Discover Bún Dọc Mùng, Hanoi’s savory elephant ear stem noodle soup! Explore top spots, prices, flavors, and eco-friendly tours with Legend Travel Group. Book now!
Bún Dọc Mùng, Hanoi’s distinctive giant elephant ear stem noodle soup, is a lesser-known breakfast delight that captures the city’s vibrant street food culture. Pronounced “boon dawm oong,” this savory dish shines at sidewalk stalls across Hoan Kiem Ward’s bustling Old Quarter and Ba Đình Ward’s quieter alleys, priced at $1.20–$2.50 (30,000–62,500 VND) per bowl. Featuring rice vermicelli, pork meatballs, thinly sliced pork hock, and spongy elephant ear stems in a tomato-rich broth, it offers a delightful mix of textures—chewy, soft, and crunchy—balanced by fresh herbs and chili. Its unique ingredient, the giant elephant ear stem (tảro), absorbs the broth’s umami, making it a must-try for adventurous foodies.
Rooted in Vietnam’s rural northern traditions, Bún Dọc Mùng showcases Hanoi’s knack for transforming humble ingredients into flavorful, comforting meals. Vendors source fresh stems and produce from markets like Dong Xuan, often using reusable bowls to align with Hanoi’s “Green Capital” initiative. Unlike phở’s beefy depth or bún chả’s grilled pork, Bún Dọc Mùng’s light, tangy broth and unique vegetable make it a refreshing morning option, perfect for Hanoi’s tropical monsoon climate (dry season: November–April, 15–28°C or 59–82.4°F; rainy season: May–October, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F). Legend Travel Group’s eco-friendly food tours guide travelers to savor Bún Dọc Mùng authentically, ensuring a sustainable, immersive experience. Book via the links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!
Vietnam’s administrative restructuring has reclassified Hanoi’s districts as wards or communes, with former Hoan Kiem District now Hoan Kiem Ward under Hanoi City’s administration. This streamlines navigation to Bún Dọc Mùng hotspots using ward-based maps.
Legend Travel Group excels in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, offering guided eco-friendly food tours across Hanoi, tailored for travelers seeking authentic culinary adventures. Our tours use low-impact transport like cyclos, led by English-speaking guides who share Bún Dọc Mùng’s cultural roots, preparation secrets, and sustainable practices, ensuring a safe, enriching journey. Supporting local vendors, we align with Hanoi’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 Dọc Mùng responsibly!
Capture the savory essence of Hanoi’s street food gem (Internet)Bún Dọc Mùng, a northern Vietnamese breakfast favorite, reflects Hanoi’s agrarian heritage, utilizing the giant elephant ear stem (Colocasia esculenta, or tảro), a plant prized for its spongy, flavor-absorbing texture when cooked. The dish features a broth simmered with pork bones and tomatoes, enriched with pork meatballs made from ground pork, mushrooms, shallots, fish sauce, and rock sugar, and thin slices of pork hock. Peeled and sliced elephant ear stems are added, soaking up the broth’s tangy, savory essence. Served with rice vermicelli, fresh herbs (cilantro, perilla), and chili paste, it’s a customizable, balanced meal that balances Hanoi’s love for umami and freshness.
Vendors prepare Bún Dọc Mùng at dawn, sourcing ingredients from local farms and markets, often using reusable bowls to reduce waste. Unlike phở’s global fame or bún bò Huế’s spicy kick, Bún Dọc Mùng’s subtle, vegetable-forward profile makes it a local secret, typically enjoyed at breakfast or late morning on tiny plastic stools. Its communal preparation and affordability embody Hanoi’s street food ethos, inviting travelers to dive into a lesser-known but deeply satisfying dish.
Bún Dọc Mùng is served at authentic street stalls across Hanoi, with bowls priced at $1.20–$2.50 (30,000–62,500 VND). Below are five top spots, selected for quality, eco-friendly practices, and recent reviews, with ward-based addresses:
A beloved Old Quarter stall, famous for its rich tomato broth and tender meatballs, best at 8:00 AM. Uses reusable trays and local stems, near Hanoi’s Train Street.
Cost: $1.20–$2 (30,000–50,000 VND); trà đá $0.20 (5,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–7:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Local sourcing; minimal plastic.
Tip: Add extra cilantro; ideal post-market visit.
A bustling spot known for spongy elephant ear stems and savory pork hock, best at 9:00 AM. Biodegradable bowls and local produce, in a lively alley setting.
Cost: $1.20–$2.50 (30,000–62,500 VND); lime juice $0.40 (10,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 6:30 AM–8:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Local ingredients; eco-packaging.
