Bun Bo Hue

Bun Bo Hue is one of my favorite foods and I probably eat it every other day or so.  I usually go down to a little family owned shop on Bui Thi Xuan (pronounced similar to "booty swan").  I go there often enough that they no longer ask me what I want, they just assume it's Bun Bo Hue and a Saigon beer.  The soup starts with a broth that sits simmering all day long in large cauldrons.  It is flavored with a mix of spices and herbs, and because it is from the city of Hue it is usually made very spicy.  To make it one starts with a bowl of rice noodles, then adds cuts of beef, chives, pepper, and a hunk of liver.  Add to this the broth that has been simmering all day for however long a family has been handing down their recipe.  After this it is up to the patron to decide how to finish off their meal.  I usually add shredded lettuce, some fermented red pepper, and a bit of lime juice.  It's designed to be a full meal in a bowl, carbs, veggies, and meat altogether.  This cost me about 15,000VND, less than a dollar.  This is dinner most nights.