How to Make Vegan Bun Bo Hue

Vegan bun bo Hue has long established its place as one of the signature dishes in Vietnamese vegetarian cuisine. This plant-based version of the iconic Huế noodle soup captivates diners with its spicy, aromatic broth and the distinctive flavors of the ancient capital.
Join Vô Úy Vegetarian Restaurant as we explore how to cook authentic vegan bun bo Hue at home so you can enjoy a delicious, soul-warming bowl right from your own kitchen.

Vegan Bun Bo Hue – A Flavorful and Nutritious Meal for Buddhist Days

Vegan bun bo Hue is a lighter, plant-based interpretation of the traditional Hue beef noodle soup. The broth is simmered from vegetables, mushrooms, and spices such as lemongrass, cinnamon, and star anise, creating a naturally sweet and spicy aroma.

This dish is often enjoyed on Buddhist observance days or whenever you want a wholesome yet flavorful meal. A steaming bowl of vegan bun bo Hue served with fresh herbs and vegan cold cuts showcases the richness and diversity of Vietnamese vegetarian cuisine.

How to Cook Authentic Vegan Bun Bo Hue – Rich, Aromatic, and Delicious

To prepare a truly flavorful bowl of vegan bun bo Hue, selecting fresh ingredients and cooking the broth correctly are the two most essential steps. Let’s begin with ingredient preparation and move on to crafting a broth that is clear, sweet, and full-bodied.

Ingredients

You will need:

• 2 kohlrabi

• 1 white radish

• 1 carrot

• 1 onion

• 100g dried shiitake mushrooms

• 50g fresh shiitake mushrooms

• 20g lemongrass

• 20g ginger

• 10 garlic cloves

• 5 star anise

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 2 tbsp vegetarian seasoning

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp rock sugar

• 1 tbsp annatto oil

• 1/2 cup minced shallots

• 1/4 cup minced lemongrass

• 1 tbsp chili powder

• 3 tbsp cooking oil

• Fresh rice noodles

• Fresh herbs (lettuce, shredded banana blossom, bean sprouts, etc.)

• Vegan cold cuts (optional)

• Chili paste

• Lime and fresh chili slices

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Vegan Bun Bo Hue

Prepare the Ingredients

Peel and cut the kohlrabi, white radish, and carrot into medium chunks.
Cut the onion into wedges.
Soak dried mushrooms in warm water until softened, then slice them in half.
Finely mince lemongrass, ginger, and garlic.
Wash all fresh herbs and slice vegan cold cuts as desired.

Make the Broth

The broth is the “heart” of vegan bun bo Hue, so take your time to build layers of natural flavor.

• Heat cooking oil in a pot, sauté minced shallots until fragrant.

• Add minced lemongrass and chili powder, stirring until the aroma releases.

• Add kohlrabi, radish, carrot, onion, dried shiitake, and fresh mushrooms. Stir well.

• Transfer everything into a pot and pour in about 2 liters of water. Simmer for 1 hour.

• Season with vegetarian seasoning, salt, and rock sugar.

• Adjust seasoning to taste and turn off the heat.

You should now have a clear yet deeply flavorful broth—sweet from vegetables, aromatic from spices, and mildly spicy from lemongrass and chili.

Serving the Dish

To serve, place fresh rice noodles into a bowl. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and top with mushrooms, carrot pieces, and onion from the soup.
Add fresh herbs, vegan cold cuts, lime juice, chili paste, and sliced chili as desired.

Enjoy while hot to fully appreciate the rich and refreshing taste of vegan bun bo Hue.

Nutritional Benefits of a High-Quality Vegan Bun Bo Hue Bowl

A bowl of vegan bun bo Hue not only brings a gentle, delightful flavor but also provides valuable nutrients from wholesome plant-based ingredients:

• Kohlrabi: High in vitamins C, K, B6, folate, potassium, and manganese—supports immunity, digestion, and heart health.

