Bún Thang Bà Đức

Bún Thang Bà Đức is a small shop at 48 Cầu Gỗ in the Hàng Trống ward of Hanoi's Old Quarter, Vietnam, near Hoàn Kiếm Lake. It specialises in bún thang, a Hanoi noodle soup regarded as one of the capital's most labour-intensive bowls because each element is prepared separately. Shredded chicken, thin ribbons of fried egg, giò lụa pork sausage and dried shrimp are arranged over rice vermicelli, and a clear, delicate broth is poured over the top. A dab of shrimp paste on the side is the traditional finish, and diners add lime, chilli and herbs to taste. The menu is short, with the signature bún thang, a version with dried shrimp floss, and bún chả for those who want something grilled. The cuisine is Northern Vietnamese home-style cooking; it is comfort food rather than restaurant cooking, and the focus is on the clarity of the broth and the fine knife work on the toppings. The room is small and plain, with simple tables, quick service and no dress code, so it suits a short breakfast or lunch stop. Noise is moderate. There is no wine programme; tea and soft drinks are the normal drinks. The shop opens daily from 7:00 to 21:00 and is walk-in only, with no reservations. Because seating is limited, waiting is possible at peak meal times, but turnover is quick. Prices are low, around 60,000 to 90,000 VND (USD 2.30 to 3.45) per person. The location on Cầu Gỗ places it within a short walk of the lake and the Old Quarter's main streets, so it fits easily into a morning of sightseeing. Bún thang is a lighter, more refined bowl than the heavier noodle soups sold elsewhere in Hanoi, which makes it a good introduction to the city's subtler flavours.