Bún Chả – Vietnamese Grilled Pork Meatballs with Vermicelli, Pickles & Nước Chấm

Bún Chả is one of Hanoi's most iconic dishes—flame-grilled pork meatballs served with fresh herbs, vermicelli noodles, quick pickles, and a punchy dipping sauce called Nước Chấm. It’s light yet satisfying, savoury with hints of sweetness, and layered with umami from fish sauce and lemongrass.

This version is a simplified, stovetop-friendly take that brings authentic Vietnamese flavours into your kitchen. All essential ingredients—including fish sauce, lemongrass, rice vermicelli, and vinegar—are available at Asia Market Ireland.

 

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Pickles (Đồ Chua)

  • ½ cucumber, julienned

  • 1 carrot, julienned

  • ½ white radish (daikon), julienned

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 2 tablespoons sugar

  • ½ cup warm water

  • ¼ cup distilled white vinegar

For the Pork Meatballs (Chả)

  • 450g ground pork (about 1 lb)

  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

  • ¼ cup chopped shallot

  • 4 tablespoons finely minced lemongrass (white part only)

  • 3 tablespoons fish sauce

  • 2 tablespoons sugar

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil

For the Dipping Sauce (Nước Chấm)

  • 2 tablespoons sugar

  • ¼ cup warm water

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)

  • 3 tablespoons fish sauce

  • 1 garlic clove, minced

  • 1 Thai red chilli, finely chopped (adjust to taste)

  • 1 tablespoon shredded carrot (optional, for garnish)

For the Bowl

Ingredient Notes

Lemongrass
Adds a bright, citrusy fragrance that defines Vietnamese grilled meat. Use fresh stalks and only the tender white part for best flavour.

Fish Sauce
A Vietnamese pantry staple that brings salty umami depth. Look for brands like Squid Brand, Phu Quoc, or Three Crabs at Asia Market.

Rice Vermicelli Noodles
Thin, delicate noodles made from rice flour—perfect when served cold with grilled meats. Choose Bun Tuoi or Vietnamese rice sticks from our noodle selection.

 

Instructions

Step 1: Make Quick-Pickled Vegetables (Đồ Chua)

  1. Julienne cucumber, carrot, and white radish.

  2. Toss with 1 teaspoon salt and let sit for 20 minutes. This draws out excess moisture and keeps the veggies crisp.

  3. Rinse well and drain.

  4. In a small bowl, dissolve 2 tablespoons sugar in ½ cup warm water. Add ¼ cup vinegar and pour over the vegetables. Let them pickle while preparing the rest.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatballs (Chả)

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, chopped garlic, shallots, lemongrass, fish sauce, sugar, and salt.

  2. Mix until well combined, then cover and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to marinate (or 20 minutes for quicker prep).

  3. Shape the mixture into small meatballs or flattened patties for quicker and more even cooking.

  4. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Pan-sear the patties for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden and slightly caramelised.

Step 3: Make the Nước Chấm Dipping Sauce

  1. Dissolve 2 tablespoons sugar in ¼ cup warm water.

  2. Stir in lime juice, fish sauce, minced garlic, and chopped chilli.

  3. Add shredded carrot for colour and extra texture, if desired.

Step 4: Assemble the Bún Chả Bowls

  1. Cook rice vermicelli noodles according to package instructions (usually boil for 2–3 minutes, then rinse under cold water to stop cooking and keep them firm).

  2. Drain well and divide into serving bowls.

  3. Top each bowl with grilled meatballs, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs like coriander and mint.

  4. Serve with a generous side of Nước Chấm to drizzle over or dip as you eat.

 

View Full Recipe Video Here

Serving Tips and Variations

  • Grill for extra flavour: For an authentic smoky taste, grill the meatballs over charcoal instead of pan-frying.

  • Add herbs: Vietnamese dishes often include Thai basil, mint, and perilla leaves for added fragrance.

  • Low-carb option: Swap rice noodles with spiralised courgettes or lettuce wraps.

  • Make it a platter: Serve everything separately on a tray so everyone can build their own bowl.

 

 

Bún Chả is the ultimate balance of textures and flavours—sweet, salty, tangy, fresh, and meaty. Whether you're trying Vietnamese cuisine for the first time or recreating street food memories, this recipe is a must-have in your rotation. Explore our full range of Southeast Asian essentials at Asia Market Ireland and bring the flavours of Vietnam to your table.