Hue is renowned not only for its cultural heritage and poetic landscapes but also as a culinary paradise for visitors. In Hue, each dish is meticulously prepared, carrying deep historical significance and cultural essence. While 24 hours might not be enough to savor all the specialties, there are certain must-try dishes that capture the full flavor of Hue cuisine. Save this guide from Laguna Lăng Cô to discover the signature dishes beloved even by the locals
Table of Contents
Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Start the day with rich flavors
Bun Bo Hue (Hue Beef Noodle Soup)
There’s no better way to start your day in Hue than with a piping hot, authentic bowl of Bun Bo Hue. It’s not just a typical breakfast; it’s a symbol of Hue cuisine. This dish boasts an irresistible appeal, featuring a sweet and clear broth simmered from bones, infused with the distinctive aroma of lemongrass and fermented shrimp paste (mắm ruốc), and a gentle spiciness that awakens the palate – a culinary identity found only in Hue.
Suggested Eateries:
- Bun Bo Me Keo (20 Bach Dang): A small eatery tucked away in an alley but always bustling, famous for its special family recipe.
- Bun Bo O Cuong Chu Diep (6 Tran Thuc Nhan): Known for its clear, sweet broth and generous, high-quality toppings.
- Bun Ba Tuyet (47 Nguyen Cong Tru): Another popular choice with rich flavors, familiar to locals.
Ca phe muoi (Salt Coffee)
After breakfast, try a Ca Phe Muoi – a specialty unique to Hue. The subtle bitterness of traditional phin-dripped coffee blends harmoniously with the gentle saltiness and the rich creaminess of milk, creating a unique and unforgettable beverage. It’s an intriguing experience that perfectly complements your Hue culinary journey.
Suggested Eateries:
- Ca Phe Muoi (10 Nguyen Luong Bang & 142 Dang Thai Than): The pioneering and most famous cafes for this unique coffee.
Lunch (11:30 AM - 1:00 PM): Enjoy rustic yet refined tastes
Com Hen & Bun Hen (Clam Rice & Clam Noodles)
Although dishes made from tiny basket clams appear in many regions, the Hue versions of Com Hen and Bun Hen possess a unique identity, considered an indispensable part of the ancient capital’s cuisine. The tiny clams are stir-fried with glass noodles, dried bamboo shoots, thinly sliced pork belly, and crispy pork cracklings. Everything is mixed with cool white rice (for Com Hen) or fresh rice vermicelli (for Bun Hen), along with fresh herbs, shredded banana blossom, bean sprouts, white taro stems, roasted peanuts, crispy fried pig skin, and especially Hue shrimp paste.
It’s this unique combination that creates a distinctive flavor that you can only fully appreciate its deliciousness and uniqueness when enjoyed in Hue.
Suggested Eateries:
- Quan Nho (Tran Quang Khai, Con Hen area): Located right in the “capital” of clam dishes, offering the most authentic taste.
- Com Hen Hoa Dong (64/7 Ung Binh): Another famous address loved by many.
Banh Khoai (Hue Crispy Pancake)
For a change of pace, Banh Khoai is an excellent choice. Similar to the Southern Vietnamese Banh Xeo, but smaller, thicker, and crispier. The golden crispy shell is made from rice flour mixed with egg yolk and turmeric powder, filled with shrimp, pork (or Vietnamese sausage – cha), and bean sprouts. Banh Khoai is typically served with fresh herbs and a special dipping sauce (nuoc leo) made from pork liver, minced pork, and soybean paste – a key element that defines Hue cuisine’s distinctiveness.
Suggested Eateries:
- Banh Khoai Lac Thien (6 Dinh Tien Hoang): A long-standing eatery, famous for its Banh Khoai and heirloom dipping sauce recipe.
- Banh Khoai Hong Mai (78 Dinh Tien Hoang): Another well-known spot nearby.
