Bún Chả Hương Liên Guide: Eco-Friendly Food Tours for Obama’s Famous Dish in Hanoi’s Hai Bà Trưng Ward

A Sustainable Culinary Legend in Hai Bà Trưng Ward

Located at 24 Lê Văn Hưu Street, Hai Bà Trưng Ward, Hanoi, Bún Chả Hương Liên is a globally celebrated eatery that skyrocketed to fame when former U.S. President Barack Obama and chef Anthony Bourdain dined here on May 23, 2016, during an episode of “Parts Unknown.” Just a 20-minute ride from Hoan Kiem Lake, this family-run restaurant, established in 1993, serves Bún Chả (Vietnamese Grilled Pork Noodle), featuring smoky, charcoal-grilled pork patties (chả viên) and belly slices (chả miếng), soft rice vermicelli (bún), a tangy nước chấm dipping sauce, and a vibrant herb platter of lettuce, perilla, and Thai basil. Pickled green papaya adds a crisp, tangy crunch, creating a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, savory, and spicy flavors. The “Combo Obama,” including Bún Chả, a fried seafood roll (nem rán), and a Hanoi beer, pays homage to that historic visit, drawing food enthusiasts worldwide. Aligned with Hanoi’s “Green Capital” initiative, sustainable dining practices and eco-friendly tours enhance the Bún Chả Hương Liên experience. Legend Travel Group’s eco-tours offer a responsible, immersive culinary journey. Book via the links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com

Administrative Update

Vietnam’s administrative restructuring has reclassified Hanoi’s districts as wards or communes, with Hai Bà Trưng District now Hai Bà Trưng Ward under Hanoi City’s administration. This streamlines access through sustainable infrastructure, including eco-friendly transport options, ensuring seamless travel to Bún Chả Hương Liên in Hai Bà Trưng Ward.

Legend Travel Group excels in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, offering guided eco-friendly food tours in Hanoi’s Hai Bà Trưng Ward with a focus on environmental care and cultural preservation. Our tours use low-impact transport like cyclos and electric carts, led by local guides who share the story of Bún Chả Hương Liên’s global fame, ensuring a safe, enriching experience. Supporting Hanoi’s local vendors, we align with the city’s green initiatives. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we make planning effortless. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page and savor Bún Chả Hương Liên responsibly! TripAdvisor Reviews

Bún Chả Hương Liên, located at 24 Lê Văn Hưu Street, Hai Bà Trưng Ward, is a culinary landmark in Hanoi, a 20-minute ride from Hoan Kiem Lake in a tropical monsoon climate with a dry season (November–April, 15–28°C or 59–82.4°F) and a rainy season (May–October, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F). Open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, this eatery serves Bún Chả with pork marinated in fish sauce, shallots, and caramel, grilled over charcoal for a smoky aroma, paired with thin, chewy vermicelli, a sweet-sour nước chấm, and fresh herbs. The “Combo Obama” ($4 or 100,000 VND), featuring Bún Chả, nem rán, and a Hanoi beer, celebrates its 2016 fame. The restaurant’s bustling yet authentic atmosphere, adorned with photos of Obama and Bourdain, draws crowds, often requiring a 20–30-minute wait during peak hours (noon–2:00 PM). Recent trends show Hương Liên adopting sustainable practices, like biodegradable packaging and local sourcing, enhancing its eco-friendly appeal.

1. Savor Bún Chả at Hương Liên

Enjoy the “Combo Obama” at 24 Lê Văn Hưu Street, a 30–60-minute culinary experience featuring smoky pork, tangy nước chấm, and eco-friendly garnishes like locally sourced herbs.

• Cost: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND) per serving; “Combo Obama” $4 (100,000 VND); nem rán $1–$1.50 (25,000–37,500 VND) each.

• Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM–9:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Uses biodegradable trays; supports local pork farmers.

• Tip: Arrive by 10:30 AM to avoid peak crowds; included in our Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).

2. Join a Sustainable Food Tour

Participate in a guided food tour to explore Hương Liên and other Bún Chả stalls, a 2–3-hour eco-friendly activity using cyclos or walking, highlighting Hanoi’s street food culture.

• Cost: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND) per person.

• Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–9:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Low-impact transport; supports small vendors.

• Tip: Included in our Hanoi Cultural Food Tour ($100–$150).

3. Learn to Cook Bún Chả

Join a cooking class to master Bún Chả’s grilling and sauce-making techniques, a 2–3-hour sustainable activity using locally sourced pork and eco-friendly practices.

• Cost: $20–$40 (500,000–1,000,000 VND) per person.

• Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Uses organic ingredients; minimizes waste.

• Top Spots: Rose Kitchen, 29B Hàng Bài, Hoan Kiem Ward; Hanoi Cooking Centre, 44 Châu Long, Ba Đình Ward.

• Tip: Included in our Hanoi & Son Tay Immersion ($250–$400).