Tip: Stir in chili paste; perfect for breakfast.
A local favorite with aromatic broth and fresh herbs, best at 7:30 AM. Reusable bowls and sustainable stems, offering a calm Ba Đình vibe.
Cost: $1.20–$2 (30,000–50,000 VND); trà đá $0.20 (5,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Local sourcing; minimal waste.
Tip: Request extra stems; great for a quiet morning.
A cozy stall with hearty meatballs and tangy broth, best at 8:30 AM. Local ingredients and reusable trays, near the Red River.
Cost: $1.20–$2.50 (30,000–62,500 VND); trà đá $0.20 (5,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–7:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Local produce; eco-friendly service.
Tip: Add garlic vinegar; ideal for Old Quarter exploration.
A vibrant spot for robust Bún Dọc Mùng with extra pork, best at 9:00 AM. Biodegradable bowls and local stems, a short Grab ride from Hoan Kiem.
Cost: $1.50–$2.50 (37,500–62,500 VND); trà đá $0.20 (5,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 6:30 AM–8:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Local sourcing; minimal waste.
Tip: Pair with bánh quẩy ($0.20 or 5,000 VND); great for groups.
Photograph the vibrant allure of Hanoi’s culinary scene (Internet)To savor Bún Dọc Mùng authentically, follow these Hanoian practices:
Customize Your Bowl: Add lime, chili paste, or garlic vinegar to enhance the tangy broth; toss in herbs (cilantro, perilla) for freshness.
Slurp Loudly: Use chopsticks for noodles, meat, and stems, and a spoon for broth, slurping to show appreciation—a Hanoian norm.
Eat Hot: Consume immediately for the best flavor; cold broth diminishes the dish’s vibrancy.
Pair with Sides: Sip trà đá ($0.20 or 5,000 VND) or enjoy bánh quẩy ($0.20 or 5,000 VND) for crunch.
Eco-Friendly Tip: Bring a reusable spoon; choose stalls with reusable bowls to reduce waste, supporting Hanoi’s green efforts.
Enhance your Bún Dọc Mùng adventure with these sustainable activities in Hanoi:
Join a 2–3-hour eco-friendly cyclo tour, tasting Bún Dọc Mùng at Bà Hồng at 8:00 AM, learning its cultural roots.
Cost: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND) per person.
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–9:00 AM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Low-impact transport; supports vendors.
Tip: Included in our Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Explore Hanoi’s largest market (500 m from Bát Đàn) for elephant ear stems at 10:00 AM, a 1–2-hour sustainable activity.
Cost: Free entry; purchases $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Local sourcing; reusable bags.
Tip: Included in our Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake (200 m from Hàng Bông) post-soup at 9:00 AM, a 30–60-minute low-impact activity.
Cost: Free; Ngoc Son Temple entry $1.20 (30,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–10:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Pedestrian-friendly; supports local culture.
Tip: Included in our Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Learn Bún Dọc Mùng broth-making in a 2-hour eco-friendly class at 11:00 AM, using local ingredients.
Cost: $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND) per person.
Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Sustainable sourcing; compostable waste.
Tip: Included in our Hanoi Cultural Food Tour ($100–$150).
Visit the Weekend Night Market (500 m from Trần Nhật Duật) at 7:00 PM, a 1–2-hour sustainable activity for souvenirs and snacks.
Cost: Free entry; purchases $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).
Hours: Friday–Sunday, 6:00 PM–11:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Supports local vendors; walkable.
Tip: Included in our Hanoi Cultural Food Tour ($100–$150).
Experience Hanoi Tours with sustainable dining (Internet)Bún Dọc Mùng stalls, like 47B Hàng Bông in Hoan Kiem Ward, are accessible in 5–20 minutes from central Hanoi:
By Bus: Routes 01, 09, or 14 to Hoan Kiem Lake (5–10 min, $0.30–$0.50 or 7,000–12,000 VND); transfer to Ba Đình via Route 33 (10 min). Walk 5 minutes. Every 10–20 minutes, 5:00 AM–9:00 PM.
By Cyclo or Electric Cart: From central Hanoi (5–15 min, $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).
By Bicycle or Walking: Bicycle rental ($1–$3/day or 25,000–75,000 VND); walk 5–10 minutes in Hoan Kiem Ward or cycle to Ba Đình (15 min).
By Taxi or Grab: To Hàng Bông, $2–$6 (50,000–150,000 VND) one-way; round-trip $4–$12 (100,000–300,000 VND). Mai Linh (0438,222,666), Hanoi Taxi (0438,535,353).
