Bún Chả (분짜): what it is and how to order it in Korea
Charcoal-grilled pork patties and slices served in a warm, lightly sweet broth with rice vermicelli and a heap of fresh herbs. Vietnamese restaurants in Seoul serve it as a smoky, refreshing lunch.
Say it to order
분짜 주세요
Bunja juseyo
Quick facts
How to eat it
Add noodles and herbs to the bowl, dip in pork and noodles, and eat with chopsticks or a spoon. Stir in a little chili for heat.
Do
- Pour some broth over the noodles and mix gently before eating.
- Use chopsticks to pick up noodles and pork together.
Don’t
- Don't drink the whole broth at once; sip it between bites.
- Don't pile all the herbs in at once and bury the noodles.
Local tips
- Ask for extra herbs if the plate looks small; they are meant to be added generously.
- Taste the broth first before adding chili, since it is sweet and tangy.
Goes with
- Fresh herbs and lettuce
- Sliced chili
- Pickled garlic and carrot
- Vietnamese spring rolls
- Vietnamese iced coffee
Where to try it in Seoul
Questions
- How do you order Bún Chả in Korean?
- Say “분짜 주세요” (Bunja juseyo).
- Is Bún Chả spicy?
- Yes — about 1 out of 5 on the spice scale.
- How much does Bún Chả cost in Korea?
- Usually ₩11,000–15,000.
- How do you eat Bún Chả?
- Add noodles and herbs to the bowl, dip in pork and noodles, and eat with chopsticks or a spoon. Stir in a little chili for heat.
Find Bún Chả near you
Jinjja shows real local places, what to order and how to say it — in your language.