One of Vietnam’s most beloved street foods, Bún Thịt Nướng – or Grilled Pork Noodle Salad – is a flavorful harmony of smoky grilled pork, fresh herbs, rice noodles, and tangy fish sauce. Whether you’re wandering the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City or exploring the historic charm of Hue, this dish is a must-try culinary experience that captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine.

In this article, Hue Food Tour proudly shares a complete guide to grilled pork noodle salad – from its cultural roots and ingredients to where you can enjoy the most authentic bowls in Hue. Whether you’re a foodie, a traveler, or just curious about Vietnamese cooking, this guide will help you savor one of the country’s most iconic dishes like a local.

What Is Grilled Pork Noodle Salad?

Bún Thịt Nướng is a traditional Vietnamese dish consisting of grilled pork served over vermicelli rice noodles (bún), accompanied by a medley of fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and a drizzle of nước chấm – a savory-sweet fish sauce dressing. The dish is typically garnished with crushed peanuts and fried shallots, adding layers of flavor and texture. Its harmonious blend of smoky, tangy, sweet, and savory elements makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

The Components of Grilled Pork Noodle Salad

1. Grilled Pork (Thịt Nướng)

The star of this dish is the marinated grilled pork. The pork is often sliced thinly or formed into patties and marinated with ingredients like lemongrass, garlic, shallots, fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper. This marinade imparts a rich, aromatic flavor to the meat, which is then grilled to perfection, achieving a balance of charred exterior and juicy interior.

2. Vermicelli Rice Noodles (Bún)

The dish is built upon a base of cold, soft vermicelli rice noodles. These noodles provide a neutral backdrop that absorbs the flavors of the grilled pork and the accompanying sauce, offering a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory components.

3. Fresh Herbs and Vegetables

A variety of fresh herbs and vegetables are added to enhance the dish’s flavor and provide a crunchy texture. Common additions include mint, cilantro, Thai basil, lettuce, bean sprouts, and cucumber. In some regional variations, banana flower and perilla leaves are also included.

4. Pickled Vegetables (Dưa Chua)

Pickled carrots and daikon radish add a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that balances the richness of the grilled pork. These vegetables are typically julienned and marinated in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt, providing a refreshing contrast to the other components.

5. Nước Chấm (Dipping Sauce)

The dish is traditionally served with nước chấm, a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chili. This sauce ties all the elements together, adding a burst of umami and a hint of heat that elevates the entire dish.

6. Garnishes

To finish, Bún Thịt Nướng is often topped with crushed roasted peanuts and fried shallots, adding a delightful crunch and additional layers of flavor.

Regional Variations

While Grilled Pork Noodle Salad is enjoyed throughout Vietnam, regional variations offer unique twists on the classic dish:

Southern Vietnam: The version in the south is characterized by its use of a sweeter fish sauce-based dressing and a generous amount of fresh herbs and vegetables.
Central Vietnam (Hue): In Hue, the dish may include nem nướng (grilled pork sausage) and is often served with a richer, more complex dipping sauce.
Northern Vietnam: The northern variation tends to be simpler, with fewer herbs and a more straightforward dipping sauce.

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How to Enjoy Grilled Pork Noodle Salad

To fully appreciate Grilled Pork Noodle Salad, it’s best to mix all the components together before eating. The combination of flavors and textures – smoky pork, refreshing herbs, tangy pickles, and savory sauce – creates a harmonious and satisfying meal. The dish is typically enjoyed as a light lunch or dinner and is often accompanied by a cold beverage, such as sugarcane juice or iced tea.

Nutritional Value

Grilled pork noodle salad offers a balanced meal, providing a good source of protein from the grilled pork, fiber from the fresh vegetables and herbs, and carbohydrates from the rice noodles. The dish is also relatively low in calories, making it a healthy option for those seeking a nutritious yet flavorful meal.

Where to Find the Best Grilled Pork Noodle Salad in Hue

If you’re in Hue, a visit to Đông Ba Market is highly recommended. This bustling market is home to numerous food stalls serving delicious grilled pork noodle salad, each with its own unique take on the dish. The vendors here use high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods, ensuring an authentic and satisfying experience.

Making Grilled Pork Noodle Salad at Home

Preparing grilled pork noodle salad at home is achievable with the right ingredients and a bit of preparation. Here’s a simplified recipe to guide you:

Ingredients:

500g pork shoulder or pork belly, thinly sliced
200g rice vermicelli noodles
Fresh herbs: mint, cilantro, Thai basil
Fresh vegetables: lettuce, cucumber, bean sprouts
Pickled carrots and daikon radish
Crushed roasted peanuts
Fried shallots
For the marinade:
- 3 tbsp minced lemongrass
- 3 tbsp minced garlic
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp neutral cooking oil
- 1.5 tbsp fish sauce

Instructions:

Marinate the Pork: Combine the minced lemongrass, garlic, sugar, oil, fish sauce, and black pepper in a bowl. Add the sliced pork and mix well. Marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, in the refrigerator.
Grill the Pork: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Grill the marinated pork slices for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred.
Prepare the Noodles: Cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Assemble the Dish: In a bowl, layer the noodles, grilled pork, fresh herbs, vegetables, pickled carrots and daikon, and crushed peanuts. Drizzle with nước chấm sauce and top with fried shallots.
Serve: Toss everything together before eating to ensure an even distribution of flavors.

Conclusion

Bún Thịt Nướng is more than just a delicious meal — it’s a reflection of Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage and the art of balancing flavors and textures. Whether savored at a street stall in Hue or homemade with care, this grilled pork noodle salad offers a vibrant, authentic taste of Vietnamese cuisine.

To truly experience Hue’s local food culture, join a Hue Street Food Tour by Cyclo. With over 15 years of experience and top ratings on TripAdvisor, Viator, and Cruise Critic, our guided tours take you deep into the heart of Hue’s culinary scene. Sample traditional dishes, learn their stories, and meet the local vendors who keep these recipes alive. It’s an unforgettable adventure that will enrich your appreciation of Hue’s flavorful and diverse cuisine.