4. Visit Local Food Markets

Explore Bạch Mai Market (1 km from Lê Văn Hưu) to see fresh pork, herbs, and rice noodles, a 1–2-hour low-impact activity supporting local suppliers.

• Cost: Free entry; purchases $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).

• Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Encourages local sourcing; use reusable bags.

• Tip: Included in our Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).

5. Pair with Eco-Friendly Street Food

Sample complementary dishes like nem cua bể or bánh mì at nearby stalls, a 30–60-minute sustainable experience, enhancing Bún Chả’s flavors.

• Cost: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND) per dish.

• Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–10:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Supports family-run vendors; uses biodegradable packaging.

• Top Spots: Nem Cua Bể at 58 Đào Duy Từ, Hoan Kiem Ward; Bánh Mì 25, 25 Hàng Cá, Hoan Kiem Ward.

• Tip: Included in our Hanoi Cultural Food Tour ($100–$150).

Bún Chả Hương Liên at 24 Lê Văn Hưu Street, Hai Bà Trưng Ward, is accessible in 20–25 minutes from central Hanoi (Hoan Kiem Ward) via sustainable transport options:

• By Air: Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), 30 km away, serves domestic and international flights. Round-trip costs: Ho Chi Minh City ($80–$150 or 2,000,000–3,750,000 VND), Da Nang ($60–$120 or 1,500,000–3,000,000 VND), international (e.g., Bangkok, $200–$600). Airport bus No. 86 to Hoan Kiem Ward ($1.40 or 35,000 VND, 25–30 min frequency); taxi/Grab to Hai Bà Trưng ($18–$25 or 450,000–625,000 VND).

• By Bus: From Hoan Kiem Ward, take Routes 03, 08, or 23 to Hai Bà Trưng (20–25 min, $0.30–$0.50 or 7,000–12,000 VND). Walk 5–10 minutes to 24 Lê Văn Hưu Street. Buses run every 10–20 minutes from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

• By Cyclo or Electric Cart: From Hoan Kiem Lake, hire a cyclo or electric cart for a 20-minute ride ($4–$7 or 100,000–175,000 VND).

• By Bicycle: Rent a bicycle in Hoan Kiem Ward ($1–$3/day or 25,000–75,000 VND) for a 20–25-minute ride to Hai Bà Trưng.

• By Taxi or Grab: $4–$6 (100,000–150,000 VND) one-way; $8–$12 (200,000–300,000 VND) round-trip.

• By Private Car (Legend Travel Group): Book a private car ($40–$60 or 1,000,000–1,500,000 VND round-trip for up to 4 people) for eco-friendly travel with stopovers.Tip: Buses or cyclos are most sustainable; confirm “24 Lê Văn Hưu, Hai Bà Trưng Ward” with drivers. Download offline maps (Maps.me) with “Hai Bà Trưng Ward” as a landmark.

• Dry Season (November–April, 15–28°C or 59–82.4°F): Mild weather is ideal for exploring Hai Bà Trưng and dining outdoors. Tet (January–February) adds festive energy but draws crowds.

• Rainy Season (May–October, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F): Warm, humid weather suits Bún Chả’s fresh herbs, with 15–25% tour discounts. Summer (June–August) enhances flavors, but bring waterproof gear ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).

• Lunch Hours (11:00 AM–2:00 PM): Best time for fresh Bún Chả and the “Combo Obama,” though open until 9:00 PM. Avoid noon crowds by arriving early or after 2:00 PM.

Pack these essentials for a sustainable, comfortable visit:

• Clothing: Lightweight, modest outfits for cultural respect; comfortable shoes for Hai Bà Trưng walking. Waterproof jackets for rainy season.

• Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat.

• Travel Essentials: Mosquito repellent, reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).

• Tech Gear: Smartphone with offline maps (Maps.me), portable charger.

• Documents: Passport, travel insurance, tour confirmations, VND (50,000–200,000 notes).

• Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote bag, straw to minimize waste.

• Extras: Notebook for food notes; small container for leftovers ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND). Tip: Carry small VND notes for stall payments; use a reusable bag to reduce plastic waste.

Costs and Budget Planning

Food and Activity Fees

• Bún Chả Hương Liên: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND) per serving; “Combo Obama” $4 (100,000 VND).

• Nem Rán: $1–$1.50 (25,000–37,500 VND) each.

• Guided Food Tour: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).

• Cooking Class: $20–$40 (500,000–1,000,000 VND).

• Market Purchases: $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).

• Other Street Food (e.g., bánh mì): $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).

• Thiền Quang Pagoda (Nearby): Free entry; donations $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).

Transportation (Round-Trip, from Hoan Kiem Ward)

• Bus: $0.60–$1 (14,000–24,000 VND).

• Cyclo/Electric Cart: $8–$14 (200,000–350,000 VND).

• Bicycle: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).

• Taxi/Grab: $8–$12 (200,000–300,000 VND).