• White radish: Contains vitamins C, B6, calcium, potassium, and magnesium—good for digestion, bones, and cardiovascular health.

• Carrot: Rich in vitamin A—supports vision, healthy skin, and immune function.

• Mushrooms: Provide plant-based fiber and protein—help with digestion, detoxification, and overall wellness.

Thanks to the harmonious combination of vegetables, spices, and mushrooms, vegan bun bo Hue is not only delicious but also an ideal choice for a balanced, nutritious, and energizing diet.

Helpful Tips to Make Your Vegan Bun Bo Hue More Flavorful

To ensure your vegan bun bo Hue turns out aromatic, rich, and naturally sweet, you can apply a few simple yet effective tips:

• Choose mature kohlrabi, white radish, and carrots—they release more natural sweetness into the broth.

• You can replace dried shiitake with other dried mushrooms such as wood ear mushrooms or dried shiitake for a deeper umami flavor.

• Lightly stir-fry the vegetables until just tender to preserve their crispness and natural sweetness.

• Add vegan cold cuts to enhance the overall flavor and visual appeal of your bowl.

• Always enjoy vegan bun bo Hue while it’s still hot to fully savor its fragrance and richness.

With these practical tips, your homemade vegan bun bo Hue will be both visually appealing and delicious—just like the traditional flavors of Huế.

Secrets for Storing Vegan Broth and Toppings Properly

Proper storage plays an important role in maintaining the freshness and flavor of vegan bun bo Hue.
After cooking, allow the broth to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for 2–3 days.

Toppings such as vegan beef slices, vegan cold cuts, or fried tofu should be stored separately to prevent them from becoming soggy.
When ready to serve, simply reheat the broth and add the toppings—your dish will taste as fresh as when it was first cooked.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Vegan Bun Bo Hue

When making vegan bun bo Hue, many home cooks encounter issues that affect the final taste. Below are the most common problems and simple solutions you can try.

Why is the broth and mushroom flavor often mild or bland?

This usually happens when the vegetables are not fresh enough or the simmering time is too short.
To achieve a naturally sweet broth, simmer for at least 1–1.5 hours and choose vegetables with high natural sweetness.
For mushrooms, combine fresh shiitake with dried shiitake to enhance depth of flavor.

How do I keep the noodles and fresh herbs tasting good when served?

Rice noodles become mushy if boiled for too long; only blanch them briefly until just cooked.
Fresh herbs and vegan cold cuts should be fresh, crisp, and cut into bite-sized pieces to maintain balance and texture in the dish.

My vegan bun bo Hue lacks aroma and heat — how can I fix it?

To enhance the signature aroma:

• Add lemongrass, ginger, cinnamon, and star anise

• Lightly toast the cinnamon and star anise before simmering

If you prefer a spicier broth, add more chili powder or fresh chili when serving.

Which type of vegan beef slices should I use for the best flavor?

Choose products made from wheat gluten or soy protein, as they offer a chewy texture and realistic “meat-like” fibers—far better than versions made from regular flour.

How can I tell if vegan beef slices are high quality?

High-quality vegan beef slices have visible fibers and layers, rather than appearing as a solid, dense block.
They maintain their texture better when cooked and provide a more appealing bite.

How do I prevent vegan beef slices from becoming mushy when cooked for a long time?

Pan-fry the vegan beef slices on both sides before adding them to the broth.
This gives them a firmer exterior, prevents them from breaking apart, and enhances their flavor.

Conclusion

Vegan bun bo Hue is a dish that is not only easy to prepare but also flavorful and packed with nutrients—perfect for cozy family meals or peaceful Buddhist observance days.
With fresh ingredients and proper seasoning, you can easily make an authentic bowl of vegan bun bo Hue at home.

And if you want to enjoy a refined, delicate version of this iconic plant-based dish, the vegan bun bo Hue at Vô Úy Vegetarian Restaurant is a must-try. We are always ready to welcome you with warm, nourishing, and beautifully crafted vegetarian meals.