Yesterday, I went to restaurant in Huyen Soc Son. This place specializes in Vietnamese noodle dishes, and given the chilly winter weather, I craved something warm and comforting. Since I prefer brothy dishes in the morning and dislike dry foods that are difficult to swallow, I decided to order two bowls of noodle soup: bún chả (grilled pork with vermicelli) and bún ngan măng khô (duck noodle soup with dried bamboo shoots).
The first dish, bún chả, came with grilled pork patties that had a smoky aroma from being cooked over charcoal. The pork was tender on the inside with a slightly crispy and flavorful exterior.
It was served with soft white rice noodle, fresh herbs and fragrant broth made from pork bones.
The broth had a naturally sweet taste without artificial sweetness, garnished with green onions.
To me, green onions are an essential part of the dish, adding an extra layer of flavor.
Those who avoid them, in my opinion, are missing out on a crucial element of bún chả or bún ngan.
The second dish, bún ngan măng khô, was equally impressive. The duck meat was firm but not tough, with golden, crispy skin and inside tender meat. The dried bamboo shoots, after being soaked and cooked, had a slightly chewy texture and absorbed the rich flavors of the broth. The broth itself was light yet full-bodied, carrying the essence of slow-cooked duck and herbs. The combination of the savory duck, the earthy bamboo shoots, and the warm, flavorful broth made this dish incredibly comforting.
The visual contrast between the bright green herbs, the white noodles, and the brown tones of the meat and bamboo shoots made the meal even more appealing.
The addition of garlic and chili enhanced the flavor and, as many believe, helped strengthen the immune system during winter. Honestly, if you eat garlic every morning, I doubt you would ever catch a cold!
Another highlight of this restaurant is its setting. Unlike many traditional street food stalls, this place operates as both a noodle shop and a café.
After finishing our meal, we went inside the restaurant for a quiet, relaxing space, where we sipped a cup of coffee or fresh fruit juice while working.
The outdoor area was very airy, providing a comfortable space for breakfast eaters, but the whole place was clean and well-maintained.
For the price, the meal was an absolute steal. Each bowl of noodles cost only 35,000 VND, around $1.50.
I left feeling warm, satisfied, and eager to return to try other dishes like bún cá (fish noodle soup) and bún bò (beef noodle soup) next time.
Overall, this was a fantastic dining experience. The flavors were authentic, the atmosphere was pleasant, and the meal was perfect for a cold winter morning. If you ever find yourself in Huyen Soc Son looking for a hearty and flavorful breakfast, I highly recommend this restaurant.