Ken, from Japan, a businessman, and his girlfriend had a short-term tour to Hanoi, where they spent time to enjoy specialties of the capital city.

The man revealed that he usually has to go abroad on business, so he takes advantage of his trips to develop a tourism vlog and discover the cuisines of other countries.

Previously, Ken mostly ordered pho (noodles served with beef or chicken) and banh my (bread) when he visited Vietnam. However, during the latest trip, he and his girlfriend decided to try bun cha (Kebab Rice Noodles, or Hanoi-styled Grilled Pork and Vermicelli Noodles).

The dish is associated with the capital city of Hanoi.

The restaurant Ken and his girlfriend visited was a well-known one on Hang Manh street in the central business district of Hoan Kiem that has been open for 60 years.

They visited on the weekend, so it was full of customers and nearly all the seats on the pavement were occupied.

After reading the menu, they ordered two servings of bun cha and one serving of nem 

(fried spring rolls). The servings were large with herbs, bean sprouts, lettuce and perilla.

Kanna, the girlfriend, said she was impressed by the attractive appearance of the dish. As a gourmet, she picked up some vermicelli with chopsticks, dipped it in fish sauce and began trying.

She commented that the dish had a sweet taste, similar to tsukemen (a Japanese dish: dipping ramen noodles in sauce) and somen (a type of thin Japanese noodle, usually served cold with soy-based dipping sauce).

Ken also said the dish was great. “It’s really delicious. I have decided to add this dish to my list of recommended food,” he said.

The couple also praised nem ran. Kanna said the dish was very delicious, though she didn’t know its name.

The restaurant where they enjoyed bun cha is a famous destination, listed among the 70 Michelin Selected in 2023.

Ken said he finally understood why the restaurant was always so crowded.

“I am sorry that I thought Vietnam only has banh my and pho. It’s a pity that I did not hear about bun cha earlier,” Ken said.

Thao Trinh