Four Vietnamese ground meat dishes rank highly in Asia

The Vietnamese list also includes bo la lot, which is grilled beef wrapped in betel leaf, and nem lui, grilled ground pork.

Bun cha secures the 17th spot on the list by TasteAtlas, a website recognized for its extensive coverage of various dishes and dining establishments.

Sauce is poured onto grilled pork at a bun cha shop in Hanoi. Photo by VnExpress/Tung Dinh

Originating from Hanoi, this dish showcases grilled pork meatballs served in a fish sauce broth alongside rice noodles and herbs.

Its international recognition heightened in 2016 when it was savored by TV presenter Anthony Bourdain and former President Barack Obama on the show "Parts Unknown."

In early December 2023, Michelin inspectors curated a list of five must-try dishes in Vietnam for travelers, and bun cha was featured.

Once grilled, beef wrapped in betel leaf takes on darker shades. Photo by VnExpress/Khanh Thien

Grilled beef wrapped in betel leaf, bo la lot, secures the 27th position. It involves ground beef seasoned with spices and onions, wrapped in betel leaves, and grilled over charcoal. Traditionally, it is served with rice noodles, rice paper, greens, and dipping sauces.

Nem lui, grilled ground pork on lemongrass skewers, holds the 28th spot. Ground pork is molded around lemongrass sticks, brushed with oil, and grilled until charred. Typically, nem lui is served with vegetables and rice paper, rolled like a spring roll, and accompanied by a sweet and sour peanut-sesame sauce for dipping.

The final Vietnamese dish on the list is meatball banh mi, positioned at number 46. These meatballs are typically made with ground pork and cooked in a tomato sauce. To assemble the sandwich, the meatballs are placed inside a banh mi, accompanied by the sauce. It is garnished with coriander, pickled daikon and carrots, and optionally sliced chili peppers.

Adana kebap from Turkey claimed the top spot as the best Asian ground meat dish. It's made by mixing ground lamb and tail fat with hot red pepper flakes and grilled on metal skewers.

Following closely are keema from India, a curry stew prepared with minced lamb or goat meat, and chapli kabab from Pakistan, a spicy meat patty composed of minced beef or mutton.