Late Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Explore Hue's diverse culinary world
Banh Beo, Banh Nam, Banh Loc (Steamed Rice Cakes)
One of the draws of Hue cuisine is the richness of its traditional cakes and dumplings. These rustic yet sophisticatedly prepared snacks embody the spirit of royal cuisine combined with the simplicity of folk life. These are snacks everyone visiting Hue should try. Each type has its distinct flavor but shares common traits: softness, elegance, and refinement.
- Banh Beo: Steamed in small dishes, Hue’s Banh Beo features soft, smooth rice flour batter topped with savory dried shrimp floss, served with a slightly sweet and spicy fish sauce dip.
- Banh Nam: Thin, smooth, and fragrant, with steamed rice flour dough enveloping a shrimp and pork filling, wrapped neatly in banana leaves.
- Banh Bot Loc: Chewy with a translucent tapioca flour wrapper, encasing a savory filling of marinated shrimp and a bit of fatty pork belly, dipped in a sweet and sour fish sauce.
Suggested Eateries:
- Quan Ba Do (8 Nguyen Binh Khiem): One of the most famous “Banh” spots in Hue, favored by many diners.
- Quan Hang Me (12 Vo Thi Sau): A familiar spot for locals, known for high-quality traditional cakes.
- Quan Me Le (104/17/9 Kim Long): A small eatery with authentic Hue flavor.
Che Hue (Hue Sweet Soup Desserts)
After enjoying the savory snacks, a sweet and refreshing glass of Che Hue makes for a perfect afternoon treat. Or, if you have a sweet tooth, Che Hue is an excellent choice to explore another facet of the ancient capital’s cuisine. Some signature types you shouldn’t miss:
- Che Bot Loc Boc Heo Quay: A unique combination of savory roasted pork filling encased in chewy tapioca dumplings, swimming in a sweet, clear syrup.
- Che Hat Sen: A refreshing and elegant royal dessert made with lotus seeds, known for its health benefits.
- Che Thap Cam: A mix (literally “assorted”) of various ingredients like green beans, red beans, kidney beans, coconut milk, etc.
Suggested Eateries:
- Che Hem (To Huu & 29 Hung Vuong): Famous for its wide variety of tempting Che.
- Che Cung Dinh Hue (31 Nguyen Hue): An ideal place to enjoy authentic royal-style Che.
- Che Mo Ton Dich (Con Hen area): A long-standing Che stall with traditional recipes.
Evening (6:30 PM - 9:00 PM): Experience Hue's evening cuisine
Banh Canh Nam Pho (Nam Pho Thick Noodle Soup)
Unlike typical Banh Canh, Banh Canh Nam Pho features a thicker, rich broth made from shrimp roe/paste, minced pork, and tapioca flour. The noodles are soft and perfectly chewy, served with spring onions, crispy pork fat, and a touch of chili to enhance its distinctive flavor.
Suggested Eateries:
- Banh Canh Nam Pho Thuy (16 Pham Hong Thai): One of the well-known Banh Canh Nam Pho spots in Hue.
- Banh Canh Mu Doi (Pham Van Dong area): A long-established stall with a family recipe.
Com Am Phu (Hell Rice)
A dish with a seemingly mysterious name, but it’s a long-standing Hue specialty. Com Am Phu consists of fragrant, fluffy white rice, neatly arranged with Vietnamese pork sausage, shredded omelet, grilled pork, cucumber, simmered shrimp, and more – all combining to create a harmonious, light, yet appealing flavor.
Suggested Eateries:
- Com Am Phu (51 Nguyen Thai Hoc): The place for the most authentic Com Am Phu recipe in Hue.
- Com Hen Hoa Dong (64/7 Ung Binh): Besides Com Hen, this place also serves delicious, authentic Com Am Phu.
Conclusion
While 24 hours is short, it’s enough to grasp the soul and essence of Hue cuisine – a unique culinary cultural heritage. From humble street food to sophisticated royal flavors, each dish tells a story, and each eatery creates a lasting memory. Hue cuisine not only satisfies the palate but also nourishes the soul with its refinement and cultural depth. Laguna Lang Co hopes this culinary journey will be a memorable highlight of your vacation.
