On June, 27, 2025, bún bò Huế, Central Vietnam's iconic beef noodle soup, was officially recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage by Vietnam’s Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (Decision No. 2203/QĐ-BVHTTDL).
The recognition falls under the category of folk knowledge, emphasizing not just the dish itself but the deep-rooted culinary expertise, rituals, and traditions surrounding it.
But what qualifies a dish for national heritage status? And why does bún bò Huế, in particular, deserve it?
What Makes A Dish An Intangible Cultural Heritage?
According to Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, intangible cultural heritage refers to practices, knowledge, and expressions passed down through generations, often orally or through practice; including: performing arts, festivals, traditional crafts, and culinary heritages.
For national recognition, traditions must represent community identity, reflect cultural diversity, survive across generations, demonstrate preservation potential, and have genuine community support with voluntary nomination commitments.
Phan Thanh Hai, Director of the Department of Culture and Sports of Hue City stated: "Our goal is to spread the value of the 'Folk Knowledge of Bún Bò Huế' to audiences at home and abroad, making this dish not only a source of pride for Hue people but also a cultural symbol of Vietnam internationally."
Folk Knowledge in Every Bowl
The term "tri thức dân gian" (folk knowledge) refers to community-based wisdom that's transmitted through lived experience, repetition, and storytelling.
For bún bò Huế, this is hundreds of years of folk knowledge passed down through generations. The dish is closely associated with religious life, community activities, and traditional craft noodle villages such as Vân Cù and Ô Sa.
In other words, Vietnam is preserving the heritage of a region and the livelihoods of traditional noodle-making villages.
A Royal Beginning
Emerging in the late 16th to early 17th century in the imperial capital of Huế, once governed by the Nguyễn Lords, bún bò Huế was influenced by royal cuisine. It started with a rich broth made from simmered pork and beef bones, perfumed with lemongrass, colored by annatto oil, and deepened with shrimp paste.
Over time, this spicy beef noodle soup has also gained international attention, featured in various shows on Food Insider and CNN Travel. Media outlets like Eater, Serious Eats, and The New York Times have all covered bún bò Huế in articles.
In Parts Unknown (CNN), world-renowned chef and food traveler Anthony Bourdain said bún bò huế is “the greatest soup in the world." After all, this was a dish crafted to impress the palace.
Find Authentic Bún Bò Huế Across Vietnam
In Huế
Bún Bò Mệ Kéo
With more than 70 years of history, this family-run stall is one of the most well-known bún bò destinations. What makes this spot special is that their long history bun bo is served in a simple riverside wooden home, where customers line up in self-serve style.
- Address: 20 Bach Dang, Group 19, Hue City
- Open Hours: 6 AM - 11 AM
Bún Bò Lò Củi Bà Bê
Source: Eva.vn
Cooked over a traditional wood-fire stove for over 60 years, this version of bún bò Huế has a distinct rustic aroma and depth. Chef Bà Bê, now in her 70s, still oversees the kitchen. The slow-cooked broth, smoky edge, and traditional serving make this worthy culinary experience.
- Address: 147/2 Nguyen Lo Trach, Xuan Phu, Hue City
- Open Hours: 8:30 AM - 12 PM
In Hà Nội
Bún bò Huế Ngự Uyển
| Source: Foody.vn
With nearly 10 branches, Ngự Uyển is a go-to for those seeking consistent bowls. The broth is known for its sweet-savory balance. The rice noodles here, however, are thicker compared to the original ones that are typically found in Huế.
- Address: 67 Nguyen Hong Street, Lang Ha Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi
- Open Hours: 6 AM - 10 PM
In Sài Gòn
Bún Bò Huế 14B – Michelin Bib Gourmand
Recognized by the Michelin Guide with a Bib Gourmand, this spot serves a refined yet deeply flavorful bowl of bún bò Huế in the heart of Saigon. It’s a favorite among both locals and tourists looking for a good quality and affordable take on this central Vietnamese classic.
- Address: 14B Street 46, Ward 2, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City
- Open Hours: 6:30 AM - 8:30 PM
By officially listing bún bò Huế as an intangible cultural treasure, Vietnam affirms that food, too, can be a vessel of national identity.
So whether you're savoring it at a market stall in Huế or a Michelin-recognized spot in Saigon, each bite connects you to a long, flavorful legacy—one now officially protected for generations to come.