Bun Bo Hue Restaurant

This business has been claimed by the owner or a representative. Learn more

Map
  • Edit
    7002 SE 82nd Ave
    Portland, OR 97266
    Southeast Portland, Brentwood - Darlington
  • Phone number (503) 771-1141

Recommended Reviews

Your trust is our top concern, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more.
×
  • 5.0 star rating
    10/26/2016

    I am really picky when it comes to Vietnamese food but this place is perfection. I ate at this place 3 times during my weekend visit! This hole-in-wall restaurant has amazing bun bo hue and it was decently priced. The broth was on-point and had a good meat/noodle/broth ratio. The broth tasted like it was made from bones and not sugar nor overly seasoned. The spice level was just right but can be adjusted to your liking. Most places do not give you the right vegetables for bun bo hue but this place provided the right vegetables and amount.

    I will definitely come back in when I am in the area.

  • 3.0 star rating
    9/24/2016
    • 2 check-ins

    It's a 3.5 star place, and slightly better than Teo BBH.

    Pros:
    -spicy broth (could be spicier, but definitely more spicy than Teo's)
    -authentic (side veggies and what not were mostly fresh - except the basil)
    -$10 (large bowl), cheaper than Teo BBH (though not "cheap" per se); note: small bowl is $8.50

    Cons:
    - Teo Bun Bo Hue gives A LOT more meat in their bowls
    -noodles were also slightly overcooked (not as much as Teo's was though)

    Verdict: I'd probably prefer this BBH restaurant over Teo's, but honestly with how convenient of a location Teo is for me, I might be a more frequent Teo patron...

  • 4.0 star rating
    8/31/2016
    • 1 check-in

    Now, that's a spicy Bún bò Hue!

    Sure, most Americans love Pho as their favorite Vietnamese noodle soup cause it's common and totally yummy, but Bún bò Hue should be a close second. I like my food spicy as spicy can get and a spicy bowl of Bún bò Hue from Bun Bo Hue restaurant brings the heat.

    The noodles (Bún) in Bún bò Hue are thicker and rounder than their rice vermicelli cousins while the beef (Bò) provides the meatiness you love. The lemon grass broth is a near-overpowering emix of salty, sweet, spicy, and sour flavors. Add some sliced Red Peppers in Fish Sauce for a little more spice as needed.

    Other food worth getting includes the Chicken Wings (Cánh Gà), Noodles with Shrimp, Crab, BBQ Pork, and Fish Balls, Shrimp and Vermicelli Noodles.

    The restaurant itself isn't kept up at all. The suspect cleanliness and run-down appearance might actually add to the vibe of coming here for the food and nothing else ... and at Bun Bo Hue Restaurant that food should be a big bowl of spicy Bún bò Hue.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/9/2016 Updated review
    • 11 check-ins

    I've been coming here for more than five years and the nice folks at Bun Bo Hue continue to serve one of the best soups in Portland.

    Bun bo Hue the soup get short shrift in pho crazy Portland. I've had some great bowls of pho in town, but they don't compare to the bun bo Hue here and the mi quang at Rose VL, one of the best soups I've had in my life.

    Just slurping the bun bo Hue broth would be a highly pleasant experience. But the meats and fish cake and noodles round out this soup to make it a complete meal.

    Some people downgrade this restaurant, saying it's lacking in decor. That may be the case, but wall hangings and chintzy tchotchkes are not what I look for in a restaurant. I'm interested in the food, man. And this is a place that excels at that.

    5.0 star rating
    9/5/2011 Previous review
    Bun Bo Hue serves the finest soup of the same name in Portland.

    The broth has a depth of flavor not…
    Read more
  • 5.0 star rating
    4/19/2016

    100% this place does not mess around with bbh (bun bo hue). Heck! It's in their name. It's an out right sin to go order something that's not what the place is named for.

    It's a hole in the wall type of place. Tables are a tad sticky, floors with a nice crusted layer of dust, specials taped to the wall on paper, plastic folded tables, etc. Despite all of this, the kitchen is completely open and that part is clean. The place is always packed with a steady flow of customers. There's no long wait.

    It's a family own and operated restaurant and everyone is so nice. If you want to feel at home without the bs of pressure to look good to go out, this is the place to be. The owner will etch into his mind what you usually get. It's nice to walk in and just say you want the regular. I haven't looked at the menu for years.

    I usually get bbh without the blood cubes and pig feet. Not sure why but that part makes me shiver. The spice level is never consistent. Spicy one day may be a mild for another and other days spicy feels like you sent your tongue to the sizzling depths of the earth.

