🦀 Bún Riêu 2 Tables – A 1$ USD Bowl Full of Flavor and Heart

• Culinary Gems

It’s not easy to find a quality meal in the morning for just 1$ USD = 25,000 VND, right?

That’s exactly what made this experience so special. On the morning of July 25, 2025, I was just passing through a quiet street when I noticed a modest sign that simply read:
“Crab Noodle Soup – 25K.”

What caught my attention wasn’t just the price—it was the welcoming smile of the owner and the charming little space with only two tables. Later on, I learned that many regulars affectionately call it “Bún Riêu 2 Tables.” How cute is that?

This post is my personal story about a truly memorable bún riêu (crab noodle soup) experience—and I hope you’ll read it to the end.

🍜 A Warm Welcome from Ms. Hằng

As soon as I stepped in, I felt at ease. Ms. Hằng, the friendly owner, smiled and said cheerfully,
“Sit down! I give you a special bowl.” Although I didn’t expect much because my first time ate here, and 25K for bún riêu? Her enthusiastic service alone already earned a 5/5 in my book. It was genuine, warm, and made me feel like I was visiting a friend’s home.

#Saigon Taste Tours

In less than two minutes, a steaming bowl of crab noodle soup was placed in front of me. And wow—it was loaded with pork sausage, minced crab “riêu” (meatball), Fried tofu, Tomatoes, Fresh herbs, Chili, and tamarind sauce.

The broth was well-balanced—not too salty, not too bland—and you can always adjust the flavor with more tamarind or fish sauce if needed. Every topping tasted fresh and flavorful, especially the minced crab and pork sausage. Honestly, it was a surprise how generous and well-prepared the bowl was, especially at this price point.

#Saigon Taste Tours

#Saigon Taste Tours

#Saigon Taste Tours

💬 More Than a Meal — A Heartfelt Conversation

When the shop quieted down and it was just me and Ms. Hằng, she sat down and started chatting. I’ve rarely seen a restaurant owner as friendly and open as her.

She shared that she’s been serving bún riêu in that same little spot for over 16 years, with just two small tables in front of her home. Many students and locals have become her regulars over the years, and they’re the ones who gave her the nickname “Bún Riêu 2 Tables.”

But more than just serving food, she told me something beautiful:

“You don’t just cook to sell. You have to connect with customers so they like coming back.”

She shared stories of dealing with all kinds of people—some grumpy, some rushed.
“Sometimes customers come in and answer very coldly. Like, I ask if they want veggies and they just snap ‘No.’ But later, when they’re full, they smile and talk. That’s when I realized—they were just hungry!”
We both laughed.

#Saigon Taste Tours

#Saigon Taste Tours

#Saigon Taste Tours

💛 Why This Bowl Meant So Much

That short morning stop turned into something more meaningful than just a meal.
It reminded me that a great restaurant isn’t just about delicious food—it’s about the stories, the people, and the connection between guests and the cook.

Thank you, Ms. Hằng, for your hospitality and for sharing a little piece of your life with me. Your bún riêu was not only tasty, but also full of love.

📍 Visit Bún Riêu 2 Tables

If you’re in town, don’t miss the chance to try this heartwarming bowl for yourself.

• Address: 55A Phùng Văn Cung, P.2, Phu Nhuan District
• Open: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Price: Only 25,000 VND!

Let’s support small, meaningful places like this—and enjoy the food that comes with stories.

#Saigon Taste Tours

#Saigon Taste Tours

#Saigon Taste Tours

What is Bún Riêu?

Bún riêu is a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup known for its rich, tangy tomato broth, crab-pork meatballs (riêu), and layers of fresh herbs and toppings. It’s one of Vietnam’s most beloved comfort foods, especially in the northern and southern regions, and is often enjoyed for breakfast or lunch.

🦀 What Makes Bún Riêu Special?

Main features:

• Broth: Light yet flavorful, made from pork bones and often enhanced with shrimp paste (mắm tôm) for umami and tomatoes for sourness and sweetness.
• Riêu (Crab-Pork Mixture): A soft, savory mix of ground pork, crab paste (sometimes fresh crab), and egg, gently poached into fluffy clumps.
• Noodles: Served with round rice vermicelli (bún), slightly thicker than those used in phở.
• Toppings: Fried tofu, fresh tomatoes, sometimes blood pudding (huyết), snails (in bún riêu ốc), or even seafood, depending on the variation.
• Herbs & Garnishes: Mint, perilla leaves (tía tô), bean sprouts, lime, chili, shredded banana blossom—fresh and fragrant.