Bun Bung: A Culinary Treasure of Thai Binh

Bun bung is a delightful dish from Thai Binh, known for its simple ingredients and distinct flavors, featuring a delicious bone broth paired with fresh banana blossoms.

This dish holds a special place in Thai Binh’s food culture, and its name, bun bung, reflects its cooking process, where ingredients are gently simmered until soft and flavorful.

Though similar to northern dishes like bun moc and bun doc mung, Thai Binh’s version is unique due to its incorporation of fresh banana blossoms and cha xuong song (meat wrapped in Indian pennywort leaves).

Bui Thoa, a local noodle soup vendor, emphasizes the importance of selecting and preparing ingredients carefully to create authentic bun bung.

The broth is made from simmered pork bones, while pork trotters and leg meat are initially blanched before cooking slowly to extract natural sweetness. The meat is then chilled in ice water for crunch and color retention.

The banana blossoms, sliced thinly, are soaked in rice water or diluted lemon/vinegar to avoid browning and bitterness. After 30–40 minutes, they are rinsed before being stir-fried with tomatoes and added to the broth.

This process results in a uniquely flavored broth as the blossoms release a natural resin when simmered.

Another key component is cha xuong song, which consists of ground pork mixed with julienned wood ear mushrooms and seasoned before being wrapped in Indian pennywort leaves.

Thoa notes that the type of leaves used significantly affects the flavor, with some preferring to use additional betel leaves for wrapping. Alternatives like gourd leaves may be used in summer but lack the same fragrance.

Typically, the wrapped meat is seared lightly before being added to simmer in the broth, enhancing texture and appearance.

To serve, a bowl is filled with rice noodles, pork trotters, leg meat, and cha xuong song, topped with fresh herbs like scallions and coriander, then generously poured with the hot, aromatic broth featuring banana blossoms.

Thoa believes the perfect bun bung is defined by its cloudy, fragrant broth, infused with pennywort leaves, balanced with sweet, savory, and mildly bitter notes.

Patrons often complement their meals with a variety of greens such as lettuce, water spinach, basil, perilla, and sliced banana blossoms.

This comforting dish can be found in local eateries and markets in Thai Binh for about 25,000–30,000 VND ($1–1.20 USD) per bowl.

Nhat Ha, a resident of Thai Binh, describes bun bung as a light yet hearty meal suitable for any occasion.

“The broth is sweet from the bones, balanced by the nuttiness of banana blossoms and the aroma from cha xuong song,” she shared.

Ha particularly enjoys bun bung during the colder months, when its warmth and flavors are most appreciated.

“Every visit to Thai Binh begins with bun bung. It’s so delicious I often have two bowls in a row without feeling stuffed. It’s a must-try for anyone exploring my hometown’s culinary offerings,” adds Ha.

Photos by Nhat Ha