Washington DC's Eden Center is home to several restaurants that serve excellent bún thịt nướng — the classic Vietnamese grilled pork vermicelli bowl. The Falls Church area has the highest concentration of Vietnamese restaurants on the East Coast.
Huong Viet top-pick
Huong Viet serves one of the best grilled meat vermicelli in the DC area. The pork is perfectly grilled with lemongrass marinade, smoky and charred at the edges. Served over cold vermicelli with fresh herbs, pickled carrots and daikon, crushed peanuts, and dipping sauce. The portion is generous and the flavors are perfectly balanced.
Hai Duong best-value
Hai Duong's grilled pork vermicelli is a customer favorite. The grilled pork has excellent char and flavor from the lemongrass marinade. They serve it the traditional way with a mountain of fresh herbs and a side of dipping sauce. Their version with spring rolls (egg rolls) on top is also excellent.
Banh Cuon Thang Long hidden-gem
While known for banh cuon, Thang Long also serves a solid vermicelli with grilled meat. The pork is well-marinated and grilled, and the accompanying vegetables are fresh and abundant. A reliable choice in the Eden Center food court area.