Bún Bò Huế
A spicy and savory noodle soup from Hue, made with thick round rice noodles in a lemongrass-and-chili beef broth, served with sliced beef, pork knuckle, and congealed blood cake.
Allergen data cross-referenced against published allergen databases.
Your dietary restrictions
The full allergen breakdown is below. Select your restrictions to see a personalized safety status.
Full allergen breakdown
Ingredients
- thick rice noodles
- beef
- pork knuckle
- lemongrass
- fish sauce (Fish)
- shrimp paste (Shellfish)
- chili
- annatto oil
Hidden Ingredients
These ingredients are not typically listed on menus but are present in traditional preparations.
- fermented shrimp paste (mắm ruốc) in the broth base — the defining flavor
- fish sauce throughout
Allergen Breakdown
Dairy-Free
Likely OKNo dairy in bún bò Huế.
Gluten-Free
Likely OKRice noodles are gluten-free and the broth uses fish sauce, not soy sauce.
Peanut-Free
Likely OKPeanuts are not standard in bún bò Huế.
Tree Nut-Free
Likely OKTree nuts are not used in bún bò Huế.
Shellfish-Free
Likely contains restrictionFermented shrimp paste (mắm ruốc) is a defining ingredient in the broth.
Egg-Free
Check with staffCongealed blood cake is a common garnish; no egg, but verify.
Fish-Free
Likely contains restrictionFish sauce is used throughout the broth seasoning.
Soy-Free
Likely OKTraditional bún bò Huế uses fish sauce, not soy sauce.
Sesame-Free
Likely OKSesame is not used in bún bò Huế.
Vegetarian
Likely contains restrictionContains beef, pork, shrimp paste, and fish sauce.
| Restriction | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy-Free | Likely OK | No dairy in bún bò Huế. |
| Gluten-Free | Likely OK | Rice noodles are gluten-free and the broth uses fish sauce, not soy sauce. |
| Peanut-Free | Likely OK | Peanuts are not standard in bún bò Huế. |
| Tree Nut-Free | Likely OK | Tree nuts are not used in bún bò Huế. |
| Shellfish-Free | Likely contains restriction | Fermented shrimp paste (mắm ruốc) is a defining ingredient in the broth. |
| Egg-Free | Check with staff | Congealed blood cake is a common garnish; no egg, but verify. |
| Fish-Free | Likely contains restriction | Fish sauce is used throughout the broth seasoning. |
| Soy-Free | Likely OK | Traditional bún bò Huế uses fish sauce, not soy sauce. |
| Sesame-Free | Likely OK | Sesame is not used in bún bò Huế. |
| Vegetarian | Likely contains restriction | Contains beef, pork, shrimp paste, and fish sauce. |
Key risk: Bún bò Huế's distinctive dark, spicy broth gets its depth specifically from mắm ruốc — a fermented shrimp paste. Unlike phở, the shrimp paste is a non-negotiable ingredient and makes this dish unsafe for anyone with crustacean allergies, even without visible shellfish.
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Scan a menu nowImportant: Dish Scout is a reference guide, not medical advice. Traditional recipes vary by restaurant, region, and chef. Always verify ingredients with restaurant staff before ordering. When in doubt, don't eat it.