Some people go to MGM National Harbor to gamble. Whether it’s Blackjack, craps or slots, there’s many ways to make money, meet people and have fun at the same time. But some people actually go to MGM to eat. We’re not talking about Shake Shack or other food court cuisine that is open 24 hours at MGM. We’re talking about authentic Vietnamese street food at Saigon Street.

Everyone has heard of Bánh Mì and Pho. Pho originated in Northern Vietnam as a hearty soup eaten by rice field workers. After Vietnam was partitioned when the French colonized, many Vietnamese migrated to the south and brought the dish with them.

One dish that most people have never heard of is Bún Bò Huế

Bún bò Huế means beef hot noodle soup from Hue city. Hue became famous for the Tết Offensive launched by North Vietnam and the Việt Cộng during the Vietnam War.

While Pho is flat noodles, bún bò Huế uses round noodles While pho uses either beef or chicken, bún bò Huế uses both beef and pork in the same broth.

What is unique about this Vietnamese dish is the use of shrimp paste and pork blood which gives it its unique look and taste. The blood is rich in vitamins and iron and is what Anthony Bourdain called the greatest soup in the world.