The Absolute Best Bun Bo Hue in Chicago [Updated 2024]

Having reviewed 12 different establishments, I’ve tasted a variety of flavors, textures, and aromas that truly embody this iconic Vietnamese dish.

From the vibrant spices to the rich broths, each bowl tells a unique story that reflects the culture and passion behind it.

I can’t wait to share my top picks, each one providing a distinct experience that’s worthy of your time and palate.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or a curious newcomer, join me as we explore the delicious world of bun bo hue right here in the Windy City!

LC Phở Restaurant

Highlights
Super tasty and fresh
Excellent drink selections
Great broth options
Attentive service
Delicious fried dumplings

LC Phở Restaurant is a delightful gem that truly knows how to serve up a bowl of bun bo hue that warms the soul. The first thing that struck me was how super tasty and fresh everything was. Each slurp of the robust broth felt like a comforting embrace, rich with bold flavors that danced playfully on my palate.

What really set this place apart were the excellent drink selections. I paired my hearty bowl with a refreshing lychee soda, which was a perfect complement to the spicy hints of the soup. Speaking of the broth, it comes with a variety of options that cater to every taste preference, from milder to thrillingly spicy.

The attentive service was the cherry on top of this delightful experience. My server was eager to recommend the best fried dumplings, and oh my, were they delicious! Crisp on the outside and packed with flavor, they made my meal even more enjoyable.

In the vibrant tapestry of Chicago's culinary scene, LC Phở truly stands out, making it a must-visit spot for anyone craving an authentic bowl of bun bo hue. Don't miss out!

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Hoanh Long Vietnamese & Chinese Restaurant

Highlights
Excellent value for large portions
Authentic and amazing food
House hot sauce is a must-try
BYOB option available
Fresh ingredients used

As I settled into Hoanh Long Vietnamese & Chinese Restaurant, the allure of their bun bo hue tantalized my taste buds from the moment I walked in. Nestled in a bustling area of Chicago, this gem offered not just a feast for the palate, but an excellent value that’s hard to resist.

One sip of their bun bo hue, made with authentic ingredients, and I was transported straight to Vietnam. The broth was rich and flavorful, perfectly balanced with the aromatic notes of lemongrass and chili. I couldn’t help but notice the generous portion size—definitely a win for any hungry diner!

Don’t overlook the house hot sauce; it’s a delightful surprise that elevates the dish to another level. They even have a BYOB option, which allows you to bring your favorite beverage and enhance your dining experience.

If you’re searching for quality and freshness in your bun bo hue, I highly recommend making a trip to Hoanh Long. Each bite was a celebration of flavors that left me longing for more. It’s truly a must-visit for any pho aficionado or adventurous food lover in Chicago!

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Pho Le 777

Highlights
Flavorful pho
Friendly staff
Nice atmosphere
Perfectly cooked noodles
Tasty thin beef

Firstly, the flavorful pho at Pho Le 777 was a real game-changer. The broth was perfectly balanced with spices and herbs that gave it an explosion of flavors in every sip. It was tasty, savory, and just the right level of spiciness that kept me wanting more.

Moreover, the staff at Pho Le 777 were incredibly friendly and accommodating. They made sure that all my needs were met and even recommended some dishes for me to try. I appreciated their attentiveness to detail and willingness to go above and beyond.

The atmosphere inside was also nice and cozy, making me feel right at home. The space was clean, well-lit, and had a relaxed vibe - perfect for enjoying a bowl of hot soup on a chilly day.

And let's not forget about the noodles! The bun bo hue noodles were cooked to perfection - firm yet tender with just the right amount of chew. Paired with thin beef slices that were both tender and full of flavor - it was truly a match made in heaven.

Overall, I would highly recommend Pho Le 777 for anyone looking for an excellent bun bo hue experience in Chicago. With its delicious pho, friendly staff, inviting atmosphere, perfectly cooked noodles, and tasty thin beef - it's no wonder they've become one of my favorite spots in town!

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Pho Home

Highlights
Nice atmosphere
Great food portions
Variety of Pho options
Convenient parking options

First of all, I must say that the atmosphere of the restaurant was very nice. The interior design had an authentic Vietnamese vibe, which made me feel like I was transported to a different country.

