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

  • Quang noodle (My Quang)

    Quang noodle (Mỳ Quảng) is one of the most famous specialties of Hoi An food. This dish’s ingredients include rice, vegetables and met but the way of cooking and...

    Read more

  • Banh canh cha ca

    Banh canh cha ca is famous in Trang Bang, Nha Trang, Phan Thiet but the taste of this dish in Phan Thiet is the most special and delicious. 

    Read more

  • Bun Bo Hue

    As the name suggests, this dish is a noodle soup that comes from Hue —the former capital of Vietnam and bun bo Hue is one of the most famous food in the...

    Read more

  • Banh Beo (Bloating Fern-shaped cake)

    Referring to Hue , people think about Huong river, Ngu Binh mountain or historical architects of palaces and temples and Hue traditional food. Banh Beo Hue is quite...

    Read more

  • 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...

    Read more

  • Goi ca trich (Herring salad)

    Vung Tau is famous for Mai fish salad, Danang is famous for Nam O fish salad and Phu Quoc is famous for herring salad. It is a harmonious combination of the sour,...

    Read more

  • Top 10 Street Drinks in Hanoi

    Hanoi is not only famous for street foods but also for cool and healthy street drinks.

    Read more

  • Khau Thuy Cake

    Khau Thuy cake is a specialty food of  Bac Kan and an indispensible food in Long Tong festival to worship the gods and hope for good weather and harvest.

    Read more

  • Banh Hoi Long Heo

    Banh Hoi Long Heo Phu Long is one of the most famous dishes in Phan Thiet. If you have a chance to travel to Phan Thiet, you should not miss to try this delicious food. 

    Read more

  • Bien Mai Scallop

    The unique feature of the dishes from Bien Mai Scallop is the combination between fresh coi bien mai and spices with the method of cooking that make it become very famous....

    Read more

Destinations

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