The story
Bún chả is a Hanoi lunchtime classic: grilled pork patties and slices of fatty pork belly served in a sweet and sour fish-sauce broth, with cold rice noodles and a heap of fresh herbs on the side. Its exact origin is unknown; one account credits a Hanoi grill cook in the late 19th or early 20th century, and the patties may show some French colonial influence. It has long been cooked over charcoal on pavements across the city. In May 2016 President Barack Obama and Anthony Bourdain shared it over beers at Bún chả Hương Liên, which now sells a 'combo Obama'.
Also known as bun cha, bún chả Hà Nội, Hanoi grilled pork with noodles, bun cha Obama.
On the Meridish menu
Bún chả was the rice & noodles course on menu No. 10 on October 10, 2026. Its clue in the game, which hints at the place without naming it:
Grilled pork patties and belly in a sweet-sour fish sauce dip, with rice noodles and herbs. A US president and a TV chef shared it over beers at a plastic table here in 2016.
In Meridish, every dish is pinned to the town or city most widely credited with creating it. A guess within 25 km scores all 100 points. How scoring works.
Sources
Food history is often disputed. Think we've pinned it in the wrong place? Tell us at hello@meridish.com, ideally with a source.