As for the food, I was pleasantly surprised by the portion sizes. The bowl of bun bo hue was quite large and filled with ingredients that were fresh and flavorful. The broth had a spicy kick to it that really brought out the taste of the meat and vegetables.

While my main focus was on finding the best bun bo hue in Chicago, I couldn't resist trying some of their other pho options as well. They had a great variety to choose from, each with its own unique blend of spices and ingredients.

One thing that really stood out to me was the convenience of parking options. As someone who has driven around Chicago looking for parking before, this is always a bonus in my book!

Overall, I highly recommend Pho Home for anyone looking for delicious Vietnamese cuisine in Chicago. Their bun bo hue is definitely one of the best I've tried so far!

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Saigon Sisters

Highlights
Fresh flavors
Top-notch service
Delicious banana butter cake
Excellent customer treatment
Perfectly cooked dishes

First things first, I was blown away by the fresh flavors of their bun bo hue. The broth was rich and flavorful with just the right amount of spice to give it a kick without being overwhelming. The beef and pork were cooked to perfection, making each bite an absolute treat.

What really stood out to me, however, was the top-notch service at Saigon Sisters. From the moment I walked in, I felt like a valued guest. The staff was friendly and attentive, always ready to recommend dishes or answer any questions.

And speaking of dishes, let's talk about dessert! Don't leave without trying their delicious banana butter cake. It's the perfect way to end your meal on a sweet note.

But what really sealed the deal for me was the way they treated their customers. Every dish that came out of their kitchen was cooked with care and attention to detail. They truly offer some of the best customer treatment in Chicago.

Overall, my experience at Saigon Sisters was nothing short of amazing. With perfectly cooked dishes and excellent service, this restaurant deserves every bit of praise it gets. If you're looking for some seriously delicious bun bo hue in Chicago, make sure Saigon Sisters is on your list!

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The Noodle Vietnamese & Thai Cuisine

Highlights
Wide selection of Southeast Asian food
Reasonable prices
Delicious char-grilled pork chop
Kid-friendly atmosphere
Variety of proteins in Pho bowls

First of all, I was impressed by the wide selection of Southeast Asian food on the menu. It's like taking a culinary tour of Asia without leaving your seat. And despite the variety, prices were very reasonable.

Now let's talk about the bun bo hue. The broth was rich and flavorful with just the right amount of spiciness that didn't overpower the other ingredients. The noodles were perfectly cooked and there was a generous amount of tender beef slices in my bowl. But what really stood out to me was their delicious char-grilled pork chop which added an extra layer of flavor to the dish.

If you have kids, this place is also kid-friendly with a casual atmosphere and high chairs available upon request.

Lastly, if you're not in the mood for bun bo hue, their Pho bowls are definitely worth trying too. They offer a variety of proteins including chicken, beef, tofu and more.

Overall, I highly recommend giving The Noodle Vietnamese & Thai Cuisine a try if you're looking for a great Southeast Asian meal in Chicago!

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Phở 777

Highlights
Delicious pho
Vegetarian options available
Fresh ingredients
Wide menu selection
Homemade spicy oil

First and foremost, I was delighted to see that they have an extensive menu selection with vegetarian options available. As a vegetarian myself, it's always a treat to find places that cater to my dietary needs.

Now let's talk about the star of the show- the delicious pho! I couldn't help but drool over the aromatic broth which was made with fresh ingredients. The meat was cooked to perfection and it melted in my mouth with every bite.

To add some extra heat, I tried their homemade spicy oil and boy oh boy, it was a game-changer! It gave an additional kick of flavor and elevated the taste of the dish even more.

Although I went there specifically for bun bo hue, their wide menu selection caught my attention and I ended up trying some other dishes as well. I didn't regret my decision at all because everything tasted just as amazing as the pho.

Overall, Phở 777 is definitely worth a visit if you're looking for some delicious Vietnamese food in Chicago. With its fresh ingredients, wide menu selection, and homemade spicy oil- this place has surely won my heart (and stomach).

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Saigon Phở

Highlights
Flavorful broth
Fresh spring rolls
Plentiful herb condiments
Large serving sizes

First of all, let me tell you that the broth at Saigon Phở is out of this world. It's packed with flavor and has just the right amount of spice to make your mouth tingle. The beef in the bun bo hue was tender and juicy, which is always a plus for me.

