Bun ca — Vietnamese fish noodle soup — is a Northern Vietnamese specialty that does not get much love in Austin, where pho and bun bo hue dominate the soup conversation. The dish features fried fish chunks in a tangy tomato-based broth, and it is a refreshing alternative to the heavier beef soups. Austin's North Lamar corridor has a few restaurants that serve it, primarily those with Northern Vietnamese roots.
Fresh Tofu top-pick
Fresh Tofu's Northern Vietnamese kitchen is the natural home for bun ca in Austin. Their version features chunks of fried fish in a light, tomato-tinted broth with dill — the herb that makes or breaks this dish. The vermicelli is properly cooked, and the fish is crispy on the outside and moist inside. It is a lighter, brighter soup than what you will find at the pho-heavy spots.
Pho Ha Noi Cuisine best-value
Pho Ha Noi's Northern Vietnamese focus extends to bun ca, which appears on their menu alongside their celebrated pho. The broth here is more tomato-forward and slightly sweeter than Fresh Tofu's version, with generous pieces of fish and a noticeable dill presence. It is a solid lunch option when you want soup but are not in the mood for beef.
Tan My hidden-gem
Tan My rounds out the bun ca options with a version that benefits from the kitchen's overall soup-making expertise. The fish is well-fried, the broth is properly tangy, and the accompanying herb plate includes the essential dill and cilantro. It is a reliable order at a restaurant where you know the broth will be good regardless of which soup you choose.nnFor bun ca in Austin, Fresh Tofu leads with the most authentic Northern Vietnamese version of this lighter, brighter fish soup.