But for him, another dish is more captivating, one he misses and wants to savor immediately upon returning to Hanoi.

An American blogger who has lived and worked in Vietnam for years, Chris has a YouTube channel with nearly 1 million followers.

Recently, Chris shared his latest journey back to Vietnam in a new video after exploring other countries. His first stop in Hanoi was his “favorite eatery.” While most foreign tourists opt for pho or banh xeo, Chris insists the dish he must have upon returning is bun rieu.

This dish, his “go-to specialty,” was ranked 29th on Taste Atlas’s list of the world’s 100 best broth-based dishes, published last March.

Chris’s favorite bun rieu spot is in alley 61 Lac Trung, Hanoi, serving dishes like bun tron (mixed rice noodle), bun bo Nam Bo (Southern Vietnamese Beef Noodle Salad), and banh da cua (red noodle soup), but best known for its bun rieu cua.

Chris ordered a full-topping bun rieu without mam tom (shrimp paste). Minutes later, a steaming bowl arrived. He added chili paste and garlic vinegar, mixed it, and took his first sip of broth. The American nodded repeatedly, praising the spicy, aromatic, rich flavor that lingered in his throat.

He lauded the bun rieu for being delicious, and the owner “generous.” While eating, Chris chatted cheerfully with the staff and owner. He revealed that since discovering this place, he can’t eat bun rieu anywhere else, even willing to travel nearly an hour just to enjoy it.

The bun rieu cost only VND40,000, and the eatery owner offered Chris, a loyal client, a free glass of iced tea.

Followers noticed this is the same spot Chris brought friends to, including blogger Max McFarlin from Arkansas in the US.

On his first try, Max praised the busy yet quick, friendly service and the affordable, hearty portion with toppings like pork roll, beef, and tofu. After his first sip, he raved about the rich, flavorful broth, perfectly balanced.

Max particularly loved the chili paste, suggesting the owner bottle it for sale as gifts. He finished every drop of broth and declared, “Next time I’m in Hanoi, I’ll definitely come back.”

The eatery earns praise on social media for its reasonable prices, generous portions, and tangy, aromatic broth. However, its small space means customers often wait for seats during peak hours.

Linh Trang