Bun Cha

One of the biggest tourist traps in Saigon is the Ben Thanh market.  It is located in the heart of the city and has become a place where you can buy knick knacks and kitsch.  Despite the heavy fanny pack presence there is great food to be had, especially Bun Cha.  Bun Cha is cold rice noodles, carrot, cucumber, lettuce, perilla, cilantro, peanuts, fried spring rolls, scallions, daikon radish, and a big piece of grilled pork all put in a bowl and doused with Nouc Cham (fish sauce).  

 I had been in the city too long and not had one of my favorite Vietnamese foods.  After running into Tai on the street as he was taking his family to the hospital (this is a big small city) I invited him to come and have some with me.  This version seen here is probably more expensive than versions found on the street but I liked it more because it came with everything.  It is literally a vegetable garden in a bowl.  So brave the crowds and go searching for the Bun Cha in Ben Thanh Market.