• Private Car: $40–$60 (1,000,000–1,500,000 VND).

• Airport Bus No. 86 + Taxi: $22–$32 (550,000–800,000 VND).

Accommodation (Per Night, Double Occupancy)

• Homestays: $20–$50 (500,000–1,250,000 VND).

• Hotels: $30–$80 (750,000–2,000,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $15–$30 (bus, Bún Chả, homestay).

• Mid-range: $40–$60 (cyclo, food tour, hotel).

• Luxury: $80–$120 (private car, cooking class, premium hotel). Tip: Book early for Tet or dry season; carry VND for small purchases.

How to Prepare Bún Chả Hương Liên at Home

For those inspired to recreate Bún Chả Hương Liên’s “Combo Obama,” here’s a sustainable recipe:

1. Marinate Pork: Mix 1 lb (450 g) pork shoulder (for patties) and 1 lb pork belly (sliced) with 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp honey, 2 minced shallots, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp pepper. Marinate for 2 hours or overnight. Form shoulder pork into small patties.

2. Prepare Nước Chấm: Whisk ¼ cup fish sauce, ¼ cup lime juice, ¼ cup sugar, ½ cup water, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tsp chili sauce until sugar dissolves. Add ¼ cup shredded pickled papaya or carrots.

3. Grill Pork: Grill patties and slices over charcoal or a grill pan for 5–7 minutes per side until charred and cooked (165°F/74°C).

4. Cook Vermicelli: Boil 2 cups rice vermicelli for 3–5 minutes, rinse in cold water, and drain.

5. Make Nem Rán: Mix ½ lb minced pork, ½ lb crab meat, 1 egg, 1 tbsp fish sauce, and chopped wood ear mushrooms. Wrap in rice paper and fry until golden ($1 or 25,000 VND each).

6. Assemble: Serve vermicelli with grilled pork, a bowl of nước chấm, pickled vegetables, nem rán, and a platter of lettuce, perilla, mint, and Thai basil. Pair with a cold beer ($0.50 or 12,500 VND).

7. Enjoy: Dip vermicelli, pork, and herbs in nước chấm (northern style) or wrap in lettuce (southern style). Eco-Friendly Tip: Source organic pork and herbs from local markets; use reusable containers for leftovers.

• Choose Your Season: Dry season (November–April) for comfortable visits; rainy season (May–October) for indoor dining and discounts. Lunch (11:00 AM–2:00 PM) is ideal for the “Combo Obama.”

• Book in Advance: Reserve Legend Travel Group’s food tours 3–5 weeks ahead for peak seasons to secure spots.

• Sustainability: Use buses or cyclos ($4–$7 or 100,000–175,000 VND) to reduce emissions; choose Hương Liên’s biodegradable trays. Buy local herbs ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND) to support farmers.

• Navigation: Download offline maps (Maps.me); mark “24 Lê Văn Hưu, Hai Bà Trưng Ward” as a landmark. Local guides ensure seamless access.

• Safety: Watch for traffic in Hai Bà Trưng; keep valuables secure. Carry a first-aid kit.

• Weather Considerations: Dry season for outdoor dining; rainy season requires waterproof gear ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND). Check AccuWeather for updates.

• Cultural Respect: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you); tip vendors $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND). Respect restaurant etiquette.

• Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND); apply mosquito repellent; request “ít đường” for less sweet nước chấm.

Our sustainable tours showcase Hanoi’s culinary treasures, including Bún Chả Hương Liên:

• Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Cyclo ride to Bún Chả Hương Liên, street food tasting, Bạch Mai Market visit. Includes guide, cyclo.

• Hanoi Cultural Food Tour ($100–$150/person, 2 days): Bún Chả Hương Liên, Thiền Quang Pagoda, cooking class, homestay ($20–$50/night). Includes meals, guide.

• Hanoi & Son Tay Immersion ($250–$400/person, 3 days): Bún Chả Hương Liên, Son Tay Citadel, Ba Vi National Park, homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers. Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, and fees. Enjoy 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links around this page! TripAdvisor Reviews

Bún Chả Hương Liên, a global icon at 24 Lê Văn Hưu Street, Hai Bà Trưng Ward, Hanoi, offers a smoky, fragrant Bún Chả immortalized by Barack Obama’s 2016 visit. From savoring the “Combo Obama” in its bustling, authentic setting to joining eco-friendly food tours, every experience supports local vendors and Hanoi’s green initiatives. Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Tours provide a responsible, immersive journey, ensuring a sustainable Hanoi Travel experience that blends Hanoi’s culinary heritage with eco-conscious travel. Whether exploring Bạch Mai Market or mastering Bún Chả’s recipe, this dish promises unforgettable flavors. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your Bún Chả Hương Liên culinary adventure today!
Ready to taste Hanoi’s iconic Bún Chả Hương Liên? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable food journey!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.