Ngu Binh, a long-standing restaurant located in Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City, has been renowned for its Hue-style cuisine for over 50 years. However, it is only recently that its VND105,000 (US$4.21) bún bò Huế (Hue spicy beef noodles) has sparked controversy within local foodie circles.

“Was it VND105,000? What a price! I've been to some very good places in Hue but their bún bò did not cost that much," one user commented on a foodie forum. 

The comment was a reply to a post regarding a re-visit after four years to the restaurant in which the original poster praised the food for its quality, but critiqued the high price. 

The post, of course, drew mixed opinions.

“It's too expensive,” wrote one.

“They cook a small quantity which makes the price high. The restaurant mainly serves people who like to have their own space and have extra money, it's not a restaurant for everyone to enjoy.”

Other commenters defended Ngu Binh, claiming the restaurant’s flavor profiles are unique, even amongst restaurants that specialize in Hue-style cuisine.

Still, even those who acknowledge the unique flavor shared that they would rather enjoy a bowl of bún bò Huế for a reasonable price than spend over VND100,000 on a bowl with only a few thin beef slices at Ngu Binh.

Nestled in a residential area in Phu Nhuan District, Ngu Binh can be a bit difficult to find.  

It features a family-friendly vibe, humble décor, and just five tables.  

Aside from bún bò Huế, Ngu Binh serves a wide range of Hue specialties, including bánh bèo (steamed rice cakes), chả lụa (Vietnamese pork rolls), bánh ướt tôm chấy (steamed rice papers with shredded shrimp), bánh ướt thịt nướng (steamed rice papers with grilled pork), and nem nướng (Vietnamese grilled pork sausages). 

Prices range from VND20,000 ($0.80) to 80,000 ($3.21), except for bún bò and bánh khoái (Hue-style sizzling crepes), which sell for VND105,000 ($4.21).

The restaurant only prepares a few portions each day and typically sells out very quickly.

“When I came to the place for the first time, I wondered why their bún bò didn't have crab cakes and boiled blood pudding like the many other Hue eateries," one diner commented.

"But after a few visits, I guessed Ngu Binh’s owner wanted diners to enjoy the full aroma of the mắm ruốc Huế [Hue fermented acetes paste] in the broth without mixing it with other ingredients."

Bún bò Huế consists of bún noodles served in a bowl of broth made from beef, lemongrass, and mắm ruốc. 

It is typically topped with sliced beef shank, short ribs, crab cakes, and other toppings.

The dish can be found across Vietnam at prices ranging from VND30,000 ($1.20) to VND80,000 ($3.21).

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