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Karolina and Jayesh went on a trip to Vietnam a few months ago. Their journey lasted about 4 weeks, traveling through many provinces and cities.

Their journey, documented with 60,000 followers, took them across various countries, including South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam.

During their recent visit to Vietnam, Jayesh and Karolina explored numerous popular tourist destinations, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Giang, Ha Long Bay (Quang Ninh), Ninh Binh, and Hoi An (Quang Nam). They were particularly impressed by the diverse and delicious Vietnamese cuisine, with the unique Ninh Binh bun cha quat (grilled square pork patties with noodles) leaving a lasting impression.

The couple discovered this special dish at a local eatery on Tay Thanh Street, Tan Thanh Ward, Ninh Binh City. Jayesh was immediately convinced of the dish's quality, noting the busy scene of locals lining up to purchase the freshly grilled pork patties.

"In Ninh Binh, bun cha quat is a well-known dish, loved by both locals and tourists," Jayesh commented. The dish consists of minced pork, expertly mixed with an ideal ratio of lean meat to fat, formed into large square patties, and grilled over charcoal. The result is a juicy, flavorful patty with a slightly charred exterior.

Jayesh and Karolina ordered two servings of bun cha quat and were surprised by the large square patties. Jayesh noted the differences between the Ninh Binh version and the bun cha they had tried in Hanoi. In Hanoi, the patties are smaller, whereas in Ninh Binh, they are larger and square. Additionally, Ninh Binh bun cha is served with rice vermicelli sheets rather than the smaller vermicelli strands.

When eating, Jayesh skillfully added vinegar, garlic, and fresh chili to the dipping sauce, ensuring each bite of bun was well-soaked in the tangy, sweet fish sauce. He praised the harmonious balance of flavors and the tender, juicy texture of the pork patties.

"The flavor is fantastic. The meat is so tender it melts in your mouth. The seasoning is perfect," Jayesh enthused.

Karolina was equally impressed, particularly enjoying the fresh herbs that complemented the dish. "The herbs and dipping sauce are slightly different from the bún chả I've had in Hanoi, but the bun cha quat here is very delicious," she said.

The couple declared it the best bun cha they had ever tasted. They even ordered an extra serving of the square patties to fully satisfy their craving. The total cost for their meal was 85,000 VND, which included two servings of bún chả quat and an additional serving of pork patties, a price they found reasonable and reflective of the quality.

During their exploration of Ninh Binh, Jayesh and Karolina also visited other attractions such as Mua Cave, Tam Coc – Bich Dong, and Hoa Lu Ancient Town. They enjoyed cycling, boating on Ky Lan Lake, and indulging in local delicacies like pho, coffee, and coconut water.

Jayesh and Karolina enjoying bun cha quat in Ninh Binh. Photo: Jayesh Chchaya

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Grilling the square pork patties at a local eatery in Ninh Binh. Photo: Jayesh Chchaya

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The English man enjoys dipping the piece of cha deeply into the bowl of fish sauce to savor the sweet and sour, rich flavors of the dish.

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Karolina enjoying bun cha quat in Ninh Binh. Photo: Jayesh Chchaya
Photos and videos by Jay and Karolina

Thao Trinh