Bún măng vịt — duck noodle soup with dried bamboo shoots — is a Northern Vietnamese specialty that requires patience and skill. Sacramento has only a handful of kitchens that consistently offer it, and the ones that do understand that the broth must be earthy, the bamboo must be bitterness-free, and the duck must be fall-off-the-bone tender.
Co Do Restaurant top-pick
Mon-Sun 10AM-9PM
One of the few Sacramento restaurants that consistently offers duck bamboo shoot vermicelli. Tender duck in a clear, deeply flavored broth with the distinctive funk and texture of dried bamboo shoots.
Pho Xe Lua best-value
Mon-Sun 9AM-9:30PM
Duck bamboo shoot vermicelli occasionally appears as a special here. The bamboo shoots are properly rehydrated and the duck is fall-apart tender. Call ahead to check availability.
Bon Mua Vietnamese Restaurant hidden-gem
Mon-Sun 9AM-9PM
occasionally features duck bamboo shoot vermicelli on their home-style specials. Rustic and hearty, with generous duck pieces and a broth that leans into the bamboos earthy character.