Rice Vermicelli Noodles with Fried Tofu and Shrimp Paste (Bun dau mam tom)

Bun Dau Mam Tom is a popular street food in Vietnam that's all about tasty contrasts. This dish features vermicelli noodles (Bun) served with a variety of fried tofu, pork sausages, and sometimes pork belly. What gives it a unique kick is the dipping sauce called Mam Tom, made from fermented shrimp paste.

Here's how it goes down: you grab some noodles, mix in the crunchy fried tofu and pork, and then dip this combo into the zesty Mam Tom sauce. It's like a flavor explosion in your mouth – you get the softness of the noodles, the crunch of the tofu, and the savory goodness of the pork, all balanced by the tangy punch of the shrimp paste.

People in Vietnam really enjoy Bun Dau Mam Tom because it brings together different textures and strong flavors. It's something they often share with friends, turning it into a social and enjoyable street food experience. o, if you're wandering the streets of Vietnam and spot this dish, don't miss the chance to dive into a bowl of Bun Dau Mam Tom and savor the unique taste of Vietnamese street food culture.

Main ingredients: vermicelli noodles, fried tofu, pork, Mam Tom sauce

Recommended places: Hang Khay Street, Hoan Kiem in Hanoi, Vietnam

Price range: from about 30.000 VND – 60.000 VND (~1 – 3$)