Bun Cha Hanoi
VietnameseLunch

Recipe Story

origins & traditions

Bun Cha Hanoi is an iconic dish that originated in Hanoi and has become one of the most celebrated street foods in Vietnam. This delightful meal features succulent grilled chicken meatballs infused with lemongrass and garlic, served alongside soft rice vermicelli noodles and a vibrant array of fresh herbs including mint, cilantro, and lettuce. The dish is brought together with nuoc cham, a perfectly balanced dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, and a touch of sweetness. Pickled carrots and daikon add a refreshing crunch and tang that cuts through the richness of the grilled meat. This one-pot preparation method simplifies the traditional approach while maintaining all the authentic flavors that make this dish so special. Perfect for a satisfying lunch, Bun Cha represents the essence of Vietnamese cuisine with its harmonious balance of sweet, salty, sour, and savory elements.

Instructions

step by step
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  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken with minced garlic, grated ginger, fish sauce, soy sauce, black pepper, and finely chopped lemongrass. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated. Form the mixture into small meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter.

  2. Preheat your grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush with a little vegetable oil to prevent sticking.

  3. While the grill heats, prepare the nuoc cham dipping sauce by whisking together fish sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and thinly sliced red chili in a bowl. Add water to dilute to taste. Set aside.

  4. Grill the chicken meatballs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they develop a nice char and are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

  5. While meatballs cook, prepare the pickled vegetables: julienne carrots and daikon, place in a bowl with rice vinegar, a pinch of salt, and a teaspoon of honey. Let sit for 10 minutes.

  6. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions, typically 3-4 minutes in boiling water. Drain and rinse with cold water.

  7. Prepare fresh herb platter with lettuce leaves, mint, cilantro, and basil.

  8. To serve, divide noodles among four bowls. Top with grilled chicken meatballs, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs. Serve nuoc cham sauce on the side for dipping and drizzling.

Bun Cha Hanoi

4.4 (33)

Aromatic grilled chicken meatballs served over vermicelli noodles with fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and a tangy fish sauce dressing - a beloved street food classic from northern Vietnam.

medium
45 min
4 servings

Ingredients

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Meatballs

  • 500 grams ground-turkey, ground chicken substitute
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoons soy-sauce
  • 1 teaspoons black-pepper, freshly ground

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons fish-sauce
  • 3 pieces lime, juiced
  • 2 tablespoons honey

Base

  • 300 grams noodles, rice vermicelli noodles

Pickled Vegetables

  • 2 pieces carrots, julienned

Fresh Herbs

  • 2 cups lettuce, leaves separated
  • 4 tablespoons cilantro, fresh leaves
  • 2 teaspoons basil, fresh Thai basil leaves

Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable-oil, for grilling

Chef Tips

expert advice
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken meatballs for 30 minutes before grilling.
If you do not have a grill pan, you can use a regular skillet or even broil the meatballs in the oven.
The key to authentic bun cha is the balance of the nuoc cham sauce - adjust the fish sauce, lime, and honey to your preference.
Some people prefer it more sweet, others more tangy.
Fresh herbs are essential - do not skip them as they provide the characteristic freshness.
You can substitute ground turkey for chicken if desired.
For a traditional presentation, serve everything family-style and let diners build their own bowls.
Leftover meatballs make excellent banh mi sandwiches the next day.