Are you a fan of Vietnamese cuisine? If so, you’ve probably heard of both bun bo hue and pho. While these dishes may seem similar at first glance, there are actually several key differences between them that set them apart. In this article, we’ll explore what is the difference between bun bo hue and pho.
What is Bun Bo Hue?
Bun bo hue is a spicy noodle soup hailing from Central Vietnam. The dish contains vermicelli noodles, sliced beef, pork knuckles, pig’s blood cubes, and herbs like lemongrass, shallots, and shrimp paste. It gets its spiciness from a generous serving of chili oil, which gives the soup its signature reddish hue.
What is Pho?
Pho, on the other hand, is a milder noodle soup that originated in Northern Vietnam. It typically consists of rice noodles, beef or chicken broth, and thinly sliced beef or chicken. The broth is traditionally seasoned with fish sauce, star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger.
How to Make Bun Bo Hue
To make bun bo hue, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Vermicelli noodles
- Sliced beef
- Pork knuckles
- Pig’s blood cubes (optional)
- Lemongrass
- Shallots
- Shrimp paste
- Chili oil
- Begin by preparing the stock. In a large pot, simmer pork knuckles, sliced beef, shallots, and lemongrass for several hours until the meat is tender.
- Remove the meat from the stock and shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- Add shrimp paste and chili oil to the stock, adjusting the amount to your desired level of spiciness.
- Cook the vermicelli noodles according to package instructions.
- To serve, place a serving of noodles in a bowl, top with the shredded meat and pig’s blood cubes (if using), and pour the hot broth over the top.
How to Make Pho
To make pho, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Rice noodles
- Beef or chicken broth
- Thinly sliced beef or chicken
- Fish sauce
- Star anise
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Ginger
- Begin by simmering the bones and meat in a large pot of water for several hours to create the broth.
- Remove the bones and meat from the broth, then strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any impurities.
- Add fish sauce, star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger to the broth, adjusting the seasoning to your liking.
- Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions.
- To serve, place a serving of noodles in a bowl, top with the thinly sliced meat, and pour the hot broth over the top.
Pros and Cons of Bun Bo Hue
Pros
- Spicy and flavorful
- Contains a variety of meats for added complexity
- Rich, hearty broth
Cons
- It can be too spicy for some palates
- Pig’s blood cubes may not be to everyone’s taste
Pros and Cons of Pho
Pros
- Mild, comforting flavor
- Simple yet satisfying
Cons
- It may not have enough complexity for some palates
- Broth can be lacking in richness
Alternatives to Bun Bo Hue and Pho
If you’re looking for something different than bun bo hue or pho, here are a few Vietnamese dishes worth trying:
- Banh mi: A crusty baguette sandwich filled with meats, pickled vegetables, and herbs.
- Bun cha: Grilled pork served on a bed of vermicelli noodles and herbs.
- Goi cuon: Fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp, pork, herbs, and rice noodles.
What Is the Difference Between Bun Bo Hue and Pho?
While both bun bo hue and pho are delicious Vietnamese noodle soups, they have distinct differences that set them apart. Bun bo hue is spicy and complex, while pho is mild and comforting. Whichever dish you choose to try, you’re sure to enjoy the flavors and textures of Vietnamese cuisine.
FAQs
- Can I make bun bo hue or pho without meat? Yes, both dishes can be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth and omitting the meat.
- Is bun bo hue spicier than pho? Yes, bun bo hue is typically much spicier than pho.
- What is the best way to eat bun bo hue or pho? Most people prefer to eat bun bo hue or pho with chopsticks and a spoon, using the chopsticks to pick up the noodles and meat and the spoon to sip the broth.
- Are bun bo hue and pho gluten-free? Yes, both dishes can be made gluten-free by using rice noodles instead of wheat-based noodles.
- Can I find bun bo hue and pho outside of Vietnam? Yes, both dishes have gained popularity worldwide and can be found in Vietnamese restaurants in many countries. However, the taste and authenticity may vary depending on the restaurant.
