A Refreshing Treat: Authentic Vietnamese Cold Noodles in Beijing
Sometimes you just want a meal that feels refreshing – something light, vibrant and absolutely delicious. If you're anything like me, when those cravings hit, there's nothing better than a dish that brightens your palate and leaves you feeling satisfied without weighing you down.
You've probably eaten Chinese-style shredded chicken cold noodles before, and maybe even some Korean cold noodles. But have you ever tried Vietnamese cold noodles? The dish is called bún thịt nướng in Vietnamese, which literally means “grilled pork with rice vermicelli.” Bún refers to rice vermicelli (thin noodles), thịt means “meat,” and nướng means “grilled” or “charcoal-broiled.”
A Taste of Saigon in the Heart of Beijing
Let me take you back a bit – I spent some time living in Saigon, and not long after I arrived, this dish swiftly took the crown from more internationally known Vietnamese staples like phở and bánh mì to become my absolute favorite. The perfect balance of flavors, textures and that invigorating freshness made it an unbeatable comfort food for the city's humid days.
Back in Beijing, I've hunted down this beloved dish at multiple Vietnamese spots, but none compare to what +PINK offers. The founder, who's also the creator of Saigon Mama, is Vietnamese himself, so authenticity is baked right into the recipe. No wonder it tastes like a genuine Saigon street food experience.
What's on the Menu?
When your bowl arrives, all you have to do is pour over the fish sauce and toss it all together. The fresh herbs, tangy pickles and smoky meat blend into a bite that's light, vibrant, and oh so refreshing. At +PINK, the Charcoal BBQ Pork Vermicelli Bowl (RMB 68) really is a symphony of flavors: fragrant perilla and mint, crisp pickled veggies, and pork grilled over charcoal until it's smoky, tender and just the right touch of sweetness.
And don't sleep on the chả giò, aka Vietamese Spring Rolls (RMB 48), either! They're golden and ridiculously crispy with a savory filling that adds the perfect crunch to every forkful of noodles.
If you're not in the mood for pork, there's more to choose from. The Charcoal Lemongrass Chicken Vermicelli Bowl (RMB 68) and the Mango Avocado Vermicelli Bowl (RMB 58) are equally tempting and packed with fresh summer flavors.
More Than Noodles: Don't Skip the Salad
A good Vietnamese meal is never just about the noodles. You definitely can't skip a refreshing fruit salad on the side. +PINK has all the classics, like the Shredded Chicken Papaya Salad (RMB 58), or the Pomelo Shrimp Salad (RMB 68), which I opted for, and it did not disappoint.
It's loaded with plump shrimp, topped with tiny dried shrimp that add a fun crunch, and packed with sweet, juicy pomelo that pops with a tangy, citrusy burst. It's the perfect mix of fresh flavors and playful textures – exactly what you want to cleanse your palate.
Wash It Down in Style
To make this cooling feast even better, +PINK offers a variety of cooling iced drinks. You can try their Smash Lime Coconut Milk (RMB 35), Vietnamese Lime Soda (RMB 35), or fresh fruit smoothies (RMB 42). Of course, no Vietnamese meal is complete without their Classic Drip Coffee (RMB 35).
I went for a non-alcoholic Dragonfruit Piña Colada (RMB 38) – the perfect way to chill out on a humid afternoon.
Pro Tip for Takeout Lovers:
If you're ordering takeout, be sure to wait until you get home to pour the fish sauce over the noodles. Otherwise, your vermicelli might turn soggy, and nobody wants that!
Whether you're a fan of Vietnamese food or just want something light and tasty, +PINK's Vermicelli Bowl is worth a try. Fresh, simple, and satisfying, it's perfect for when you're looking for something light and bursting with flavor.
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Images: the Beijingers
