Bun Rieu is a signature Vietnamese dish that you can't miss when visiting San Francisco. Below are our recommendations for places to enjoy this dish. These are our favorite places to enjoy Bun Rieu in San Francisco. Come and experience the authentic taste of Vietnamese cuisine!
Phố Hương top-pick
Pho Huong serves one of the best bowls of vermicelli noodles in San Francisco. The broth is deeply savory with a pronounced tomato tang and a well-integrated shrimp paste flavor that's present but not overwhelming. The rieu patties are light and fluffy — a sign that they've been properly made with fresh crab and egg whites. Fried tofu puffs are generously added, each one bursting with broth. The accompanying herb plate includes shredded banana blossom, mint, and sawtooth herb. A squeeze of lime and a dollop of shrimp paste on the side, and you have a perfect bowl.
Tú Lan best-value
Tu Lan's bun rieu is more rustic and intense than Pho Huong's. The broth is bolder — more shrimp paste, more tomatoes, more garlic. It's the kind of soup that hits you with flavor from the first sip. The rieu patties are slightly denser but packed with crab flavor, and the tofu puffs are generously portioned. The noodles are cooked al dente, and the fresh herbs are abundant. This is a bowl for those who love bold, assertive flavors.
Anh Hong Restaurant hidden-gem
Anh Hong's bun rieu is a solid option on the west side of the city. The broth is well-balanced — tomatoey, savory, with a subtle shrimp paste undertone. The crab patties are light and flavorful, and the tofu puffs are fresh and spongy. The noodle portion is generous, and the herb plate includes the full complement of banana blossom, mint, and bean sprouts. A reliable bowl for Richmond District residents.