A bold, lemongrass-and-chili beef noodle soup with thick round rice noodles, sliced beef shank, and often cubes of congealed pork blood and a slice of chả.
Usually breakfast or lunch. Served with a plate of shredded banana blossom, cabbage, herbs, and lime to add as you go.
Central (Huế)
Huế versions are typically spicier and more assertively funky. Southern versions often soften the shrimp paste and sweeten the broth. Many people abroad know the southern-influenced version.
Bún bò Huế is a source of real regional pride and is often the dish people from central Vietnam point to when they say the food up there is different.