Bún Thịt Nướng

Tu Lan's grilled meat vermicelli is a masterpiece of grilled meat. The pork shoulder is marinated for hours in a house blend of fish sauce, honey, lemongrass, and garlic, then grilled over real charcoal until smoky and caramelized on the edges. The char is perfect — those blackened bits are where the flavor lives. The noodles are well-drained and tossed with a touch of oil to prevent sticking. The salad base is crisp and fresh, and the fish sauce mix is balanced and bright. This is the benchmark for grilled meat noodles in San Francisco.

Bac Viet serves a Northern-style grilled meat vermicelli that's elegant and well-composed. The pork is sliced Thinner than Tu Lan's and marinated with a slightly different spice blend — more black pepper and less honey, resulting in a more savory, less sweet profile. The noodles are perfectly cooked and served with a generous herb basket that includes mint, perilla, and Vietnamese balm (marjoram). Their fish sauce mix is lighter and tangier, typical of Northern Vietnamese cuisine. A refined, thoughtful version.

Pho Huong serves a generous, well-executed grilled meat vermicelli that's become a Tenderloin favorite. The pork is marinated well and grilled with a good char, and the portion is substantial. The noodle bowl includes all the classic accompaniments — lettuce, cucumber, pickled vegetables, bean sprouts, fresh herbs, and crushed peanuts. Their mixed fish sauce has a nice balance of sweet and tangy with a detectable garlic kick. A reliable, satisfying bowl any day of the week.