    I've gotten other things from here, before I discovered the greatness of bbh. Any rice plates or hu tieu bowls are great. I wish I lived closer so I can go here more often.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/28/2016
    • 1 check-in

    Not usually a fan of Bun Bo Hue. My friends from back home kept raving about this place. I'm also very skeptical about Vietnamese food outside of Little Saigon or Vietnam. This is the real deal hole in the wall. You could see the lady chopping meat with the door open. The decor looks like it hasn't been updated in 30+ years. That's when you know it's gonna taste good! Ordered the egg rolls, spring rolls, chicken wings, and bun bo hue. The sides were okay. THe Bun Bo Hue made up for everything. The broth was hot with a meaty flavor. Full of body. The noodles cooked well. The beef nice and tender. It was so enjoyable! It was 85 degrees out and I still drank the hot soup to the last drop. For those who've never had Vietnamese Bun Bo Hue. This is the perfect place to try it out.

    Recommendation: Bun Bo Hue without the beef blood cubes

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/28/2015
    • 1 check-in

    Sorry mom but this place has the best Bun Bo Hue!

    This was my last meal in Portland before returning home to Salt Lake City and I was so happy about this decision!  I went with four local friends that were all well acquainted with the restaurant owner.  We never even looked at a menu because they insisted that the soup the restaurant is named after is the only thing to order; I followed along with blind faith.  I got a regular without blood cubes and spice on the side.  

    The bowl that arrived was humongous and steaming hot.  The herbs and sauces on the side were abundant and a requirement when eating bun bo hue.  The beef and pig's feet were so tender and I worked hard to get at every last bit of meat.  The broth was flavorful and the noodles were cooked well.  I inhaled every last bit of my meal and was in a blissful daze all day.  

    The interior isn't fancy but it's clean.  The service is prompt and attentive without being overwhelming.  I felt like I was back in Vietnam eating at a little shop on the side of the road in Hue.  This place is at the top of my list when I return to Portland.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/4/2016
    • 1 check-in

    This is the go-to place for BBH. The bowl and veggie side dish include all of the traditional ingredients! I have brought friends, family, and loved ones here and they have all loved this restaurant (but they will never love it more than I do). I would dare challenge the social norms and go eat alone for the sakes of satisfying my BBH cravings here! It is all worth the pride of eating alone.

    To support my defense of how amazing the BBH here: my father ordered another bowl after trying one bowl for the first time!

    Staff is very friendly! The waiter/host (never did learn his name) would always greet me and drop funny comments and make me feel very welcome whenever I go there and eat by myself!

  • 1.0 star rating
    10/12/2016

    Be careful where you park or the owner of the mini mart next door will chase you down and make you re-park.  Smelled so bad inside the restaurant I couldn't wait to take my to go order and get out.  Very small seating area. Broth was ok but everything floating in it wasn't anything I've seen in Pho before, and I'm a big fan.  It was very fishy, must be for an acquired taste.

  • 1.0 star rating
    8/17/2016
    • 1 check-in

    I was really disappointed in the Bun Bo Hue here, it really lacked flavor and quality. We also tried their egg roll and it was not good at all. The chairs and tables were sticky and it was really hot inside there too. Even though I tried adding more sauces to bring more umami into the taste of the broth, I was heavily disappointed. The only thing we enjoyed was their steamed dim sum style dumplings. Service was friendly though. But I will not be returning again unfortunately.

  • 4.0 star rating
    2/22/2016
    • 1 check-in

    I've heard lots of different things about this place but, the commonality, is that they have the best Bun Bo Hue in town.  The other rumor of it smelling like pee is what have kept me from trying this place for the longest time.  Last Sunday, we decided to try something different and went...

    Don't be scared by the sketchy exterior, barred windows, uneven floors, dirt-stained hot water dispenser and phone handle.  I know this place could use some bleach to surfaces, however, give it a chance.  When we walked in, I was surprised to find it packed inside despite how it looked on the outside.  Perfect timing, we were seated at the last available table before a rush of people came in.  The server brought us menus and two glasses of brown colored water--my friend was a little concerned.  I told him not to worry, my cousin does that all the time...it's just a mixture of tea and water.  Like a diluted iced tea with a slight hint of jasmine.  I ordered their namesake, Bun Bo Hue, in the small size with Tai and very spicy.  My friend got Bun Bo Hue, small, with Tai and Fresh Raw Beef but regular.  Also an ordered of fried chicken wings.  The level of spiciness for the Bun Bo Hue are regular, slightly spicy, and very spicy.  There are other options too if you aren't into the spicy beef noodle soup.

    When my soup came out, it had the right amount of redness to the base so I knew it would be to my standard of spiciness.  My friend was a little jealous that his soup wasn't as vibrant--next time, slightly spicy for him.  It checked off on my list of must-haves in authentic Bun Bo Hue: thick noodles, pork roll, ham hock, blood pudding (which I don't eat), and banana blossoms for garnish.  Check check!  Soup had good flavour and all the necessary components.  Took a bite of the fried chicken, it was very dry so I didn't even finish the piece.  Stick to what they do best, the Bun Bo Hue.  

