Bún Riêu

This is Austin's bun rieu destination. Fresh Tofu specializes in Northern Vietnamese dishes, and their bun rieu is the star — a vibrant tomato-crab broth ladled over vermicelli with generous crab cake portions. It is a tiny counter-service spot, so come early and do not expect frills — just honest, deeply flavorful soup.

Bep Co Tham's bun rieu is made of real crab with fresh vegetables — not the canned stuff. The bright, clean dining room makes it a comfortable sit-down option. Their broken rice combo is also excellent if you are eating with someone who wants variety.

Sunflower's massive menu covers the Vietnamese spectrum, and their bun rieu consistently appears on best-of lists. What sets Sunflower apart is the sheer size of their bowls and the freshness of their accompaniments — heaps of herbs, sprouts, and lime. The spacious, cheerful dining room makes this a good choice for groups or families.

Tan My is Austin's bun bo hue champion, but their bun rieu also earns steady praise. The broth has real depth — the kind that comes from long simmering rather than seasoning packets. Portions are generous and prices are fair. The restaurant is small and authentic-feeling, with limited parking.nnFor bun rieu in Austin, Fresh Tofu leads as the definitive destination for this Northern Vietnamese crab noodle soup.