10/25/17
Bun Bo Hue at Truc Vietnamese Cuisine in Charlotte, NC. Bun Bo Hue, which is a spicy beef noodle soup, is my go-to dish whenever I dine at Vietnamese restaurants. It’s not available at all Vietnamese joints (only the more authentic places serve it), and each version I’ve had varies ever so slightly. It typically comes with a variety of beef and/or pork ingredients, but I prefer a simple version, with just sliced rare beef. I like the rare beef on the side so it doesn’t overcook, then I like to periodically drop the meat into the bowl while I’m eating. Truc’s version is excellent, and one of my favorite versions of Bun Bo Hue in the States. The spicy broth is terrific, with great flavor and a nice kick to it stemming from the chili oil, lemongrass, and shrimp paste. Truc is a mom and pop joint located in the Asian Corner Mall with wonderful service. As an example of their service, I asked if they could make chinese sausage fried rice for me (it’s not on the menu), and the owner went to the Chinese grocery next door to buy the sausage for the fried rice!! That’s Bigtime!!