To be honest; when I decided to revisit my top three places posted on, I thought Mein Trung would be number 2. So, I was shocked when I finished my tally and MT was third! Though it was a close third as 777 Noodle House was at 30 and Mien Trung at 27. Though that might be explainable. Even though my first visit to Mien Trung was in 2006…it was basically the first bowl of Bun Bo Hue that I enjoyed in San Diego! Still, I guess I haven’t been visiting quite as much recently. As time has passed, I’ve had a few inconsistent bowls there; especially since “Mom” who used to make all the soups from scratch retired and other changes have occurred. Though MT is the place where I get my Bun Bo Hue fix. Like on this day…..
They were really doing some major take out on this day….though I miss seeing folks drop off their large pots to be filled with soup for takeout orders like in the old days.
I usually just go with a “small” Bun Bo Hue these days, priced nicely at $13.10. BTW, MT is a cash only business. Boo, who is the original owners son, still remembers me and always comes by to say hello!
This is what the small bowl looks like these days. I usually get it without the blood.
And yes, there have been changes over the last two decades. The plate of sprouts and veggies is quite large; but still lament that banana blossom is no longer provided. I always enjoyed the banana blossom with my BBH as I believe it added a nice crunchy nuttiness.
The broth was quite aromatic, though one need to add their own mam tom these days. The fragrance of lemongrass was quite strong today. It was also quite spicy…though it could be that my tolerance over time has dwindled over time.
It wasn’t quite as rich as all those years ago….but that broth would leave that “trail of red” on one’s shirt if not wearing the “correct color”. It always makes me think of Ed from Yuma!
On this visit, the bun was perfectly cooked, firm, springy, and slippery….puts me at an even bigger risk of the “red trail”. The pork hock had some nice chewy skin and cartilage. The tendon was as usual…they like it quite firm here.
The beef was more tender than I recalled.
It just seemed to be the case of the more I ate the more I enjoyed….and sweated!
In the end; perhaps Mien Trung is not as I remembered….time, costs, and inflation will do that. But it still hits the spot for my Bun Bo Hue fix.
Unless one of you has a better place for BBH these days?
Mien Trung Restaurant
7530 Mesa College Dr
San Diego, CA 92111