Authentic Guide To Make Bun Dau Mam Tom

Why Is Bun Dau Mam Tom Special?

Bun Dau Mam Tom is a distinctive Vietnamese dish consisting of rice vermicelli noodles, fried tofu, and fermented shrimp paste. This dish is often served with a variety of accompaniments like boiled pork, various herbs, and sometimes even fried pork belly or sausage. It is renowned for its complex and bold flavors, especially due to the pungent yet savory shrimp paste that is typically mixed with lime juice, sugar, and a bit of chili for added zest.

Bun Dau Mam Tom is special because of its unique combination of textures and flavors. The crispy fried tofu, chewy noodles, and aromatic herbs – all blend together, but it’s the “Mam Tom”, or shrimp paste, that truly sets this dish apart. Its intense, savory taste can be polarizing, but for those who appreciate it, it elevates the dish to a whole new level.

Bun Dau Mam Tom Recipe

Ingredients:

– For the Main Dish:

• 200g vermicelli noodles
• 200g firm tofu
• 200g boiled pork belly
• Fresh herbs and vegetables:
  • 1 handful of perilla leaves
  • 1 handful of Vietnamese balm
  • 1 handful of fresh mint
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • Lettuce leaves, optional

– For the Shrimp Paste Sauce (Mam Tom):

• 2 tablespoons fermented shrimp paste
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1-2 tablespoons hot water
• 1 fresh chili, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1-2 cloves of garlic, minced

Tips: You can buy pre-prepared Mam Tom to save time and have a more authentic taste.

– Additional Accompaniments (optional):

• 200g Cha Com (Vietnamese sausage) or fried pork belly slices
• Rice paper for wrapping

Instructions:

Step 1. Prepare the Vermicelli Noodles

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
• Add the vermicelli noodles and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 4-6 minutes).
• Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep them from sticking.
• Set aside to drain completely.

Step 2. Fry the Tofu

• Cut the firm tofu into bite-sized cubes or rectangles.
• Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
• Carefully add the tofu pieces and fry until they are golden and crispy on all sides (about 5-7 minutes).
• Remove the tofu and drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.

Step 3. Boil the Pork Belly

• Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil.
• Add a pinch of salt and a few slices of ginger (optional) to the water for flavor.
• Add the pork belly and cook for about 20-25 minutes until fully cooked and tender.
• Remove the pork, let it cool slightly, then slice it thinly.

Step 4. Prepare the Shrimp Paste Sauce (Mam Tom)

• In a small bowl, combine the fermented shrimp paste and sugar.
• Add lime juice and mix until the sugar dissolves.
• Gradually add hot water until the mixture reaches your desired consistency (usually a bit thick but pourable).
• Heat vegetable oil in a small pan, add minced garlic, and sauté until golden. Add this to the shrimp paste mixture for a rich, aromatic flavor.
• Add chopped chili for a spicy kick, if desired. Adjust the taste with more lime juice or sugar as needed.

Step 5. Arrange the Dish

• On a large serving plate, arrange the vermicelli noodles in one section.
• Place the fried tofu pieces next to the noodles.
• Arrange the slices of boiled pork belly alongside the tofu.
• Add the fresh herbs, cucumber slices, and lettuce leaves (if using) around the plate.
• Pour the shrimp paste sauce into a small dipping bowl.

Step 6. Serve and Enjoy

• Serve the plate of noodles, tofu, pork, and herbs alongside the dipping sauce.
• To eat, take a small portion of noodles, tofu, and pork, wrap it with the herbs, and dip it into the shrimp paste sauce.
• Enjoy the dish by mixing and matching different components for a balanced bite.

Tips:

• For a more authentic flavor, use a traditional Vietnamese Mam Tom brand.
• If you find Mam Tom too strong, you can dilute it with a little water or rice vinegar.
• Add a bit of sugar to the dipping sauce to balance out the saltiness of the Mam Tom.
• Get creative with the toppings! You can add other vegetables, such as cucumbers, carrots, or peanuts.

Stories from Local Vendors

From busy streets to small markets, sellers of Bun Dau Mam Tom reveal the age-old recipes, culinary wisdom and deep cultural meaning of this iconic Vietnamese dish.

1. Mr. Nguyen’s Street Stall

Mr. Nguyen has been serving Bun Dau Mam Tom at his street stall in Hanoi’s Old Quarter for over three decades. His secret? A meticulously crafted shrimp paste sauce that balances the salty, sour, and sweet flavors perfectly. “The key,” he says with a grin, “is in the quality of the shrimp paste and the right amount of lime juice to cut through its richness.”

2. Mrs. Hoa’s Family Recipe

In the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Mrs. Hoa prepares Bun Dau Mam Tom using a recipe passed down through generations. “My grandmother taught me how to make the best shrimp paste sauce,” she shares proudly. “We add a touch of chili for a bit of heat and serve it with homemade tofu for that extra crunch.”

3. Nguyen Family Tradition

For the Nguyen family in Hue, Bun Dau Mam Tom is a Sunday tradition. “We gather around the table, sharing stories from the week,” Mrs. Nguyen explains. “The dish brings us together—it’s more than just food; it’s a symbol of our heritage and love for authentic Vietnamese flavors.”

These stories from local vendors highlight the passion and dedication behind Bun Dau Mam Tom. Each vendor brings their unique touch to the dish, ensuring that every bite is a reflection of Vietnamese culinary excellence and cultural pride.

Final Words

Bun Dau Mam Tom is a dish with a skillful combination of separate ingredients with rich, contrasting flavors and textures.

For a long time, Bun Dau Mam Tom has been considered one of the favorite dishes of both locals and foreigners. Many tourists come to enjoy it as an interesting memory of a must-try culinary adventure when coming to Vietnam. I’m sure this is a dish not to be missed, promising a unique and authentic Vietnamese culinary experience. Go ahead and make it or just enjoy and let us know what you think!