For any Vietnamese living abroad, the longing for home and the taste of Vietnamese cuisine is always strong and deep-rooted. Many go through extended periods without tasting the flavors of home, and their cravings can lead to some interesting stories. One such story was shared by Binh Le, a Vietnamese living in the US, who recently indulged in a craving for “bún đậu mắm tôm” at a cost that might make your wallet weep.
Binh Le realized that he had been consuming fast food for a long time and missed the unique flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. Just when he was yearning for a taste of home, he serendipitously stumbled upon a restaurant serving “bún đậu mắm tôm.” However, the catch was that this restaurant was a whopping 200km away from where he lived. Talk about a culinary conundrum!
After a long period of indulging in fast food, the young man craved Vietnamese cuisine.
Ironically, despite finding the desired dish, the distance posed a significant challenge. Binh Le faced a 200km journey to satisfy his craving. After much contemplation, he made a bold decision to travel the entire distance just for a taste of this beloved Vietnamese dish.
The “bún đậu mắm tôm” restaurant was a distant 200km away.
And so, he embarked on a 200km journey to the restaurant…
Each serving of “bún đậu mắm tôm” at the restaurant cost $36, which is approximately VND 844,000. It included a small platter of bun (rice vermicelli), doi (pork sausage), dau (fried tofu), boiled pork, cha com (fried patties made with young rice), and a topping that Binh Le believed to be roasted pork (though it resembled fried pig’s tail). Of course, the essential mắm tôm (fermented shrimp paste) was included, along with cucumbers and herbs on the side. He also ordered a glass of citrus tea to complete the meal.
Driven by his intense craving for Vietnamese food, Binh Le devoured the entire serving of “bún đậu mắm tôm.” He even made sure to eat every last herb, emphasizing that he finished it all.
The “bún đậu mắm tôm” platter was a delightful assortment of flavors, reminiscent of Vietnam.
He devoured the entire serving, leaving nothing behind.
Reflecting on the experience, Binh Le shared, “I don’t know if I really regret spending the money…” He spent a total of $69, approximately VND 1.6 million, on this culinary adventure, including transportation and the meal.
After sharing his story on social media, many joked about this being the most expensive “bún đậu mắm tôm” in the world. Others acknowledged that it was a unique and memorable experience, one that not everyone gets to have.
(Source: YouTube @binh)
