Walter Ponce
I had the chance to visit Bún Riêu Nhà Restaurant with some friends on my last trip to Ho Chi Minh in 2022. The space of Bún Riêu Nhà is decorated in a rustic, cozy way, arranged enough for both small and large groups.
We ordered a big hotpot with meat and some snails. Delicious hot pot, rich broth, full of necessary toppings, Bún Riêu Nhà Restaurant gives both vermicelli and rice paper, after eating the hot pot is full.
Honestly the portions are quite big and we could not finish all the hotpot at all!
The shop also sells delicious boiled snails with forest fish sauce. I was a bit afraid of trying them out but honestly were really good!
At Bún Riêu Nhà also have a large selection of desserts, I am a big fan of Vietnamese desserts so I was quite please to find such a large selection!
The service was quite attentive and fast. We did not had to wait at all for the food. Bún Riêu Nhà place is quite spacious and clean which is appreciated.
**Bún Riêu Nhà Address: **63B Trần Quốc Thảo, Võ Thị Sáu, Quận 3, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Việt Nam
Bún Riêu Nhà Website: https://vi-vn.facebook.com/bunrieunhatranquocthao/
What is bún riêu?
Bún riêu is one of Vietnam’s best-loved noodle soups, and it is the dish that gives this restaurant its name. The classic version is built on a light, tangy broth coloured by tomatoes, with a “riêu” made from pounded freshwater crab. The crab mixture is seasoned and gently cooked so it floats in the broth in soft, fluffy pieces.
A typical bowl usually includes:
- Rice vermicelli (bún) as the base
- Crab riêu, the soft crab “cake” that floats on top
- Tomatoes, which give the broth its colour and slight acidity
- Fried tofu, and often pork or beef depending on the version
- Fresh herbs and greens on the side, such as shredded morning glory, banana blossom, perilla and lettuce
- Fermented shrimp paste (mắm tôm), lime and chilli to adjust the flavour at the table
The hotpot version (lẩu riêu cua) takes the same flavours and turns them into a shared meal. A pot of broth simmers in the middle of the table and everyone adds meat, tofu, greens and noodles as they go. It is a very social way to eat and works well for groups.
Snails and Vietnamese desserts
Snails (ốc) are a big part of eating out in Ho Chi Minh City. There is a whole category of casual “quán ốc” places dedicated to shellfish and snails, usually boiled, steamed or stir-fried and served with dipping sauces. If you have never tried them, a simple boiled version with a dipping sauce is an easy place to start.
Vietnamese desserts are also worth exploring. “Chè” is the general name for sweet soups and puddings, made with ingredients like mung beans, red beans, coconut milk, jellies, taro, tapioca pearls and fruit. They are often served cold with crushed ice, which makes them a good way to finish a meal after a hot broth.
Tips for ordering
- Go with a group. Hotpots are designed for sharing and portions tend to be generous.
- Ask about spice. Chilli is usually served on the side, so you can control the heat yourself.
- Try the shrimp paste carefully. Mắm tôm has a strong smell and flavour. Add a little at a time.
- Use the herbs. The plate of greens is not decoration; adding herbs to the broth changes the dish completely.
- Point at pictures. Menus at local restaurants are not always translated, and photos or pointing are perfectly normal.
Exploring District 3
District 3 is one of the central, more residential parts of Ho Chi Minh City. It sits right next to District 1 but feels a little calmer, with tree-lined streets, small cafés and plenty of local eateries. It is an easy area to combine with sightseeing.
Places worth a look in and around District 3:
- Tân Định Church, the bright pink church on Hai Bà Trưng street, one of the most photographed buildings in the city
- The War Remnants Museum, a sobering but important museum about the Vietnam War
- Turtle Lake (Hồ Con Rùa), a roundabout with a small water feature where locals gather in the evening for snacks and drinks
- Tân Định Market, a local market known for fabrics and everyday food stalls
- District 1, a short ride away, for Bến Thành Market, the Saigon Central Post Office and Nguyễn Huệ walking street
Getting there and getting around
Ho Chi Minh City is spread out and the heat makes long walks tiring, so most visitors use ride-hailing apps. Grab is widely used for both cars and motorbike taxis, and it shows the price before you book, which avoids negotiating. Taxis from established companies are another option.
Note that Vietnam reorganised many of its local administrative units in 2025, so some maps and apps may show a different ward or district name for the same street address. Searching for the restaurant name or the street number usually still works.
Best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is hot all year round. The main things to plan around are the seasons:
- Dry season (roughly December to April): sunnier and less humid, usually the most comfortable time for sightseeing
- Rainy season (roughly May to November): short, heavy downpours, often in the afternoon, followed by clear skies
- Lunar New Year (Tết): usually late January or February. Many family-run restaurants close for several days, so check ahead if you travel then
A steaming hotpot might sound like a strange choice in tropical weather, but it is completely normal locally, and most restaurants are well ventilated or air-conditioned.
Before you go
Small local restaurants change their hours, menus and sometimes locations more often than big chains. Check the restaurant’s Facebook page or a recent map listing for current hours before you go. Many local places accept cash first, so it is worth carrying some Vietnamese đồng, even though card and app payments are becoming more common.
FAQ
What does bún riêu taste like? It is light and slightly sour from the tomatoes, with a savoury, gently sweet crab flavour. Herbs, lime and chilli let you adjust it to your taste.
Is bún riêu suitable for people with shellfish allergies? No. The broth and the riêu are made with crab, and shrimp paste is a common condiment. Ask the staff if you have any allergy.
Is a hotpot good for one person? Hotpots are usually meant for sharing. If you are on your own, a single bowl of bún riêu is a better choice where it is offered.
Do I need a reservation? Casual local restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City are often walk-in. For a large group, calling ahead or messaging the restaurant is a good idea.
How do I get to District 3 from District 1? It is a short Grab or taxi ride, usually around 10 to 20 minutes depending on traffic.
Is tipping expected in Vietnam? Tipping is not traditionally expected in local restaurants, but rounding up or leaving a small amount for good service is appreciated.
