlike those living in the central region.

See more

  • Goat Meat

    Traveling far and double-quick with poetic and fascinating landscapes in Ninh Binh without enjoying speciality of Ninh Binh goat meat is synonymous that you have not yet...

  • Halong Prawn

    Halong is not only proud for being one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, but also one of the most famous destinations for high quality seafood. Among all, the most...

  • Trang Tien Ice - Cream

    Trang Tien ice cream is well known for its special flavour, which a countless number of Hanoi generations have a passion for. Visitors who have an opportunity to visit Hanoi...

  • Bun Ca

    Thanks to the complex river and canal, Mekong Delta has various fishes which is the main material in bun ca, the most favourite food in Mekong Delta. Bun ca in Mekong...

  • Sapa Thang Co

    “Thang co” is one of the most famous dishes of the H’Mong in the northwest of Vietnam. “Thang co” usually use for festival or special day. On the...

  • Ngán

    Ngán is a mollusk species which is popular in the Northern Vietnam coastal area. Although it can be seen along the coast of the country, Quang Ninh Province, Halong...

  • Pho in Hanoi

    Pho in Hanoi scene can be overwhelming with its mix of smells and tastes but it’s well worth exploring since it’s one of the freshest, healthiest and most...

  • Bun thit nuong

    At first glance, a bowl of bun thit nuong can look a bit manic. A sprinkling of garnishes along with grilled meat are placed on top of a bed of noodles with some greens poking...

  • The best street foods in Saigon

    One of the best things that tourists can do when traveling to Saigon is try all the best street foods is not just looking around and visiting the amazing historical...

  • Chinese Black Mushroom

    Sapa has cool temperature which is the invaluable resources that heaven has given to this place. Sapa is the place where Chinese black mushrooms hidden in the forests. Come to...

Most popular tours

Business info

  • Vietnam Local Guide

  • Address: 18th Floor, VTC Online Tower, 18 Tam Trinh Str.,Hai Ba Trung Dist., Hanoi, Vietnam
  • Email: info@vietnamguider.com
  • Phone: (+84) 0904989890
  • Hotline: (+84) 0904989890