Aside from the main dish, I also tried their fresh spring rolls which were a perfect appetizer. The contrast between the cool, crunchy vegetables and the warm, savory broth was delightful.

One thing I loved about Saigon Phở was their herb condiments. They had an abundance of mint leaves, bean sprouts, and basil which added a refreshing element to every bite. Plus, they gave you plenty of it!

Finally, if you're someone who loves large portion sizes then look no further than Saigon Phở. Their bowls are big enough to satisfy even the hungriest of diners.

Overall, I'd say that Saigon Phở definitely deserves a spot on anyone's list for best bun bo hue in Chicago. The combination of flavorful broth, fresh spring rolls, plentiful herb condiments and large serving sizes made my visit one to remember!

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Phở Cafe

Highlights
Flavorful Chicken Pho
Generous Portions for Price
Friendly and Hospitable Service
Clean Restaurant for Covid Precautions
Delicious Egg Rolls

Firstly, I tried their chicken pho which was simply divine. The broth was rich and flavorful, and the chicken was cooked to perfection. And the best part? The portion size was generous for the price, so my stomach and wallet were both happy.

The service at Phở Cafe is also worth mentioning. The staff was friendly and hospitable, making me feel right at home. Plus, with their clean restaurant and Covid precautions, I felt safe and comfortable dining in.

Oh! And let me not forget to mention their egg rolls - they were absolutely delicious. Crispy on the outside and filled with mouth-watering ingredients on the inside.

Overall, I had a great experience at Phở Cafe. If you're looking for a place to satisfy your bun bo hue cravings or try some other Vietnamese dishes, this is definitely one spot you don't want to miss out on!

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Hai Yen Restaurant

Highlights
Skillful food
Cozy interior
Great service
Authentic taste
Delicious crab

First and foremost, I have to say that the bun bo hue at Hai Yen is beyond amazing. The authentic taste of the broth transported me straight to Vietnam. Each ingredient was so skillfully prepared, from the tender beef to the spicy pork sausage. And let's not forget about the highlight of my meal: the delicious crab. It added an extra layer of flavor that made this dish stand out from any other bun bo hue I've had before.

The cozy interior of the restaurant provided a warm and welcoming atmosphere for my dining experience. The great service only added to this feeling, making me feel like a valued customer throughout my entire meal.

Overall, I would highly recommend Hai Yen Restaurant for anyone looking for an authentic and satisfying bowl of bun bo hue in Chicago. Trust me when I say that you won't be disappointed!

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Phở Việt

Highlights
Large portions
Flavorful broth
Friendly staff

First of all, I was pleasantly surprised by the large portions of bun bo hue served at Phở Việt. As a big eater myself, this is definitely a plus point for me. But what really stole the show was the flavorful broth that had just the right balance of spice and depth in every sip. It was truly an explosion of flavors in my mouth.

But let's not forget about the staff at Phở Việt who were incredibly friendly and welcoming. They went out of their way to make sure I had everything I needed and even gave me some recommendations on other items to try on the menu.

Overall, my experience at Phở Việt was exceptional and it's clear why they have made it onto my list of top bun bo hue spots in Chicago. If you're looking for a place with great food and friendly service, then look no further than Phở Việt!

Pho 888

Highlights
Delicious Pho
Extensive Menu
Outstanding Broth
Friendly Staff
Filling Portions

First and foremost, I must say that their bun bo hue is absolutely delicious. The broth is outstanding and packs a punch of bold flavors that leave your taste buds dancing with joy. The spiciness level is just right for those who love a bit of heat in their meal.

But Pho 888 isn't just limited to bun bo hue. Their menu is extensive, offering a wide range of other Vietnamese dishes that are all equally mouth-watering. From classic pho to grilled pork vermicelli, there's something for everyone here.

The staff at Pho 888 are friendly and attentive, making sure that all customers are satisfied with their meals. They're also knowledgeable about the menu and happy to recommend dishes if you're unsure about what to order.

One thing I appreciated about Pho 888 was their filling portions. You definitely won't be leaving this restaurant feeling hungry or unsatisfied.

Overall, I highly recommend Pho 888 for anyone looking for a great bowl of bun bo hue or any other Vietnamese dish in Chicago. With its delicious food, friendly staff, and extensive menu choices, it's no wonder why this place is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.