Quick Recipe for Vietnamese Rice Noodle Salad (Bun Chay)

Bun Chay, the vibrant and flavorful Vietnamese rice noodle salad, is a delightful celebration of fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, and savory tofu. A staple in Vietnamese cuisine, this dish offers a refreshing and healthy meal, perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner. What’s even better? It’s incredibly easy to make at home, allowing you to experience the authentic tastes of Vietnam without leaving your kitchen. Curious to learn how to create this culinary masterpiece? Com Com Restaurant, your gateway to authentic Vietnamese flavors in London, is here to guide you on this exciting culinary journey.

What Makes Com Com’s Bun Chay Special?

Com Com Restaurant takes pride in its authentic approach to Bun Chay, using only the freshest ingredients and traditional techniques. Our chefs, drawing on generations of culinary expertise, meticulously prepare each component, from the perfectly marinated tofu to the vibrant, flavorful sauce. This dedication to quality ensures an unforgettable dining experience that truly captures the essence of Vietnamese street food. Unlike other restaurants that may cut corners, we believe in using the highest quality ingredients, sourced locally whenever possible, to deliver an authentic and unforgettable taste.

Com Com Restaurant's Bun Chay

Essential Ingredients for a Delicious Bun Chay

Creating a delicious Bun Chay requires a handful of readily available ingredients that combine to create a symphony of flavors. At Com Com Restaurant, we source our ingredients with care, ensuring the highest quality and freshness. Here’s what you’ll need to make your own:

• Rice vermicelli noodles: These thin, delicate noodles form the base of the salad.
• Firm tofu: Pressed and cubed, tofu provides a satisfying protein source.
• Fresh herbs: Mint, cilantro, and basil add a refreshing aromatic dimension.
• Crunchy vegetables: Shredded carrots, lettuce, cucumber, and bean sprouts contribute texture and freshness.
• Pickled vegetables: Do chua (pickled carrots and daikon radish) add a tangy kick.
• Nuoc Cham sauce: This sweet, sour, and savory sauce ties all the flavors together. We’ll share Com Com’s special recipe below!

Fresh Ingredients for Bun Chay

Crafting the Perfect Bun Chay: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you have your ingredients, let’s dive into the preparation. Com Com Restaurant’s chefs have perfected this art, and we’re excited to share their secrets with you:

1. Prepare the Tofu: Marinate the tofu in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and pepper, then pan-fry or bake until golden brown and crispy.
2. Cook the Noodles: Cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to package directions. Rinse with cold water and drain well.
3. Assemble the Salad: Arrange a bed of noodles on a plate, top with the crispy tofu, fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, and pickled vegetables.
4. Drizzle with Nuoc Cham: Generously drizzle the Nuoc Cham sauce over the salad.
5. Enjoy! Toss everything together and savor the delicious combination of flavors and textures.

Com Com’s Secret Nuoc Cham Recipe

The Nuoc Cham sauce is the heart and soul of Bun Chay. Here’s Com Com Restaurant’s special recipe:

• 1/4 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce (vegetarian alternative: soy sauce or mushroom sauce)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 minced garlic clove
• 1 small red chili, finely chopped (optional)

Whisk together all the ingredients until the sugar is dissolved. Adjust the flavors to your preference – add more lime juice for extra tang or chili for a spicy kick.

Com Com's Nuoc Cham Sauce

Bun Chay: A Nutritional Powerhouse

Bun Chay is not only delicious but also incredibly healthy. Packed with fresh vegetables, lean protein from tofu, and low-calorie rice noodles, it’s a guilt-free indulgence. The abundance of herbs provides essential vitamins and antioxidants, while the fermented elements in Nuoc Cham offer probiotic benefits.

Enjoying Bun Chay at Com Com Restaurant

Experience the Authentic Taste of Vietnam at Com Com Restaurant

While making Bun Chay at home is a rewarding experience, nothing beats the authentic flavors crafted by the expert chefs at Com Com Restaurant. Located in the heart of Battersea, we offer a warm and inviting atmosphere where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant culinary culture of Vietnam. Come experience the true taste of Bun Chay and explore our extensive menu of other traditional Vietnamese dishes. Visit us at 183-185 Battersea Park Rd, London SW11 4LB, or call us at 020 7720 9928 to book a table or order delivery. We are open every day from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM. We look forward to welcoming you to Com Com!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best way to store leftover Bun Chay?

A: Store the noodles, tofu, and vegetables separately from the Nuoc Cham sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Combine just before serving to prevent the noodles from becoming soggy.

Q: Can I make Bun Chay with other protein sources?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the tofu with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even beef for a non-vegetarian version.

Q: Where can I find authentic Vietnamese ingredients in London?

A: Several Asian grocery stores in London specialize in Vietnamese ingredients. Alternatively, you can find many common ingredients at larger supermarkets.

Q: What are some other popular Vietnamese dishes to try at Com Com Restaurant?

A: Besides Bun Chay, we highly recommend our Pho, Banh Xeo, and Goi Cuon.

Q: Does Com Com Restaurant offer vegetarian options besides Bun Chay?

A: Yes, we offer a variety of vegetarian dishes, including Pho Chay, Bun Nem Rau, and Ca Ri Chay.

Embrace the Flavors of Vietnam with Bun Chay

Bun Chay is more than just a salad; it’s a culinary experience that encapsulates the freshness, vibrancy, and balance of Vietnamese cuisine. Whether you choose to create your own at home or savor the authentic flavors at Com Com Restaurant, we hope this journey into the world of Bun Chay has ignited your passion for Vietnamese food. Come discover the true taste of Vietnam at Com Com Restaurant and experience the magic of Bun Chay!