House of Hue — Restaurant in Minneapolis

Nestled within the bustling ambiance of the local food hall, House of Hue stands out as a beacon of authentic Vietnamese flavor and cozy charm. This mom-and-pop shop is a true gem among the food hall’s diverse offerings, offering a memorable dining experience that is both delicious and heartwarming.

From the moment you approach the stall, the enticing aroma of simmering broth and aromatic spices captures your attention. The space may be modest, but it’s filled with a welcoming energy that reflects the passion and dedication of the owners. Their love for Vietnamese cuisine is evident in every detail, from the cheerful greetings to the meticulously crafted dishes.

The Bun Bo Hue here is exceptional. The broth is rich and flavorful, striking a perfect balance between spicy and savory. It's clear that a lot of care goes into preparing the broth, with just the right amount of lemongrass, chili, and shrimp paste creating a depth of flavor that is both complex and comforting. The tender slices of beef shank and pork, combined with the fresh, perfectly cooked noodles, make every bite a delight.

The garnishes—green onion, cilantro, and lime wedges—are always fresh and plentiful, allowing you to customize your bowl to suit your taste. And don’t overlook the homemade chili oil which adds a delightful kick that elevates the dish even further.

What really makes House of Hue stand out is the personal touch of the owners. Despite the fast-paced environment of the food hall, they manage to provide attentive, friendly service that makes you feel like you’re part of their extended family. They’re always eager to share their love for their cuisine and offer recommendations to enhance your meal.

If you’re in the food hall and craving something truly special, House of Hue is a must-visit. It’s a testament to the rich flavors of Vietnamese cuisine and the warmth of a family-run business. Whether you’re a Bun Bo Hue aficionado or new to the dish, you’ll find a bowl of comfort and satisfaction that’s well...

After dining here twice and once with my Vietnamese friends, I have consulted with them and we have collectively decided that the food here was good, just not spectacular enough for me to crave here out of all places. While I have had bún bò huế many times, I do think that the one here has the most amount of meat I have seen, especially with one with bones that I had ordered myself. I spent quite a bit of time chewing meat off the bone.

I will say that I definitely enjoyed the bánh mì even if I thought it was too small, as it contained the right ingredients such as pork pate, cha luà, and pork belly. They also asked me if they wanted me to have the sandwich cut in half, which I thought was a considerate move. I also had the 24-hour braised beef bone and was thoroughly impressed at the amount of meat that I was given for a very reasonable price. It didn't have noodles or broth which was the way I expected it to be. I knew this would be a meat lover's dream to have a few portions of such.

In terms of the bún bò huế, the spice was definitely not enough, and my friend who is from Hà Nội speculated that it was because the establishment was trying to ensure that people with all levels of spice tolerance could eat the dish, and I could see it because it wasn't spicy enough especially for this dish that was meant to be spicy. My friend was also wondering why the broth was so clear, which I discovered as well. However, the second time I went when we got the vegetarian version, the broth looked more conventional. I definitely enjoyed the bún bò huế especially due to the abundance of meat, but it just tasted plain in comparison to how this dish would traditionally be made.

I will say this, though, that if anyone ended up wanting to choose a place to eat when they go to Eat Street Crossing, which is where this establishment is located in, then I would recommend this...

The taste of the food was just okay—nothing special about the Bún Bò Huế. The broth was watery and lacked the rich, bold flavors that you’d expect from an authentic Bún Bò Huế. It didn’t have the depth or complexity that makes this dish stand out, leaving it far from the original version.

Given the high price of $18 for a small bowl, I expected much better quality and attention to flavor. Unfortunately, the experience didn’t justify the cost.

Most items are priced at $17 and above per bowl, including the Bún Bò Huế. On top of that, there’s a 6% service charge, which doesn’t seem fair given that the Minnesota law states you should pay only for what you order. They also advertised a 20% discount on Facebook but refused to honor it when we visited.

The service was lackluster, with staff showing a “take it or leave it” attitude. Additionally, the portions were tiny—$18 for a small bowl! If you want tender meat, you might as well bring a pressure cooker to the table.

This was our first visit, and it will definitely...