Bún bò Huế is the bolder, spicier cousin of pho — a beef and pork noodle soup from the central Vietnamese city of Huế. The broth is built on lemongrass and annatto oil, giving it a distinctive red-orange color and a deep, almost smoky heat. Thick round rice noodles (bún bò) are served with sliced beef shank, pork knuckle, congealed pork blood, and sometimes beef tendon. It's the dish for diners who find pho too mild.
O Liên Kitchen top-pick
Featured in 5280 Magazine's "Best Vietnamese Restaurants in Denver" list as the go-to for Hue-style cuisine. O Lien specializes in the flavor-rich food of Hue — their Bun Bo Hue is authentic with a deep, complex broth, the right amount of heat, and proper accompaniments. Widely considered the best in the Denver metro area by locals and critics alike.
Pho-natic best-value
A Tripadvisor reviewer called their Bun Bo Hue the "best outside of Vietnam." Located on Colfax in central Denver, this spot serves a rich, flavorful BBH that keeps customers coming back. The broth is well-spiced with lemongrass and chili, the noodles are the proper thick variety, and the meat portions are generous. Very affordable for the quality.
Pho Hong hidden-gem
A Federal Boulevard mainstay that doesn't get as much attention as the bigger names but serves excellent Bun Bo Hue. The broth is rich and flavorful, the noodles are perfectly cooked, and they include all the traditional cuts of meat. A favorite among Vietnamese locals. Cash-friendly, no-frills, and consistently delicious.