Authentic Hanoi-Style Bún Cá Recipe: A Taste of Traditional Vietnamese Cuisine

Ingredients

  • 1 kg of snakehead fish
  • 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of salt
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder
  • 1 stalk of lemongrass
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 small piece of ginger, sliced
  • 2 liters of water
  • 1 handful of dill, chopped
  • 1 handful of spring onions, chopped
  • 500 grams of rice vermicelli noodles
  • 1 red chili, sliced (optional)
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. Clean the snakehead fish thoroughly and cut it into pieces.
  2. Marinate the fish pieces with fish sauce, salt, sugar, turmeric powder, minced garlic, and sliced ginger. Let it sit for about 30 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, boil the water in a large pot. Once the water is boiling, add the fish pieces.
  4. Add the stalk of lemongrass into the pot. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
  5. While the soup is simmering, prepare the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions.
  6. Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the soup and set aside. Strain the soup to remove the lemongrass and any other solids.
  7. Add the cooked noodles to the soup and mix well.
  8. Divide the noodle soup into bowls. Add the cooked fish, chopped dill, and chopped spring onions to each bowl.
  9. Serve the Bún Cá Thuộc Hà Nội hot, garnished with sliced red chili and a lime wedge on the side.

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - For preparing and cutting the fish and vegetables.
  • Knife - To cut the fish, mince the garlic, and chop the dill and spring onions.
  • Large pot - To boil the water and cook the fish.
  • Strainer - To strain the soup and remove any solids.
  • Tongs - To handle the fish pieces while cooking.
  • Serving bowls - For serving the Bún Cá Thuộc Hà Nội.
  • Soup ladle - To ladle the soup into the bowls.
  • Chopsticks - To eat the noodles and fish.
  • Spoon - To enjoy the soup.

Recipe variations

  • Use a different type of fish, such as cod or tilapia, instead of snakehead fish.
  • Add vegetables like bean sprouts, shredded lettuce, or sliced cucumbers for added freshness and crunch.
  • Include other herbs like Thai basil, mint, or cilantro for more flavors.
  • Add a spicy kick by including sliced chili peppers or chili sauce.
  • For a vegetarian or vegan option, substitute the fish with tofu or mushrooms.
  • Experiment with different types of noodles, such as egg noodles or soba noodles.
  • Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free fish sauce and rice noodles.
  • Add a splash of coconut milk to the broth for a creamy twist.
  • Try grilling the fish instead of boiling it for a smoky flavor.
  • Include a spoonful of shrimp paste for an extra umami taste.

Recipe overview

Bún Cá Thuộc Hà Nội, or Hanoi-Style Fish with Noodles, is a flavorful and comforting dish hailing from the bustling streets of Hanoi. This recipe involves tender pieces of snakehead fish simmered in a savory broth, and served with rice vermicelli noodles. The dish is further enhanced with the addition of aromatic herbs such as dill and spring onions, and a kick of heat from red chilies. A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a zesty finish that perfectly balances the rich flavors. This dish offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, promising a satisfying meal that's perfect for any time of the day. Get ready to immerse yourself in the culinary delight of Hanoi right in your kitchen.

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to marinate the fish?
  2. It takes about 30 minutes to marinate the fish.
  3. How long should I simmer the fish in the soup?
  4. You should simmer the fish in the soup for about 20 minutes.
  5. Can I use a different type of fish?
  6. Yes, you can use a different type of firm white fish if snakehead fish is not available.
  7. Do I have to use turmeric powder?
  8. Turmeric powder is traditionally used in this recipe for its flavor and color, but you can omit it if you prefer.
  9. Can I add more vegetables to the soup?
  10. Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bean sprouts, water spinach, or bok choy to enhance the flavor and texture of the soup.
  11. Is the sliced red chili optional?
  12. Yes, the sliced red chili is optional. It adds a spicy kick to the dish, so you can omit it if you prefer a milder flavor.
  13. Can I make the soup ahead of time?
  14. Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving and add the cooked noodles and toppings.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Bún Cá Thuộc Hà Nội, or Hanoi-style fish noodle soup, is a humble yet delightful dish that encapsulates the essence of Vietnamese cuisine. Originating from the bustling streets of Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, this dish reflects the culinary wisdom passed down through generations. The story goes that in the early days, the fishermen along the Red River would catch snakehead fish, a species plentiful in the river, and to celebrate the day’s good catch, they would cook this fish soup. Over time, the dish became a favorite among locals and gradually found its way into the heart of Hanoi's street food culture. The unique combination of fresh fish, aromatic herbs, and tangy lime makes Bún Cá Thuộc Hà Nội a reflection of the city itself - vibrant, dynamic, and full of life. The dish is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the simplest ingredients can create the most extraordinary flavors.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.