Steamed Tofu & Shrimp Paste (Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm)
Bun Dau Mam Tom (Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm) is a popular local street food. It features fried tofu, rice noodles, boiled pork, and fried spring rolls served on a bamboo tray with a side of pungent fermented shrimp paste.
The Pungent Fermented Shrimp Paste (Mam Tom)
The soul of this dish is the purple shrimp paste. To prepare it, add a squeeze of fresh kumquat juice, a pinch of sugar, and a few slices of fresh red chili. Whisk it vigorously with your chopsticks until it foams up.
Top Local Bun Dau Stalls to Visit
Stalls like Bun Dau Ngo Gach in the Old Quarter serve crispy fried tofu and excellent boiled pork tail. The venue is crowded during lunch hours, so arrive early. Make sure you carry cash (VND) for payment.
Alternative Dipping Sauces
If the smell of shrimp paste is too strong, you can ask for local fish sauce (nước mắm) or soy sauce instead. Read our basic Vietnamese phrases guide to communicate your preferences.
| Stall Name | Address Coordinate | Average Price (VND) |
|---|---|---|
| Bun Dau Ngo Gach | 4 Ngo Gach, Hoan Kiem | 45,000 - 65,000 |
| Bun Dau Huong Lien | 31 Ngo Tram, Hoan Kiem | 50,000 - 70,000 |
Explore Further & Safely
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this dish vegetarian?
The basic noodles and tofu are vegetarian, but the tray typically includes boiled pork and fried fish patties, and the shrimp paste is not vegetarian. Ask for soy sauce if needed.