Bun Mang Vit from Tu Thanh

Admittedly, I was kind of bummed out at the version of Bun Mang Vit I had at Pho Hiep. My hopes had been set high, but I left disappointed. I had received a comment on my latest post on Chinese Kitchen, aka Chi Tu Thanh Nha Hang, that the place had relocated. I knew the address given….it was on the 4800 block of University. I specifically recall a place called "Aruba" being in that spot…..the name brought to mind the Caribbean, but from what I could see, this was an Halal "Pizza", place….or was it? I also recall seeing a sign for Menudo in the window…….there's a part of me that thought this place was a front for some nefarious scheme….

Now, there's no mistaking the place for what it is.

Though I'm still not sure about Ali Baba Restaurant next to it.

Anyway, I was told that the place opens at 9am, so there I was at a few minutes after 9. I walked into the place, which is much smaller than it looks from the outside. Upon entering, I was greeted by an interesting looking "planter", a rather interesting use of what appears to be a non-functioning water cooler.

The young man and older woman were hard at work prepping and cleaning when I arrived.

The menu board was stripped to its bear bones….everything is written on the greaseboard…except for Bun Mang Vit! But that's on the window, so they must have it, right? The woman looked over at me and I half yelled "Bun Mang Vit" to her and she gave me a nod. Whew….

When the young man dropped off the bowl of dipping sauce, I knew this was going to be all right. It just smelled right….having a taste, the ginger infused sauce hit the right notes for me.

Soon enough, my Bun Mang Vit ($7) arrived.

Though there were a lot less herbs than I recalled; just the portion size and the quality of the product put the last version I had at Pho Tay Do to shame.

The duck had a flavor, of well…..duck. After this past T-Day, I think I have a pretty good handle on what duck should taste like. It has a bit of chew, but the flavor is quite good….and after a dip in that sauce….well, that's what takes it to another level.

The noodles were perfect…al dente, there was a good amount of young bamboo shoots, though the earthiness that the bamboo shoots will give the broth after steeping a bit was muted. The broth was a bit richer than I recalled, a bit more complex. I could clearly make out what seemed like a dash of sesame oil in this, something I hadn't noticed before. After that, it was time to stop analyzing. 

Needless to say….this hit the spot.

I had a good look at the kitchen as I stepped up to pay for my Bun Mang Vit…..it was very clean.

So I guess this is my new spot for Bun Mang Vit.

I hope this place does well. There's really no parking except on the street. This is a real mom-and-pop operation…just the kind of place I love.

Tu Thanh
4804 University Ave. #A
San Diego, CA 92105
Hours:
Thurs – Tues 9am – 9pm
Wednesday    9am – 5pm