Man, has it been a year since I last visited Mien Trung? Sheesh. Mien Trung had been a fairly regular stop since I first visited over 17 years ago! I always think about the late "Ed from Yuma" when I visit. It was always a favorite of his. Of course, much has happened over the years; "Mom" who made the soup "Dad" who ran the front of house have both retired. There have been times when the Bun Bo Hue just wasn't up to par. Still, over the last couple of visits, things seem to have been corrected. With the recent cold spell, I had been wanting some Bun Bo Hue and even the Missus, who stopped going when Mien Trung changed the noodles for Her beloved Bun Rieu and then She found that She enjoyed the Bun Rieu from Phuong Nga more. Well, She decided to come along to see how the Bun Rieu fared these days.
We dropped by at 10am on a Sunday for an early lunch and were the only folks in the place.
The Missus ordered a small Bun Rieu ($12).
Which the Missus didn't care for. The noodles used were those for the Bun Bo Hue, not the typical thin bun used for Bun Rieu. The broth lacked the crabby savoriness and mild sweet-acidity of tomato the Missus enjoys. It was fairly high in the MSG department. Other than the saltiness, it was quite bland.
While the plates of sprouts and veggies was large; we lamented the lack of banana blossom.
I guess I'll be heading back to Phuong Nga again soon?
My Bun Bo Hue (small $12.10) was perfectly fine.
Nice spice, assertive lemongrass tones, a hint of beefiness dancing on your tongue, perhaps a bit high in the MSG department, but quite savory. The rustic proteins like I'm used to. The noodles slippery and firm. I do lament the lack of banana blossom, but since I can't find a bowl of Bun Bo Hue I like more in San Diego, this will do fine.
Though it looks like I'll be back to doing solo visits here again.
Mien Trung Restaurant
7530 Mesa College Dr.
San Diego, CA 92111
Their BBH is comforting! When I went, I saw at least 2 families bring their own pot for parties, haha.
I’ve heard from family friends that Phuong Nga might be expanding near World Foods (where Tan Ky Mi Gia used to be), but haven’t checked yet to confirm.
Side note: I visited Da Nang Restaurant recently, but they said they didn’t have a kitchen (or chef that day?). I’m not sure if that suggestion is still good anymore or if they can stay in business..
bummer the missus’ dish wasn’t to her liking
It’s my favorite Bun Bo Hue in SD Elle! Thanks for the updates; I need to get back to City Heights and start doing my “rounds” again! That’s sad about Da Nang – it’s been on my “list” for a while….
I know Kat! The Bun Bo Hue here is my favorite.
I love their fried chicken wings:
https://www.hungryones.com/2020/10/mien-trung-restaurant/
It’s definitely BBH weather here in San Diego! Especially once the sun sets.
Glad you enjoyed the chicken wings there Soo!
Yes, man it’s been cold this year Junichi!