At times, we crave a meal that feels refreshing—something light, colorful, and truly delicious. If you share my sentiment, when those cravings arise, nothing beats a dish that enlivens your palate and leaves you feeling satisfied without making you feel heavy.
You may be familiar with Chinese-style cold shredded chicken noodles or even some Korean cold noodles. But have you ever sampled Vietnamese cold noodles? Known as bún thịt nướng, which translates to “grilled pork with rice vermicelli,” this dish features bún (thin rice vermicelli), thịt (meat), and nướng (grilled or charcoal-broiled).
A Taste of Saigon in the Heart of Beijing
Let me take a moment to share my background—I spent some time living in Saigon, and shortly after my arrival, this dish quickly surpassed more globally recognized Vietnamese favorites like phở and bánh mì to become my top choice. Its perfect combination of flavors, textures, and invigorating freshness made it the ultimate comfort food for the sweltering days in the city.
Now in Beijing, I've searched for this cherished dish at various Vietnamese restaurants, but none can rival what +PINK serves. The founder, who also created Saigon Mama, is Vietnamese, ensuring authenticity is woven into the recipe. It's no surprise that it tastes like a true Saigon street food experience.
What's on the Menu?
When your bowl is served, all you need to do is drizzle on the fish sauce and mix everything together. The fresh herbs, zesty pickles, and smoky meat create a bite that is light, vibrant, and refreshingly delightful. At +PINK, the Charcoal BBQ Pork Vermicelli Bowl (RMB 68) is a harmony of flavors: aromatic perilla and mint, crisp pickled vegetables, and pork grilled over charcoal until it is smoky, tender, and perfectly sweet.
And don’t miss out on the chả giò, or Vietnamese Spring Rolls (RMB 48)! They are golden, incredibly crispy, and the savory filling contributes the perfect crunch to each mouthful of noodles.
If you’re not in the mood for pork, there are other options as well. The Charcoal Lemongrass Chicken Vermicelli Bowl (RMB 68) and the Mango Avocado Vermicelli Bowl (RMB 58) are both equally enticing and brimming with fresh, summery flavors.
More Than Noodles: Don’t Skip the Salad
A great Vietnamese meal always includes more than just noodles. You'll definitely want to add a refreshing fruit salad on the side. +PINK features all the classic options, like the Shredded Chicken Papaya Salad (RMB 58) or the Pomelo Shrimp Salad (RMB 68), which I chose and thoroughly enjoyed.
This salad is loaded with plump shrimp, garnished with tiny dried shrimp for an enjoyable crunch, and bursting with sweet, juicy pomelo that delivers a tangy, citrusy burst. It combines fresh flavors and playful textures—the ideal way to refresh your palate.
Wash It Down in Style
To enhance this refreshing meal, +PINK offers a selection of refreshing iced drinks. You might try their Smash Lime Coconut Milk (RMB 35), Vietnamese Lime Soda (RMB 35), or a fresh fruit smoothie (RMB 42). Naturally, no Vietnamese meal would be complete without their Classic Drip Coffee (RMB 35).
I opted for a non-alcoholic Dragonfruit Piña Colada (RMB 38)—the perfect way to cool down on a humid day.
Pro Tip for Takeout Lovers:
If you’re ordering takeout, make sure to wait until you return home to pour the fish sauce over the noodles. Otherwise, your vermicelli might become soggy, and no one wants that!
Whether you love Vietnamese cuisine or simply desire something light and flavorful, +PINK's Vermicelli Bowl is definitely worth trying. Fresh, uncomplicated, and satisfying, it’s perfect when you're seeking a light dish packed with flavor.
At times, you crave a dish that is refreshing, colorful, and incredibly tasty.
