Back Eat & Drink » Saigon Hẻm Gems » Hẻm Gems: Bún Thịt Nướng Bà Tám @ 299 Võ Văn Tần

Hẻm Gems: Bún Thịt Nướng Bà Tám @ 299 Võ Văn Tần

Though this indoor hem gem loses a few points for the bland, sanitary, air-conditioned environment, it starts to make up for the snooze fest in design with excellent renditions of some of Saigon’s most popular street food dishes.


Related Articles:

Hẻm Gems: Mì Vịt Tiềm @ Mì Gia Tân Tòng Lợi

Hẻm Gems: Legendary Coconut Milk @ Sữa Dừa 8 Tin

Hẻm Gems: Crabs Galore @ Quán 94 Chính Gốc


The menu may look overwhelming, but the focus here is really just southern-style bún thịt nướng, bánh hỏi with various add-ons, and bò bía (jicama, carrot, lettuce, herb, Chinese sausage, shrimp, egg and rice paper). If you want the full experience, order the thập cẩm (the deluxe version with everything in it) version of bún thịt nướng or bánh hỏi when you order.

Bún thịt nướng.

Bún/bánh hỏi thịt nướng thập cẩm includes bún/bánh hỏi (rice noodles), shredded mustard greens, herbs, fried spring rolls, thịt nướng (grilled pork) and nem nướng (grilled pork patty). While delicious on its own, the dish is elevated with an accompanying bowl of sweet fish sauce with marinated daikon and carrot. Once this heavenly sauce hits the bowl, buckle up, it’s time to go to flavor town.

The only thing that will ruin these meaty bowls of goodness is the classic fish sauce overdose. Both locals and foreigners alike often dump all the fish sauce into the bowl at one time. While daring, this brash technique renders all the ingredients at the bottom of the bowl soggy and results in some extremely salty bún.

Try to avoid a soggy bottom, start by adding half of the fish sauce, and then periodically pour in a bit more as you move further down the bowl. Better safe than sorry!

Bánh hỏi is basically bún with a different personality. Layers of rice are folded onto each other, then steamed and boiled, creating an airy, sponge-like texture. Going overboard with the fish sauce on this dish is of particular concern as bánh hỏi absorbs any liquid it comes in contact with.

Bánh hỏi.

I’ve actually been coming to this place since secondary school when it was packed during the peek evening hours. However, after a renovation a few years ago, the place is nearly deserted even though the food and prices have barely changed.

To sum up:

Taste : 5/5

Location : 5/5

Friendliness : 5/5

Price : 4/5

Atmosphere : 4/5 

 

Núm is a street food addict who has been eating his way through Saigon for 25 years.

Bún thịt nướng, Bánh hỏi

299 Võ Văn Tần, Q.3

Print
icon

Related Articles

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Bun Thit Nuong in a Street Foodie's Paradise

For those who don't know, Co Giang is a rugged street located in the middle of District 1's well-groomed downtown neighborhood. Despite its extremely central location, the short, narrow road manages t...

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Bánh Bao Chiên @ Lý Chính Thắng Street Cart

Imagine it's around 4pm and a sprinkle of rain is just starting to fall outside. You sit in the office thinking about how wonderful it would be to have a small snack by your side.

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Bò Nhúng Dấm @ Anh Ba

At Anh Ba, it’s all about the beef. This eatery offers up four bovine dishes - lá lốp (beef wrapped in lolot leaves), mỡ chài (beef quasicrepinettes), nhúng dấm (vinegar based hot pot) and tái chanh (...

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Chocolate Coconut Smoothies @ Le Thi Rieng Smoothies

On a hot night of street food hunting, it was time for a pit stop, one that would not only satisfy our thirst, but also our sweet tooth.

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Heavenly Hủ Tiếu on Co Giang

Many count Co Giang Street among their favorite Saigon street food corridors. Featuring a long stretch of stalls, which serve everything from chè and bún riêu to magical bowls of Chinese-style hủ tiếu...

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Hủ Tiếu With A Side Of Attitude

You know those vendors who are so good at what they do that no matter how rotten they may be to their customers, people still turn up in droves? Fickle as the world of street food may be, at the ...

Partner Content