The Bo Bun
Dive into the Authenticity of Bo Bun, an Iconic Vietnamese Dish.




Bo Bun, did you say Bo Bun?
Welcome to our page dedicated to Bo Bun (bobun), a Vietnamese culinary treasure that has conquered food lovers all over the world. Discover the history, unique flavors, and delightful combinations that make Bo Bun an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
All about Bo Bun
Bo Bun, translated literally from Vietnamese, means “rice vermicelli” (Bún) and “beef” (Bò). Thus, it’s essentially a rice noodle dish with beef. It’s one of the most emblematic and appreciated Vietnamese dishes worldwide. If you prefer chicken, pork, or a vegetarian option, the dish is named after the main protein. For instance, Bún Gà for chicken, Bún Heo for pork, and Bún Chay for the vegetarian option.
Bobun is a Vietnamese dish consisting of rice vermicelli and thin slices of sautéed beef, topped with a variety of fresh vegetables, roasted peanuts and often accompanied by a slightly sweet nuoc mam sauce. It offers a perfect harmony of flavors and textures – from the crunchiness of the vegetables to the tenderness of the beef. However, Bo Bun is versatile and adapts to your preferences. There are versions with chicken (Bún Gà), pork (Bún Heo), fish, or even vegetarian (Bún Chay), where beef is replaced while maintaining the savoury and fresh character of the dish. At MamaBoon, we’ve put a special spin on this traditional dish with our version of Bobun which includes savory grilled meat – the Thit Ngon.
Bo Bun, pronounced “Boe-Boon” and sometimes reversed as “Bun Bo”, is a gem of Vietnamese cuisine, born in the bustling streets of Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital. This humble and comforting street dish has its roots deeply ingrained in Vietnam’s cultural and culinary richness, reflecting the delicate art of food preparation that characterizes Vietnamese cuisine.
The traditional Bo Bun recipe has been handed down from generation to generation, preserving the authenticity and culinary heritage of this dish. It has become a staple of street stands in Hanoi and Saigon, providing savoury comfort to locals and travelers.
With the Vietnamese diaspora, Bo Bun has gained popularity worldwide, becoming a symbol of Vietnamese cuisine. Each bite of this dish is a taste journey through Vietnam’s history and culture.
As for French influences, although Vietnamese cuisine was marked by French presence during the colonial period, Bo Bun remains a profoundly Vietnamese dish. However, the use of chopsticks to eat, a custom introduced by the French, is now a common practice in the consumption of many Vietnamese dishes, including Bo Bun.
At MamaBoon, we celebrate and respect these origins, while adding our own contemporary interpretation, to offer our customers a genuine Vietnamese culinary experience.
Although both Pad Thai and Bo Bun are Asian noodle dishes, they are very different. Pad Thai is a Thai dish made with fried rice noodles, while Bobun is a Vietnamese dish of cold rice noodles. Both are delicious, but Bo Bun offers a unique combination of flavors and textures that are all its own.
Bobun is usually eaten with a spoon and fork, allowing you to thoroughly mix all the ingredients and sauce for each bite. However, for the more knowledgeable and those desiring a more authentic experience, using chopsticks and a spoon is another commonly used method. Whichever method you choose, the key is to mix well to soak the vermicelli in the delicious sauce
Bo Bun is a relatively light and healthy dish. Of course, the calorie content can vary depending on the amount of beef and sauce used, but a typical serving contains around 350 to 400 calories.
Bobun is traditionally served with nuoc mam sauce – a sauce made from fermented fish, vinegar, sugar and water. It is a light and flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the flavors of the dish.
To accompany your Bobun, we recommend Vietnamese Iced Tea or our Trà Sữa Trân Châu (Vietnamese Bubble Tea) for a complete Vietnamese dining experience.
You want to know more? Questions bothering you? Contact us or go directly to the tasting with one of our Bo Buns: