Hue – The Culinary Essence of Central Vietnam

Hue is one of the ancient and renowned cities, celebrated for its rich cultural and historical heritage spanning thousands of years. Additionally, Hue is a culinary paradise.

Indulging in the specialties of Hue, you not only taste unique and delicious flavors but also experience the sophistication of the local cuisine when you visit. The cuisine of Hue is diverse and carries the essence of the royal court.

Presently, you can find many places throughout Vietnam that offer dishes from Hue, but to truly savor the refined and authentic flavors of the central region, you must visit the city of Hue.

Here are some signature dishes from Hue to explore:

1/ Bun Bo Hue (Hue Beef Noodle Soup)

At the top of the list is Bun Bo Hue, a widely popular dish praised by many. In Hue, you’ll find the original Bun Bo distinct from other places, with thin rice noodles, rich and flavorful broth with a hint of shrimp paste, and perfect toppings that make a delightful bowl.

Travelers eager to enjoy the specialty of Hue should be quick, as Bun Bo is usually sold in the morning. Set your alarm early to relish a bowl of Bun Bo with a cup of tea, leisurely observing the surroundings.

Recommended places for delicious Bun Bo Hue in Hue:

- Bun Bo Hue Ba Tuyet – 47 Nguyen Cong Tru, Hue.
- Bun Bo Hue O Cuong Chu Diep – 6 Tran Thuc Nhan, Vinh Ninh, Hue.
- Bun Bo Hue O Phuong – 24 Nguyen Khuyen, Hue.
- Bun Bo Hue O Ton – 7 To Hien Thanh, Hue.

2/ Com Hen (Clam Rice in Hue)

When mentioning Hue, you might think of prominent dishes, but don’t forget about Com Hen. Although a simple and humble dish, it can be found everywhere, from alleys, markets, to hotels. To truly experience Com Hen, you must visit the city of Hue where this dish originated. Apart from its special taste, Com Hen provides a refreshing yet rich sensation, appealing to many travelers.

Recommended places for delicious Com Hen in Hue:

- - Com Hen Hoa Dong – 64 Alley 7 Ung Binh, Hue.
  - Com Hen O No – 22 Tran Phu, Hue.
  - Com Hen Hong Thuy – 80-90 Han Thuyen, Hue.
  - Com Hen Be Liem – 64 Nguyen Cong Tru, Hue.

3/ Tre Hue (Hue Fermented Shrimp and Pork)

At first glance, Tre Hue might be confused with Nem Chua Hue, as both dishes share similarities. However, upon tasting, you’ll notice the difference. Tre has a fragrant aroma of galangal, rich flavors, and a slight sourness. There are two types of Tre: pork and beef.

Recommended places to find the best Tre Hue:

- Tre Hue Ba Ngon – 222 and 220/4 Nguyen Sinh Cung, Hue.
- Tre Cho Dong Ba Market.
- Quan Hanh – 11-15 Pho Duc Chinh, Hue.

4/ Va Tron Hue (Hue Mixed Fruits Salad)

A dish that is easy to make and popular in the central region due to its delicious and unique taste. If you’re in Hue, you must try this simple yet fantastic mixed fruit salad.

Recommended places for Va Tron Hue:

- - Restaurant Chan – 1A Nguyen Thai Hoc, Hue.
  - Restaurant Vuon Y Thao – 3 Thach Han, Hue.

5/ Banh Bot Loc Hue (Hue Clear Shrimp and Pork Dumplings)

One of the specialties of Hue is the culinary essence of the ancient capital that cannot be ignored. From the preparation of the dough to the rich flavor, Hue’s Banh Bot Loc is made and seasoned uniquely to reflect the characteristic taste of the region. The steamed dumplings attract diners with the transparent outer layer revealing the beautiful and delicious red shrimp inside.