What to drink with a bò bún

BÒ BÚN AND WINE: AN ORIGINAL PAIRING

Let's discover how to best pair Bò Bún with wine.

What is Bò Bún?

Bò Bún (in Vietnamese, Bò = beef and Bún = rice vermicelli) is a delicious dish originating from Southern Vietnam. It consists of cold rice vermicelli, fresh vegetables, various aromatic herbs, and slices of lemongrass-sautéed beef, cooked just before serving. In the past decade, due to trends, crispy spring rolls (nems) have been added to the dish.

Which Wines to Pair with It?

This dish is a well-balanced, healthy, refreshing, and easy-to-make meal. But what wine should you enjoy with Bò Bún? First of all, we advise against oaky or overly powerful red wines, as they could clash with the many flavors of the dish (lemongrass, mint, cilantro). Instead, opt for a light red wine with good acidity and a hint of minerality, such as Chinon or a Côte de Nuits Village.

As for white wine, it's better to avoid sweet wines, as they would overpower the delicate and subtle flavors of Bò Bún. Choose a dry white wine with a nice aromatic palette, controlled acidity, and a touch of minerality. A dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer from Alsace would be ideal for enjoying Bò Bún, with their delicate notes of exotic fruits, flowers, and spices.

IT'S YOUR TURN TO TRY!

FAQ - Wine and bo bun

Should bo bun be paired with red or white wine?

Both work, as long as the wine stays light. A low-tannin red such as Chinon or a dry white like Alsace Riesling suit the dish, depending on whether you prefer fruitiness or aromatic freshness.

What serving temperature suits a wine paired with bo bun?

A light red is best served slightly chilled, around 14 to 16°C, to keep its fruit forward. A dry white such as Riesling should be served cooler, between 8 and 10°C, to highlight its minerality.

Why avoid a heavily tannic red wine with bo bun?

Strong tannins linger on the palate and mask the dish's fresh herbs, such as mint and cilantro, along with the lemongrass. A powerful red overwhelms the balance instead of complementing it.

Does a sweet wine work with this Vietnamese dish?

No, the residual sugar in a sweet wine overtakes the delicate flavours of bo bun. A dry white with crisp acidity respects the balance between beef, fresh vegetables and herbs far better.

Which other white grape can replace Riesling with bo bun?

A dry Alsace Gewürztraminer also works well, thanks to its floral and exotic fruit notes that echo the dish's spices, provided you pick a dry rather than a sweet style.