    It's a small space, however, the tables turnover pretty quickly.  The only awkward thing is that there are people standing around waiting to be seated and they just stare at you eat.  Just lick your ham hock and make eye contact, it makes them uncomfortable and they will look away.  Definitely a diamond in the rough.

  • 4.0 star rating
    12/23/2015

    The thing is when I walked in, it reminded me of Vietnam. Let me explain, you won't find a brand new restaurant with new fixings. This is not a diss, either. This place has been around for awhile. It's obvious that regulars frequent the joint.

    When we sat down, the server was quick to ask if we wanted tea or water and prompt about bringing it to us. That's usually the norm in Asian places but the service was nice, like a homey nice. We ordered the bun bo hue with everything and split it, the broth was incredible...flavorful, spicey, delicious. The noodles and add ins (banana root/leaf, extra mints) were perfect. My girl had no issues finishing the rest of the bowl (and all the broth). We also got the hue special pork roll which is the Vietnamese steamed sausage and it was yummy. The server even told us not to order the large haha

    All in all, I really dig this place. The food, price and service make it worthwhile. Bathroom was clean too (cause I know all ya'll yelpers need to know).

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/4/2016
    • 2 check-ins

    My bf loves bun bo hue and told me this was the best place to get it in portland and I was not disappointed. Sorry cali, but I found my favorite spot for bbh! every bowl comes out piping hot and the service is quick and straight to the point. I also like how you can ask for more spice to your bowl. Weekends can get crowded since this is a small restaurant but I find that weekdays you do not need to wait. Beware! Highly addicting bowl of soup.

  • 2.0 star rating
    7/17/2016

    Despite the glowing reviews of this place, I was not impressed at all. Overrated!! I ordered vermicelli noodles with 4 pieces of shrimp and shredded cabbage for $10.50. The shrimp fried rice was the size of an appetizer. We've eaten at other places with better tasting food for a fair price. I'm giving 2 stars coz the server was friendly.

  • 3.0 star rating
    1/23/2016
    • 1 check-in

    seeking some ramen or pho nearby I failed when my GPS lead me to Pho Vietnam.  It was shut.  I had heard of Bun Bo Hue and found my way into this humble establishment.

    Reception was fine.  I sort of looked around and saw a family sitting in a booth. Not much for aesthetics, but it was very good.  I got their signature Bun Bo Hue to go.

    It was spicy and traveled well.  Humble and Efficient.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/5/2016

    Our visits to Portland haven't been complete before we started to come here for breakfast! Yes, you read that right, Bun Bo Hue for breakfast! We usually come there as soon as they're open b/c they have limited space and parking. Their building is pretty old and it doesn't have a good ambience, but the food there is so good. Their bun bo hue is off the hook! I love their broth and all the garnishes that comes with the soup! They also have very good Cafe Da aka iced Vietnamese coffee w/ condensed milk! Be aware this coffee will make your eyes so awake and bright like diamonds in the sky!:))) We can't wait to go back and have their soup & coffee!

  • 5.0 star rating
    9/12/2016 Updated review

    Consistently amazing bun bo hue in Portland.

    Had the pleasure of stopping by today in Portland and made a beeline back to this place.  Once the noodles came, I was instantly reminded why I gave this place 5 stars 2+ years ago.  It's still gosh darn good.  

    The broth is spot on.  I like that the soup isn't too oily.  Great mix of beef, pork feet, pork blood cubes. Friendly efficient service.  

    This place is definitely worth a drive or a detour just to get their great spicy noodle soup.

    5.0 star rating
    5/16/2015 Previous review
    My favorite bun bo hue place in Portland. Oh how I miss this place. Too bad I'm up in Seattle and… Read more
  • 4.0 star rating
    1/7/2016
    • 1 check-in

    I'm not a fan of Bun Bo Hue ( a traditional Viet dish) but everyone that loves this dish raves about how this place is awesome.

    Definitely a mom and pop restaurant ( aka they may go on vacation and just close the entire place) but the food was really good.

  • 5.0 star rating
    9/3/2016

    The soup was very flavourful. Very homey place. Dumplings were also good. Overall a solid place for good Asian dishes.

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/30/2015
    • 23 check-ins

    This is by far the best BBH restaurant in all of Portland. It a mom and pop place and the owners are very friendly. I come here at least once a week. The broth is really good and fast, friendly service.

    I highly recommend the Bun Bo Hue here. The rice dishes are good too. The price is very reasonable, around $10 for a bowl.