Bún Thịt Nướng Chị Tuyền

Bún Thịt Nướng Chị Tuyền is a small alley eatery at 195/29 Co Giang Street in Co Giang Ward, District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, serving a single-focus menu of vermicelli bowls with grilled pork. Bún thịt nướng is a southern Vietnamese dish built from cold rice vermicelli, lettuce and fresh herbs, topped with pork that has been marinated with lemongrass, garlic and sugar and grilled over charcoal until caramelised at the edges. Crushed roasted peanuts, pickled carrot and daikon and spring onion oil finish the bowl, and fish-sauce dressing is poured over at the table, then mixed through so that the noodles, herbs and meat are coated. Signature orders are the plain bún thịt nướng and the version with chả giò, a fried spring roll, added on top, which adds a crisp contrast to the soft noodles and herbs. The dining space is a small alley setting with small tables and low stools, close to the cooking area, and the atmosphere is homely, informal and neighbourhood-oriented; the clientele is mostly local residents and workers, with a few visitors who have found it through food guides. Noise is moderate and there is no dress code. The eatery does not take reservations, and visitors should sit at the small tables in the alley when one is free. It runs split hours, generally about 07:00 to 13:00 and 16:00 to 20:00 daily, with a break in the afternoon, so visitors should check hours locally before going. A typical meal costs roughly 45,000 to 90,000 VND per person, in the budget bracket. Drinks are simple, with iced tea and soft drinks. Co Giang is a residential ward south of the central tourist area, and reaching the alley involves a short walk from the main street, a small adventure that suits visitors who want a meal away from the main sightseeing routes.