By Private Car (Legend Travel Group): $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND round-trip for up to 4 people).
By Air (to Hanoi): Noi Bai Airport (HAN), 25 km. Flights: 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), Bangkok ($200–$600). Airport Bus No. 86 ($1.40 or 35,000 VND); taxi/Grab ($12–$15 or 300,000–375,000 VND).
Navigation Tip: Use offline maps (Maps.me) with addresses (e.g., “47B Hàng Bông, Hoan Kiem Ward”).
Pack these essentials for a sustainable Hanoi visit:
Clothing: Lightweight, casual outfits; comfortable shoes for 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 (10,000–50,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote bag, spoon, chopsticks to minimize waste.
Extras: Notebook for dining notes; cash for stalls.
Tip: Carry small VND notes; request reusable bowls at stalls.
Start your Hanoi Travel with a hearty breakfast (Internet)Food and Drink Fees
Bún Dọc Mùng: $1.20–$2.50 (30,000–62,500 VND per bowl).
Sides (trà đá, bánh quẩy, lime juice): $0.20–$0.40 (5,000–10,000 VND).
Guided Food Tour: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
Market Purchases (herbs): $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).
Night Market Snacks (bánh mì): $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Ngoc Son Temple Entry: $1.20 (30,000 VND).
Transportation (Round-Trip, from Central Hanoi)
Bus: $0.60–$1 (14,000–24,000 VND).
Cyclo/Electric Cart: $4–$10 (100,000–250,000 VND).
Bicycle: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).
Walking: Free (Hoan Kiem Ward).
Taxi/Grab: $4–$12 (100,000–300,000 VND).
Private Car: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND).
Airport Bus No. 86 + Taxi: $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 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: $10–$25 (bus, Bún Dọc Mùng, homestay).
Mid-range: $35–$55 (cyclo, food tour, hotel).
Luxury: $75–$110 (private car, premium hotel).
Tip: Budget for one bowl per person; inquire about prices to avoid overcharges.
Timing: Dry season (November–April) for outdoor dining; rainy season (May–October) for covered stalls. Morning (7:00–9:00 AM) for freshest broths; arrive early at popular spots like Bà Hồng.
Booking: Reserve tours 3–5 weeks ahead for peak seasons; no reservations needed for stalls, but expect morning crowds.
Sustainability: Walk or cycle ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND); use reusable utensils. Buy local herbs ($0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND) at markets.
Navigation: Use offline maps with addresses like “47B Hàng Bông, Hoan Kiem Ward.”
Safety: Watch for pickpockets in crowded Old Quarter; secure valuables. Carry a first-aid kit.
Weather: Dry season for sidewalk seating; rainy season needs waterproof gear ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND). Check AccuWeather.
Cultural Respect: Say “cảm ơn”; tip vendors $0.20–$0.50 (5,000–12,500 VND). Slurp loudly to show appreciation.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND); ensure ingredients are cooked. Apply mosquito repellent.
Our sustainable tours showcase Hanoi’s Bún Dọc Mùng culture:
Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Cyclo ride to Bún Dọc Mùng Bà Hồng at 8:00 AM, tasting noodle soup, visiting Dong Xuan Market. Includes guide, cyclo.
Hanoi Cultural Food Tour ($100–$150/person, 2 days): Bún Dọc Mùng Phố Cổ, Night Market, cooking class, homestay ($20–$50/night). Includes meals, guide.
Hanoi & Ninh Binh Immersion ($250–$400/person, 3 days): Bún Dọc Mùng Trần Nhật Duật, Trang An Grottoes, homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers.
Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!
Bún Dọc Mùng, Hanoi’s unique giant elephant ear stem noodle soup, is a culinary treasure priced at $1.20–$2.50 at iconic stalls like Bún Dọc Mùng Bà Hồng and Phố Cổ across Hoan Kiem, Ba Đình, and Hai Bà Trưng wards. With its spongy stems, savory meatballs, and reusable bowls, it reflects Hanoi’s street food heritage and sustainable ethos. Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Tours guide you to Bún Dọc Mùng’s vibrant culinary essence, ensuring a sustainable Hanoi Travel experience filled with flavor and tradition. Whether slurping soup in the Old Quarter or exploring Hanoi’s markets, Bún Dọc Mùng promises an unforgettable breakfast adventure. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your culinary journey today!
Ready to savor Hanoi’s iconic Bún Dọc Mùng? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable adventure!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 1000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
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