Bún mọc is a delightful vermicelli noodle soup that brings together the simple yet earthy flavors of Vietnam. The broth, infused with pork and shiitake mushrooms, is both light and fragrant, offering a satisfying base for the various meats it contains. The star of the show is the pork paste balls, made from giò sống (raw pork sausage), alongside slices of chả lụa, which is the same pork paste wrapped in banana leaves and boiled to perfection.

While bún mọc might not be as globally recognized as phở or bún bò Huế, its understated charm has earned it popularity in northern Vietnam, though you can find it all over the country. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—it’s not as time-intensive to prepare as its more famous counterparts, making it an easy and accessible option for those looking to enjoy authentic Vietnamese flavors at home.

Here’s SaigonVibes‘ list of the top 10 places to try bún mọc in Ho Chi Minh City that we believe you absolutely can’t miss

The broth here is steaming hot, light, and sweet from the bones—just add a bit of shrimp paste and chili for the perfect flavor. The fragrant meatballs have a nice chew, while both the pork and cinnamon sausages are delicious, and the ribs are tender and cooked to perfection.

The restaurant is spacious (though it lacks air conditioning), clean, and tidy, with polite service. They serve a clear, sweet broth with noodles, and a regular bowl with all the toppings is priced at 65k VND, which is reasonable for the quality. For something more special, a bowl costs 78k VND.

Address: 43 Tran Quoc Toan street, Ward 8, District 3

Bún Mọc Thanh Mai is a beloved, long-standing eatery in Ho Chi Minh City, known for serving a classic version of bún mọc, a flavorful pork-based noodle soup. Named after the owners, Cô Mai and Chú Thanh, the restaurant began as a humble street stall in the early 1980s. Over the years, it evolved into a well-established spot at the corner of Trương Định Street, attracting locals and visitors alike.

The dish features tender, meaty pork ribs, fresh herbs, and generous servings of bean sprouts, with an assortment of pressed meat and fish balls. What makes Bún Mọc Thanh Mai special is the balance of flavors in its broth—light yet full of depth, making it a comforting and satisfying meal for anyone seeking authentic Vietnamese flavors.

Address: 14 Truong Dinh, Ben Thanh, District 1
Author’s note: This is the best of the best in Ho Chi Minh City. The broth is wonderful, and I’ve been eating here for years.

The food is good, the facilities are clean, and the prices are reasonable. The most expensive item was 83k VND (about 3.56 USD). If you’re on a tight budget, you can opt for the basic bowl for only 48k, plus an additional 2k for iced tea. A total of 50k (about 2.15 USD) for lunch is always acceptable in my book. I personally added the pork rib (sườn) for another 10k (less than 50 cents)

Address: 457 Vo Van Tan, Ward 5, District 3

Absolutely delicious! This place is probably the best among the dozens of vermicelli noodle shops in Ho Chi Minh City. The restaurant opens early and sells out quickly. I visited twice because they closed too early for my schedule. I enjoyed a large bowl of vermicelli noodles, and dining here is incredibly satisfying, both in terms of cleanliness and ambiance. The shrimp paste is fresh and flavorful, and the rolls are equally delightful. They were so tasty that I only remembered to take a photo after finishing them! The broth is rich and perfectly suited to my taste, while the noodles are small and tender. The ribs are soft, succulent, and utterly delicious.

Address: 280 Bac Hai, Ward 6, Tan Binh district (this place is popular with locals)

The exterior of the eatery may not be particularly eye-catching, but inside, everything is arranged neatly and tidily. The staff is generally well-trained, attentive to both customers and cleanliness, though they can occasionally be a bit slow. I once noticed a customer calling for the bill with no immediate response from the staff. Bún mọc is a simple dish, so I’m not too particular about the flavor. A clear, slightly sweet broth with firm meatballs is enough to satisfy me. The portion size here is quite generous, though I personally prefer when the ingredients are cut into smaller pieces—it makes the dish look more appealing and easier to enjoy than when you’re faced with just one large meatball and a sausage in the bowl.

Address: F48, Street 50, Vinh Hoi Residential Area, Ward 2, District 4

This bún mọc shop in Saigon may not be very spacious, but it’s always bustling with customers. Right in front of the entrance, there’s a glass cart filled with all kinds of “tools” and a variety of toppings. The bowl of bún mọc here is huge, overflowing with toppings like meatballs, pork trotters, fish cakes, Vietnamese pork sausage, and fried fish balls. Diners can also add fresh herbs to make it less greasy

Address: 202/71 Pham Van Hai street, Ward 5, Tan Binh

When asked which bún mọc shop in Saigon is the best, locals will definitely recommend Hà. The broth is simmered from pork bones, making it very sweet, light, and flavorful. Additionally, the noodles are made using a traditional recipe, giving them a nice chew and aroma. The bowl of bún mọc here is loaded with toppings, including Vietnamese pork sausage, meatballs, fish cakes, and fried fish balls. Besides bún mọc, the menu also features Saigon-style hủ tiếu and bún bò (Hue beef soup), both of which are worth trying

Address: 376 Le Van Sy, Ward 14, District 3

One of the tastiest and most affordable bún mọc places in District 10. The meatballs are chewy and crunchy, the pork sausage is delicious with minimal fillers, and the ribs are tasty. The vegetables here are especially fresh and flavorful, perfect for anyone who works out—make sure to ask for extra! The price is 45k VND for a full bowl.

Address: 154 Ba Hạt, Ward 9, District 10

Bún mọc is delicious, with tender ribs. The small restaurant is clean, and the staff are quick and friendly. The meatballs are made by the owner, ensuring high quality and no borax. Additionally, they serve free ginger tea

Address: 25 Hoang Sa, Ward Da Kao, District 1