Xem thêm tại: Bún ĐậU MắM Tôm Hà NộI 
If you are a fan of Vietnamese cuisine, then you have probably heard of or tried bún đậu mắm tôm. This iconic dish is a popular street food in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. Bún đậu mắm tôm combines different flavors and textures to create a unique and delicious culinary experience. In this blog post, we will explore the origins of bún đậu mắm tôm, its key ingredients, the cooking process, and why it has become a must-try delicacy for both locals and tourists alike.
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1. The Origins of Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm
Bún đậu mắm tôm originated in Northern Vietnam, specifically in Hanoi. It has been a part of the city's culinary culture for many years and is loved by locals. The dish is believed to have been introduced during the French colonial period and has since become a staple in Hanoi's street food scene.
2. Key Ingredients of Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm
The beauty of bún đậu mắm tôm lies in its simplicity. The dish consists of several main components:
a. Bún (Rice Vermicelli)
Bún is a type of rice noodle that is commonly used in Vietnamese cuisine. It is made from rice flour and has a soft and slightly chewy texture. The vermicelli is usually boiled until it becomes tender and then drained before being served as the base for bún đậu mắm tôm.
b. Đậu (Fried Tofu)
Đậu, or fried tofu, is another essential ingredient in bún đậu mắm tôm. The tofu is typically sliced into rectangular pieces and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. The fried tofu adds a savory and slightly crunchy element to the dish.
c. Mắm Tôm (Fermented Shrimp Paste)
Mắm tôm, or fermented shrimp paste, is what gives bún đậu mắm tôm its distinctive flavor. It is a pungent and salty condiment made from fermented shrimp. The mắm tôm is usually mixed with other ingredients like lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chili to create a dipping sauce that complements the bún and đậu.
d. Herbs and Vegetables
To complete the dish, bún đậu mắm tôm is typically served with fresh herbs and vegetables. Common accompaniments include lettuce, perilla leaves, Vietnamese mint, cucumber, and bean sprouts. These fresh ingredients add a refreshing and crunchy element to the dish.
3. Cooking Process
Now that we have covered the key ingredients let's dive into the cooking process of bún đậu mắm tôm.
Step 1: Prepare the Dipping Sauce
To make the dipping sauce, combine mắm tôm, lime juice, sugar, minced garlic, and chopped chili in a small bowl. Stir well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. Adjust the flavors according to your preference by adding more lime juice or sugar if needed.
Step 2: Cook the Tofu and Noodles
In a deep-frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Gently add the sliced tofu pieces into the hot oil and fry until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides. Once cooked, remove the tofu from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel to remove any excess oil.
Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the rice vermicelli according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse with cold water to prevent them from sticking together.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
To assemble the bún đậu mắm tôm, place a serving of cooked vermicelli on a plate or bowl. Arrange the fried tofu slices on one side of the plate and garnish with fresh herbs and vegetables. Serve the dipping sauce in a separate small bowl alongside the bún đậu mắm tôm.
4. Enjoying Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm
To enjoy bún đậu mắm tôm, take a piece of fried tofu and dip it into the mắm tôm sauce. Combine it with some vermicelli noodles and fresh herbs before taking a bite. The combination of flavors - salty, savory, tangy, and fresh - creates a harmonious explosion in your mouth.
You can also experiment with different combinations by adding other condiments such as crushed peanuts or pickled vegetables to enhance the taste even further.
5. Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm in Hanoi
If you ever find yourself in Hanoi, make sure to try bún đậu mắm tôm at one of the local street food stalls or restaurants. Some popular places to savor this delicacy include Bún Đậu Hồng Lam, Bún Đậu Cô Toàn, and Bún Đậu Ngọc Sơn.
These establishments have perfected the art of making bún đậu mắm tôm and offer an authentic experience for both locals and tourists alike.
Conclusion
Bún đậu mắm tôm is more than just a dish; it is a culinary experience that captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine. With its simple yet flavorful combination of ingredients, this Hanoi delicacy has become a must-try for anyone visiting Vietnam's capital city.
So, whether you are a food enthusiast or an adventurous traveler, make sure to add bún đậu mắm tôm to your culinary bucket list. Your taste buds will thank you for it!